Sentier de Booneghem

Much of the first part of the walk follows the canals and smaller waterways of the marshes. The houses along the water give this section a character of its own.

Many have a small private jetty, often with a boat tied up beside it. You quickly notice how closely daily life in Clairmarais is connected to the water.

The route also crosses several small bridges. At the Booneghem river, the old steel bridge still stands beside the newer crossing, although it is now closed.

This is also where you cross from Pas-de-Calais into Nord.

The scenery changes as you reach Booneghem. The route gradually leaves the waterways behind and continues between the fields, passing the Au Pré de la Chaumière petting farm and L’Auberge de Booneghem.

Pay attention here. During my walk, one of the route arrows pointed in a different direction from the line shown on the map. If you rely only on the signs, it is easy to head the wrong way.

A little farther on, the route returns to narrower unpaved paths. The trail follows the edge of the nature reserve until you reach a small chain ferry.

You pull yourself across using the chain. It was one of my favourite parts of the walk and fits perfectly with the watery landscape around Clairmarais.

After crossing, the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Étangs du Romelaëre is only a short distance away. You can extend the walk here and add a few extra kilometres through the reserve.

Dogs are not allowed inside the nature reserve, even on a lead.

If you do not extend the walk through the reserve, it is only a few more minutes back to the starting point.

La Grange Nature is also nearby. During opening hours, you can find information there about the local wildlife and walking routes around Clairmarais. There are also several places nearby where you can stop for food or a drink.

If you have already walked Du Bocage au Marais, several sections will feel familiar. That route is around 14 kilometres long and explores a larger part of the same marshland.