Déchy – Hiking, Nature and Local History

Déchy offers starting points for a trip that brings together hiking, local history and nature. For your planning, the 36-kilometre Chemin des Galibots circular trail, historic buildings and named natural areas take centre stage. You can tailor your stay according to whether you want to focus more on the area’s mining history, landscape or local traditions.

Hiking along a former railway line

The Chemin des Galibots is a 36-kilometre circular trail in Déchy. It follows former railway lines belonging to the Compagnie des mines d’Aniche, which once connected mining pits and spoil heaps in the Douaisis area. The route therefore has a direct connection to mining history. It also passes through Parc des Renouelles. At 36 kilometres, it is worth taking the planned distance into account when organising your day. If you are particularly interested in industrial heritage, the former use of the railway lines provides a clear thematic focus.

Wetland and natural areas

The Déchy wetland covers approximately 147 hectares. During its restoration, rare and protected plant species such as the autumn crocus were discovered. The municipality, together with SNCF Réseau, has committed to restoring the wetland, which had dried out and deteriorated as a result of human intervention; municipal services worked to renew its wild-growing flora. Parc Louis Aragon and Étangs de la Motte are other preserved natural areas in Déchy. Alongside the hiking trail, these varied landscapes can also feature in your trip planning.

Buildings with different stories

The Church of Saint-Amand was rebuilt in 1894 after a fire on 7 February 1875. Ferme Jacquart was built in 1776 and still has a brick and limestone dovecote, renovated in 2019. The Croix de Pierre is a sandstone monument dating from 1593. It commemorates the end of an especially harsh and destructive period of religious wars, violence and looting. La Longue Borne also points to a difficult past: the three-metre-high marker is located near a former leper colony. In the Middle Ages, it marked the boundary that people with leprosy were not supposed to cross. Together, these buildings and places of remembrance offer different historical perspectives, from medieval exclusion to later local history.

Markets and potato traditions

Since 2022, Ferme Jacquart has hosted markets featuring local producers, including monthly markets as well as evening and night markets. As dates may change, check in advance whether a market is taking place during your trip. The Fête de la Pomme de Terre is held every September; check the date of the event for the year in question as well. Potato traditions include preparations and names such as “Pomm'Tierre à la plure”, Mousseline, Dauphine, Patacons and Caquettes. The festival’s history also includes the giant figure Caquette: it is about 3.20 metres tall, weighs 45 kilograms and was made from wicker and paper. It was christened on 15 September 2013 for the Fête de la Pomme de Terre.

Connection to Somain railway station

Line 12 connects Déchy (Centre Hospitalier) with Somain railway station. If you plan to use this connection for your journey, check the timetable before travelling, as public transport routes may change.

Discover more destinations: Lesquin, Gruson, Aubers, Solesmes, Mons-En-Baroeul, Englos, La Creche, Amfroipret

For the broader travel overview: Nord.