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Hestrud walks
Stop at the customs house (Hestrud)
This route links France to Belgium via paths once used by customs officers and smugglers in a ‘cat-and-mouse game’. To really get a feel for this period, a visit to the Musée-Café de la Douane is a must.
Route listed in the PDIPR (Departmental Plan for Walking and Hiking Routes)
A circular loop through the countryside, forest and across the border, starting from Grandrieu.
This beautiful circular loop allows you to discover the tranquillity of the countryside and forest in the triangle formed by the communes of Beaumont-Sivry-Rance and Solre-le-Château, as well as the Château de Lanthier, a magnificent white spot in its forest setting.
Two Rivers Route starting from Cousolre
In the heart of the Hante and Thure valleys, the route can start from Cousolre, Reugnies or Bousignies-sur-Roc.
Chemin des Larrons in Cousolre
Route between the Hante and Thure valleys, of moderate difficulty in terms of length and terrain (200 m elevation gain). Passages in the shade of pollarded hornbeams reward the strenuous climbs.
The Cousolre Hedge Walk
A route taking in a few narrow streets, woods and dirt tracks in the hamlet of Les Haies de Cousolre.
Mills and Kiosks in the Solre Fagne
The route takes you on a journey of discovery to five kiosks and three water mills.You will also take the old railway line, which has been converted into a greenway. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists.
In the days of the marble workers, setting off from Cousolre
Here you are at the start of a lovely circular route that will allow you to discover the rolling outskirts of the Avesnois(on the border with Belgium).
Route from La Hante to Cousolre
This is a fairly challenging walk along paths and roads through wooded countryside, with the Hante valley providing a striking backdrop. There are many panoramic views, but you will need to be fit and wear good footwear.
Circuit of the Salamandre from Cousolre
A walk for those nostalgic for the little mountains, with their valleys, plateaus and streams spanned by old stone bridges. A walk for lovers of calm and nature. And as a gift for children, lots of animals: hens, roosters, ducks, buzzards, goats, sheep and, with a little patience, squirrels and roe deer in the woods... A visit to the Tower will bring a hint of culture.
Mills and kiosks in the Avesnes region
The route takes you to four kiosks and four water mills. You will also take the old railway line, which has been converted into a greenway. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists, while the shorter version is accessible to families.
Route du bois de Groez via Libotte
A hilly walk through the woods and hedgerows of the Avesnois, passing through typical villages with their charming blue stone and brick houses, bandstands and small chapels. Sturdy
footwear is required.
A short alternative route (6km) is suitable for families.
Route of the Groez woods via the Moulin de Reumont
A hilly walk through the woods and hedgerows of the Avesnois region, passing through typical villages with their pretty blue stone and brick houses, bandstands and small chapels.
A 6 km variant is suitable for families.
Circuit around the Bois de Fagne
If the need for silence, tranquillity, and rolling pastoral landscapes takes hold of you, the Bois de Fagne circuit will fulfil your needs and leave you feeling rested and in the holiday spirit... It’s hard to believe you’re so far north, especially if the sun is out.
Cross-border walk to Lake Val Joly
Long hike starting from Sautin in the municipality of Sivry-Rance, through the Bois de Bruyère towards Lac du Val Joly, in the French municipality of Eppe-Sauvage, partly following the Transylvestre andGR®®125Tour de l'Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse trails. Wooded and rural, the route alternates between forest trails, country lanes and local roads.
The left bank of the Thure and the quarries at Bersillies-L'Abbaye
Set off to explore the woods and traces of quarrying activity in the valley and play at crossing the border in the footsteps of customs officers and smugglers.
In the footsteps of two emperors and three Auvergnats in Beaumont
Legend has it that Charles V, on his way to Beaumont, was somewhat roughened up by three men from Auvergne. Upon arriving in town, they were recognised by the emperor, swiftly tried and immediately hanged.
One of them is said to have exclaimed: ‘Beaumont, city of misfortune: arrived at midday, hanged by one o’clock.’
On 14 June 1815, Napoleon and his troops, en route to Waterloo, spent the night in Beaumont.
Discover Beaumont, the villages of Barbençon and Solre-Saint-Géry, and the Hante(s) valley
From Eppe-Sauvage to Sivry, the journey of ValSy the black stork
As part of the Baladavesnois collection, this trail allows you to discover forest and aquatic environments.
The Escrière to Colleret route
This walk through the fields mainly follows farm tracks. It crosses a large
plain, bare and exposed to the wind.
From Colleret to Cousolre via Bersillies-l'Abbaye
Explore the Colleret area in Cousolre via Belgique.
The Salamander Trail in Eppe-Sauvage
A woodland route in Nostrimont, ideal during hot weather or in autumn for its vibrant colours... An ideal family route, though it does include a few short sections with some elevation changes. The route is located near the ValJoly holiday resort, making it the perfect way to round off your day.
Around Montbliart
Circular between bocage and woods, from Eau d'Eppe to Ry de Fromont. Montbliart is a small village in Belgium surrounded by hamlets and farms. The built heritage is typical.Montbliart was also the headquarters of an academy of surrealist artists (painters and poets) who created an art magazine, the Daily-Bul (information panels in front of the village hall).
Les Roquettes at Val Joly Lake (mountain biking)
An easy route that stays within the resort, allowing children to try mountain biking without encountering any difficulties. It's an excellent introduction to discovering the joys and thrills of this outdoor activity and, if you're observant and discreet, you're sure to spot some birds.
