Disabled people Greets

LAURENCE

Dunkerque,a city with different faces

  
An adopted Dunkerquoise, Laurence has tamed this city and enjoys exploring her city on the city side or on the sea side.

Walks accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Laurence is particularly fond of the urban part of Dunkirk-center with its Saint-Eloi church, the citadel, the two belfries listed as World Heritage Sites, the port museum and its museum boats…. On the sea side, she takes you to Malo-les-bains, for a walk along the beach to discover the seaside villas (Belle époque, art deco…), to the Kursaal, the mecca of the famous carnival from which she will tell you her story, but not that…..

Sensory walk for blind and visually impaired people This circuit will take you on a journey through the history and traditions of Dunkirk, discover works of art and architecture with very different aesthetics, and will also allow you to understand the maritime side of Dunkirk.

So if you want to tame Dunkirk, don’t hesitate, Laurence has plenty of local legends and anecdotes to confide in you.

GENEVIÈVE

Tales and legends of Bergues

  
Native of Bergues, I invite you to discover my city through all the historical anecdotes, ancestral tales and legends and my secret corners that I love. Thanks to my tactile models, blind and visually impaired visitors will be able to understand the architecture of the city’s emblematic buildings.

Greeters from Lille & suroundings

FRANCK

On foot or by bike, as the North is beautiful

  
Little queen or mountain bike, it doesn’t matter! Franck likes to pedal through the small paths and woods of the south of the Lille metropolis. From Lille to Douai or from Avelin to Douai, Pévèle and Mélantois are his workhorse, to share his love for his region, on foot or installed on the saddle of his faithful 2-wheeled metal destrier! On foot or by bike, you will see how beautiful the North is!

JEAN-PIERRE

Lille, in the time of Louis XIV

  
Louis XIV, the sun king, came to Lille… The story of his visit is told throughout a walk, still today, by many buildings built at that time in the heart of old Lille. From the 17th century to Lille today, there is only one step.

And hop! On the way we will give a little nod to the new Lille …

SYLVIE

Lille, I fell in love with it…

  
Lille, I studied there and I fell in love with it. I walked its streets and I have documented all the tourist spots as well as the built heritage. I suggest you stroll from Rihour Square to the Avenue of the Belgian People to end with an architectural gem of the Middle Ages in Old Lille. In all conviviality, I propose to travel the centuries through the stories and anecdotes that I will share throughout the walk. A moment of exchanges that I can adapt as needed.

GENEVIÈVE

HELLEMMES – Lille metropol diversity

  
Geneviève vous emmène à pieds ou à vélo à la découverte de Hellemmes pour une balade entre mémoire et présent. This small town between Lille and Villeneuve d’Ascq has a special history. Les guerres, l’industrie textile et sidérurgique puis leur déclin, l’ont profondément marquée et elle en garde des traces multiples. Sa vie associative, son urbanisme particulier, ses parcs, ses friches urbaines, ses usines réhabilitées sont autant de points que Geneviève vous fera découvrir avec passion. N’hésitez pas à réserver une balade avec Geneviève vous serez agréablement surpris par Hellemmes.

ÉRIC

Lille au vert – l’ilot vert

  
Né à Lille, habitant Lille, je suis donc un autochtone, un enraciné. Bien que professeur d’histoire, ce n’est pourtant pas le centre historique que je souhaite vous faire découvrir. Les guides officiels le font déjà très bien, d’autres greeters également. C’est une autre ville que je vous invite à parcourir en suivant parcs, canaux et rivière. Ces espaces dédiés à la promenade et au sport sont riches d’un patrimoine autant historique que naturel. Vous découvrirez ainsi le jardin Vauban, un parc à l’anglaise avec son chalet aux chèvres, la reine des citadelles entourée de bois, le quartier Euratechnologie, un bel exemple de reconversion, et des ports ancien (quai du Wault) ou nouveau (port de la pointe des Bois-blancs). De célèbres Lillois vous attendent en chemin, Alexandre Desrousseaux l’auteur du p’tit Quinquin, Léon Trulin fusillé à 18 ans pour fait de résistance, Édouard Lalo compositeur de la symphonie espagnole et Charles de Gaulle figé dans la pierre. Le vélo permet d’élargir l’espace de visite mais une balade à pied plus limitée est également possible.

