Parc Marcel Cabiddu
Wingles
3 min read
A large green park on a former mining site, with quiet ponds, woodland paths, more adventurous trails and plenty to do along the way.
The walk
Parc Marcel Cabiddu has a large network of paths that you can explore freely. I simply combined different trails around the park and ended up walking 5.6 kilometres.
You can follow wide paths beside the ponds and through the woods, or take smaller trails with a little more climbing, bends and short descents. It is easy to decide as you go whether you want a relaxed walk or something a little more adventurous.
Route map
From mining site to green park
Parc Marcel Cabiddu lies between Wingles and Billy-Berclau. After mining came to an end, the former industrial site was transformed into a large nature and leisure area.
Today, the landscape is made up of woodland, grassland and several ponds. The water is also linked to the area's mining past, as subsidence caused by the former workings helped create some of the ponds that are now part of the park.
You would not immediately guess that history while walking here today. Most of the park feels surprisingly green and open.
Sometimes it is better to forget the route
There is an official walking route through the park, but I did not find it particularly easy to follow. I saw very little waymarking, and even with the map I regularly had to check where to go next.
After a while, I stopped trying to follow it exactly and simply took whichever paths looked interesting.
That actually suited the park much better. The network is large enough to wander freely, with smaller woodland trails regularly branching away from the main paths.
If you prefer a clearly marked route, one of the trail-running routes is the better option.
Easy paths or something more adventurous
That freedom to choose was one of the things I liked most about the park.
You can stay on the wide, easy paths beside the water, then turn onto a narrower woodland trail with more uneven ground, bends and short descents.
It gives you plenty of choice without having to commit to a completely different route. Several mountain bike trails also run through the park.
Ponds, picnics and activities
The areas around the ponds were some of my favourite parts of the walk.
Benches and picnic tables are spread throughout the park, but Parc Marcel Cabiddu offers much more than walking. There are fishing ponds, a play area, minigolf and several sports facilities. Water activities are also organised during the season.
The main leisure areas can be fairly lively on nice days, while other parts of the park feel much quieter.
The motocross track is hard to ignore
A motocross and trial track lies right beside the park.
When it is in use, the sound of the bikes can be clearly heard in some areas. If you mainly come here for peace and quiet, it is something to keep in mind.
I found the quieter sections farther into the woodland and around some of the ponds.
Photos from this walk
Jay’s tips
Do not feel you have to stick to one fixed route. The network of paths is large enough to choose your direction as you go, and that is part of what makes the park fun to explore. Bringing a picnic is also a good idea. There are benches and picnic tables around the ponds and throughout the park.
Good to know
Sturdy footwear recommended
Picnic area or benches
Playground
A motocross and trial track lies right beside the park. When it is in use, engine noise can be quite noticeable in some areas.
My experience
I originally stopped here to eat my lunch and then follow the park's walking route. The route was less clear than I expected, but I liked the park itself much more.
In the end, I gave up trying to follow the fixed route and simply combined different paths. I especially enjoyed the sections beside the water and the smaller woodland trails.
It was also surprisingly quiet around La Maison Forestière. If I come back, I would do the same again: wander through the park and choose my way as I go.
Waymarking
Not waymarked
Food and drink
Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
