Parfondeval walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This walk starts at the Étang de la Fourchinée nature reserve, crosses the Bois de Saint-Remy and then Seloignes, before returning via a small macadamised country road for about 1,500 metres. In the Bois de Seloignes, you will pass close to the Source de l'Eau Blanche.Hike without description to be followed with the Visorando app.

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...

Discover the Canal des Ardennes, then the village of Asfeld with: - its 17th-century Baroque church (unique in Europe and still open) - its Grand-Cour square - its renovated wash house. Return via the old railway line, passing through the village of Vieux Les Asfeld (old station and wash house). A very easy route that can be enjoyed all year round.

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.

This walk takes you around Lac des Vieilles Forges in the Ardennes.This is a very accessible route, mainly through forest, but you can add more sections along the lake if you wish. It was a little muddy after the previous day's rain (wear appropriate footwear).

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 designed for nature lovers and those looking for a beautiful escape without any major difficulties. The terrain is very gentle, with little elevation gain, making it accessible to walkers of all levels. The atmosphere is calm, conducive to observing the local flora and fauna, but also to daydreaming. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims by taking a section of the GR® 654, which corresponds to the famous Way of St James. You will also pass through the charming village of Brienne-sur-Aisne, where you can admire its church and local architecture.

Walk along the lake on the undeveloped shore, then return to the starting point through the forest on the heights of the Bois de Renwez.

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.

Enjoy a fascinating route in the heart of the Aisne, between Condé-sur-Suippe and Variscourt. The hike takes you in the footsteps of the Gauls, crossing the site of the oppidum of "Vieux Reims". It was here, on this vast territory, that a powerful stronghold of the Rèmes (who gave their name to Reims) once stood. The rural paths you take are an invitation to step back in time and imagine the lives of our ancestors on these lands.

Cycling route through the Bois l'Abbé forest

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

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

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

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.

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.

This second stage invites you to discover the bocage landscape of Avesnois and Thiérache, between Maroilles and Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache. Along the way, take the time to taste the delicious Maroilles cheese!

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.

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

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.

Escape on this route that combines natural tranquillity and historical resonance. Your walk begins along the peaceful Canal latéral à l'Aisne, offering a bucolic interlude. Then, history reveals itself. You will come across the Saint-Rigobert Chapel, a thousand-year-old place of worship that served as an observation and rescue post for General Mangin during the relentless Great War. Finally, the route takes you to the Berry-au-Bac National Necropolis, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on the nearby Chemin des Dames.

Discover a unique hike steeped in history, starting from Berry-au-Bac. This route invites you to immerse yourself in the landscapes that marked the First World War. By skirting the famous Côte Cent Huit, a major battleground, you will walk in the footsteps of history, where the memory of the vanished hamlets of Sapigneul and La Neuville is omnipresent. The hike is varied, alternating between quiet forest trails, vast stretches of countryside and the tranquillity of the greenway along the canal linking the Aisne to the Marne

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.

As part of the Baladavesnois collection, this trail allows you to discover forest and aquatic environments.

Loop between bocage and woods, from the Eau d'Eppe to the Ry de Fromont. Montbliart is a small village in Belgium surrounded by hamlets and farms. The built heritage is typical.Montbliart was also home to an academy of surrealist artists (painters and poets) who created an art magazine, the Daily-Bul (information panels in front of the village hall).

On one of the sites of the ill-fated Chemin des Dames offensive of April 1917, this route is mainly through forest but with clear passages offering superb views that give an understanding of how perilous the operation was. The route through the site of the former village of Craonne, which was razed to the ground under a barrage of artillery fire, is particularly moving. The remains of Vauclair Abbey provide a beautiful heritage-filled end to the walk.

A pleasant hike through woods, marshes, lakes and history.

Over millions of years, the action of water has carved huge chasms up to 20 metres deep into the limestone. These natural chasms are called "Fondrys". In Belgium, they are only found in the Viroin region. Discover geological curiosities and viewpoints. Explore beautiful landscapes combining rocks, rivers and limestone grasslands where numerous orchids appear in spring.

Standing on a rock, you look out over the natural chasm of Fondry des Chiens. The limestone soil of the region gives this place an otherworldly feel and takes you on a journey without leaving the country. Who said you had to go far away to get a change of scenery? Hike without description, to be followed on the Visorando app.

This is an easy, short hike that allows you to discover the Calestienne region and the Ardennes, with the added bonus of a view of the splendid Château des Comtes de Hamal in Vierves.

This route in the Baladavesnois collection allows you to discover numerous oratories. Each one is unique. Built in blue stone, witnesses to times gone by, they come in different shapes.This ride will take you into the heart of the rolling countryside of the Avesnois, with pollarded trees typical of the landscape of the Avesnois Regional Nature Park.

This route takes you up to the Croix de la Roche in Lomme, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Nismes. This limestone peak topped with a cross offers a unique view of the Viroin valley. La Roche à Lomme is known beyond its borders for its great biological value. The rocky slope to the south-east is covered with Mediterranean-style flora, enhanced by the abundant presence of boxwood.

From La Groise, this route follows a common thread, weaving together the discreet energy of the villages and the serenity of the countryside. You leave the lively little streets behind and open up to vast horizons, where the green meadows and shimmering crops invite you to breathe more deeply. As you approach Catillon-sur-Sambre, the atmosphere is adorned with reflections of water and rural gentleness, with its peaceful banks and unspoilt authenticity. This walk combines the best of both worlds: the friendliness of the villages and the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.

The route takes you on a tour of three kiosks and three water mills.It winds through the Avesnois countryside, with its hedgerows, pastures and orchards that are so characteristic of the Thiérache landscape. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists, while the shorter version is accessible to families.

Accessible all year round, this route crosses the Maroilles bocage along small country roads. Many elements of the Thiérache heritage can be seen along the route (old farmhouses, water mills, chapels, bocage).

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.During this ride, you will see the two magnificent mills of Grand-Fayt and Maroilles.

Ce circuit vous permet de pénétrer en forêt de Mormal et de longer le Canal de la Sambre.

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.

This is the first stage of a cycle route that takes you through the rolling countryside of Avesnois and Thiérache, between Maroilles and Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache. Along the way, take the time to sample some delicious Maroilles cheese!

Cycle ride along the small country lanes north-west of Landrecies.

Cycle along small country roads to discover the bocage landscape.

Through the Avesnois countryside along quiet country lanes.

Cycle along the small country roads and discover the Avesnois bocage and the famous village of Maroilles.