Discover Houplines: paths, nature and leisure

For a stay in Houplines, the paths along the Lys, wildlife watching and local leisure facilities offer different points of interest. The Chemin de halage d'Houplines runs alongside the river; other highlights include the Étangs du Pont Ballot, parks and the historic connection to Sainte-Anastasie Church. If you are looking for a hotel in Houplines, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your travel interests.

Along the Lys

The Chemin de halage d'Houplines runs alongside the Lys and stretches for several kilometres between Armentières and Frelinghien. Access to the path is available via Parc Paul Harris and Pont Cavos. You can use it on foot or by bicycle. This makes exercise by the water one possible focus of your stay; whether you prefer walking or cycling is up to you. Traces of the historic towpath along the Lys remain visible on the route.

The history of the Lys also forms part of Houplines' historical context. The river was navigable for several dozen kilometres between France and Belgium and developed into an important trade route. Textiles, agricultural goods and coal were transported along it. The traces of the towpath and the river's trading history offer different insights into the Lys's former use.

Nature and landscapes

Along the banks of the Lys in Houplines, you can readily spot mallards, moorhens, grey herons and egrets, among other birds. If you would like to include wildlife watching in your stay, the riverbank offers a specific opportunity to do so. The Étangs du Pont Ballot add another natural attraction: they are now recognised for their ecological and landscape value.

The ponds are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, rabbits and locally occurring hardy black bees. There are also beehives and an ornithological observation station, both intended to help the public learn about biodiversity. Wildlife and public education are both central to this site, while birdwatching along the banks of the Lys is particularly associated with the species mentioned there.

Leisure facilities in town

Parc Paul Harris has a basketball court, a children's play area, a Teqball table and picnic tables. This sets it apart from the several-kilometre Chemin de halage: rather than a route, it offers several named leisure activities in one place. Which ones matter for your plans depends on the activities you want to include in Houplines.

The Complexe sportif André CLAEYS includes a skatepark, two indoor tennis courts and three outdoor tennis courts. The Plaine de loisirs André Claeys can be accessed via Rue Brune or Parvis des Petits Poucets. Facilities and access routes may change; if a particular facility or entrance is important to your plans, check the current situation in advance.

A historical sequence at the church site

Sainte-Anastasie Church stands on the foundations of the former town hall of Houplines. That town hall, in turn, had been built on the site of the medieval fortified castle of Houplines. The sequence of castle site, town hall and church brings together several historical periods in one place. This historical connection offers a different focus for your plans from the paths, wildlife watching and leisure facilities: it tells the story of the town's development.

Discover more destinations: Landrecies, Renescure, Lannoy, Bousbecque, Bailleul, Bambecque, Honnecourt-Sur-Escaut, Esquelbecq.

View the regional travel overview: Nord.