Mare à Goriaux

Access to the site from the parking lot at Goriaux (A23 - Raismes exit). Located at the foot of a slag heap, the black soil of which contrasts with the white trunks of birch trees, this immense 90 hectare body of water serves as a benchmark for some 300 rare bird species (great crested grebe, osprey, small plover… ). Important national biological reserve since 1982, it is protected by the National Office of Forests. Simple duck pond a century ago, the Goriaux pond was born from a mining subsidence. As the miners mined the coal, the ground subsided passing below the level of the water table. The pond then developed. Before the ground settled, young pigs (pigs) populated the places which were former meadows. Hence the name mare à Goriaux. A 6.5 km walking circuit now invites you to explore an original flora (aquatic meadows, broom reed, birch from neighboring forests, etc.), while treading the famous cobblestones of the Arenberg hole, the legendary passage of the cycling race. Paris-Roubaix, whose northerner Jean Stablinski was the first runner in history to take it in 1968. A stone's throw away, you have to detour to discover Arenberg Creative Mine - mining site of Wallers-Arenberg, emblematic place of the mining basin Nord-Pas de Calais listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. On your arrival, take full advantage of a walking tour to discover the heritage of the mining town of Arenberg. The circuit is downloadable!