Boucle de la Scarpe — Sentier des Berges
Following the tree-lined banks of the Scarpe river east from the city centre, the Sentier des Berges is a flat, peaceful 8-kilometre loop through a landscape of weeping willows, old lock-keeper cottages, herons and moored péniches that feels a world away from urban life. It is the perfect antidote to a morning of sightseeing.
The route and what you will see
The path begins at the Passerelle de la Pêcherie footbridge near the city centre and follows the south bank of the Scarpe past the Parc de la Porte de Valenciennes before looping back along the north bank through the Faubourg de Dorignies. The entire circuit is well-signed and can be walked in two hours at a comfortable pace.
In spring the banks are carpeted with wild garlic and the water reflects the lime-green of new willow leaves. In summer kingfishers dart between the reeds and grey herons stand motionless on the lock gates like living statues. The old navigation locks — still manually operated — are fascinating to watch when a péniche passes through.
Cycling and picnicking
The path is equally popular with cyclists and the surface is smooth enough for a road bike. Vélo'cité, Douai's bike-share scheme, has docking stations near the Passerelle de la Pêcherie, making it easy to pick up a hire bike and cover the loop in under an hour without breaking a sweat.
There are several shaded picnic spots along the south bank with wooden tables, and a small guinguette (open-air café-bar) operates near the Écluse de Douai lock on summer weekends, serving cold Jenlain beer and crêpes to walkers and boaters alike.
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