4.5
(3532)
21,520
hikers
10
hikes
Hiking around Lens, situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, offers diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. While the region is known for its industrial heritage, the surrounding landscape features a network of rivers and reclaimed slag heaps that have become naturalized hills. These areas provide varied elevation and natural water features, creating opportunities for waterfall hiking trails. The terrain includes both open plains and forested sections, contributing to a range of hiking experiences.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
37
hikers
8.06km
02:10
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
13.0km
03:28
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.8
(4)
15
hikers
11.3km
03:03
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.09km
01:03
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
5.72km
01:33
80m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lens
The ruins of the old church of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire are an impressive and symbolic remnant of the First World War. This church, built in the 16th century in flamboyant Gothic style by Jacques Le Caron, was heavily damaged during the fighting in 1915. The ruins have been preserved as a monument to commemorate the horrors of war.
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A remarkable event occurred on April 9, 1917, when Canadian troops launched their famous assault on Vimy Ridge, a pivotal battle that resulted in the capture of strategically important heights. The cemetery commemorates the sacrifices of these and other soldiers who fought in the region.
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The Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery is a military cemetery managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). This cemetery was established in March 1917 by the Canadian Corps and contains the graves of soldiers who died during World War I. Givenchy-en-Gohelle was captured by the 2nd Canadian Division on April 13, 1917, and remained in British hands for the rest of the war.
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A remarkable story about the ruins concerns the decision not to rebuild the church after the war. Although the church had been classified as a historical monument in 1908, the Commission for Historical Monuments decided that the ruins should remain as a testimony to the German destruction. Ironically, it was the French guns that had destroyed the church, but the ruins became a symbol of the war and the reconstruction.
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The Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery is a place of respect and remembrance, dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fell during the First World War. Located on the heights, this peaceful site offers a serene view of the surrounding fields and Vimy Ridge. The rows of headstones, carefully aligned, recall the sacrifice of these men who came from far away to fight.
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Historical interpretation: Ablain-Saint-Nazaire has two churches. In the center of the city, 2,000 people were born in the Nieuwe Kerk, and they were placed at the end of the bid, which was the interwar period. The remaining parts of the outer wall are no longer destroyed. A flamboyant work of art, created by Jacques Le Caron, architect of the famous Belfry of Arras. It was born in the 16th century by Charles de Bourbon-Carency, he was on the board, he was blessed with wild tones in Saint Nazaire who was born with the genesis of his daughter. Ablain is strategically located at the foot of the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette plateau. The Germans were released in October 1914. From France we can see what happened when we visited Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, the same thing happened with Vimy in Arras and in another Lens that dominated the world. The horrors of war and the dangers of reconstruction On May 9, 1915, the French attacked after six days of bombardment. If you don't know what you're doing, don't worry about your success. Now you can see that the 102,000 people who remained at Vimy Ridge are worth it. Carency in Ablain, recaptured at the same time as Lorette, is in ruins, including the Saint-Nazaire church. At the end of the conflict, the Historical Monuments Commission, which classified this church in 1908, decided not to rebuild it: “These moving ruins must be preserved as a witness to German vandalism. » From Ablainois we have some of the English we have had to deal with; they understood that the state did not want to bear the costs of repairing the destroyed church. In 1922, the congregation was new to you as it grew into the stadium. Until its completion in 1932, it was a barracks submitted by the Canadians that served as a temporary prayer room. As for the Old Church, which was in danger of collapsing, the Historical Monuments consolidated its ruins in 1983. They thus continue to bear witness to the horrors of the war and the dangers of reconstruction. Source: https://ablainstnazaire-org.translate.goog/la-vieille-eglise/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=nl&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=sc
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There are 8 dedicated waterfall hiking trails around Lens, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging routes. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community.
The terrain around Lens for waterfall hikes is quite diverse. You'll encounter a mix of reclaimed slag heaps, which are now vegetation-covered hills offering unique viewpoints, as well as forested sections and paths along river networks. This provides varied elevation and natural water features, creating a dynamic hiking experience.
Yes, there are easy waterfall hikes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Souchez Waterfalls loop from Souchez is an easy 5.6 km path that takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a great option for a relaxed outing.
A popular moderate option is the Souchez Waterfalls loop from Souchez. This 8.1 km trail leads through areas with water features and typically takes around 2 hours 10 minutes to complete, offering a good balance of distance and scenic beauty.
Many natural areas in the Hauts-de-France region are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. While specific restrictions for each waterfall trail are not always listed, it's usually safe to assume well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Always check local signage for any specific rules or protected areas.
Many waterfall hikes, such as those starting from Souchez, typically have parking available near the trailheads or in the village itself. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking suggestions or look for public parking areas in Souchez before your visit.
Beyond the waterfalls, you can explore various natural and historical features. The region is known for its unique reclaimed slag heaps, which offer panoramic views. You might also encounter highlights such as the Marsh Pond or the Marais de la Galance, which are part of the diverse ecosystems in the area.
The waterfall trails around Lens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful natural settings, and the unique combination of industrial heritage reclaimed by nature, particularly the distinctive slag heaps and the refreshing water features.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the Heather Wood – Souchez Waterfalls loop from Éleu-dit-Leauwette is a great choice. This moderate 15.2 km trail takes you through Heather Wood and past the Souchez Waterfalls, typically requiring about 4 hours 5 minutes to complete.
Lens itself is well-connected by public transport. To reach specific trailheads like those in Souchez, you would likely need to use local bus services from Lens. It's recommended to check regional transport schedules in advance, as services to smaller villages might be less frequent.
The best time to visit the waterfall hikes around Lens is generally during spring, summer, and early autumn. Spring brings lush greenery and fuller waterfalls from snowmelt, while summer and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking. Winter can also be beautiful, but trails might be muddy or icy, and water flow can vary.
Yes, one notable natural formation is featured on the Mont de Justice – Small natural arch loop from Souchez. This 11.2 km moderate trail includes a natural arch, adding an interesting geological highlight to your hike alongside the water features.


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