Attractions and Places To See around Guesnain - Top 20

The region offers several natural areas. You can visit Étang des Argales, a former mining site transformed into a natural lake, perfect for birdwatching and scenic views. Guesnain is also close to the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, France's first regional natural park, featuring diverse landscapes including the Mare à Goriaux, a large water-filled reservoir.

Yes, there are several excellent options. The Witches' Singletrack is known as one of the most beautiful singletracks in the area, particularly its northern entrance through the Bois de l'Aumône. The Voie Verte du Sucre offers an easy-to-ride gravel path suitable for touring, gravel, and mountain biking. Additionally, the Towpath Along the Scarpe provides a great route for gravel cycling.

The most significant site for learning about the region's mining history is the Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde, located very close to Guesnain. This immersive museum allows visitors to explore recreated mining galleries and learn about coal extraction. The broader area is also part of the UNESCO-listed Nord-Pas-de-Calais coalfield, showcasing the industrial heritage.

In the nearby city of Douai, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belfry of Douai, built in 1380, which offers panoramic views from its top. Douai also hosts the Musée de la Chartreuse, housed in a former Carthusian convent. Another cultural site in the vicinity is the Château de Bernicourt. You can also discover The Big Rock, a menhir with local historical significance.

For family fun, Loisiparc, approximately 5 km from Guesnain, offers a water circus, play areas, beach sports, and picnic spots. Polarys, a new ice rink in Sin-le-Noble, provides two ice rinks for leisure and Olympic-sized skating. Outdoor options like Étang des Argales and the Voie Verte du Sucre are also suitable for families.

Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Lewarde Wood loop' or the 'Nicolas loop from Lewarde'. The Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut also offers vast expanses for walking. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guide around Guesnain.

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer is also suitable, especially for water-based activities at places like Loisiparc or Étang des Argales, though trails might be busier.

The Voie Verte du Sucre is an easy-to-ride gravel path, suitable for relaxed walks. The route around Étang des Argales is also flat and easy, offering pleasant strolls with views of the water.

Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and varied terrain. For instance, the Étang des Argales is loved for its beautiful views and bird sanctuary. The Witches' Singletrack is praised as one of the most beautiful singletracks in the sector for cycling enthusiasts.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for gravel biking. The Voie Verte du Sucre is an excellent gravel path, and the Towpath Along the Scarpe is also perfect for gravel. You can find more routes in the gravel biking guide around Guesnain, including loops around Étang des Argales and the Scarpe towpath.

Beyond the general natural parks, the The Big Rock (Menhir of Oisy-le-Verger) is a unique natural monument with historical significance, though access can be challenging in wet weather. For panoramic views, climbing the Belfry of Douai offers a great perspective of the surrounding town.