Centre Travel

Accompanied donkey treks with pack Animals. Dimechaux - M Tondeur   T:   00 33 (0)6 10 51 39 80       00 33 (0)3 27 59 35 04 E:   gitestondeur@aol.com

The Sabatier complex, at 103m, is the highest slag-heap around Valenciennes. Learn about forestry management, environmental protection and the history of local flora and fauna. The Forest Visitor Centre is also the starting point for walking, riding and mountain-bike tours. Maison de la Foret Etoile de la Princesse Site de Sabatier, Raismes T:   00 33 (0)3 27 36 72 72

Set in 125,000 hectares of the Avesnois Regional Nature Park, where the Thierache, the Ardennes and Hainaut meet, the Val Joly park enjoys privileged natural surroundings by France's largest lake north of Paris. The undulating wooded and leafy countryside of the Avesnois, forged by the generous hand of Time, is home to a biodiversity which without equal. Its protected nature is host to thriving plant and animal life, and its traditional skills, produce and architectural delights, the fruits of its resourceful rural character and honed by ancient ancestral skills, complete the picture postcard that is the Avesnois. 180 cottages overlooking the lake, 30 chalets set in wooded parkland, and 100 three-star patches on a campsite. Tourist Resort of ValJoly Eppe Sauvage T:   00 33 (0)3 27 61 83 76 E:     valijolyresa@valijoly.com W:    www.valijoly.com

The 56 communes in the Scarpe Escaut Regional Nature Park are a mosaic of lush, green countryside bordered by rivers and canals, with nearly 50 discovery trails.  The Park has excellent facilities and can arrange tailor-made nature trails and days out. Scarpe Escaut Regional Nature Park 357 Rue Notre Dame d'Amour St Amand les Eaux T:  00 33 (0)3 27 19 19 70 E:   contact@pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr W:  www.pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr

A Rando - Rail can transport 4 persons. Two sat and pedal seated on a saddle, the other two are let walk comfortably installed in the central armchair. Open:   April - September Rando Rail au Pays de Lumbres Rue de la Gare, Nielles-les-Blequin T:   00 33 (0)3 21 88 33 89 E:   rando-rail@rando-rail.com W:  www.rando-rail.com

Donkey riding for children. Le Quesnoy - Ball' Anes M. Blondiau T:   00 33 (0)6 80 34 87 04       00 33 (0)3 27 49 26 58

Discover the world of Lamas and Alapcas, trekking, wool weaving. Les Lamas d'Ecorigan 439 rue Listergaux Zutkerque T:   00 33(0)6 20 55 17 62 E:     ecorigan@liberysurf.fr W:    www.leslamasdecorigan.fr

A 400 hectare park with nine-hole golf course, outdoor pool, mini golf and a sports trail as well as a children's play area. The park has just opened accommodation. Bois d' Olhain, Olhain T:   00 33 (0)3 21 27 91 79 E:   contact@parcdolhain.fr W:  www.parcdolhain.com

Children's donkey treks without handlers. Saint Jans Cappel - M Osson T:   00 33 (0)3 28 48 78 48       00 33 (0)6 68 30 95 E:   bossobn@tele2.fr

The St-Omer marshes cover 9,000 acres and were dug by monks in the 7th century. Then, as now, they are only accessible by boat.  Beautiful wild lilies and irises grow and wild birds such as heron, waterfowl and ducks are in  abundance. Parc Naturel Regional Des Caps et Marais d' Opale Maison du Parc, Le West T:    00.33 (0)3 21 87 90 90 E:   info@parc-opale.fr W: www.parc-opale.fr

Donkey treks or carriage rides only. Warhem Route d'Uwem Chemin de la butte T:   00 33 (0)3 28 41 40 07       00 33 (0)6 87 69 34 61

Nieuriet village on the edge of the Audomarois is bathed  by the waters of the Romelaere Marshes.  Explore these wetlands by boat and canoe as you sit back and listen to your guide explain the history and legends of the marshes, including the fenlanders who once lived here. Guided tours and boat hire. Clairmarais Isnor location Audomarois Tel:   00 33 (0)3 21 39 15 15 Email:   fluvial@isnor.fr Web:     www.isnor.fr

The dunes in this nature reserve cover almost 1,000 hectares and contain an astonishingly rich variety of plant life, including marram grass, dog roses,hawthorn and sallowthorn.    You.ll also see includes ducks waders and a host of migratory birds. 23 walking trails for discovering the treasures of the area:  downland the leaflets at:   www.outdoorpursuits.fr Zudcoote Information La Ferme Nord Tel:   00 33(0)3 28 26 50 20

Passion d'Aventure in Guiness and Olbain in a small wood near Guines or in the heart of Parc d'Ohlain take part in assault course style in challenges including climbing and scramble nets, walkways and aerial slides. Children over 12 years (1.4m) only Guines: Foret Domaniale de Guines T:   00 33(0)6 87 61 32 72 E:   contact@passiondaventure.com W:  passiondaventure.com Ohlain:  Houdain T: 00 33(0)3 21 25 15 53 E:  contact@passiondaventure.com W:  www.passiondaventure.com