4.5
(606)
2,430
riders
110
rides
Gravel biking around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy is characterized by its location within the green landscape of the Nord department in the Hauts-de-France region. The area provides access to diverse natural environments, including the varied terrains of the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, which features meadows, farmlands, and valleys. Riders can also explore routes around Lac du Héron, known for its gravel paths, and rehabilitated former mining landscapes. This region offers a mix of unpaved roads and trails suitable for gravel cycling.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.9
(8)
33
riders
44.6km
02:17
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(5)
29
riders
64.8km
03:41
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(4)
23
riders
20.1km
01:05
50m
50m
Hard gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
25.1km
01:16
80m
80m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
14
riders
48.7km
02:33
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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***** a journey of discovery through beautiful nature
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The Roubaix Canal, or the Espierres Canal, as it's called in French or Belgian, forms part of the link between the Deûle River in France and the Scheldt River in Belgium. In 1843, the two canals were connected between Leers, France, and Leers-Nord, Belgium. Despite damage sustained during the two world wars, the canal was the pinnacle of the region's textile industry for over a hundred years, transporting coal from Belgium to numerous French factories. In Leers-Nord, Belgium, the workers who pulled the coal-laden barges were called "satcheux" (sailors). Next to the lock keeper's house, a stone's throw from France, the crossing point between France and Belgium, a customs guardhouse was built. Customs officers were present to inspect the numerous goods transported by barge. After the decline of the textile industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the canal gradually lost its usefulness and was closed to shipping in 1983. In the early 2000s, the canal was the subject of a cross-border rehabilitation project to allow tourist boats to pass through again. As part of the Interreg Blue Links project, a collaboration between France, Flanders, and Wallonia, it was flooded again. The final works were completed in 2011, and navigation reopened. Since the early 20th century, the Roubaix/Espierres Canal has been a place of conviviality, walking, and fishing for cross-border residents and commuters. Consequently, strong public opposition has arisen to the plan to convert the canal into a motorway. Source: www.caue-nord.com
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From the early 1970s, the development of the new town in this area took shape with the construction of the Heron Park and the Heron Lake. The former hunting lodge was converted into a house divided into two rental apartments. In 1973, the building was acquired by the Public Institution for the Development of the New Town of Lille-East. In December 1982, the building, which had suffered damage since the expropriation, was returned to the municipality of Villeneuve d'Ascq. At the end of 1983, the municipality decided to have the building completely restored by the Compagnons du Devoir (a French craft guild) as part of a training program. Source: information board on site
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just a coke after this heavy streak of 5 stars
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A smooth-running path, as is almost everywhere along the Marque River. Also doable by mountain bike.
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Just before Heron Park, a pretty little lake with easy access. Can be done on a gravel bike or mountain bike. There are quite a few hikers on weekends.
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As mentioned earlier, it's very smooth and can also be done by hybrid bike. Perfect for a bit of coolness in the summer.
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2,200 meters of broken cobblestones and a rutted road… one of the cobbled sections of Paris-Roubaix, often the deciding factor.
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There are over 130 gravel bike trails to explore around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy rides through green landscapes to more challenging paths in natural parks.
You'll encounter a varied landscape perfect for gravel biking. The region features extensive meadows, farmlands, and valleys, particularly within the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut. Many routes utilize greenways and dedicated gravel paths, especially around Lac du Héron. You might also find unique terrain in rehabilitated former mining areas, which offer distinctive views and trails.
Yes, there are 48 easy gravel bike routes around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy. An excellent option for an easier ride is the Bois de Templeuve – Les 4 chemins paved sector loop from Baisieux, which is rated as easy and offers a pleasant experience through varied scenery.
Many routes offer scenic views, especially those around Heron Lake, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut provides diverse landscapes including peat bogs and plateaus. You can also explore the unique reforested former mining landscapes, which offer panoramic views. The La Marque Canal Towpath also provides a pleasant, flat scenic ride.
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy are designed as loops. For example, the popular Heron Lake – Greenway Hem-Anstaing loop from Baisieux is a great circular option, as is the Bois de Templeuve – Carrefour de l'Arbre loop from Baisieux, offering varied terrain and scenery.
The gravel biking routes around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 400 reviews. Riders often praise the tranquil local environment, the well-maintained gravel paths, and the diverse natural settings, particularly around Lac du Héron and the greenways. The mix of easy and moderate trails also makes it appealing to a wide range of cyclists.
Yes, several interesting landmarks and attractions are accessible from the gravel trails. You can visit the historic Roubaix Velodrome, explore the unique Carrefour de l'Arbre cobbled sector, or discover the Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix. Natural highlights include Heron Lake and the Espierres Canal.
The region's green landscapes and natural parks are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the trails are in good condition. While some paths around Lac du Héron can get crowded on weekends, weekdays usually offer a more tranquil experience.
Absolutely. While there are many easy and moderate routes, 27 of the trails are rated as difficult. For a more challenging experience, consider the Heron Lake – Greenway Hem-Anstaing loop from Willems, which is rated as difficult and offers a good workout within the Lac du Héron area.
While Sailly-Lez-Lannoy itself is a smaller village, its proximity to larger towns like Baisieux and Willems, which serve as starting points for many routes, suggests potential public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to these nearby towns to plan your access to the trailheads.
Many popular routes, such as those starting from Baisieux, offer convenient access points. While specific parking facilities aren't detailed for every trailhead, it's common to find parking in or near the villages that serve as starting points for these tours. Always check local signage for parking regulations.
The region around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy generally features gentle rolling terrain rather than steep climbs. For instance, a moderate route like the Heron Lake – Greenway Hem-Anstaing loop from Baisieux has an elevation gain of around 140 meters over 46 kilometers, indicating a relatively flat to gently undulating profile suitable for gravel biking.


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