Best lakes around Wasquehal are found within the surrounding Hauts-de-France region, offering diverse natural and recreational experiences. While Wasquehal itself features smaller ornamental ponds in local parks, the area provides access to more substantial bodies of water. These lakes serve as significant natural areas, supporting varied flora and fauna. The region's landscape combines urban proximity with natural escapes, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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The filter ponds in Leers were built to supply water to the Roubaix Canal, which is located nearby. Their primary function is to purify some of the water from the Grimonpont wastewater treatment plant. This plant initially filters 75% of the water; the ponds then process the remaining 25%. This final filtration takes seven days. During this process, the water flows through several ponds, moving from one to the other by gravity. This filtration technique is called phytoremediation: the water is naturally purified by algae, plants, and microorganisms that thrive in these ponds. In Leers, plants such as yellow iris and purple loosestrife, among others, play this purifying role. After seven days of filtration, the water flows into a final 9,000 m² basin. At this stage, it is perfectly purified and of very high quality. This final basin, known as the "storage basin," is the final step before the water is conveyed to the canal. The Leers filter ponds, formerly a landfill, are now a peaceful 5-hectare nature reserve, perfect for a relaxing walk, alone or with the family. The area is home to around thirty bird species, including the coot, the Mediterranean gull, and the reed bunting. If you look closely, you might even be lucky enough to spot a smooth newt swimming in the ponds, searching for small invertebrates to feed on. To protect the environment and wildlife, dogs must be kept on a leash on the paths and are not permitted in the winding sections of the ponds. Source: enm.lillemetropole.fr
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Just before Heron Park, a pretty little lake with easy access. Can be done on a gravel bike or mountain bike. There are quite a few hikers on weekends.
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The Kluitput is a former clay extraction area. It gradually became a meeting place for the inhabitants of Halluin: they learned to swim there, without supervision but without incidents. In the meantime, it has been developed as a green area of Colbras, a hamlet of Halluin. There is a fishing club that has a shelter with benches, which non-members can also use under conditions described on site. There is a walking path and a fitness trail. Small, but beautiful area.
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HERE / Created in 1927, on the site of a former disused cemetery, Parc Clemenceau is the work of landscaper Edouard André. This professor at the National School of Horticulture in Versailles kept the existing chestnut trees in order to create a "screen" in front of the unsightly factories present at the time in the district. Rockeries from the Palais Vaissier and the pillars of the Château Masurel were even reused to develop the park! ELSEWHERE / United Kingdom: London's public parks and gardens With its "swan lake" and its winding walks, Parc Clemenceau has a very British feel that recalls the large parks of the English capital: Saint James Park, Hyde Park or Regent Park. "Green lungs" once created to clean up very dense industrial cities and allow residents to get some fresh air and show off. Author: TOURCOING TOURISME
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Parc Georges Clemenceau is a beautiful park located in the heart of the Belencontre area. It is the second largest park in the city and covers approximately 11 hectares. Among other things, you will find the Lac aux Cygnes: A charming pond with waterfalls and fountains that create a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
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A beautiful place to run between lake and forest. It is a haven of peace in the middle of the Lille metropolis.
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Beautiful nature and fun to cycle
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While Wasquehal itself features smaller ornamental ponds, the surrounding Hauts-de-France region offers more substantial lakes. Key destinations include Heron Lake in Villeneuve d'Ascq, known for its rich biodiversity, and Spanish Lake, which is easily accessible and popular for cycling and hiking.
Yes, Heron Lake is part of a 110-hectare natural area, much of which is a regional nature reserve, home to over 200 bird species. Additionally, the Leers Filtration Ponds are a 5-hectare nature reserve designed for water purification, supporting around 30 bird species and unique plant life.
You can enjoy a variety of activities. Around Heron Lake, popular activities include nature walks and fishing. For more extensive water sports and land-based activities like windsurfing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking, Lac du Val Joly, the largest lake north of Paris, is an excellent option. You can also find various MTB trails, gravel biking routes, and running trails in the wider Wasquehal area.
Absolutely. Heron Lake is considered accessible to all and offers easy walking paths. The Leers Filtration Ponds are also a peaceful natural space perfect for a relaxing walk with family. Lac du Val Joly is particularly family-friendly, offering an indoor aquatic center, mini-golf, and various activities suitable for all ages.
At the Leers Filtration Ponds, dogs must be kept on a leash on the paths to protect the environment and wildlife, and they are not permitted in the winding sections of the ponds. For other areas like Heron Lake, it's generally advisable to keep dogs leashed, especially given the high visitor numbers on weekends and the presence of wildlife.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, especially at popular spots like Heron Lake.
Yes, a popular and easy 4.6 km loop trail circles the perimeter of Heron Lake, taking approximately an hour to complete. This trail is great for nature walks and observing the diverse flora and fauna. Be aware that it can get crowded on weekends.
Near Heron Lake, you can find picnic areas and cultural facilities like the Asnapio archaeological park and the Ferme Petitprez, which houses a traditional estaminet. Lac du Val Joly offers a full tourist station with accommodation (cottages with lake views), an indoor aquatic center, and various dining options.
Swimming and nautical activities are generally prohibited at Heron Lake due to environmental factors like green algae. However, Lac du Val Joly, being a dedicated tourist station, offers a wide array of water sports including windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and pedal boating, and features an indoor aquatic center with a swimming pool.
Heron Lake in Villeneuve d'Ascq is a short distance from Wasquehal and can be reached via public transport, though specific routes may require transfers. Lac du Val Joly is further afield in the Avesnois Regional Nature Park and is best accessed by car.
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty, especially at Heron Lake, which offers a natural escape close to the metropolis. The diverse activities available at Lac du Val Joly, from water sports to hiking, are also highly valued for family outings and nature-focused retreats.


Still not found your perfect lake around Wasquehal? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.