The Chemin de halage d'Houplines runs along the Lys and stretches for several kilometres between Armentières and Frelinghien. The path is accessible via Parc Paul Harris and Pont Cavos and can be used on foot or by bicycle. Along the Lys, it preserves traces of the historic practice of horse-drawn towage.
Nature
The banks of the Lys in Houplines are home to, among others, mallards, moorhens, grey herons and egrets. The Étangs du Pont Ballot are now recognised for their ecological and landscape value. They feature beehives and an ornithological observation station dedicated to educating the public about biodiversity.
The Étangs du Pont Ballot are also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, rabbits and locally occurring hardy black bees.
History
The Sainte-Anastasie Church stands on the foundations of the former town hall of Houplines. This, in turn, had been built on the site of the medieval fortified castle of Houplines.
In connection with Houplines, the Lys, which was navigable for several dozen kilometres between France and Belgium, became an important trade route. Textile products, agricultural goods and coal were transported along it.
Renting a holiday apartment in Houplines can be part of your personal travel planning.
Leisure
The Complexe sportif André CLAEYS includes a skate park. The facility also has two indoor and three outdoor tennis courts.
The Plaine de loisirs André Claeys can be accessed via Rue Brune or Parvis des Petits Poucets. Parc Paul Harris has a basketball court, a children's play area, a Teqball table and picnic tables.
Other destinations: Mortagne-du-Nord, Gondecourt, Looberghe, West-Cappel, Taisnières-en-Thiérache, Wambrechies, Villers-Guislain, Merris
