Parfondeval walks

A short family walk through the streets of Parfondeval, discovering one of the most beautiful villages in France.

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 allows you to discover Saint-Michel Church, its wash house on the Vaux and the national forest that stretches across several municipalities. Moderator's note : many hikers seem to have had difficulties on this route, see reviews, use a GPS.

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 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.

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 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.

A peaceful cycle ride along the Voie Verte Sud Ardenne, which runs alongside the Canal des Ardennes from Château-Porcien to Pont-à-Bar, punctuated by the numerous locks.To compensate for the difference in level between the Canal des Ardennes and the Meuse, between Le Chesne and Rilly-sur-Aisne, no fewer than 27 locks line the canal, 17 of which are within the Montgon area. Follow the Canal des Ardennes, discover its locks, via a short detour to the Château de La Cassine, and the passage through the Saint-Aignan tunnel.

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.

A wonderfully varied family route. Forest paths, small country lanes and paths along the edges of ponds form the backbone of this route.

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.

An easy hike in a very calm and relaxing environment. Ponds dug into the peat, birds and flowers depending on the season.

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.

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.