Attractions and Places To See in Scarpe-Escaut - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Scarpe-Escaut are found within the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, France's oldest regional nature park. This region features a diverse landscape shaped by the Scarpe and Escaut rivers, encompassing forests, meadows, and former mining sites. It offers a blend of natural beauty and rich industrial and cultural heritage. The area is characterized by its extensive network of trails and unique natural features, including water-filled former mining pits and significant wetland areas.
Best attractions and places to see in Scarpe-Escaut
- The most popular attractions is Étang des Argales, a lake that is a former mining site now offering views of water and birds. It features a flat trail suitable for running and walking around the lake.
- Another must-see spot is Goriaux Pond, a lake that is a former mining subsidence pond and a national biological reserve. It is a habitat for wildlife and offers accessible paths for observation.
- Visitors also love Trouée d'Arenberg, a cycle way known as a challenging section of the Paris-Roubaix cycle race. This 2.3 km paved path through the Arenberg forest is a notable landmark for cycling enthusiasts.
- Scarpe-Escaut is known for its natural features like lakes and forests, as well as its industrial heritage sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural reserves to historical landmarks.
- The attractions in Scarpe-Escaut are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 260 upvotes and 57 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Étang des Argales
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Trouée d'Arenberg
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours
Highlight • Religious Site
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Witches' Singletrack
Highlight • Trail
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Goriaux Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Sector of one of the oldest legendary cycle races and to think that our idols have ridden it..., great 😊.
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Bon-Secours is a picturesque village located on the border between Belgium and France, and is part of the commune of Péruwelz in Wallonia. The main attraction of the village is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours, a Marian pilgrimage center built in the 19th century. This neo-Gothic basilica is known for its remarkable architecture and stained glass windows. The village is surrounded by the Bon-Secours national forest, a protected natural area offering great hiking opportunities.
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The Trouée d'Arenberg is a 2.3 km long paved path located in the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers forest in northern France. This path is famous for being part of the Paris-Roubaix cycle race, where it is considered the most difficult section of the route. The cobblestones are uneven and slippery, and the path is often muddy and wet, but you will also enjoy the historic and natural scenery of the former mining region, where you can see the old railway bridge and the wildlife of the forest. The Trouée d'Arenberg is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a unique and rewarding experience for those who dare.
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Magnificent setting for running and doing a bit of elevation gain!
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Magnificent natural setting. From the banks of the Scarpe to the Argales site. Simply exceptional!
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This lake located in the Scarpe-Escaut natural park, near the town of Rieulay, is a former mining site where a subsidence created a vast body of water. You can run around the lake and enjoy the view of the water and the birds. The lake has a flat, easy trail suitable for all levels of runners. The lake is a great place to exercise and breathe fresh air.
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Excellent single that takes you into the forest. In wet weather it is better to be well equipped with tires on a mountain bike or gravel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in the Scarpe-Escaut region?
The region is rich in natural beauty, centered around the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut. You can visit the Étang des Argales, a former mining site now a lake with a flat trail for walking and running, or the Goriaux Pond, a national biological reserve. The Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers Forest offers clean air and walking opportunities, and the Val de Vergne marsh in Hergnies is a significant wetland area.
Are there any historical or cultural sites worth visiting in Scarpe-Escaut?
Yes, the region offers a blend of history and culture. The Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours, a 19th-century Neo-Gothic Marian pilgrimage center, is notable for its architecture. The area also showcases its industrial past with restored mining sites and green-covered slag heaps, which have become havens for biodiversity. Additionally, the well-preserved Cistercian Abbaye de Vaucelles dates back to the 12th century.
What kind of outdoor activities are available in Scarpe-Escaut?
The Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling trails throughout the park. For specific activities, explore options like gravel biking, running, and road cycling on the numerous routes available.
Are there family-friendly places to visit in Scarpe-Escaut?
Absolutely. Many natural sites are suitable for families, such as the Étang des Argales and Goriaux Pond, which offer accessible paths and opportunities for wildlife observation. The Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours is also considered family-friendly, and the regional park itself has many trails suitable for family hikes.
Where can I experience the region's mining heritage?
The Scarpe-Escaut region proudly displays its rich industrial and mining past. You can visit former mining sites like the Étang des Argales and Goriaux Pond, which are now natural reserves formed from mining subsidence. The park also features restored *carreau de fosses* (mining sites) and *chevalements* (headframes), alongside green *terrils* (slag heaps) that have been reclaimed by nature.
Are there specific trails for cycling enthusiasts?
Yes, cycling enthusiasts will find unique challenges. The most famous is the Trouée d'Arenberg, a 2.3 km paved path through the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers forest, renowned as a challenging section of the Paris-Roubaix cycle race. The regional park is also crisscrossed with numerous cycling routes for all levels.
What are some easy walking trails in the park?
For easy walks, the flat trail around the Étang des Argales is perfect for enjoying views of the water and birds. The Goriaux Pond also offers accessible paths for observation. The Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers Forest provides excellent opportunities for leisurely walks amidst clean forest air.
Can I find accessible paths for observation in the park?
Yes, the Goriaux Pond, a former mining pit now a thriving wildlife habitat, offers accessible paths for observation. This allows visitors of varying mobility to enjoy the natural surroundings and observe the diverse wildlife.
What makes the Scarpe-Escaut region unique for nature lovers?
The Scarpe-Escaut region is unique due to its diverse landscape, which includes extensive forests, meadows, peat bogs, and the meandering Scarpe and Escaut rivers. It is home to the oldest regional nature park in France and forms part of the Parc Naturel Transfrontalier du Hainaut with Belgium. The Scarpe and Escaut Valleys RAMSAR site, a complex of interconnected ponds, marshes, and peat bogs, highlights the region's rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions here?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the region. Many enjoy the scenic views around lakes like Étang des Argales and Goriaux Pond, often highlighting the birdwatching opportunities. Cycling enthusiasts are drawn to the iconic Trouée d'Arenberg, while others appreciate the historical significance of sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours and the unique industrial heritage landscapes.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting in Scarpe-Escaut?
Yes, the region is excellent for wildlife spotting. The Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, particularly areas like the Goriaux Pond and the Val de Vergne marsh, are thriving habitats for a wide range of wildlife. The Scarpe and Escaut Valleys RAMSAR site is also recognized for its rich biodiversity, making it a prime location for observing various species.
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