Chestnut tree bridge – Gravel route along the canal loop from Arques

Bike touring routes & trails

Chestnut tree bridge – Gravel route along the canal loop from Arques

Moderate

4.3

(34)

107

riders

Chestnut tree bridge – Gravel route along the canal loop from Arques

02:13

37.3km

80m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 32.3 km for 5 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.64 km

Ruins of Clairmarais Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

The Ruins of Clairmarais Abbey are a fascinating historical relic in Clairmarais, Hauts-de-France. This abbey was originally founded in 1140 by monks of the Cistercian order, led by Gonfroi, a follower of Bernard of Clairvaux. The abbey was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was known as a spiritual and agricultural center in the region.
Unfortunately, the abbey was dissolved in 1791 during the French Revolution, and only the ruins remain.

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Fontinettes Boat Lift

Highlight • Monument

The Ascenseur à bateaux des Fontinettes is a historic boat lift in Arques, France. It was built between 1881 and 1887 and is the only remaining boat lift in France. It was built to link the River Lys with the River Aa, giving Lille and other inland cities a French route to the sea. The canal has a maximum height of 19 metres and a minimum height of 3 metres. It is a unique feat of hydraulic engineering and works on the principle of communicating vessels and Archimedes' law. It can carry two boats at a time and takes approximately 22 minutes to raise or lower a boat. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers a fascinating insight into France's industrial history.

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13.5 km

Saint-Omer station

Highlight • Monument

Located in Saint-Omer, France, the Gare de Saint-Omer has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The first version of the station opened on September 1, 1848, as part of the railway line from Lille to Calais. The original building was modest and located outside the city walls, between the Porte de Lyzel and the Porte du Haut-Pont.
In 1904, a new, monumental station building was inaugurated, designed by the architect Clément Ligny. This building, with its neoclassical architecture, was built with high-quality materials such as blue stone from Soignies and white stone from Creil. The design reflects the grandeur of a 17th-century castle, complete with symmetrical pavilions and decorative elements such as triglyphs and pediments.

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13.9 km

Chestnut tree bridge

Highlight • Other

With easy bicycle access. (ideal for reaching the station).

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The Marsh House

Highlight • Rest Area

La Maison du Marais is a museum and cultural centre in Saint-Martin-au-Laërt, bordering the city of Saint-Omer in northern France. Opened in 2014, it is dedicated to the nature of the area’s marshland and polder landscapes and to regional history and culture. The museum offers an original experience for visitors looking to reconnect with nature and their imagination.

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20.3 km

Guillotine Bridge

Highlight • Other

This bridge is located on the Lansbergue path between Serques and Tilques. The path is approximately 7 kilometers long and is suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. The path starts at the “Pont de la Guillotine” in Tilques and offers a beautiful view of the natural environment of the Saint-Omer marsh.

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20.4 km