For several kilometres, the Chemin de halage d’Houplines follows the Lys between Armentières and Frelinghien. The path preserves traces of the historic practice of towing boats and connects the riverside landscape with a piece of local history. Alongside this waterside path, nature watching, local history and various leisure facilities offer other ways to explore Houplines.

Walking or cycling along the Lys

The Chemin de halage is accessible via Parc Paul Harris and Pont Cavos; you can use it on foot or by bicycle. The entrance via Parc Paul Harris can be combined with a visit to the park, while Pont Cavos offers another named access point. Choosing between walking and cycling gives your outing a clear focus: you can include the path in your stay either as a walk or as a bike ride.

The historical connection extends beyond the towpath. In connection with Houplines, the Lys became an important trade route: it was navigable for several dozen kilometres between France and Belgium. Textile products, agricultural goods and coal were transported along the river. This highlights two distinct aspects: the Chemin de halage recalls the work of towing boats, while the Lys also served the region’s goods traffic.

Nature along the Lys and at the Étangs du Pont Ballot

The Étangs du Pont Ballot are now recognised for their ecological and scenic value. They have beehives and an ornithological observation station, both used to promote public awareness of biodiversity. Alongside the river’s history, the landscape and nature education therefore stand out as themes in their own right.

Along the banks of the Lys in Houplines, you can spot mallards, moorhens, grey herons and great egrets, among other species. The Étangs du Pont Ballot are also home to birds, butterflies, dragonflies, rabbits and locally occurring hardy black bees. The nature to discover thus ranges from waterbirds along the river to butterflies, dragonflies and other animals at the ponds.

The church and the history of the town

The Sainte-Anastasie church also offers a glimpse into the history of Houplines. It stands on the foundations of the former town hall, which in turn had been built on the site of the medieval fortified castle of Houplines. The sequence can be understood as a castle site, a town hall and a church: three historical reference points that should not be conflated into a single building. The building’s history provides a concrete local context for anyone interested in the town’s development as well as its landscape and nature.

Parks and leisure facilities

Parc Paul Harris has a basketball court, a children’s play area, a Teqball table and picnic tables. Together, these cater to a range of leisure interests: exercise, play and the option of having a picnic. The park is also one of the access points to the Chemin de halage, so its role as a leisure spot and as an entrance to the path can be taken into account together when planning a visit.

The Plaine de loisirs André Claeys is accessible via Rue Brune or Parvis des Petits Poucets. It is distinct from the separately named Complexe sportif André CLAEYS, which has a skatepark as well as two indoor and three outdoor tennis courts. This keeps the access information for the Plaine separate from the sports facilities at the Complexe sportif.

Access arrangements for the Plaine de loisirs, the leisure facilities at Parc Paul Harris and the configuration of the sports complex may change. Check these details before your visit if they are important to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Baives, La Creche, Ferrière-La-Petite, Boeschepe, Saint-Pierre-Brouck, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe, Landrecies, Erquinghem-Lys.

For the broader travel overview: Nord.