Attractions and Places To See around Mortagne-Du-Nord - Top 20

The region is rich in industrial heritage. You can visit the impressive Lime Kilns of Bernissart, which are 19th-century industrial remains along the Scheldt, now preserved for artistic and cultural exhibitions. Additionally, the Industrial ruins in Chercq offer another glimpse into the area's past, with historic lime kilns along the Scheldt towpaths.

Yes, Mortagne-du-Nord has a couple of interesting museums. The Musée Fernig et Musée de la Douane recounts the saga of the Fernig sisters and the history of customs in the area. You can also explore the Musée de l'Art Photographique, which displays a collection of cameras from the late 19th century to 2005, offering a journey through analog photography history. The latter is located at 66 Quai des Mouettes and is open every Thursday.

Mortagne-du-Nord is notable for the confluence of the Scarpe and Escaut (Scheldt) rivers, a significant hydrological feature. The area is also part of the larger Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, offering natural scenery. You can also explore the Water buffer basin (temporary immersion zone) of Taintignies-Willemau, an area designed to manage water and prevent flooding, which is developing into a habitat for birds.

The region offers various outdoor activities, especially along its waterways. You can explore the Towpath Along the Scarpe, which is excellent for gravel cycling and walking, connecting areas like Saint-Amand-les-Eaux to the slag heaps of Rieulay. For more detailed routes, you can find numerous options for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling around Mortagne-du-Nord.

Yes, the Water buffer basin (temporary immersion zone) of Taintignies-Willemau is considered family-friendly. It's an interesting area designed to manage water, with dikes and grasslands managed by sheep, and is evolving into a fascinating habitat for birds. It offers a unique outdoor experience for all ages.

Beyond Mortagne-du-Nord, the wider region boasts significant cultural landmarks. Just 12.7 km away in Belgium, you can visit the impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Tournai. Other towns like Douai, Lille, and Cambrai, within 30-40 km, feature historic belfries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and charming old towns with rich architecture.

You can discover the Soyons Amis Sculpture by Naïs D’Hey. This sculpture is part of a trail of small bronzes inspired by local history and villagers, created by artist Naïs D’Hey for the City of Antoing. It offers a unique artistic experience integrated with the local narrative.

Mortagne-du-Nord is situated within the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park. Further afield, within approximately 50 km, you can explore the Réserve naturelle régionale du Pré des Nonnettes (16 km away) and the Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred (19 km away), both offering biodiversity. The Forest of Mormal (39 km away) is the largest forest in the region, providing extensive trails.

Yes, the town of Bavay, about 33 km from Mortagne-du-Nord, is known for its important Roman forum and other Roman ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical industrial sites and natural river landscapes. The Lime Kilns of Bernissart are noted for their impressive, overgrown appearance, offering a unique blend of history and nature. The Towpath Along the Scarpe is praised for its natural setting and suitability for gravel cycling, providing a secure and scenic route.

Yes, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, located about 6 km away, has been a spa center for over 2000 years. The Thermes de Saint Amand Les Eaux is a notable attraction there, offering wellness facilities.

For those seeking more challenging outdoor activities, the region offers several options. For hiking, the 'Menhir of Pierre Brunehault – La Pierre Brunehaut loop from Maulde' is a difficult 20 km route. For gravel biking, routes like the 'Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Étang Chabaud-Latour loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux' span over 73 km and are rated difficult. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking and gravel biking guides.