Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut (Étangs de la Deûle)
The chain of lakes and canals that stretches south-west of Lens along the Deûle river corridor is one of the most rewarding and least-visited green escapes in Hauts-de-France. Former gravel-extraction pits have been rewilded into mirror-flat étangs fringed with reed beds, and the cycling and walking paths along the towpaths are flat, peaceful and genuinely lovely.
On the Water and the Towpaths
The ViaFlandrica cycling route passes through this corridor, connecting Lens to Lille along traffic-free canal towpaths. Even a short 10-kilometre out-and-back ride from the Pont-à-Vendin lock gives you herons standing motionless in the shallows, kingfishers flashing electric blue over the water and the occasional barge moving at walking pace.
Canoe and kayak hire is available at the Base Nautique de Pont-à-Vendin between April and September — paddling the étangs at dawn, when mist sits on the water and coots call from the reeds, is a genuinely magical experience that costs around €15 for a half-day.
Wildlife and Seasons
Spring and early summer bring breeding great crested grebes performing their elaborate mirrored courtship dances on the open water — sit quietly on one of the wooden observation platforms and you may watch for an hour without seeing another person.
In October, large flocks of migratory pochards and tufted ducks arrive to winter on the étangs, and the low northern light turns the water gold in the late afternoon. Bring binoculars regardless of when you visit.
More of Lens
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Lens →
