The park covers parts of the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais coal mining basin, now integrated into a green infrastructure network.
It shares a cross-border territory with the Belgian nature park 'Plaines de l'Escaut'.
The park is home to the last active thermal spa town in the Hauts-de-France region, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.
The forest of Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers was historically used as a royal hunting ground.
The park's wetlands are critical habitats for rare species, including the European pond turtle.
The territory includes several sites recognized by UNESCO as part of the 'Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin' World Heritage list.
The 'Sentier des lisières' is a marked trail specifically designed to interpret the transition zones between agricultural land and forest.
Established in 1968, the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park is the oldest regional nature park in France, spanning 48,500 hectares near the Belgian border. The landscape is shaped by a mosaic of wetlands, sprawling forests like the Forêt de Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers, and post-industrial mining heritage sites. It serves as a transboundary ecological corridor connecting northern French ecosystems with Belgian natural reserves. The park manages a diverse network of hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails that traverse peat bogs, deciduous woodlands, and riparian zones. Saint-Amand-les-Eaux acts as a primary gateway to the park, providing access to the thermal baths and the Abbaye de Saint-Amand museum. Its topography is predominantly flat, reflecting its geological history within the Escaut river basin. Visitors frequently utilize the park's specialized routes to explore former mining landscapes that have undergone ecological restoration. The area is designated as a significant site for migratory bird conservation and local biodiversity protection.
The wooden boardwalks crossing the marshes of the Plaine de la Scarpe.
Download the park's digital trail maps before arriving as mobile signal can be inconsistent in forested areas.
Bring binoculars, as the wet zones and marshes are prime locations for birdwatching.
Rent a bicycle locally, as the park features an extensive network of flat, interconnected paths suitable for all skill levels.
Attempting to traverse the entire park in a single day, as its geographic spread requires focused selection of specific sectors.
Stay strictly on marked paths to protect sensitive wetland flora and ground-nesting birds.
