4.8
(67)
1,791
riders
18
rides
Road cycling around Lac des Vieilles Forges offers diverse routes through a tranquil lake environment, lush forests, and rolling hills within the French Ardennes. The region is characterized by its 150-hectare lake, surrounded by deep woodlands and gentle elevation changes, providing a scenic backdrop for cycling. While the immediate lake area features generally gentle terrain, extended routes venture into the wider Ardennes, presenting more varied elevation profiles. This combination of natural features makes the area suitable for various road cycling…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
8
riders
10.9km
00:32
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Sign up for free
2
riders
69.7km
03:18
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
57.0km
02:45
710m
700m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
1
riders
53.2km
02:37
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Lac des Vieilles Forges
Great place with a new campsite and pool, magnificent👌👍 and around the lake. You can go hiking and mountain biking.👌🚵🥾
1
0
Rocroi's town hall, built in 1822, forms the administrative heart of this unique fortified town in the French Ardennes. Its architecture is classical and austere, with a facade crowned by a structure bearing Rocroi's coat of arms.
14
0
Rocroi is a charming town in the French Ardennes, known for its unique star-shaped fortification structure dating back to the 16th century. By order of King Henry II, Rocroi was fortified as a strategic stronghold against Spanish influence, which later proved its worth during the Battle of Rocroi in 1643, a decisive French victory in the Thirty Years' War. The town is distinguished by its radial layout, with ten streets radiating from the central square, and, along with Palmanova in Italy, is one of the few European towns to have completely preserved this military architecture. Today, Rocroi is a protected heritage town, beloved for its historic charm, walking trails along the ramparts, and local specialties such as Rocroy beer and cheese.
13
0
The Halle de Rocroi is a historic market building dating from the 17th century and is a central feature of the Place d’Armes in Rocroi. Originally built as a covered market hall, it served as a meeting place for merchants and citizens in this strategically located fortified town. The hall was constructed in a classical regional style, with a wooden roof and open arcades that provided protection from the elements. Although the building was modified several times over the centuries, it retained its function as a social and economic hub well into the 20th century.
13
0
The Église Saint-Nicolas in Rocroi is a neoclassical Catholic church, consecrated in 1844 and designed by local architect Louis-Clément Labarre. Located on the Place d'Armes, the church is a striking element of Rocroi's historic cityscape. The building is distinguished by its monumental facade with a pediment, a richly decorated interior, and an impressive 53-meter-high spire, visible from afar. It is a listed historical monument.
8
0
Gentle climb on a well-paved and quiet road through the forest
0
0
The beautiful and strikingly modern town hall of the Mezières district. The adjacent forecourt was traffic-calmed a few years ago. There's also a drinking water fountain in the southwest corner of the square.
0
0
The Hôtel de Ville de Mézières, was rebuilt after the bombings of November 1918 and construction was completed in 1930. The facade of the building contains elements of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The interior of the Town Hall reveals a neo-Baroque decoration. In 1966, the municipality of Charleville-Mézières was created by the merger of several municipalities, making the Hôtel de Ville de Mézières the town hall of Charleville-Mézières. The town hall is located on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, which was completely renovated and modernized between 2018 and 2020. It is an impressive building that reflects Charleville-Mézières' status as a department capital.
10
0
There are 15 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac des Vieilles Forges, catering to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging rides through the wider Ardennes region.
Yes, the area offers an easy 11 km loop directly around Lac des Vieilles Forges. This route is generally well-paved, offers continuous lake views, and is often shaded, making it pleasant for beginners or families. One such route is the Lac des Vieilles Forges loop from Lac des Vieilles Forges.
While the immediate area around Lac des Vieilles Forges is generally gentle, routes extending into the wider Ardennes region offer more varied terrain. You can expect rolling hills and some elevation changes, with routes like the Vesting Rocroi – Lac des Vieilles Forges loop featuring around 470 meters of elevation gain over 37 km.
The routes offer stunning views of the 150-hectare Lac des Vieilles Forges, surrounded by deep forests and rolling hills. The area is part of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park, so you'll experience rich biodiversity and picturesque natural settings that change beautifully with the seasons. Many routes provide continuous views of the lake and its wooded shores.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Revin Tunnel – Fumay bridge loop from Revin cover over 74 km with significant elevation changes. Another option is the Saint-Nicolas Church – Rocroi loop from Lonny, which is over 53 km long with more than 540 meters of ascent.
The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for the shaded lake loops, though it can be busier. The region's natural beauty makes it enjoyable across seasons.
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The most prominent is the 11 km loop directly around Lac des Vieilles Forges. Longer circular options include the Montcornet – Lac des Vieilles Forges loop from Ham-les-Moines.
Parking is generally available at key access points around Lac des Vieilles Forges, particularly near the main recreation areas and starting points of popular routes. Specific parking details are often provided within individual route descriptions on komoot.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from 63 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the beautiful lake views, and the immersive experience of cycling through the lush Ardennes forests.
Yes, the main recreation area at Lac des Vieilles Forges offers facilities including cafes and restaurants. Additionally, some of the longer routes may pass through small villages in the wider Ardennes region where you can find local eateries.
Absolutely! Lac des Vieilles Forges is a hub for outdoor activities. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding on the lake, hiking on numerous trails, or visit adventure parks like the Vieilles-Forges Acrobatic Park. It's a great destination for a multi-activity day.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.