Renseignez-vous : Location d’un V-Lille

Les Greeters des Flandres

Bernard

Discover my Dunkerque.

  
Former history teacher and passionate about his city, Bernard offers you to discover Dunkerque off the tourist trail during a walk from the train station to the Jean Bart square. It is with enthusiasm that Bernard will share anecdotes and carnival songs and will reveal the multiple facets of the City of Jean Bart. It is with enthusiasm that Bernard will share anecdotes and carnival songs and will reveal the multiple facets of the City of Jean Bart.

ANNE-FRANCE

Welcome to Bergues.

  
Curious by nature, Anne-France is interested in the history of Bergues, its city and its monuments… With it, discover, for example, the Mont de Pieté, the ruins of the abbey, the powder kegs, the canals, the cattle market square, the cheese market but above all the city walls. It can tell you the history of the city walls and its military past. Full of humour and attention to detail, Anne-France will make you look up to discover little-known peculiarities, like a cannonball embedded in a façade. Anne France also likes to share the anecdotes related to the filming of the film “Welcome to the ch’tis”. And because she loves sharing and exchanging, she knows how to adapt to a family audience. Both young and old will be delighted to follow Anne-France on a walk!

GENEVIÈVE

Tales and legends of Bergues

  
Native of Bergues, I propose to discover my city through all the historical anecdotes that are numerous in each neighborhood and by tales and ancestral legends. My secret places will be unveiled even if usually people cannot enter and see.

LAURENCE

Dunkirk, a city with many facets

  
An adopted Dunkerquoise, Laurence has tamed this city and enjoys exploring her city on the city side or on the sea side. She is particularly fond of the urban part of Dunkerque-center with its Saint-Eloi church, the citadel, the two belfries classified as World Heritage of Humanity, the port museum and its museum boats… On the sea side, she takes you to Malo-les-bains, for a walk along the beach to discover the seaside villas (Belle époque, art deco…), to the Kursaal, the mecca of the famous carnival from which she will tell you her story, but not that…..

 
Laurence also proposes a sensory walk for blind and visually impaired people: This tour will take you on a journey through the history and traditions of Dunkerque, discovering works of art and architecture with very different aesthetics, and will also allow you to understand the maritime side of Dunkerque (this sensory tour is best scheduled on Saturday afternoon).
 
So if you want to tame Dunkirk, don’t hesitate, Laurence has plenty of local legends and anecdotes to confide in you.

MICHEL

Hiking and memory tourism

  
This native of Erquinghem-Lys is particularly fond of history and Memory Tourism. This sportsman likes active walking to get in touch with people. Let yourself be guided by Michel, along an old railway line or on one of the six hiking tours of Erquinghem-Lys, you will see, his huge knowledge on his village and will tell you many anecdotes about the various battles and events of which it was the scene …

ALAIN

Wormhout Secrets

  
Former retired school principal and resident of Wormhout for 40 years, Alain became a greeter to share his passion for local heritage. With Alain, you will cross the city in all directions to discover the secrets of his history and he will tell you unusual stories, anecdotes and legends of Flanders.

He will delight you by evoking the local gastronomy and by sharing his grandmother’s recipes for chicken liver or game pâtés…

SYLVIE

Flanders, a story of the heart

  
Sylvie and Flanders is a story of the heart. It will take you to the detours of the villages of Cassel, Godewaersvelde, Berthen or Saint-Jans-Cappel and in the footsteps of fraudsters. She likes to tell you the crisp anecdotes of the time of the tobacco smugglers. And for that, they had more than one trick in their bag.

