Nestled in the Hauts-Pays nature reserve, the town of Quiévrain has some beautiful country areas, particularly in Audregnies and Baisieux. The many walks will take you through scenic landscapes on foot, bike or horse! Here you can enjoy the great outdoors with family or friends. A word of advice: don’t wait for sunny days as nature is beautiful in every season.
An area full of nature
Located along the Franco-Belgian border, near Mons and Valenciennes, the Hauts-Pays nature reserve spans 15,700 hectares. Comprising villages nestled in the hollows of valleys or on plateaux, forests and rivers, it’s called the “Hauts-Pays” to symbolise the Haine which culminates at 16 metres above sea level. In the west the park is bordered by its French counterpart, the regional nature park Avesnois. Both share the same values and objectives, to promote their territory by relying on the men therein. The Hauts-Pays nature reserve offers activities which promote tourism development by developing a network of signposted walks over almost 300 Km. It’s a wonderful way of (re)discovering the area’s landscapes which is now well established. Gourmet walks are also organised to appreciate local products and to honour artisans and their many skills. Each year, cultural and sporting events bring together inhabitants and visitors, always relying on local organisations to empower the population and promote their traditions.
The commune’s commitments
Quiévrain shares the reserve’s values, so naturally engages in actions which bring out the best in its villages and their heritage. In the spring, the big cleanup is a chance to mobilise the population to group together and pick up litter on the ground but also in rivers. Over agricultural roads or marked trails, you’ll cover beautiful countryside, streams and rivers in an invigorating natural environment. There’s no need to take the plane to feel lost! You’ll discover its rural habitat in the 18th century and its ancient buildings which seem to almost rise up from another time. But Quiévrain is also committed to protecting the environment. The commune, labelled a Maya commune which favours the protection of bees, has been organising its flower market each year for more than 70 years. It’s a great opportunity to make purchases and share experiences with enthusiasts for a day. It’s also the opportunity to attend workshops showcasing wonderful themes all Sunday: how to create a pond, how to garden without pesticides, gardening tips but also decoration, preserving garden fruits and vegetables, etc. A really good idea for encouraging budding gardeners and meeting residents. Every fourth Sunday in April, this flower market is an unmissable event so save the date and until then go for a walk!
