Parc Loisirs et Nature de la Porte du Hainaut

Written By Gregory Lefevre

spacious forest-edge playground, seasonal lake sports, & extreme adventure

originally known across the region as the base de loisirs de raismes, this extensive outdoor sanctuary was beautifully modernized and renamed the parc loisirs et nature de la porte du hainaut. nestled flawlessly in the shadow of the historic terril sabatier (a majestic, 100-meter-high unesco mining slag heap) and sitting directly on the lisière of the vast raismes-saint-amand-wallers national forest, it serves as one of the ultimate outdoor family and multi-sport destinations near valenciennes.

the park is uniquely designed to balance active amusement facilities with peaceful, eco-protected biodiversity zones, making it an incredible stop for trail runners, children, and water-sport lovers alike.

Things to do at the park

  • the main lake & seasonal activities (april to september): the park centers around a large, scenic body of water. during the spring and summer months, visitors can rent standard 2- and 4-person pedal boats (bateaux à pédales) to cruise across the lake, or rent traditional rosalie quadricycles and pedal-karts to explore the paved trails wrapping the shore.

  • pure aventure (tree-top adventure park): sitting directly across from the main park gates is pure aventure, a high-adrenaline independent tree-climbing (accrobranche) course. it features over 120 aerial games spread across 8 distinct forest tracks, boasting giant tarzan swings, high-altitude rope bridges, and a 100-meter-long zip line cutting directly through the canopy.

  • family sports & recreation: the grounds are packed with high-quality, completely free infrastructure. this includes a massive, regionally renowned concrete skatepark, dedicated beach volley and pétanque courts, a permanent 18-hole mini-golf layout, and sprawling, modern children's playgrounds fitted out with giant multi-story slides.

  • nature, hiking, & permanent orientation: if you prefer a quieter trek, the park features specialized ecological shores and protected fish spawning zones designed for bird-watching. it serves as the direct launching point for the circuit du coucou (an easy 2.5km walking loop) and houses five permanent orienteering courses (parcours permanent d'orientation) ranging from beginner levels to handicap-accessible tracking routes.

Practical information & links

the park is entirely free to enter for walking, accessing the playgrounds, and using the picnic zones. small, individual fees apply only for specific equipment rentals (mini-golf, pedal boats, or the tree-climbing park). dogs are fully welcome on site provided they are kept on a leash.

Gregory Lefevre
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