ALAIN

Flanders by bike

  
A retired school principal and Wormhout resident for 40 years, Alain has become a greeter to share his passion for local heritage.

Departing from Wormhout or Esquelbecq (for those who would like to reach him by train), Alain will concoct a circuit adapted to everyone along the small country roads to discover the jewels of Flanders by bike. The walk will pass for example by: Esquelbecq, the book village – Wormhout, a small town in the countryside – Herzeele and its colors – Volckerinckhove, the picturesque – Bollezeele, the most Flemish village – Zegerscappel and its legends – Merckeghem and its submerged city – Lederzeele and its feudal mounds – Nieurlet and its marshes, etc. This beautiful walk will be enriched with the unusual stories, anecdotes and legends of Flanders that Alain likes to tell.

ÉRIC

Lille au vert – l’ilot vert

  
Né à Lille, habitant Lille, je suis donc un autochtone, un enraciné. Bien que professeur d’histoire, ce n’est pourtant pas le centre historique que je souhaite vous faire découvrir. Les guides officiels le font déjà très bien, d’autres greeters également. C’est une autre ville que je vous invite à parcourir en suivant parcs, canaux et rivière. Ces espaces dédiés à la promenade et au sport sont riches d’un patrimoine autant historique que naturel. Vous découvrirez ainsi le jardin Vauban, un parc à l’anglaise avec son chalet aux chèvres, la reine des citadelles entourée de bois, le quartier Euratechnologie, un bel exemple de reconversion, et des ports ancien (quai du Wault) ou nouveau (port de la pointe des Bois-blancs). De célèbres Lillois vous attendent en chemin, Alexandre Desrousseaux l’auteur du p’tit Quinquin, Léon Trulin fusillé à 18 ans pour fait de résistance, Édouard Lalo compositeur de la symphonie espagnole et Charles de Gaulle figé dans la pierre. Le vélo permet d’élargir l’espace de visite mais une balade à pied plus limitée est également possible.

Renseignez-vous : Location d’un V-Lille

GENEVIÈVE

HELLEMMES – Lille metropol diversity

  
Geneviève vous emmène à pieds ou à vélo à la découverte de Hellemmes pour une balade entre mémoire et présent. This small town between Lille and Villeneuve d’Ascq has a special history. Les guerres, l’industrie textile et sidérurgique puis leur déclin, l’ont profondément marquée et elle en garde des traces multiples. Sa vie associative, son urbanisme particulier, ses parcs, ses friches urbaines, ses usines réhabilitées sont autant de points que Geneviève vous fera découvrir avec passion. N’hésitez pas à réserver une balade avec Geneviève vous serez agréablement surpris par Hellemmes.

JEAN-LUC

Randonnée cycliste dans le Bavaisis et en Pays de Mormal.

  
Jean-Luc ancien douanier, passionné d’histoire et amoureux du patrimoine local vous emmène en randonnées cyclistes à la découverte de la campagne du Bavaisis, au départ de Taisnière-sur-Hon vers Gussignies en passant par la vallée du marbre, Hon, Hon-Hergies, etc… ou un circuit dans la forêt de Mormal, au départ du lieu dit Le Coucou.

Jean Luc vous proposera différentes balades avec distances variables en fonction de vos motivations et envies de découverte, à allure modérée, sans esprit de performance.

Attention, l’état mécanique du vélo doit être impeccable afin que la sortie se déroule en toute sécurité et prévoir un kit de réparation de crevaison.

JEAN-LUC

Listen to the Spanish Succession war in Avesnois

  
This charming customs officer tells you about the War of the Spanish Succession. Jean-Luc offers you a walking tour of about 8 km (which can be extended to 7.5 km for the curious and good walkers) which follows the paths of the time. Discover with him the monuments, the border markers and the places made famous since this battle.

