Attractions and Places To See around Lauwin-Planque - Top 20

Lauwin-Planque and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities, particularly cycling and mountain biking. You can explore challenging singletracks like the Witches' Singletrack or the Two Humps – Phalempin Forest Singletrack. For easier rides, the Voie Verte du Sucre is a pleasant gravel path. The area also features the Banks of the Scarpe with footpaths and the 20 km 'Le Chemin des Eaux' hiking loop. For more detailed routes, check out the guides for Cycling around Lauwin-Planque, Gravel biking around Lauwin-Planque, and MTB Trails around Lauwin-Planque.

Yes, the Voie Verte du Sucre is an easy-to-ride gravel path, perfect for families with tour, gravel, or mountain bikes. Additionally, the Banks of the Scarpe offer footpaths ideal for strolls. Fenain Park, a 15-hectare public park, features playgrounds and sports fields, making it another great option for families.

Within Lauwin-Planque, you can visit the 19th-century Saint-Ranulphe Church, the local War Memorial, the former Saint Joseph Orphanage, and a traditional Calvaire. Just a few kilometers away in Douai, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Belfry of Douai and the Musée de la Chartreuse, housed in a 14th-century monastery. Further north, the Arkéos archaeological park showcases remains from the Middle Ages.

The area offers several walking and hiking opportunities. The 'Le Chemin des Eaux' is a 20 km hiking loop that traverses Lauwin-Planque, following the Scarpe river, the Canal de la Scarpe, and the Escrebieux. The Banks of the Scarpe also provide pleasant footpaths. For an easy gravel path suitable for walking, consider the Voie Verte du Sucre. You can find more routes in the Cycling around Lauwin-Planque guide, which includes walking-friendly segments.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Witches' Singletrack is considered one of the most beautiful and engaging singletracks in the sector. The Two Humps – Phalempin Forest Singletrack also offers a nice singletrack experience. For mountain bikers, the Terril de Drocourt is like a bike park, ideal for improving technique or letting off steam, though it requires good balance and working brakes due to steep descents and gullies.

Lauwin-Planque is characterized by its natural beauty, particularly the Banks of the Scarpe, which offer scenic footpaths along the water's edge. The broader Douaisis region is known for its extensive green spaces and wetlands, highlighting a well-preserved natural environment. You can also observe the Lauwin-Planque Wind Farm with its four 150-meter-tall wind turbines, contributing to renewable energy.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse landscapes and the quality of the trails. For instance, the Two Humps – Phalempin Forest Singletrack is noted for its magnificent landscapes. The Witches' Singletrack is celebrated as one of the most beautiful singletracks in the area. The Voie Verte du Sucre is appreciated for being a pleasant, easy walk in a green setting. The community has shared over 18 photos and given more than 120 upvotes to the attractions, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the outdoor experiences.

Yes, Lauwin-Planque is particularly known for hosting a significant annual Christmas Market. This event draws over 50,000 visitors, showcasing the area's dynamism and offering a festive experience.

The Terril de Drocourt, a former slag heap, offers viewpoints after a climb. While challenging, reaching the top provides unique perspectives of the surrounding area, often described as an 'almost lunar setting'.

Beyond the popular singletracks, the Family Gardens in Lauwin-Planque offer a unique, sustainable approach to gardening, featuring local materials, rainwater harvesting, and an insect hotel to promote biodiversity. The 'Le Chemin des Eaux', a 20 km hiking loop, provides a comprehensive exploration of the local waterways and natural environment, offering a deeper dive into the region's natural beauty away from more crowded spots.

Many of the natural paths along the Banks of the Scarpe and the 'Le Chemin des Eaux' loop are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and you follow local regulations. The Voie Verte du Sucre is also a popular choice for walkers, including those with dogs, though it can be busy on weekends.

The best time to visit Lauwin-Planque for outdoor activities is generally during the drier months, from spring to early autumn. This ensures that trails like the Witches' Singletrack, whose northern entrance can sometimes be flooded after heavy rains, are more accessible and enjoyable. The pleasant weather during these seasons is also ideal for exploring the riverbanks and parks.