Attractions and Places To See around Lourches - Top 20

Lourches has a rich coal mining heritage. You can visit the historical mining site of Arenberg Pit, which features two impressive mine shafts from 1902 and 1954. Additionally, the 'Cités de la fosse Saint-Mathieu des mines de Douchy' are historical mining communities worth exploring. The **Monument Charles Mathieu** commemorates a key figure in the Douchy Mining Company, and the town hall itself was once his house.

In the heart of Lourches, you'll find the **Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church**, which also serves as a starting point for local hiking trails. A short drive away, in Avesnes-le-Sec, you can visit the **Saint Aubertus Church**, a Gothic church from the 12th century with a remarkable portal.

Cycling enthusiasts can challenge themselves on the famous Trouée d'Arenberg, a well-known cobbled section of the Paris-Roubaix classic. Another challenging and historical cycling route is Pont Gibus (Pavé de Wallers à Hélesmes). For more cycling options, including road and touring routes, explore the Cycling around Lourches guide.

For easy walks, the parking area of the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church in Lourches is a starting point for local trails. The **Voie verte du cavalier d'Agincourt**, connecting Aniche to Escaudain, offers a scenic 12 km route suitable for walking and cycling. You can find more hiking options, including easy routes, in the Hiking around Lourches guide.

The commune of Avesnes-le-Sec is considered family-friendly and offers pleasant walking and cycling routes. Exploring the historical mining communities and the **Voie verte du cavalier d'Agincourt** can also be enjoyable for families looking for gentle outdoor activities.

While Lourches itself has green surroundings, for more expansive natural scenery, the **Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park** in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is a short drive away. This park offers various trails and opportunities to enjoy nature.

The region around Lourches is generally pleasant for outdoor activities during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are mild. These seasons are ideal for cycling on routes like the Trouée d'Arenberg or exploring hiking trails.

Yes, in Avesnes-le-Sec, you can see the ruins of the **Moulin de Pierre**, an 18th-century tower mill. Additionally, the Country house of the Abbey of Saint-Aubert in Cambrai, a 17th-century castle with historical significance, is also nearby.

Visitors particularly appreciate the challenging and historical cycling routes like the Trouée d'Arenberg, often described as a 'natural monument for all cycling enthusiasts'. The rich industrial heritage, exemplified by sites like the Arenberg Pit, also draws significant interest for its historical depth and impressive structures.

Yes, there are several road cycling routes around Lourches. You can find options like the 'Col d'Erchin – Bridge Over the Canal loop' or the 'Lake Brunémont loop'. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check the Road Cycling Routes around Lourches guide.

Yes, for a comprehensive look into the region's mining past, the **Mining History Centre** in Lewarde is an excellent resource and is located a short drive from Lourches.

Many of the outdoor trails and green spaces, such as the **Voie verte du cavalier d'Agincourt** and the general walking routes around Lourches, are suitable for dog walking. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.