Contes: Marais, Nature Trails and Long-Distance Hiking Trails

For travellers interested in nature and long-distance hiking, Contes is particularly known for the Marais de Contes and two long-distance trails. The Marais is a protected natural area covering 63 hectares and is one of the largest marshlands in the lower Canche Valley. Its ponds were created through peat extraction in past centuries. The wetland’s present-day landscape is therefore linked to a history of earlier land use.

Nature reserve and trails in the Marais

The three educational trails run around the no-kill fishing ponds of the Marais de Contes, with information boards along the way. At between 1.5 and 3 km long, the trails can be compared by distance. The shortest and longest trails differ by 1.5 km. This gives you a practical guide when choosing a trail in the Marais based on distance.

The Marais is open free of charge 24 hours a day throughout the year, although temporary restrictions may apply. Check the current access situation before your visit. The area also has a fishing platform accessible to people with reduced mobility. If the platform is important to your plans, check local accessibility in advance.

Fishing at the Marais de Contes

Only no-kill fishing is permitted at the Marais. This means that fish are not killed after being caught. Before fishing, check the fishing association’s current rules and plan your visit accordingly.

Long-distance hiking to and through Contes

The GR 121

The GR 121 is a 198.9 km long-distance hiking route that takes 11 days, from Oisy-le-Verger to Equihen-Plage. It crosses the Pas-de-Calais département from the ponds of the Sensée, via Arras, then follows the Canche Valley towards the hills of the Boulonnais and continues to the English Channel. The GR 121 passes through Contes between Cavron-Saint-Martin and Beaurainville. Route details may be revised, and trail markers and local detours may also change. Check the current route before setting off.

The GR®123

The GR®123 runs from Contes to Carlepont in the Oise département. From Contes, it first passes through the Forêt d’Hesdin, then crosses agricultural plains and wooded hills. The route passes through the villages of Mouriez, Voisin, and Wadicourt. The route is listed as 244 km long, with a maximum elevation of 192 m; figures may vary depending on the route edition. Trail markers and local detours on this long-distance trail may also change. Check the current route before setting off.

The two long-distance trails can be compared by their total length: at 244 km, the GR®123 is longer than the 198.9 km GR 121. The GR 121 is also listed as taking 11 days, while a maximum elevation of 192 m is given for the GR®123. This gives you different points of comparison for planning your trip: route length, a stated duration, and an elevation figure.

Discover more destinations: Maisoncelle, Condette, Dannes, Roquetoire, Peuplingues, Aix-En-Ergny, Troisvaux, Audincthun.

For the wider travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.