The best walks and hikes around Etang D'Ardres
4.3
(385)
2,627
hikers
175
hikes
Hiking around Etang D'Ardres offers routes through a protected natural space centered on a large lake, which is a series of interconnected ponds. This wetland environment was historically marshland and a site for peat extraction, contributing to its distinct ecological character. Hikers will find diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, wooded edges, and grassy areas surrounding the water. The terrain is generally flat, providing accessible paths for various activity levels.
Best hiking trails around Etang D'Ardres
- The most popular hiking route is…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
30
hikers
5.91km
01:31
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
42
hikers
3.06km
00:46
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
15
hikers
17.3km
04:27
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
19
hikers
9.38km
02:24
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
21
hikers
3.37km
00:51
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The artist was inspired by the famous phrase of the supreme and truly Cornelian call: "Arise, the dead!" ". This call is proclaimed by a grenadier with a greatcoat half torn by the explosions; he steps over a gabion and prepares to launch the deadly projectile towards the enemy: the poilu is alive and the stone seems alive. Despite the difficulties in the execution, the artist fortunately managed to avoid any heaviness, he was able to give the stone all the desired and possible flexibility. Ardres was kind enough, in keeping with the erection of this magnificent monument, to honour the memory of the 82 heroes and their children who died gloriously during the Great War.
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This bastion is the only remnant of the fortification system of the town built in the mid-16th century, but interesting as an example of Renaissance fortifications
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The Église Notre-Dame de Graces is a church in Ardres, France. It was founded in the 11th century and is dedicated to Saint-Omer and Notre-Dame de Grâce. The building is in flamboyant style and is made of limestone on a cruciform plan. The tower rising from the crossing of the transept is topped with a slate spire. The interior of the church contains an exceptional series of stained glass windows from the 19th century, as well as a statue of Notre-Dame des Grâces from the 13th century and a statue of Sainte Apolline from the 17th century. The address of the church is 56 Rue de l'Arsenal, 62610 Ardres, France.
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Between 1522 and 1541, François I reinforced the stronghold of Ardres with six bastions attached to the medieval wall. The work was entrusted to the Italian architect Dominique de Cortona, known as Boccador. Razed after 1849, all that remains of these fortifications is the Condette bastion, the conservation of which is due to the development of a public garden. It is a bastion whose salient forms an angle of 70 meters in length on the face and 30 meters in length on the side, comprising three high brick vaulted galleries, serving the access stairs to the lower defenses. The countermine gallery bypasses the main orillons by serving four firing positions, each pierced with three divergent firing slots for multidirectional fire for long guns. Above, a ventilation rises to the surface of the bastion to allow the smoke from the shots to escape. Presence in the sides of a casemate for heavy artillery, with two French embrasures, covered with a brick vault resting on a central pillar with three vents. This bastion is intended to be a transitional work between fortification by artillery towers and fortification by bastions.
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Le Grand Hebdomadaire, n°44, Sunday October 30, 1921, p. 370.: Ardres has also just erected a war memorial, the work of the sculptor Greber. The artist was inspired by the famous phrase of the supreme and truly Cornelian call: “Arise, the dead!” ". This call is proclaimed by a grenadier with a greatcoat half torn by the explosions; he steps over a gabion and prepares to launch the deadly projectile facing the enemy: the poilu is alive and the stone seems animated. Despite the difficulties of execution, the artist fortunately managed to avoid any heaviness, he was able to give the stone all the desired and possible flexibility. Ardres was kind enough to honor, as appropriate by the erection of this beautiful monument, the memory of the 82 heroes, its children, who fell gloriously during the great war.
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Small forest that invites you to take a walk.
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A beautiful lake on the edge of Ardres.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general terrain and difficulty level of hiking trails around Etang D'Ardres?
The terrain around Etang D'Ardres is generally flat, making most trails accessible and easy. The area was historically marshland, contributing to its unique ecological character with diverse wetlands and lush green environments. You'll find paths suitable for various activity levels, with a significant number of easy routes available.
Are there family-friendly hiking options at Etang D'Ardres?
Yes, Etang D'Ardres is very family-friendly. The trails are generally easy with minimal elevation gain, perfect for walks with children. The area also offers amenities like picnic tables and the nearby Eurolac Leisure Park with activities such as pedal boating, inflatable games, and a tree-top adventure course, making it a great destination for a family day out.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around Etang D'Ardres?
While the region research mentions the area is a protected natural space with exceptional fauna and flora, specific dog policies for the hiking trails are not detailed. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash in natural protected areas to respect wildlife and other hikers. Always check local signage upon arrival for any specific restrictions.
Are there circular walking routes available around Etang D'Ardres?
Yes, many of the popular routes around Etang D'Ardres are circular. For example, the Église Notre-Dame de Graces – Étang d'Ardres loop from Ardres is a 5.9 km loop that offers views of the lake and its natural surroundings. Another option is the Étang d'Ardres loop from Calais, an easy 6.5 km path showcasing the lake's diverse ecosystems.
What other activities or attractions are available near the hiking trails?
Beyond hiking, Etang D'Ardres offers a variety of activities. You can enjoy water activities like pedal boating and boat trips on the lake. The Eurolac Leisure Park provides inflatable games and an accrobranche (tree-top adventure course). The Maison de la Nature is also nearby, offering workshops focused on nature discovery and environmental protection.
What is the best time of year to hike around Etang D'Ardres?
Etang D'Ardres offers a pleasant experience year-round. The lake provides a tranquil, peaceful setting, especially in winter, and a lively, festive atmosphere during the summer. For hiking, spring and autumn often provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is great for combining hikes with water activities. The area maintains a very natural appearance throughout the seasons.
How long do the hiking trails typically take to complete?
The duration of hikes around Etang D'Ardres varies depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy loops like the Étang d'Ardres – Étang d'Ardres loop from Calais can be completed in about 25 minutes (1.7 km). Longer routes, such as the Église Notre-Dame de Graces – Bastion Royal loop from Calais, which is 19.1 km, may take around 5 hours.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting during a hike?
Yes, Etang D'Ardres is a protected natural space known for its exceptional fauna and flora, typical of wetlands. Hikers can expect to encounter a rich variety of plant and animal life. Rare species like the White water lily and Neglected orchid can be found, alongside common species such as the Great crested grebe and Common toad, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Etang D'Ardres?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the calm lake paths, diverse wetlands, and wooded edges that define the routes. The natural appearance and the variety of easy and moderate options are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
How many hiking routes are available in Etang D'Ardres?
There are over 150 hiking routes available around Etang D'Ardres. This includes a wide range of options, with approximately 78 easy routes, 72 moderate routes, and a few more challenging trails, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Is there parking available for hikers at Etang D'Ardres?
While specific parking locations are not detailed in the guide data, given the popularity of Etang D'Ardres as an outdoor destination and the presence of attractions like Eurolac Leisure Park, it is highly likely that designated parking areas are available near trailheads and main access points around the lake. It's advisable to check local maps or signage upon arrival.
Can I reach Etang D'Ardres by public transport for hiking?
The guide data does not specify public transport options directly to Etang D'Ardres. However, the region is accessible, and towns like Ardres and Calais are mentioned as starting points for some routes. It is recommended to check local bus or train schedules for connections to Ardres or nearby villages, from where you might be able to walk or take a short taxi ride to the lake.
Most popular routes around Etang D'Ardres
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