Best bird watching trails in Hauts-de-France, France

Pleasant hike in beautiful nature south of Lille. The trail is partly on the Gr121b and then we pass by some country roads. The trail begins in the Marais de Bonnance nature reserve. You will find several marshes. In recent years, the Nord department has made considerable efforts to transform these natural areas into magnificent recreational areas with well-maintained hiking trails. More than 80% of walking is done on unpaved roads. When it rains, the paths can be muddy in places. Despite the proximity of the big city of Lille, the hikes are very calm.Show more

This easy walk in the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park goes around the Chabaud Latour pond, the Digue Noire pond and the Ledoux Terrils. You can swim or paddle sports on the lake.Show more

This hike, within the Héron nature reserve, is easy and pleasant. It is located at the gates of the city. There are a huge number of bird species living in this nature reserve. So take binoculars with you.Show more

Tour of the Parc de Marquenterre, in the National Nature Reserve of the Baie de Somme. This park is a bird sanctuary, where you can see waders, waders, water birds, sparrows or raptors. Entrance to the park is chargeable. To find out more about this park, visit this site: https://www.somme-tourisme.com/la-baie-de-somme/le-marquenterre-escale-des-oiseauxShow more

This route takes you through the dunes of Bray-Dunes which crosses through two nature reserves, including the Réserve naturelle de la dune Marchand. The path includes sandy roads, forest paths, and a beachside stroll. While this route is labeled as easy, keep in mind that walking in the sand may make it a bit more difficult. This route is a must-see!Show more

This trail is located in Rielay, in the north of France. The nature reserve is located on an old mining site. There is a lot of greenery, tranquility and beautiful hiking trails.Show more

Although the crowded metropolis of Lille-Roubaix is ​​just around the corner, you hardly notice this on this trip. The walk goes through the nature reserve with the exception of the village of Forrest-sur-Marque. In addition, 90% of the trip is on unpaved roads, which is always pleasant for the walker. Start at the "Les 6 Bonniers" leisure center where there is ample parking space. Food can also be purchased here. Our walk follows a number of km the signposted hiking trail 'Les Boucles des Bonniers'. After a few kilometers we pass the village of Forrest sur Marque. Via some quiet country roads we arrive at the 'Lac du Héron', a green relief in the strongly urbanized Lille metropolis. That way we also end up on the GR121b. Walk around the lake and then reconnect to the GR121b. Then it continues along the river 'De Marque' along quiet country roads through a beautiful landscape. We cross the railway twice to reach our departure point 'Les 6 Bonniers'. A very pleasant walk, definitely recommended, and can be made throughout the year.Show more

This is one of the many trails in the region. This trail extends over a portion of the Deûle canal from Cottage Wood Park (La Bois de la Gîtes). Along the canal is the Deûle park, also called the Lille green axis. It is not a park in the traditional sense of the term, nor a nature reserve, but rather a sort of "regional landscape" which extends over more than 25 km along the Canal de la Deûle and includes ten municipalities. It includes a number of beautifully landscaped nature bands where walking and biking are wonderful.Show more

This hike takes you to Cap Gris-Nez. The closest point to England, the Cap Nez-Gris forms with the Cap Blanc-Nez, the great site of Les Deux Caps. It is a remarkable site under the protection of the coastal conservatory. This course begins on the beach before reaching the land. The trail rises slightly and offers you a beautiful view of the site. The hike takes you to Cran aux Oeufs. This cliff takes its name from the clear round shaped rocks that can be seen from above. The trail then follows the cliff and reaches Cap Gris-Nez. Its 45 m high cliff is located in the heart of the Opal Coast. The lighthouse dates from 1957 and marks the narrowest point of the Pas de Calais which connects the Channel and the North Sea. A Mecca for observing migratory birds, the site welcomes many ornithologists.Show more