STEPHANE & CÉCILE

Discover Bavay in Avesnois

  
Céline and Stéphane, will be delighted to welcome you and make you discover Bavay. It is through their encounters, their experience and their feelings… that you will have a beautiful overview of the city and its surroundings… The “field of possibilities” is very wide: urban, historical, in the countryside (hiking trails)… Do not hesitate… you will not be disappointed by their welcome and their passion to share their city… Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Avesnois Greeters

Biking in North département

JEAN-LUC

Historical hike in Avesnois around Taisnières-sur-Hon

Jean-Luc, a former customs officer and history buff, offers you a hiking circuit of about 8 km (which can be extended by 7.5 km for the curious and good walkers). During this walk Jean-Luc will tell you with passion the historical events that have marked the region: from the “Battle of Malplaquet”, an essential episode of the War of Spanish Succession under Louis XIV, through various events of the 1st World War until the Battle of the Mons Pocket in September 1944.

Jean-Luc also offers a trip to the “Caillou qui bique”, also known as Mont de Verhaeren, via Flamengrie.

Whatever your profile, whether you are a history buff or just curious, discover alongside this passionate greeter the various monuments linked to this turbulent history: border markers from 1712 which delimited the kingdom of France and the “Austrian” Netherlands, boundary markers from the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, boundary markers from the Treaty of Kortrijk in 1820, remnants of Maginot fortifications from 1937, etc.

GÉRARD D.

Avesnois villages…

  
Gérard has lived in Wallers-en-Fagne for 20 years. He mainly worked in electronics and IT and is now retired.
Always so curious and passionate about built and natural heritage, he took art history lessons for 4 years, in the evenings in Belgium with his wife! And he graduated as an antiques dealer! Gérard is also very involved at the associative level, treasurer of the “ARSEPPE” association for the restoration and preservation of the church of Eppe Sauvage and vice-president of the association “Les Amis de la Maison de la Fagne” ( Cultural trips, discovery walks, etc).

We are captivated by his stories on the past and current economic activity of the village, by his discourse on the biodiversity linked to this very calcareous soil (the Calestienne), on the riches offered by this village of blue stone.
Did you know that Wallers-en-Fagne has a well-kept treasure in a safe, saved by Marguerite (resident of the village) in 1940 before the arrival of the Germans. This treasure is represented on a stone of one of the walls of the village. To be discovered soon with Gérard as part of the Greeters de l’Avesnois walks.

ALAIN R.

Our forest, our History

  
Alain, recently retired, was a teacher in natural sciences. Passionate about field sciences, he liked to introduce his students to botany and ecology. Here we are in the heart of the forest, where Alain shows us the difference between the oak-hornbeam grove and its ground covered with plants, unlike the beech grove where the ground seems almost bare to us.
Why is that? It’s all about light, as the beech forest is very dense, the vegetation hardly grows there, unlike the oak-hornbeam forest where the airy branches allow light to pass through.
Little anecdote, did you know that deer love young beech shoots and that it makes them drunk because of the fermentation in their stomachs. They then find themselves disoriented, which sometimes explains their wandering…
We continue our walk and we observe large shell holes on the ground, vestiges of the Great War.
Near the water you can see the white willow, used since antiquity to fight against fever and pain, and the origin of one of the most famous drugs of the 20th century: aspirin.
Alain shares with us the secrets and particularities of plants.

CÉDRIC B.

Cédric, a naturalist pedagogue.

  
Cédric, departmental guard at the Parc de l’Abbaye de Liessies, former resort guide at ValJoly, has fifteen years of outings and nature workshops to his credit.

Naturalist and especially pedagogue, he explains his environment and how to protect it. Walking in the heart of this preserved nature, we observe this landscape shaped by the diverted arms of the river which fed the forges of the village.
Many species of birds nest here such as this small family of stonechats, the red-backed shrike, the wagtails, the green woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker… A favorite for the stork and its 4 storks perched on their platform with the village church in the background…
Pretty dragonflies and damselflies twirl around us.
Cédric highlights the plants necessary for birds such as the “bird cabaret” wild teasel which retains small basins of water, the giant hogweed and its clusters of seeds until December…
An exciting and passionate Greeter!