Le Pré du Parc at Lac du ValJoly (mountain biking)
This route takes you to the grounds of Liessies Abbey, which is sure to put a smile on your face, as its name Laeticia means something like "joyful village". The route skilfully combines hedgerows, woods and the Voie Verte, a greenway reserved for soft mobility and part of a vast network of cycle routes, EuroVelo 3, known as the Scandibérique, which links Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
L'Olympique at the start of ValJoly
A short walk to discover the ValJoly resort.
The leaning bell tower from Lac du Val Joly (mountain biking)
An ideal route for exploring the peaceful, unspoilt countryside. The path winds its way through fields and along small roads. Numerous oratories dot the landscape. Each chapel or oratory has its own characteristics and history. In the distance, you can see the curious leaning bell tower of the church of Solre-le-Château. Legend has it that a young maiden on her wedding day caused the impertinent bell tower to lean. The route follows the old railway line, which has been converted into a gentle path for easy cycling.
The big circular from Lac du Val Joly (mountain biking)
Continuing on from the "leaning bell tower" route, this route takes you even further north, towards the small villages of Solrézis. This journey requires a great deal of determination, even though the return journey is easier, as it is mostly along the Avesnois Greenway, a route reserved for soft mobility and part of a vast network of cycle routes. You are on EuroVelo 3, known as the Scandibérique, which links Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Tour of Lake Val Joly (mountain biking)
A route for experienced mountain bikers. The views around the lake and the forest and bocage landscape are remarkable, but the technical and physical difficulties will discourage beginners. Wildlife can be observed, if you know how to remain discreet.
The Transylvestre from Lac du Val Joly (mountain biking)
A very hilly and wooded route that takes you through rich, wild countryside between France and Belgium.
Tour of Val Joly
This varied walk around Val Joly will enable you to discover the beauty of this little Switzerland of the North. The lake, unspoilt hedged farmland, Avesnois houses and villages will give you a chance to appreciate the variety of landscapes in the south of the North department.
Val Joly birdwatching trail
Part of the Baladavesnois collection, this route takes young and old alike on a journey to discover the birds inhabiting the Val Joly tourist resort. Adventure guaranteed!
Discovering the hidden flora and fauna of the Natura 2000 site in Avesnois
: Please note: trail temporarily closed due to works__
A family route from the Baladavesnois collection, exploring birds and flora.
La Transylvestre
A very hilly and wooded cross-border circuit that takes hikers through rich, wild countryside. Suitable for experienced walkers.
Farms and castles around the Thure and Hante rivers
Start this loop at the Roman bridge in Montignies-Saint-Christophe.
This circuit will take you through the countryside and woods, as well as past some characterful buildings between Montignies-Saint-Christophe and Solre-sur-Sambre.
Throughout this loop, you will enjoy exploring all types of terrain and appreciating the rural character of this region.
Chemin d'Art in Liessies
Détours is an association created in 2024 by residents of Liessies and the surrounding area with the aim of promoting the remarkable architectural and landscape heritage of the Avesnois region and developing art and culture for its residents and visitors. Young and old alike will discover works of art created with respect for the landscape and biodiversity as they stroll along paths and trails. The association is currently developing an art trail in the Liessies Abbey Park, the Bois l'Abbé Forest and the village of Liessies with the participation of six artists.
The Liessies Abbey Park and the Chapel of Saint Hiltrude
Explore the Liessies Abbey Park via the Sainte-Hiltrude Chapel.
From Liessies to Étang Boréal
First stage of this bocage route. Cycle and take the time to discover the farms, historical heritage and restaurants offering delicious regional produce on their menus, and let yourself be told the story of the landscape...
From Helpe to Bois l'Abbé and Liessies
Explorational tour of the Forêt Domaniale de l’Abbé Val Joly - can be combined with the Parc de Liessies tour.
Liessies Abbey Park
This family-friendly route takes you around the Abbaye de Liessies departmental park.
A wealth of natural and heritage features makes the route particularly attractive: the Helpe, wet meadows, the foothills of the Ardennes, ponds, orchards…
Loop in Forêt de l'Abbé departing from Liessies
A loop around Château de la Motte on the edge of the national forest, with undulating paths, fords and ponds, this is a charming walk.Depending on the season, some paths can be muddy, so appropriate equipment is useful.
Route de Jovis Mont in Jeumont
Streets and small country roads meander along the Sambre and cross a former site where red and white marble and sandstone were quarried, used for our beloved cobblestones in the North.
Cross the border between Jeumont and Solre-sur-Sambre
This cross-border route follows the Sambre and rural paths in France and Belgium, allowing you to discover the magnificent Solre-sur-Sambre Castle. Stroll in peace and quiet and observe the landscapes and biodiversity.
Between nature and heritage in the heart of the Sambre Avesnois region from Marpent
Set off on a 44 km bike ride to discover the varied landscapes of the Sambre Avesnois. This circuit takes you from Boussois to the superb site of Watissart, crosses Jeumont and crosses the Belgian border. You will then follow the Salmagne aerodrome before enjoying the peaceful calm of the towpath. An ideal getaway combining nature, industrial heritage and the pleasure of cycling.
The cross-border route via Maubeuge
A challenging hike combining heritage, nature and history, the 66 km cross-border trail is for you. Pass from France to Belgium, then from nature to history, in just a few pedal strokes.
From the Boussois nautical stop to Marpent
Take a stroll along the Sambre, passing by the two nautical stops at Boussois and Marpent, as well as Fort Boussois. The latter belongs to the military and is inaccessible, but you can admire its silhouette through the trees that surround it.