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The Aunelle valley

The Aunelle rises in the Mormal national forest, near the Blanc Cheval trail, at an altitude of 156 meters, in the Locquignol commune. It flows into the Hogneau, in the commune of Crespin, at an altitude of 23 meters2 , on the Franco-Belgian border opposite Quiévrain.

On its banks are several “border” villages: Sebourg, Rombies-et-Marchipont, Quiévrechain, Crespin. At the heart of this valley are the towns of Quarouble, Onnaing and Vicq, with their astonishing heritage.

Getting there

PORTFOLIO The Aunelle Valley in a few images

THE UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE Gentle cycling loops...

Long walks or short strolls, follow your inspiration of the moment! The Aunelle Loop is a complete 48.2-kilometer tourist trail, linking Sebourg, Rombies-et-Marchipont, Vicq, Quarouble, Crespin, Quiévrechain, Saint-Aybert and Thivencelle. With the option of dividing the big loop into two smaller ones…

For a gentle start to your adventure, meet up at the Bar de l’Aunelle, a café-rando in the heart of the village of Sebourg.

Did you know?

The Valenciennois and Aunelle valley is, in many ways, the cradle of chicory in the North. The first chicory factory in France was established in Onnaing in 1798 by Charles Giraud, who set out to renew and diversify his agricultural production. Little by little, the specialty spread to Quarouble, where five chicory factories were established: François Quinet, Henri Ficheux, Fernand Paris, Emile Cazin and Cazin Caron.

The Aunelle loop

Everything you need for a serene experience. Pleasant sections of dedicated paths are ideal for family outings that combine safety and enjoyment. Flat, gently undulating terrain and a smooth coating give the adventure a peaceful flavour. The kilometers are swallowed up fairly quickly, and you’re completely immersed in the landscapes and lush greenery, taking advantage of shady areas – there are even animals to watch you go by…

If you’re an explorer, you’ll be able to discover a number of local heritage sites with your hair blowing in the wind. The Sebourquiaux waterfall and the Sebourg censes, the Moulin de la Vallée mill in Rombies, the Saint-Nicolas chapel in Marchipont, the Château Cazin in Quarouble, and the remains of the Saint-Landelin abbey in Crespin are just some of the sites on the route…

Parc de l'Aunelle

La cahute d'Amblise

Restaurant-bar-shop located at the Brasserie d’Amblise in Crespin.

L’Ambliscade du Jeudi: from 4pm onwards, come and enjoy your favorite beers (4 Amblises on draught and the whole range in bottle), accompanied by snacks from Lalie d’Amblise.

Northern dishes (Carbonade flamande, Welsh à la Bougre d’Amblise, Flamiche au Maroilles, Planche Charcuterie/Fromage and Croquettes de fromage…) Homemade desserts (tarte au speculoos…) Daily or weekly specials.

All cooked vegetables are organic and come from Philippe and Sabine Delfosse’s gourmet kitchen garden here in Crespin.