Top 5 Lakes in Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park

The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve is an exceptional ornithological site, known for over 300 bird species observed and approximately 100 breeding species. It features extensive reed beds and observation points. The Grand Large de Péronnes is also an important birdwatching site, especially in winter for ducks and gulls, and in spring for terns and grebes.

Yes, the Marais d'Harchies offers two marked circuits (4.8 km and 6.7 km) that are largely flat and accessible, with some paths suitable for people with reduced mobility. Around the Grand Large de Péronnes, you can find a 15 km loop on the RAVeL network, offering pleasant walks.

The Péronnes-Antoing Marina (Grand Large) is a hub for nautical sports. Visitors can enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, often through affiliated sports clubs like ADEPS and the Péronnes Yacht Club.

Many lakes and sites are family-friendly. The Beloeil Castle, with its surrounding gardens, is a great option. The Péronnes-Antoing Marina (Grand Large) offers picnic spots and generally flat terrain suitable for families. Lake Bernissart is also considered family-friendly.

Dogs are generally allowed in the parks and natural areas. Specifically, at Beloeil Castle, dogs are permitted in the park but not inside the castle itself.

The region is characterized by its wetlands and waterways. You'll find expansive marshes, large ponds, extensive reed beds, and meadows with pollard willows, particularly at the Marais d'Harchies. The Grand Large de Péronnes is an artificial lake surrounded by woods, meadows, and coppices.

Yes, the magnificent Beloeil Castle, often called the Versailles of Belgium, is a prominent historical site. It has been the residence of the princes of Ligne for centuries and is known for its architecture and gardens. The formation of the Marais d'Harchies is also linked to historical mining activities, which created the depressions that filled with water.

You can find various cycling routes in the Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park. For road cycling, consider routes like the 'Château de Beloeil – Beloeil Castle loop from Antoing'. For mountain biking, there are trails such as the 'Stambruges MTB Playground – Beloeil Castle loop from Blaton'. You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes guide or the MTB Trails guide for the region.

Yes, there are several running trails. A popular option is the 'Grand Large de Péronnes loop from Parc Naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut', which is about 8 km. You can also find longer routes like the 'Bois de Bon-Secours and Lake Bernissart Loop'. More running options are available in the Running Trails guide for the Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, spring and winter are particularly good at the Grand Large de Péronnes and Marais d'Harchies due to migration and wintering birds. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and water sports. If visiting Beloeil Castle, note it typically reopens in April after a winter closure.

Yes, the Marais d'Harchies is largely flat and some paths are suitable for people with reduced mobility, making it an accessible option for enjoying nature and birdwatching.

For more detailed information about the Marais d'Harchies, including guided tours and specific features, you can visit the official regional initiation center website at visitwallonia.be or visitwapi.be.

Lake Bernissart is an artificial pond, originally created due to local mining activities. Today, it's recognized for its ecological richness, supporting a diverse flora and fauna, including rare ornithological and odonatological species. It's also a very calm and popular spot for fishermen.