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A foodie gateway, from Northern France to Belgium

A cycling holiday combining the pleasures of nature with the gastronomic delights of the North, between Thiérache, Avesnois and Wallonia.

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Ref: AV0601CO
  • Avesnois
  • 6 day(s)
  • Moderate
  • ~ 42 km/day
  • Loop
When travelling?
From May to September
Minimum age
12 y/o
Related categories:

A biere and cheese holiday, between Maroilles and Chimay

With this cycling holiday on the Franco-Belgian border, take advantage of the Scandibérique cycle routes and the Ravel network to explore the cultural and gastronomic wonders of the region. From the hedged farmland of the Thiérache to the forests of the Avesnois, via the Walloon countryside and the Sambre to Oise river canal, you'll discover all the different aspects of northern France. Punctuate your stopovers with a beer tasting at the famous Chimay Abbey or in one of the small craft breweries. The numerous "estaminets" (local restaurants) and cheese farms in the region will also give you the opportunity to taste the excellent Maroilles cheese tart and various local specialities. You'll return from your cycling trip with a light heart and a full stomach!

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Program

Day 01
Arrival in Neuve-Maison

    Located on the Scandiberique cycling greenway, the village of Neuve-Maison plunges you into the heart of the Thiérache countryside. Make yourself comfortable in your accommodation and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature!

    Day 02
    Neuve-Maison – Chimay
    • 50 km
    • + 387 m

    Enjoy a varied stage, between forest and countryside, heading for the birthplace of the famous Trappist beer. The green Thiérache cycling route takes you to Hirson in just a few pedal strokes. Go passed the town then climb up through the forest, home to the Blangy waterfall. Once you're in the Nord département, the Belgian border is just around the corner!
    Alternate between small roads and perfectly laid-out Ravel cycling tracks and in front of the Cistercian abbey of Scourmont, birthplace of the famous Chimay. While the monks will let you enter the grounds freely, beer enthusiasts should head to Espace Chimay, just a few pedal strokes away, for a visit to the museum and a tasting session (with moderation!). But don't forget to save your strength to reach the town's historic centre and its many treasures, such as the Château des Princes de Chimay.

     
    Day 03
    Chimay – Liessies
      Exists in :
      • 41 km
      • 64 km

    Today you're entering the lakes region. Take advantage of the perfectly laid-out Ravel bike path to leave Chimay effortlessly. You will then have the option of following the alternative route to the impressive Eau d'Heure Lakes, unless you prefer to continue leisurely on the cycle path. The second part of the route takes you along small country roads back to France via the charming ValJoly Lake. Enjoy a well-earned spa break at the Aquatica centre or try out the outdoor activities around the lake before heading to the little village of Liessies, junction of the Avesnois greenway.

    Day 04
    Liessies – Maroilles
    • 42 km
    • + 263 m
    Your journey continues on the Avesnois region's former railway track. Along the way, you will be amazed by the Glass museum of Sars-Poterie's rich collections. Both an artistic workshop and a contemporary art gallery, it is in keeping with the working-class and craft history of the Avesnois region. Keep cycling on the North's small roads, surrounded by fields and red brick houses. Discover the region's cuisine when stopping by for lunch in an "estaminet" (local café), unless you prefer a visit to a craft brewery. In any case, you won't be able to skip a "maroilles" tasting from one of the numerous cheese factories.  A maroilles pie will cheer you up after a long cycling day !
    Day 05
    Maroilles – Guise
    • 40 km
    • + 191 m
    Leave behind the lovely village of Maroilles when cycling by the abbaye's remains - homebirth to its famous cheese - and cross the Helpe mineure's river passing by the watermill. Follow the Thiérache's region country roads up to the Sambre canal to the Oise river. Built in the 19th century in order to transfer Belgian coal to Paris, it slowly lost its original purpose before reopening for recreational boating. Follow the locks along the towpath before rejoining the Scandiberique greenway as far as Guise. The "familistère" (workers' housing development), designed by the industrialist and visionary Godin for his employees, will impress you with its proportions. A stroll through the historic centre to the medieval castle will round off the day.
    Day 06
    Guise – Neuve-Maison
    • 37 km
    • + 212 m

    This stage following exclusively the Thiérache region’s greenway will give you plenty of time to visit Guise’s "familistère" before starting cycling. Save around 3 hours to make the most of the "social palace" and its adjacent buildings (including a swimming pool !).
    You can then jump back on your bike and follow the Scandibérique route until the end of your stage. Don’t hesitate to get off the greenway to visit the beautiful fortified churches located along the way.
    Once in Neuve-Maison, you may chose to head back home or extend your stay and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful Thiérache region one more night.

     
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    Accommodation

    *Typical example of accommodation corresponding to the proposed category. These photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

    Equipment

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    Information

    Beginning of the trip
     

    As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let your hosts know if you are arriving late.

    To get to the departure point

    By plane: flight to Paris, Lille or Charleroi (Belgique), then train to Hirson.

     

    By train: the closest train station is Hirson (5 km). The easiest way to reach your accommodation in Neuve-Maison from the station is to book a taxi.  You will find taxi companies’ contact details in your travel documents. From Paris station (Gare du Nord), take a TGV train to Lille then a direct TER train to Hirson. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com

    Car park

    If you choose to drive, you can park your car for free for the duration of your stay at your accommodation in Neuve-Maison. A car park is also available at Hirson train station.

    To get back to the starting point

    You will start and end your trip in Neuve-Maison.

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    From
    845 €/pers.
    I book!
    Simulate the price of your cycling trip by configuring your holiday!
    Ref: AV0601CO
    • Avesnois
    • 6 day(s)
    • Moderate
    • ~ 42 km/day
    • Loop
    When travelling?
    From May to September
    Minimum age
    12 y/o
    Related categories:

    Tried and tested stays!

    • Experience
      15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
    • Tested & Approved
      The whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
    • Quality of service
      A dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
    • Secure payment
      Individual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
    A foodie gateway, from Northern France to Belgium
    • Avesnois
    • Moderate
    • ~ 42 km/day
    • Loop
    From
    845 €/pers.