The Aunelle Valley loop

As you cycle along, take time to admire the picturesque villages you’ll pass through, and make the most of this wind-in-your-hair escapade. The loop is signposted in both directions in two colors: blue and green!

Discoveries at the pace of the little queen…

Starting in Sebourg, wind your way through the village to meet the Morage family water mill, the most beautiful censes (farms), and plunge into the tree-lined tunnel of the “Grande cavée“; a geological feature of the valley’s landscape…. along the water and halfway up the slope, reach the hamlet of Sebourquiaux and its waterfall, enjoy the scenery and panorama of “La Perrière“, and continue towards the neighbouring village of Rombies-et-Marchipont on the cycle route through the fields…

Return to the river in the Parc del’Aunelle, flirt with the Belgian border and the remains of the Compagnie des Mines de Crespin, discover the charming church of Saint-Martin de Quièvrechain and join Crespin, the stronghold of Saint Landelin.

From chapel to chapel …

In the other direction, from Quarouble and across the fields, the road offers beautiful views over an openfield landscape. The “maladrerie” path takes you from the Saint-Roch chapel in Quarouble to the area around the “Maladrerie” chapel in Rombies and Marchipont. The silhouette of the latter can be seen in the Rombies cemetery. It was the only chapel in the fields until 1890!

Rombies et Marchipont offers an original “chapel tour”. From the tiny wooden chapel at the entrance to the village (coming from Sebourg) to the imposing Ecape chapel (rebuilt many times and already existing in the 16th century). Almost all of them are lined up on the Chemin Dauphin, a major road linking Valenciennes to Marchipont and Belgium. Special mention should be made of the Saint-Nicolas chapel, located in the hamlet of Marchipont. Rebuilt in 1718 after the battle of Malplaquet.

Did you know? Marchipont and Quiévrechain, two villages “sitting” on the river, saw their history change in 1779 when the little river “L’Aunelle” was chosen to serve as the border between the Kingdom of France and the Austrian Empire.

As a result, these villages are still cut in two by the border. The Marchipont chapel is on the French side, and so the hamlet is attached to the commune of Rombies. Quièvrechain castle, on the other side of the river, is now in Belgium. On your way, don’t hesitate to step aside and cross the border at your leisure.

What a pleasure to ride through the countryside with your hair blowing in the wind and your hands on the handlebars! Discover this large border area and its built and natural heritage, witness to history and a rich industrial and artisanal past… Coal mine, chicory and brewery.

How about recharging your batteries in the fresh air? For that, we suggest the comfort of a good restaurant or our choice of waterside picnic spots…

Activate “slow” mode and hop on your bike for an epicurean ride. At lunchtime or snack time, treat yourself to a sweet or savory treat.

Picnic along the Aunelle river

1. In Sebourg, on the banks of the Aunelle, there are several places where you can lay your tablecloth on the grass in the shade of the trees and enjoy the relaxing sound of the torrent lapping. A picnic basket is available on reservation at the Aunelle bar (café-rando).
2. In Rombies and Marchipont, a new park has been built on almost 7,000 m ² of communal land, in consultation with the local population, to blend in with the rural setting. Picnic tables are at your disposal… There are also two table tennis tables, a petanque court, children’s play equipment including balancing games, swings (one of which is a bird’s nest) and a net pyramid for everyone’s enjoyment.
3. In Quièvrechain, in the Parc de l’Aunelle, an undulating wooded site with a pond and pontoons…

At the table in a country restaurant

1. L’unico côté jardin in Sebourg; come and discover in this green setting, a gastronomic cuisine based on fresh and noble products, attentive and meticulous service, an extensive wine and beverage list. Take a break from the hustle and bustle. The restaurant’s trump card is its garden terrace and its location on the panoramic site of La Perrière.
2. La table de Fred in Rombies-et-Marchipont; Frédéric and his team welcome you in a pleasant, friendly setting and offer traditional, local cuisine, in partnership with local producers. The restaurant has a parking lot, terrace and garden.