PIERRE S.

In the streets of Wignehies

  
Pierre, former farmer, in love with his village, curious, in short, passionate about the attractions and history of Wignehies as well as that of the people who lived there.

Time for a walk, in the streets of Wignehies and the small paths where you can only access on foot… Pierre tells you the story of these old gray sandstone stones that line many Pian houses, emanating from the old village quarry.
From the manufacturers of stockings to the industrial spinning mills such as “Boussus” or “Boudard”, from the “Comptoir Français” store which offered its products by weight… our current bulk stores, you will be amazed at all this historical, built and natural wealth offered by Wignehies!
Pierre offers you walks according to your desires through the history of the village, the bocage and the men who lived there yesterday and today, on foot or by bike, according to your practices and your centers of interest.

WENDY B.

On either side of the Anorelles stream.

  
Wendy is a native of Great Britain, after her French studies she was appointed English assistant at Hirson, has lived for 38 years in Anor and has kept her charming British accent!
Currently retired, Wendy is very involved in community life and enjoys sharing her language skills with, in particular, English workshops that she offers at the Le 36 Anor media library or with the Echanges et Dialogue de Trélon association. Another talent of Wendy, beekeeping!

Today, we discover her as a “greeter”, a passionate person who takes us on both sides of the Anorelles stream. Anor was an industrial cradle of forges and glassworks, hence the presence of 4 mills.
Along our walk, she introduces us to the old brewery closed in 1972 and its “Rona” beer, the old paper mill, the different hamlets of the village which have each kept their traditions, adorable black swans, …
A ride that can be conducted in English by Wendy upon request when registering.

Les Greeters du Hainaut

JEAN-MARC

To the discovery of Lewarde.

  
Jean-Marc is inexhaustible on the history and the heritage of Lewarde. He will take you on a walk full of anecdotes to discover its monuments: the château du bois, the church of Saint Rémi, the manor of Layens, …. He will also be able to tell you about the past of the town of Lewarde which was for several centuries an important place of sandstone extraction.

Jean-Marc can also propose an adapted walk for visually impaired people.

DANIEL

A village heritage

  
Passionate about history, Daniel will take you to the different districts of Auberchicourt, near Aniche. A village that is rich in history, mine, cemetery or church and an atypical monument in front of the town hall. Daniel is inexhaustible and speaks so much he wants to share. If he gets carried away, he talks too fast, don’t hesitate to tell him, he won’t be offended, so he’s adorable!

ROBIN

The Robin Hood of Saint-Amand

  
Take the time to observe the birds, discover the plants and their culinary and medicinal uses, a whole program to which you invite the “Robin Hood of Saint-Amand”! Indeed, this nature enthusiast is eager to introduce visitors to the natural riches of the Saint-Amand region because for this eco-care of profession, fauna and flora have no more secrets!

JEAN-YVES

Discover the landscapes of Scarpe-Escaut Nature Park

  
My welcome is focused on a “nature” audience.. My goal is to discover the landscapes of the Scarpe-Escaut nature park during more or less long walks (5 to 10 kms), around Saint Amand les Eaux: in the plains, in the forest, along rivers or in one of the mining sectors (terrils, mining cities or even ponds linked to mining subsidence). I also offer cross-border walks since I live on the Franco-Belgian border. I complete these walks with some information about local stories (old or contemporary).

GÉRARD

The secrets of Valenciennes

  
A very curious and observant nature, Gérard takes you, on foot or by mountain bike, to discover the Valencian.

It is on foot that the Athens of the North, cradle of many painters and artists, is revealed as the confidences distilled by Gérard. The old Valenciennes as modern neighborhoods have no secret for him.

If you have a bike, Gérard accompanies you to the Vineyard pond, the green lung of the city, (yes! Valenciennes still produces wine!), and unesco-listed mining sites (corons, mining cities, horsebacks, greenway of “black-mouthed” …).

