Tour of the Artois Highlands (Pas-de-Calais)

Starting from Desvres, famous for its ceramics, the trail crosses Bléquin and Vaudringhem, where the horizon is shaped by green hills offering surprising panoramas, far from the legendary flat country. In Wismes and Merck-Saint-Liévin, the architectural heritage is revealed through secular churches and feudal remains that bear witness to a turbulent border history. Descending towards Audincthun and Verchocq, the landscape is adorned with preserved hedgerows and elegant castle parks. Passing through Rumilly and Quilen invites contemplation of a wild nature, set to the rhythm of the murmuring rivers like the Aa or the Lys. Going back up through Enquin-sur-Baillons, the terrain becomes steeper before reaching Doudeauville, nestled in a deep valley with bucolic accents.

Tour of the Artois Highlands (Pas-de-Calais)

Nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of the North", the Artois Highlands reveals a hilly relief that breaks with the surrounding plains. This preserved territory can be explored along the valleys of the Aa and the Lys, where the water has shaped verdant and soothing landscapes. History can be read through an authentic rural heritage, composed of red brick farms and charming village churches. In Fruges or Fauquembergues, the market squares bear witness to a centuries-old trading tradition that still animates the heart of the towns. Watermills, once pillars of the local economy, punctuate the rivers and add a picturesque touch to the panorama. On the nature side, hiking trails wind between dense hedgerows and agricultural plateaus offering clear views as far as the coast. Biodiversity is queen here, protected by nature reserves that home rare flora and diverse wildlife. The artisanal heritage is not to be outdone, with know-how linked to the land and local products that are the pride of the region. The seigniorial architecture, with its hidden manors and small castles, tells the tale of the ancient nobility of this Artois province.

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Hiking around the Artois Highlands (Pas-de-Calais) 2

Hiking around the Artois Highlands (Pas-de-Calais) 3

Distance: 95km, Maximum altitude: 209m, Minimum altitude: 50m, Cumulative elevation gain: 1591m

Hiking around the Artois Highlands (Pas-de-Calais) 10 Nearby trails:
Tour of the Boulonnais (Pas-de-Calais)
Tour of the Ternois (Pas-de-Calais)
GR®120 Coastal Path
GR®121 From Bon-Secours (Belgium) to Equihen-Plage (Pas-de-Calais)
GR®128 Flanders Route
GR®130 From Oost-Cappel (France-Belgium Border) to Buysscheure (North)
GR®145 Via Francigena

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

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Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.