Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut

Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut is one of the largest natural parks in Wallonia, covering roughly 46,500 hectares in the Wallonie Picarde region, right on the border with France. The village of Laplaigne, part of the municipality of Brunehaut, sits at the heart of this protected area and makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding landscapes.

Which area does the park cover?

The park stretches across seven municipalities: Tournai, Rumes, Brunehaut, Antoing, Péruwelz, Belœil and Bernissart. That gives it a large and varied footprint, ranging from village edges to deep woodland and wet meadows. The Scheldt river (Escaut) enters Belgium precisely within the park's boundaries and flows through it for about 15 kilometers, leaving a clear mark in the form of a broad alluvial floodplain. This floodplain, dotted with old river branches and damp grassland, gives the landscape its distinctly watery character.

What kind of nature is there to see?

The park's scenery is shaped mainly by pollard willows, wetlands and forest blocks. One especially notable site is the Harchies Marshes, protected as part of the Natura 2000 network. The marshes draw birdwatchers in particular, serving as an important stop for migratory species passing through during their seasonal journeys. A mosaic of habitats — open water, reed beds and wooded patches — makes the area's biodiversity unusually rich for a lowland setting in Western Europe.

What can visitors do here?

The park offers more than 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails, making it a genuine haven for walkers and long-distance hikers. The trails cross a range of environments, from riverbanks to meadows to forest, so each route offers a different flavor of the landscape. It's also a good spot for cyclists and for anyone looking for a quiet escape from the busier towns of the region.

Where can visitors get more information?

The park's office is based at 31 Rue des Sapins in Bon-Secours. That's where visitors can pick up informational material, trail maps and up-to-date guidance on path conditions. The House of the Natural Park also hosts L'Escale forestière, a center focused on the region, its forests and hiking options, along with the interactive Explor'forêt center, which explains how the forest ecosystem works in an accessible way. It's a good starting point for a visit, especially for families interested in nature topics.

Frequently asked questions

Is Laplaigne located inside the park? Yes, the village sits in the central part of the protected area, within the municipality of Brunehaut.

Which river flows through the park? The Scheldt (Escaut) flows through the park for roughly 15 kilometers from the point where it enters Belgium.

How many kilometers of trails does the park have? The park offers more than 500 kilometers of marked walking trails.

What else is worth seeing besides the river valley landscape? The Harchies Marshes, protected under Natura 2000, are one of the region's most important spots for observing migratory birds.