Waterways and activities

Haverskerque marina is on the Lys, beside a 6,625-square-metre body of water. The “FlandreLys” excursion boat can carry 12 passengers. After an orientation session of about an hour, it can be operated without a licence. Since operating details may change, check them again before making plans.

The Base Nautique Flandre Lys offers canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating and stand-up paddleboarding. Mountain biking, bicycles with electric assistance, orienteering and archery are also available. For specific plans, check current booking availability.

Two walking trails, different time commitments

The Circuit de Tannay is 6 kilometres long and takes about two hours. It starts at Église Saint-Vincent in Haverskerque, follows the towpath along the Lys to an iron footbridge, then crosses the Vieille Lys on a small bridge. The trail runs between the banks of the Lys Canal and the edge of Nieppe State Forest. When planning, allow for possible changes due to maintenance or diversions.

The Circuit des trois clochers is a very easy 11-kilometre walking trail, with about three hours allowed for the route. Compared with the Circuit de Tannay, it is five kilometres longer and takes about an hour more. The route passes through varied landscapes along the forest edge, beside the canal and across farmland. In principle, it can be walked in any season. However, access to the forest edge may be prohibited during hunting season; check this restriction before setting out.

Garden and landscape

Jardin d’Astrée is a 2,000-square-metre natural garden in the Lys Valley. Its features include a naturally filtered pond. The garden is maintained without fertilisers or pesticides and is home to local flora alongside rarer plants and various botanical asters. It is laid out around a Flemish farm complex; rare trees and shrubs border a small parish garden. Several garden themes come together in a compact space: the pond, local and rarer plants, and the landscaping around the farm.

Church and history

Église Saint-Vincent in Haverskerque is documented from the early 12th century and was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its architecture includes three parallel naves, three polygonal apses and a central tower with Romanesque features. The church’s construction history and distinct architectural elements give it a historical focus alongside the town’s water and nature themes.

Haverskerque British Cemetery was established in March 1918 by the 33rd and 54th Casualty Clearing Stations and continued to be used during the Battles of the Lys. From the village centre, the route follows the D122 towards Merville, then Rue du Colonel Harrison. Check road conditions before travelling.

Practical information

The Eolys leisure complex is open to the public every day, year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Since opening hours may change, check them again before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Bergues, La Creche, Eppe-Sauvage, Walincourt-Selvigny, Aulnoye-Aymeries, Proville, Ennevelin, Tourcoing.

Go to the broader travel overview: Nord.