Welcome to La Porte du Hainaut
Discover a territory of a thousand facets in Northern France. From UNESCO-listed industrial heritage to majestic state forests, wellness thermalism, and generous gastronomy, enjoy an unforgettable experience all year round.
An Exceptional Territory in the Heart of Northern France
Nestled in the Nord department, at the crossroads of major European metropolises like Lille, Brussels, and Paris, La Porte du Hainaut is much more than a simple tourist destination: it is a land of contrasts, history, and revival. This unique territory harmoniously blends a glorious industrial past, embodied by the mining basin, with lush, preserved nature, dominated by the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, the oldest regional park in France.
La Porte du Hainaut is an invitation to "slow tourism," where every visitor can take the time to soak up the unique local atmosphere. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a spa guest, or an epicurean, the region will meet your expectations, whatever the season.
Spring illuminates the undergrowth of the Raismes forest, summer offers long days perfect for cycling trips, autumn colors the slag heaps with flamboyant hues, and winter invites comfort in the warmth of traditional estaminets and charming lodgings.
Guided Heritage Tours: A Journey Through Time
The heritage of La Porte du Hainaut is dazzlingly rich, marked by centuries of architectural, religious, and industrial shifts. The Tourism Office organizes guided heritage tours all year round, led by passionate lecturer-guides.
The Mining Basin: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The crown jewel of our heritage is the Wallers-Arenberg Mining Site, made famous by Claude Berri’s film "Germinal." Now converted into Arenberg Creative Mine (a center for image and digital media excellence), guided tours allow you to explore the "salle des pendus" (changing rooms), the compressor building, and get close to the iconic headframes that stand like steel cathedrals. The guides' narratives, filled with emotion and respect, help visitors understand social struggles and daily life in the "corons" (mining cottages).
Climbing the Slag Heaps: The North's New Mountains
The slag heaps (terrils), far from being simple piles of shale, are now ecosystems with surprising biodiversity. The Sabatier slag heap in Raismes features atypical flora, sometimes of Mediterranean origin thanks to the soil's residual heat. At the summit, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of the Scarpe plain.
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux: Thermal and Abbey City
The beating heart of the Porte du Hainaut. The soaring Abbey Tower, a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque art peaking at 82 meters, houses an exceptional carillon of 48 bells. It is the vestige of an abbey founded in the 7th century by the monk Amand.
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is also the only thermal station north of Paris. The Thermal Baths (Chaîne Thermale du Soleil) have been offering mud and sulfur water treatments since Roman times.
Military and Bourgeois Architecture
From the town of Bouchain and its Ostrevent Tower to the Art Deco facades rebuilt after the Great War, and the private mansions of former mine directors illustrating 19th-century industrial bourgeoisie.
Hiking and Natural Escapes Through the Seasons
A true paradise for outdoor lovers, the territory has a dense and perfectly marked network of walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails, accessible throughout the year.
Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
Established in 1968, it is the oldest Regional Nature Park in France. Diverse landscapes include wet meadows, pollard willows, peat bogs, canals, and forest massifs. Remarkable birdwatching opportunities with many migratory species.
Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers State Forest
Spanning nearly 5,000 hectares, it is one of the largest in Northern France. An ideal playground for families, athletes, and strollers. Key trails include:
- Voie Verte des Gueules Noires: A rehabilitated former railway line, perfect for family cycling, crossing the forest and connecting former mining sites.
- The Bluebell Trail (Sentier des Jacinthes): A spectacular carpet of blue flowers in spring, an unforgettable visual and olfactory experience.
- Mare à Goriaux: A mining subsidence pond at the foot of a wooded slag heap, featuring geological interpretation paths and a biological reserve.
The Myth of Paris-Roubaix on Wheels
The legendary Trouée d'Arenberg, a straight cobblestone sector that cuts through the forest, the ultimate judge of "The Hell of the North." Accessible by mountain bike or gravel bike. Many gentle cycle loops run along the canalized Scarpe. Bike rentals (including e-bikes) are available year-round.
Accommodation: Northern Comfort and Hospitality Year-Round
The accommodation offer in La Porte du Hainaut meets all requirements, from January 1st to December 31st.
Bed & Breakfast
Authenticity and human contact: old Flemish farms, bourgeois houses, or manors at the forest's edge. Breakfast with homemade jams and local pastries.
Hotels
From family-run hotels to recognized chains. Special packages for spa guests with integrated treatments. Spa and wellness areas for relaxation.
Cottages & Rentals
Rural cottages and classified furnished rentals (Gîtes de France, Clévacances). Kitchens for cooking local products. Secure storage for bicycles.
Outdoor & Unusual
Campsites with chalets, mobile homes, trailers, and eco-lodges. Camping Le Mont des Bruyères ★★★★ in the heart of the forest.
Travel advisors are available year-round for personalized information on availability and to help you find your ideal stay.
Dining: The Generosity of the North
Local gastronomy reflects its inhabitants: generous, warm, and incredibly flavorful.
Estaminets: The Soul of Flanders
Traditional Flemish taverns with antique objects and hanging hops. Hearty comfort food served year-round:
- Carbonade Flamande: Beef stewed in dark beer, brown sugar, and gingerbread, served with traditional beef-fat fries.
- Welsh Rarebit: Toasted bread, ham, and cheddar melted in beer, baked until golden. Perfect after a winter hike.
- Potjevleesch: A cold terrine of chicken, rabbit, pork, and veal in a lightly vinegared jelly.
- Maroilles Cheese Specialties: "Flamiche" (savory tart), filet mignon in sauce, or melted over fries.
Gourmet Tables and Bistronomy
Talented chefs reinventing local produce: chicory (chicons), apples, leeks, and regional meats. Short supply chains paired with local craft beers.
Beer Tourism
A strong brewing tradition with local micro-breweries. Brewery tours and guided tastings. Beer pairings that are as sophisticated as wine pairings.
Practical Information
La Porte du Hainaut Tourism Office is your primary contact, all year round.
How to get here?
Motorway A23 (Lille-Valenciennes). Saint-Amand-les-Eaux train station: TGV and TER services to Lille, Paris, and other major cities.
Tour Bookings
Guided tours and supervised hikes by reservation (online or by phone). Group rates and private tours available on request.
Open Year-Round
Tourist infrastructure, memorial sites, hiking trails, restaurants, and accommodation are open in both summer and winter.
Stay in the Heart of La Porte du Hainaut
Camping Le Mont des Bruyères ★★★★ welcomes you on the edge of the state forest
Book your stay Discover the campsite