The Parc naturel des Plaines de l’Escaut nature park is a territory dotted with pollard willows, wetlands and forests. Nearly 500 km of marked hiking trails delight hikers, cyclists and riders. When accompanied by a specialised guide you will be able to discover this area of unspoilt nature, where land and water meet. Several sites are typical of the territory, e.g. the marshes of Les Marais d’Harchies, the Mer de Sable nature reserve in Stambruges, the tree nurseries of Lesdain and the Musée de l’Iguanodon (Iguanodon museum). The Maison du Parc is located near the basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours, which dominates the nature park. This visitor centre and nature education centre shows everything the park has to offer in terms of tourism and nature. The Hiking Area and an interactive screen indicate all marked trails for riders, hikers and cyclists. The Gastronomic Area presents various local products. The Maison du Parc is also the starting point of the "Escale forestière" multimedia tour on forest wildlife and plants, and of the "Promenoir des Cimes" raised walkway which enables you to walk among the treetops of oaks, ashes and beeches soaring 16m above the ground. ACTIVITIES: organised walks with nature guides throughout the year.
From Easter to All Saints' Day, from Tuesday to Sunday (holidays and school holidays included), from 9.30 am to 12.30 am and from 1.30 pm to 6 pm.From All Saints' Day to Easter, from Tuesday to Friday, from 9.30 am to 12.30 am and from 1.30 pm to 5 pm. Open on Mondays during Belgian school holidays and public holidays.Closed December 24th, 25th and 31st, and January 1st. Annual closure in January after school break and until January 31st.Barefoot trail closed in low season.