Marais d'Harchies

The Marais d'Harchies form one of the most important bird reserves in Wallonia. The vast marshland between the villages of Harchies, Hensies and Pommeroeul arose on subsided mining ground and has developed into an exceptional wetland of European importance. The reserve attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds each year, including herons, terns, ducks and rare songbirds. Natagora manages the area and has set up a modern visitor centre that serves as a starting point for anyone wishing to explore the reserve.

Accessibility is good in the visitor centre and partial on the paths. The visitor centre is fully step-free, with an interactive exhibition, an accessible toilet and a viewing terrace reachable by wheelchair via a ramp. A short paved walking loop around the centre passes a first observation point and is comfortable to navigate. Further along, the paths run over semi-paved tracks and wooden boardwalks which, with care and larger wheels, are usually still feasible; the narrow stretches deeper inside the reserve are not accessible.

At the visitor centre there is an adapted car park with accessible spaces. Booking a guided tour with Natagora in advance is possible; some tours are adapted for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. The best periods for a visit are spring and autumn, when migratory bird activity peaks.