The best traffic-free bike rides around Lez-Fontaine

This guide features 4 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Lez-Fontaine, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the beautiful Avesnois Regional Natural Park.

You'll experience the distinctive 'bocage' landscape of the Avesnois Regional Natural Park, often called 'La Petite Suisse du Nord'. This includes a mosaic of hedged farmland, lush meadows, dense deciduous forests, and rolling hills. Many routes also follow rivers and streams, providing tranquil and verdant scenery.

While all routes in this guide are traffic-free, the Val Joly Dam – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Willies is a moderate 19.4 km route that offers a great introduction to the area's beauty without being overly challenging. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois, which passes through Lez-Fontaine, is also an excellent option for families seeking dedicated greenway paths.

Many routes offer glimpses of the region's charm. You can cycle near the expansive Val Joly Lake, the largest lake north of Paris, which is a hub for various activities. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois itself is a highlight, winding through forests and charming villages. You might also pass historical churches like the Church of Liessies or the Solre-le-Château Church, and even the impressive Château de la Motte.

Yes, for a more challenging ride, consider the Saint Hiltrude Chapel – Lake Val-Joly loop from Ramousies. This difficult 50.9 km route features significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience through varied terrain and stunning views of the Avesnois landscape.

The Avesnois region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summers are generally warm and suitable, though some paths might be dustier. Winters can be cold and potentially muddy, but the Mormal Forest offers sheltered paths.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Hestrud Church loop from Hestrud is a moderate 13.9 km circular route perfect for a shorter ride, while the Beaurieux Village Center – Saint Hiltrude Chapel loop from Beaurieux offers a longer 37.9 km circular option.

The komoot community rates the routes in this area highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the diverse 'bocage' landscapes, and the sense of immersion in nature provided by the forests and meadows of the Avesnois Regional Natural Park.

While Lez-Fontaine itself is a small commune, the Avesnois region has some public transport options, primarily buses connecting larger towns. For specific routes, it's best to check local bus schedules to see if they align with your chosen starting points. Many visitors prefer to drive to the area and park near the trailheads for convenience.

You'll encounter a mix of surfaces typical for gravel biking in the Avesnois. This includes well-maintained greenways like the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, agricultural paths, forgotten small roads, and forest tracks. The varied terrain ensures an engaging ride suitable for gravel bikes.

While these routes are traffic-free, always be mindful of other trail users, including hikers and equestrians. The terrain can be rolling, so ensure your bike is in good condition and you have appropriate gear. Weather can change, especially in forested areas, so be prepared for varying conditions. It's also advisable to carry water and snacks, as services might be sparse on some sections.