Proville: Nature, Trails and History

Proville brings together floodplain landscapes, park trails and places of remembrance. This means there are different interests to consider when planning your trip: a walk in the nature reserve, trails in the eco-park and along the canal, as well as historical sites. If you’re looking for hotels in Proville, this selection can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Floodplain landscapes and the eco-park

The RNR de l’Escaut rivière nature reserve is located within the municipality of Proville. It comprises floodplain wetlands crossed by the Escaut river. Within the protected area, the Bois Chenu is a floodplain forest on the right bank of the Escaut. Those interested in river landscapes will find a specific natural area here; the forest is part of the protected area.

Another green destination is the Bois des Sources. The municipal eco-park was created in 2022 on the site of a former fir plantation. 8,000 trees of local species were planted there. Walking and cycling trails offer different ways to enjoy the park. The Bois des Sources also includes a community orchard: fruit from the trees can be picked free of charge, although availability depends on the season. As trails in the park may change, it’s a good idea to check their routes on site.

Getting your walks and tours straight

There is a 3.5-kilometre walking trail in the RNR de l’Escaut rivière. Access is via the car park on Rue Maurice Camier, followed by the “Chemin noir.” Check the route and access locally before your visit. Its specific length makes this trail easy to distinguish from another type of tour: the one-day circular route “Chemins et Mémoires en Cambrésis: Après la Grande Guerre, sur les Chemins du Renouveau” also passes through Proville. It offers a different time frame and, as its title indicates, connects the route with the period after the First World War.

The landscaped section of the Canal de Saint-Quentin near Proville is also used by walkers, cyclists and anglers. Proville therefore offers different ways to spend time outdoors: a designated walking trail in the nature reserve, trails in the eco-park and a stretch of canal used by several groups.

Traces of the First World War

Two pillboxes at the Ferme de la Marlière, on the road to Cantaing-sur-Escaut, are remnants of the First World War. They formed rear positions of the Hindenburg Line established by the Germans, also known as the Siegfried Line. An explanatory information panel presents the structure and its remains. If this panel is important to your visit, check its availability on site.

Other sights in Proville include the Église Saint-Aubert and its cemetery; it is located on the Sentier de l’église. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is behind the town hall. It was renovated and received new stained-glass windows in 2021, created by a contemporary artist. These destinations offer different points of interest: the church’s description includes its cemetery and the name of the trail, while the chapel’s more recent renovation and windows are a distinctive part of its history.

Collections and events

The Maison du Patrimoine de Proville houses collections relating to prehistory and antiquity. Exhibits also include a recreated primary school classroom from the 1950s. A blackboard, school desks, inkwells, pen holders, slates and chalk give the display its specific character. The Maison hosts events several times a year, including the European Heritage Days. If you’d like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates and access arrangements in advance, as the programme and access may change.

Discover more destinations: Méteren, Ferrière-La-Petite, Dimont, Hordain, Lezennes, Dunkerque, Douai, Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel

For the broader travel overview: Nord.