GUY

The walled city of Condé sur Escaut

  
Condé sur Escaut is the walled city to walk with Guy. Passionate about stories, his stories and anecdotes will take you on a beautiful walk told around the castle, the walls and all this past that he has already laid down on paper.

SERGE O.

Trade and industrial techniques

  
Serge blows you the words about the history of glass. On the textile, he knows all the strings. As you will have understood, it is uncompromising on the trade and industrial techniques. He officiates in Aniche, and can advise you the memory center of high on the site of the Saint-Gobain factory. Passionate about industrial memories, get to know him.

GÉRARD

Discovering Valenciennes by bike

  
D’un naturel très curieux et observateur, Gérard vous propose de découvrir le Valenciennois à vélo.

Plusieurs parcours et thèmes sont possibles : patrimoine minier classés à l’Unesco, (corons, cités minières, chevalements, voie verte des “gueules noires” …), mais également des circuits nature en forêt de Raimes-St Amand ou encore des balades à la découverte des beaux villages du Valenciennois (Sebourg par exemple). Pour les moins aguerris, il est possible de faire le tour de l’étang du Vignoble à Valenciennes poumon vert de la ville, (hé oui! Valenciennes produit encore du vin !).

LAURENCE

Dunkirk, a city with many facets

  
An adopted Dunkerquoise, Laurence has tamed this city and enjoys exploring her city on the city side or on the sea side. She is particularly fond of the urban part of Dunkerque-center with its Saint-Eloi church, the citadel, the two belfries classified as World Heritage of Humanity, the port museum and its museum boats… On the sea side, she takes you to Malo-les-bains, for a walk along the beach to discover the seaside villas (Belle époque, art deco…), to the Kursaal, the mecca of the famous carnival from which she will tell you her story, but not that…..

 
Laurence also proposes a sensory walk for blind and visually impaired people: This tour will take you on a journey through the history and traditions of Dunkerque, discovering works of art and architecture with very different aesthetics, and will also allow you to understand the maritime side of Dunkerque (this sensory tour is best scheduled on Saturday afternoon).
 
So if you want to tame Dunkirk, don’t hesitate, Laurence has plenty of local legends and anecdotes to confide in you.

GENEVIÈVE

Tales and legends of Bergues

  
Native of Bergues, I propose to discover my city through all the historical anecdotes that are numerous in each neighborhood and by tales and ancestral legends. My secret places will be unveiled even if usually people cannot enter and see.

ANNE-FRANCE

Welcome to Bergues.

  
Curious by nature, Anne-France is interested in the history of Bergues, its city and its monuments… With it, discover, for example, the Mont de Pieté, the ruins of the abbey, the powder kegs, the canals, the cattle market square, the cheese market but above all the city walls. It can tell you the history of the city walls and its military past. Full of humour and attention to detail, Anne-France will make you look up to discover little-known peculiarities, like a cannonball embedded in a façade. Anne France also likes to share the anecdotes related to the filming of the film “Welcome to the ch’tis”. And because she loves sharing and exchanging, she knows how to adapt to a family audience. Both young and old will be delighted to follow Anne-France on a walk!

Bernard

Discover my Dunkerque.

  
Former history teacher and passionate about his city, Bernard offers you to discover Dunkerque off the tourist trail during a walk from the train station to the Jean Bart square. It is with enthusiasm that Bernard will share anecdotes and carnival songs and will reveal the multiple facets of the City of Jean Bart. It is with enthusiasm that Bernard will share anecdotes and carnival songs and will reveal the multiple facets of the City of Jean Bart.

FRANCK

The South of the Lille metropolis by bike

  
Little queen or mountain bike, it doesn’t matter! Franck likes to pedal through the small paths and woods of the south of the Lille metropolis. De Lille à Douai ou d’Avelin à Douai, Pévèle et Mélantois constituent son cheval de bataille, pour vous faire partager son amour pour sa région. Avec Franck, vous verrez comme le Nord est beau !