Top 5 Natural Monuments around Bermeries

One of the most unique natural monuments is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a remarkable 25-meter-high quartz puddingstone dating back 370 million years, located in the Bois d'Angre. Its unusual form is said to evoke a human profile. Another notable spot is the Quélipont Waterfall, a pretty waterfall nestled within a forest, offering a refreshing experience.

Yes, Le Caillou-qui-Bique is steeped in local legend. It's said that Satan, attempting to destroy an abbey, dropped the massive stone in frustration. Historically, it was also a site of worship for primitive peoples and Celts. The area also features engraved stones bearing the poems of Emile Verhaeren, adding a literary charm.

The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Chemin des sabotiers loop' or the 'Quélipont Waterfall loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes such as the 'Mormal Forest – Potelle Castle loop' or 'Trails of Bois d'Angres'. Running trails are also available, including the 'Au Baron – Bois d’Angre loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, gravel biking, and running guides for Bermeries.

Many natural monuments in the area are family-friendly. For instance, Bois d'Angre and the Quélipont Waterfall are suitable for families, offering pleasant strolls and refreshing spots. The Forest of Mormal and the Avesnois Regional Natural Park also provide numerous marked trails perfect for family outings.

Yes, many natural areas and trails around Bermeries are dog-friendly. The extensive network of trails in places like the Bois d'Angre, Forest of Mormal, and the Avesnois Regional Natural Park are generally welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them.

The natural monuments around Bermeries can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in the forests. Summer is ideal for visiting refreshing spots like the Quélipont Waterfall. Even winter can be charming for a quiet hike, though some trails might be muddy.

The region's natural areas, particularly the Forest of Mormal and the Avesnois Regional Natural Park, are rich in biodiversity. You might encounter deer and wild boar in the Forest of Mormal. The parks are also home to various bird species and other small mammals, especially in the 'bocage' landscapes and wetlands of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park.

The **Forest of Mormal**, located about 10 km south-south-west of Bermeries, is the largest forest in the Nord department, covering over 9,000 hectares. It offers hundreds of kilometers of marked trails for hiking, cycling, and horse-riding. The Bois d'Angre is another excellent option, known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil ambiance.

The Avesnois Regional Natural Park, which includes the Forest of Mormal, is characterized by its rolling countryside, clear streams, meadows, deciduous forests, and flowering orchards. It's particularly known for its 'bocage' landscape of hedged farmland, which supports rich biodiversity. The park offers numerous hiking trails to explore its natural and cultural heritage, including mills and chapels built from local blue stone.

For an easy and relatively short visit, the Quélipont Waterfall is a good option, offering a pretty and refreshing stop within a forest. The immediate vicinity of Le Caillou-qui-Bique in the Bois d'Angre also allows for leisurely strolls to appreciate the unique rock formation without requiring extensive hiking.

Visitors appreciate the diverse exploration opportunities, from ancient geological formations like Le Caillou-qui-Bique to lush woodlands and refreshing waterfalls. The tranquil ambiance of places like Bois d'Angre and the beauty of the Quélipont Waterfall are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 70 photos and given more than 220 upvotes, reflecting a strong appreciation for the area's natural beauty.

Yes, the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park, located approximately 29 km from Bermeries, is part of a larger European Nature Park that spans across France and Belgium. This park is notable for its vast expanses of meadows, farmland, peat bogs, and wetlands of great ecological value, intertwined with the Scarpe and Escaut rivers.

The GR121C trail, which passes through the area, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This section runs between ramparts, providing a wonderfully scenic and historically rich experience. Additionally, the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park preserves industrial and mining heritage, with protected slag heaps that have become havens for biodiversity.