4.1
(113)
690
riders
63
rides
Mountain biking around Lac du Val-Joly offers diverse landscapes within the Avesnois Regional Nature Park. The region is centered around a large artificial lake, the largest north of Paris, created by a dam on the Helpe Majeure river. Riders will encounter varied terrains, including singletrack, road, and unpaved paths, winding through bocage valleys and extensive forest massifs like the Abbé-Val-Joly national forest. Elevations around the lake range from 166 to 235 meters.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.0
(21)
123
riders
32.1km
02:42
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
77
riders
38.0km
03:02
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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3.7
(3)
17
riders
45.9km
03:00
460m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.3
(3)
14
riders
30.6km
01:53
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.8
(4)
5
riders
19.6km
01:11
170m
170m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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you can eat and sleep there.
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IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND AN OPEN BISTRO...THIS ONE IS NEAR THE GREENWAY
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This large artificial lake is a superb hiking spot. The tour of the lake is a route of approximately 16 kilometers, allowing you to discover the banks of the lake and the Helpe Majeure river, through beautiful meadows and the Abbé-Val-Joly national forest.
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This large artificial lake is a superb hiking spot. The tour of the lake is a route of approximately 16 kilometers, allowing you to discover the banks of the lake and the Helpe Majeure river, through beautiful meadows and the Abbé-Val-Joly national forest.
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Val Joly, located in Hauts-de-France, is a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by forests and green meadows. This vast body of water, lined with trails, offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and water sports. The peaceful landscapes and unobstructed views of the lake create a calming atmosphere, perfect for a nature getaway.
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Definitely nice, but it was closed today. Whit Monday.
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Beautiful church on the Plincial square where there is also a charming inn not far away.
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There are over 60 mountain bike trails recorded on komoot around Lac du Val-Joly, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 20 easy routes and 42 moderate routes to explore.
Yes, Lac du Val-Joly offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Val-Joly Lake Loop – Lac du Val Joly loop from Lac du Val-Joly is an easy 16.3 km route that takes about 1 hour 11 minutes to complete, providing a pleasant ride through the natural environment around the lake.
Mountain bike trails around Lac du Val-Joly vary in distance. You can find shorter, easy routes like the Val-Joly Lake Loop – Lac du Val Joly loop from Lac du Val-Joly at 16.3 km, up to longer moderate trails such as the View of Lake Val Joly – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Parking 3, which covers 45.9 km.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Lac du Val-Joly are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A popular option is the Val-Joly Lake Loop – Lake Val-Joly loop from Lac du Val-Joly, a 31.6 km moderate trail that circles the lake.
The terrain around Lac du Val-Joly is diverse, featuring a mix of singletrack, paved roads, and unpaved paths. You'll ride through bocage valleys and extensive forest massifs, including the Abbé-Val-Joly national forest, with elevations ranging from 166 to 235 meters.
The mountain bike trails in Lac du Val-Joly are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, scenic views of the lake, and the well-maintained paths through woodlands and forests.
While there are no trails officially rated as 'difficult' in the immediate Lac du Val-Joly area, the region offers 42 moderate trails that provide a good challenge. These routes often feature longer distances and more significant elevation changes, such as the 38.0 km Lake Val-Joly – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Parking 3, which explores wider forest sections.
The best time to go mountain biking at Lac du Val-Joly is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically mild, and the trails are in good condition, allowing for enjoyable rides through the diverse landscapes of the Avesnois Regional Nature Park.
Parking is available at various points around Lac du Val-Joly, often near popular starting points for trails. For instance, the route Lake Val-Joly – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Parking 3 explicitly mentions starting from 'Parking 3', indicating designated parking facilities are present in the area.
While mountain biking around Lac du Val-Joly, you'll primarily enjoy the natural beauty of the Avesnois Regional Nature Park, the artificial lake itself, and the dense Abbé-Val-Joly national forest. Some routes, like the Château de la Motte – View of Lake Val Joly loop from Willies, may pass by historical sites or offer scenic viewpoints of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The duration of mountain bike trails around Lac du Val-Joly varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Easy trails, such as the 16.3 km Val-Joly Lake Loop – Lac du Val Joly loop from Lac du Val-Joly, can be completed in about 1 hour 11 minutes, while longer moderate routes like the 45.9 km View of Lake Val Joly – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Parking 3 might take around 3 hours.


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