Parc à Chaînes & the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
On the eastern edge of Douai, the Parc à Chaînes is a green lung of lakes, towpaths and reed beds threaded by the River Scarpe — and it serves as a gateway into the vast Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, one of the most biodiverse wetland corridors in northern France. Kingfishers, grey herons and even otters inhabit these quiet waterways, just minutes from the city centre.
The Parc à Chaînes
This 30-hectare urban park takes its name from the chain-ferry that once crossed the Scarpe here; today it is a peaceful place of willows, picnic meadows and a lake popular with local anglers and weekend cyclists.
The towpath running east from the park connects directly to the Scarpe-Escaut nature reserve, making it easy to extend a casual stroll into a proper half-day walk or bike ride through open wetland and poplar forest.
In spring, the meadows along the Scarpe flood briefly and attract migratory waders; in summer the reed beds are alive with warblers and the water is calm enough to kayak.
Cycling the Scarpe towpath
A flat, well-maintained cycling and walking path follows the Scarpe canal east from Douai through the villages of Lallaing and Marchiennes, where the 18th-century Marchiennes Abbey forest offers shade and a picnic spot.
The full loop to Marchiennes and back is around 30 kilometres and almost entirely traffic-free — hire bikes from Douai's vélo station near the train station for a day-long adventure.
Wildlife and seasons
Autumn is the best season: the poplar and alder trees turn gold, morning mist lies on the water and the park is quiet enough to spot a kingfisher perched on a branch above the canal without disturbing it.
The Scarpe-Escaut park organises free guided nature walks (balades nature) on selected weekends throughout the year — the tourist office or the park's own website lists upcoming dates.
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