Attractions and Places To See around Lewarde - Top 20

Lewarde is most renowned for the Historical Mining Centre of Lewarde, France's largest mining museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers an immersive experience into the region's coal mining past. Additionally, the town features the historical Eglise Saint-Rémi, dating back to the 15th-18th centuries, and an 18th-century Château, both listed as historical sites.

Yes, for natural beauty, you can visit Étang des Argales, a lake near Rieulay that's a former mining site now part of the Scarpe-Escaut natural park. It offers a flat trail for walking and birdwatching. Another option is the Towpath Along the Scarpe, which provides a secure route for cycling and enjoying the river's natural environment.

The area around Lewarde is suitable for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. Popular options include trails around Étang des Argales and along the Scarpe River, offering diverse terrain from easy walks to more challenging rides.

Several attractions around Lewarde are suitable for families. The Étang des Argales is categorized as family-friendly, offering easy walks around the lake. The stone that grows, a historical monument, is also noted as family-friendly for a short nature walk. The Historical Mining Centre of Lewarde provides educational and engaging experiences for all ages, often with guided tours.

Beyond the main mining museum, you can discover the intriguing the stone that grows, a menhir listed as a historical monument, nestled in a small clearing. Another significant historical monument is The Big Rock, also a menhir, located in a marshy area near Oisy-le-Verger, steeped in local legend.

Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. For instance, the Étang des Argales is praised for its beautiful views and bird sanctuary, with many enjoying the possibility to go around the lake. The Towpath Along the Scarpe is popular for its natural setting and being a great path for gravel biking.

Yes, the The Orangery Castle in Roucourt, built in 1765, features a park listed in the pre-inventory of remarkable gardens. It includes an orchard, vegetable garden, a Chinese pavilion, and a dovecote, offering a glimpse into historical French estates.

Several interesting towns are a short distance from Lewarde. Douai, about 7 km away, has a charming old town and an impressive belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arras, approximately 29 km west, is known for its belfry and baroque-style houses. Lille, around 34 km away, has undergone a significant renaissance and offers a vibrant city experience.

Yes, for easy walks, the trail around Étang des Argales is flat and suitable for all levels. For hiking, there are easy routes like the 'Lewarde Wood loop from Erchin' which is about 6.2 km, and 'The Erchin Cave – Col d'Erchin loop from Erchin' at 4.66 km, both part of the hiking guide for Lewarde.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities around Lewarde. During these seasons, you can comfortably enjoy walking, cycling, and exploring the natural sites like Étang des Argales and the Towpath Along the Scarpe. The Historical Mining Centre is open year-round, but the surrounding natural areas are best experienced in milder weather.

While Lewarde itself is focused on its mining history, the larger Forest of Mormal, located about 43 km away, is the largest forest in the region. It offers extensive trails for those looking for more immersive forest exploration and longer outdoor excursions.

For detailed information about the Historical Mining Centre of Lewarde, including opening hours, exhibitions, and guided tours, you can visit their official website. A useful resource is also available at visit-douai.co.uk or francevelotourisme.com.