La Neuville-aux-Joûtes walks

A hike through soggy terrain in the northern French Ardennes on the Belgian border. At an altitude of 300 m, you’ll need to cross a multitude of streams and springs to complete this route. Waterproof footwear is essential.

This hike follows one of three routes created by the Maginot Association in La Neuville-aux-Joûtes. Along varied paths, you will discover a pretty village in the Thiérache region, set among hedgerows and livestock farms, as well as four military structures from the Second World War.

An excursion on the French-Belgian border that follows the Artoise or Wartoise and allows you to see several remains of the Maginot Line. Imagine yourself as a French soldier in 1939, working hard to complete the blockhouses before the war.

In this corner of Thiérache, the forest, ponds and waterways have been the driving force behind various economic activities throughout the ages. Livestock farming also plays an important role in this region of scattered settlements and hedgerows. This hike can be shortened by almost half. See Practical Information 21/08/2024: Hike modified.

This route starts in the centre of the village of Saint-Michel and offers a beautiful transition between town and nature. After leaving the village streets at the Sougland foundries, the route enters the peaceful forest of Saint-Michel, in the Bois de Sougland, along the River Le Gland. Shady paths and green forest roads follow one another in the forest. The return route takes you back to the village and leads hikers to the remarkable abbey site of Saint-Michel, whose architecture and tranquillity invite contemplation. At the end of the route, on Boulevard Savart, the Maison du Prévost stands proudly, a witness to local history and the final heritage stop before returning to the starting point on Place Rochefort. This route combines nature, heritage and discovery, perfect for a Thiérache getaway in the forest.

A lovely hike in the Avesnois region. Along the way, you will discover long stretches of the Hirson forest, come across ponds and waterfalls, and walk alongside the Oise and other rivers. A varied hike.

This walk starts at the Étang de la Fourchinée nature reserve, crosses the Bois de Saint-Remy and then the Bois de Seloignes, before returning along a small tarmac country road for about 1,500 metres. In the Bois de Seloignes, you will pass close to the Source de l'Eau Blanche.

Mountain bike trail, accessible to all, all year round. However, it can be difficult in wet weather (muddy sections). Along this family walk, water is omnipresent (ponds, rivers, waterfalls) and there are numerous forest trails.

Discover the peaceful site of Hututu in Ohain, a commune in the Avesnois Regional Nature Park: its pond, its Café Rando Nord and its restaurant. This circuit will delight nature and tree lovers!

This is the second stage of this bocage route. Cycle along and take the time to discover the farms, historical heritage and restaurants offering delicious regional produce on their menus, and let yourself be transported by the history of the landscape...

Explore the bocage landscape in the Chimay region via quiet country lanes, beautiful forest paths and hidden trails. Enjoy the stunning scenery dotted with numerous ponds in this region, which saw the arrival of American soldiers in September 1944.

The large Chimay forest can be reached by first crossing some pretty countryside. And it's the same again for a kilometre as you leave the woods to the south-east of Seloignes. The end, from km 14, is back in the countryside.

This route is easily accessible and takes you through the typical bocage landscape of Thiérache and Avesnois, with hedgerows, beech trees and, of course, cows. The walk is easy to follow and can be done in any season, but be sure to wear waterproof shoes. It can be combined with other routes starting from Wignehies.

A beautiful route that is generally easy to walk. However, there are two stream crossings that add a little spice to the route. The route offers beautiful views of the Thiérache region and the Pre-Ardennes ridges. You will also encounter a little railway history.

Third stage of this bocage route. Cycle and take the time to discover the farms, historical heritage and restaurants offering delicious regional produce, and let yourself be transported by the history of the landscape...

This rural commune, one of the "most beautiful villages in France", a few kilometres from the Belgian border, in a setting typical of the region, consists of a homogeneous habitat made of red bricks and grey slate roofs, which give it a certain character. Its small Protestant temple and, above all, its superb fortified Saint-Médard Church, dating back to the Middle Ages, are its most representative buildings. They make you want to stop off here on your way tothe Ardennes, Reims or the Picardy coast, which are not far away.

Discover the profession of organic farming through the Baladavesnois app. This cycle route through the Avesnois countryside can also be completed on foot. We offer four stops along the way to provide explanations about biodiversity, water, cattle farming and the production of Maroilles cheese. A few information panels along the route will also complement the explanations provided by the digital tour.

A very hilly and wooded cross-border circuit that takes hikers through rich, wild countryside. Suitable for experienced walkers.

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.

Part of the Baladavesnois collection, this route takes young and old alike on the trail of the birds that inhabit the Val Joly tourist resort. Adventure guaranteed!

A short walk to discover the ValJoly resort.

A very hilly and wooded route that takes you through rich, wild countryside between France and Belgium.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explorational tour of the Forêt Domaniale de l’Abbé Val Joly - can be combined with the Parc de Liessies tour.

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...

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.

A circular cycle route to explore the national forest, the Ferme de la Motte farm and Liessies Castle.

Explore the small paths of the villages of Sains-du-Nord, Rainsars, Féron and Étrœungt by bike.

Cycling route through the Bois l'Abbé forest

A walk through the Avesnois bocage with its farms and cows.

A beautiful bike ride that takes you to the famous leaning bell tower of Solre-le-Château via Liessies, where you can explore the Parc Départemental de l'Abbaye.

A route that allows you to discover the natural and architectural heritage. From the former priory of Moustier-en-Fagne to Trélon Castle, via the Monts de Baives and Wallers-en-Fagne Nature Reserve.