Haverskerque: Water, Walking Trails and History

Water activities on the Lys, two walking trails of different lengths, a nature garden and historic sites give you specific options for planning a trip to Haverskerque. You can weigh up time on the water, walking, nature and history. Differences in duration, route and theme can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Water and activities on the Lys

Haverskerque marina is on the Lys, beside a 6,625-square-metre body of water. The FlandreLys excursion boat has room for twelve passengers. After a briefing of about one hour, the boat can be operated without a licence. This sets it apart from activities where you take to the water yourself.

The Base Nautique Flandre Lys offers canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboarding. Land-based activities include mountain biking, electrically assisted bicycles, orienteering and archery. If you are planning a particular activity, check in advance whether it is currently available to book.

The Eolys leisure complex is open to the public every day, all year round, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check the opening hours again before setting off. This lets you take the stated hours into account when planning, without confusing them with the offerings at the Base Nautique or on the excursion boat.

Choose walking trails by distance and time

For a comparison of the time required, the six-kilometre Circuit de Tannay, which takes about two hours, can be compared with a longer route: the Circuit des trois clochers is eleven kilometres long and takes about three hours. It is rated very easy. The distances and times make it easy to distinguish between the two routes, each of which offers its own landscape views.

The Circuit de Tannay starts at Église Saint-Vincent in Haverskerque. It follows the towpath along the Lys to an iron footbridge and 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. The starting point, waterways and bridges define the route.

The Circuit des trois clochers passes through varied landscapes along the edge of the forest, beside the canal and through farmland. It can generally be walked at any time of year; however, access to the edge of the forest may be prohibited during the hunting season. Take this restriction into account when planning, especially if you intend to walk the trail during that period.

A nature garden in the Lys Valley

Jardin d'Astrée is a 2,000-square-metre nature garden in the Lys Valley, with a naturally filtered pond. It is maintained without fertilisers or pesticides. In addition to local flora, it features rarer plants and various botanical asters. These details give nature lovers a clear idea of what makes the garden distinctive.

The garden is laid out around a Flemish farm complex. Rare trees and shrubs border a small priest's garden. Jardin d'Astrée brings together different garden areas and plants, from the pond and botanical asters to the woody plants and the priest's garden. This description helps convey the character of the place without reducing it to a single type of plant.

Church and place of remembrance

Église Saint-Vincent in Haverskerque is documented as far back as the early 12th century and was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Three parallel naves, three polygonal apses and a central tower with Romanesque features define its architecture. Its history and architectural form can be considered together: the dates attest to its long history, while the layout reveals the building's distinctive architectural features.

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. It commemorates 90 First World War casualties and 48 Second World War casualties. From the village centre, you can reach the cemetery via the D122 towards Merville, then Rue du Colonel Harrison. Check road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Lesquin, Steenbecque, Solre-le-Château, Saint-Pierre-Brouck, Marchiennes, Marcq-En-Baroeul, Cousolre, Artres.

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