Best attractions and places to see around Orchies, a town in the Nord department of France, offers a blend of historical landmarks, cultural insights, and natural spaces. Known as the "chicory capital of the world," the area provides unique cultural experiences alongside its natural beauty. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from reclaimed mining lands now serving as leisure areas to historical sites. The region is suitable for various outdoor activities, including walks and hiking routes.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Monument
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Highlight • Trail
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Highlight (Segment) • Other
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Mons and Pevele accelerate 170 km 30 lanes
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Really a strip where you can't cheat... First part goes down a bit so you can pick up some speed to get through. Cobblestones are in really bad condition and with the stacking of the strips this is really one that can break your neck...
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A difficult section to pass, but hey, when you love it, you don't count.
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@paulnijhof: was it too much trouble to mention the source of both the text and the photo? The original is here https://parijsroubaix.blogspot.com/2012/05/bourghelles-naar-wannehain.html
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@paulnijhof it's a bit of a shame that you copy my texts and photos from my blog.
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This section is nog easy. The cobbles just seam to hate you. You will hate them too. Good luck and please be careful here.
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You can visit Étang des Argales, a lake and marsh that is a prime example of former mining land reclaimed by nature, now serving as a bird sanctuary. It offers beautiful views and opportunities for nature discovery. The wider area also features various natural sites and gardens.
Orchies boasts several historical landmarks. You can explore La Tour à Diable, a medieval watchtower and prison built around 1414. The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), erected in 1610 in Flemish Renaissance style, is another notable site, rebuilt after World War I. Additionally, the Hôtel Warocquier, a private mansion from 1860 in Neo-Florentine Renaissance style, is recognized as a historical monument.
Orchies is known as the 'chicory capital of the world.' You can delve into this unique heritage at the Musée de la Chicorée (Chicory Museum), which provides a historical overview of the chicory industry and the town's economic life.
Yes, the area is famous for its cycling heritage. You can experience sections of the legendary Paris-Roubaix race, such as The cobbles at Vertain Mill, known for its challenging conditions, or the three-kilometer long Mons-en-Pévèle cobbles. For more cycling options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Orchies or Cycling around Orchies guides.
The region around Orchies offers various walks and hiking routes. You can find trails like Witches' Singletrack, a beautiful trail through a forest, which is slightly downhill in its North-South crossing. For mountain biking, there are also dedicated MTB Trails around Orchies.
The Étang des Argales is considered family-friendly, offering opportunities to go around the lake and observe nature. The Espace de loisirs des Argales, located between Orchies and Somain, is a leisure area where families can enjoy sailing, swimming, and nature discovery on reclaimed mining land.
Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities. For instance, the Étang des Argales is appreciated for its beautiful views and bird sanctuary. Cyclists find the challenging cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, like The cobbles at Vertain Mill, to be an unmissable experience.
Yes, the area is popular for mountain biking. Étang des Argales is an unmissable spot for mountain bikers, and Witches' Singletrack is considered one of the most beautiful singles in the sector. You can find more options in the MTB Trails around Orchies guide.
Absolutely. The region is home to legendary cobblestone sections from the Paris-Roubaix race. The Mons-en-Pévèle cobbles, a three-kilometer long section, is particularly challenging. Another difficult section is Pave Bourghelles to Wannehain, which requires careful navigation.
The Grand' Place in Orchies is a pleasant central gathering place. It was completely renovated in 2007 and is home to the historic Hôtel de Ville, which adds to its charm and architectural quality.
At Étang des Argales, which is a marsh with a bird sanctuary, you can observe various local fauna. There are kiosks around the marsh specifically for admiring the landscapes and wildlife.


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