Pecquencourt brings together mining history, nature and architecture. The 35-kilometre-long Chemin des Galibots follows a former railway line, while the Terril des Argales is an important destination for outdoor sports. The town is also home to two mining settlements classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, whose designs differ considerably. This gives you several options when planning your visit: a route through the mining heritage, activities on the water, and a comparison of historic settlement layouts.
Explore the Chemin des Galibots
The Chemin des Galibots is a 35-kilometre circular route through the area’s mining heritage. It follows a former railway line that linked mine shafts, spoil heaps and mining settlements. The route itself therefore helps put the mining landscape into context: it follows a connection that once brought together different parts of the working world. For visitors interested in the industrial past, this offers a different perspective from looking at individual buildings or settlements. The stated length also makes the circular route a distinct option to plan around, while individual nature spots offer other activities, such as walking or fishing.
Nature, sports and waterways
The Terril des Argales is an important destination for outdoor sports. Facilities and activities include a sandy beach, water sports and walking trails. Part of the spoil heap is a protected natural area (Espace Naturel Sensible, ENS) managed by the Département du Nord. The ENS designation applies to part of the site. The ponds offer different experiences: the Étang d’Anchin is suitable for walks and fishing and is notable for its biodiversity. At the Étang des Éclusettes, two ponds are available for fishing. The distinction is useful when choosing where to go: the Étang d’Anchin combines walks and fishing with biodiversity, while the Éclusettes are characterised by their two fishing ponds.
Historic landmarks
Other historical influences, alongside the mining heritage, shape the townscape. Pecquencourt developed around Anchin Abbey, founded in 1079. The oldest part of the Church of Saint-Gilles originated as a 13th-century chapel. The Giant of Pecquencourt represents Féry de Guyon, a historical figure from the 16th century. These examples reflect different aspects of local history: the town’s foundation and development around the abbey, the origins of a church building, and the depiction of a historical figure. For anyone interested in Pecquencourt’s history, they provide medieval and later points of interest alongside the mining heritage.
Comparing Lemay and Sainte-Marie
The layout of the mining settlements of Lemay and Sainte-Marie invites comparison. Both are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they follow different design concepts. Lemay features the typical layout of the “corons”, with straight streets, rows of adjoining houses and large gardens at the rear. Sainte-Marie follows the garden-city concept, with curved streets, more spacious open areas and lush vegetation. The difference lies in the planning of the settlement as a whole, not just in individual houses. If you are interested in architecture or settlement history, the comparison offers specific features that highlight how the two designs differ.
Discover more destinations: Faches-Thumesnil, Gommegnies, Estreux, Amfroipret, Maresches, Hestrud, Éclaibes, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe
For the wider travel overview: Nord.
