Attractions and Places To See around Mortagne-Du-Nord - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mortagne-Du-Nord, a commune in the Nord department of northern France, offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural settings. The area is notable for the confluence of the Scarpe and Escaut rivers, a significant hydrological feature. Mortagne-Du-Nord is also situated within the broader Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, providing natural landscapes. The town features specific cultural sites such as the Musée Fernig et Musée de la Douane and the Musée de l'Art Photographique.
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Last updated: May 21, 2026
Soyons Amis Sculpture by Naïs D’Hey
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The artist Naïs D’Hey was so inspired by the bridge, Maubray and its villagers that she wrote a story related to the statuette that sits near …
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Towpath Along the Scarpe
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Water buffer basin (temporary immersion zone) of Taintignies-Willemau
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Lime Kilns of Bernissart
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Industrial ruins
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The Taintignies-Willemau water buffer basin ("Zone d'Immersion Temporaire" or "ZIT") was created in the middle of agricultural land to capture excess water from the fields, preventing it from reaching residential areas and causing flooding. The entire area is designed as a beautiful experience zone. While the boardwalks invite you to cross the water, that's clearly not the intention: a very clear prohibition sign is posted (at least during my visit, on frosty days). The dikes and grasslands are managed by sheep. In the long term, this area will undoubtedly develop into a fascinating habitat for (water) birds.
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The lime kilns along the Scheldt in Chercq are historic industrial structures that form an important part of the region's heritage. These kilns were used to burn limestone to produce lime, an essential material for construction and agriculture. The lime kilns of Chercq are located along the towpaths on the banks of the Scheldt. Although some of these kilns are now overgrown with vegetation, they still retain their historic charm and poetic appearance. They are an interesting stop for walkers and cyclists who want to explore the beauty of the Scheldt and the surrounding nature.
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Sculpture by Naïs D’Hey. The artist Naïs D’Hey was so inspired by the bridge, Maubray and its villagers that she wrote a story related to the statuette that sits near the bridge. A few years ago, Naïs D’Hey submitted a project to the City of Antoing: to create a work for each village. She thus developed a trail of small bronzes, embellished with the 3 tales related to local history. For the occasion, the City of Antoing published a folder, entitled “Promenade antoinienne sculptée et contée”, in which the works are briefly presented and QR codes allow access to the location of the statuettes and the tales. A booklet details the complete trail as well as the tales in their entirety. These documents are available at the Tourist Office. Description taken from https://www.antoing.net/ma-commune/services-communaux/graphisme/bulletins/bulletin-septembre-2022.pdf
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The lime kilns near Vaulx, located in Tournai in Wallonia, are impressive industrial remains dating from the 19th century. Installed along the Scheldt, they bear witness to the intense industrial activity of the time. These monumental structures, now overgrown, are preserved by the FaMaWiWi foundation, which uses them for artistic and cultural exhibitions.
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Impressive lost places on the canal, definitely has something to do with lime and bricks.
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superb single very fun and slightly technical. Whether one way or the other.
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Very rolling towpath as a whole, can be extended to Douai then Arras towards the west and going as far as Mortagne-du-Nord (by changing banks) where the Scarpe joins the Scheldt. Can sometimes be very popular with all types of users (walkers, fishermen, etc.) when the weather is good and on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of unique historical sites can I explore around Mortagne-du-Nord?
The region is rich in industrial heritage. You can visit the impressive Lime Kilns of Bernissart, which are 19th-century industrial remains along the Scheldt, now preserved for artistic and cultural exhibitions. Additionally, the Industrial ruins in Chercq offer another glimpse into the area's past, with historic lime kilns along the Scheldt towpaths.
Are there any museums in Mortagne-du-Nord that showcase local history or culture?
Yes, Mortagne-du-Nord has a couple of interesting museums. The Musée Fernig et Musée de la Douane recounts the saga of the Fernig sisters and the history of customs in the area. You can also explore the Musée de l'Art Photographique, which displays a collection of cameras from the late 19th century to 2005, offering a journey through analog photography history. The latter is located at 66 Quai des Mouettes and is open every Thursday.
What natural features are prominent in and around Mortagne-du-Nord?
Mortagne-du-Nord is notable for the confluence of the Scarpe and Escaut (Scheldt) rivers, a significant hydrological feature. The area is also part of the larger Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, offering natural scenery. You can also explore the Water buffer basin (temporary immersion zone) of Taintignies-Willemau, an area designed to manage water and prevent flooding, which is developing into a habitat for birds.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Mortagne-du-Nord?
The region offers various outdoor activities, especially along its waterways. You can explore the Towpath Along the Scarpe, which is excellent for gravel cycling and walking, connecting areas like Saint-Amand-les-Eaux to the slag heaps of Rieulay. For more detailed routes, you can find numerous options for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling around Mortagne-du-Nord.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
Yes, the Water buffer basin (temporary immersion zone) of Taintignies-Willemau is considered family-friendly. It's an interesting area designed to manage water, with dikes and grasslands managed by sheep, and is evolving into a fascinating habitat for birds. It offers a unique outdoor experience for all ages.
What cultural landmarks can I find in nearby towns?
Beyond Mortagne-du-Nord, the wider region boasts significant cultural landmarks. Just 12.7 km away in Belgium, you can visit the impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Tournai. Other towns like Douai, Lille, and Cambrai, within 30-40 km, feature historic belfries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and charming old towns with rich architecture.
Where can I find unique art installations or sculptures?
You can discover the Soyons Amis Sculpture by Naïs D’Hey. This sculpture is part of a trail of small bronzes inspired by local history and villagers, created by artist Naïs D’Hey for the City of Antoing. It offers a unique artistic experience integrated with the local narrative.
What are some notable natural reserves or parks in the vicinity?
Mortagne-du-Nord is situated within the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park. Further afield, within approximately 50 km, you can explore the Réserve naturelle régionale du Pré des Nonnettes (16 km away) and the Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred (19 km away), both offering biodiversity. The Forest of Mormal (39 km away) is the largest forest in the region, providing extensive trails.
Are there any Roman ruins or ancient historical sites nearby?
Yes, the town of Bavay, about 33 km from Mortagne-du-Nord, is known for its important Roman forum and other Roman ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
What kind of experiences do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mortagne-du-Nord?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical industrial sites and natural river landscapes. The Lime Kilns of Bernissart are noted for their impressive, overgrown appearance, offering a unique blend of history and nature. The Towpath Along the Scarpe is praised for its natural setting and suitability for gravel cycling, providing a secure and scenic route.
Are there any spa or wellness facilities in the surrounding area?
Yes, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, located about 6 km away, has been a spa center for over 2000 years. The Thermes de Saint Amand Les Eaux is a notable attraction there, offering wellness facilities.
What are some options for longer, more challenging hikes or bike rides?
For those seeking more challenging outdoor activities, the region offers several options. For hiking, the 'Menhir of Pierre Brunehault – La Pierre Brunehaut loop from Maulde' is a difficult 20 km route. For gravel biking, routes like the 'Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Étang Chabaud-Latour loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux' span over 73 km and are rated difficult. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking and gravel biking guides.
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