The best traffic-free bike rides around Felleries

There are currently 4 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Felleries featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, ensuring a quiet and engaging ride through the Avesnois countryside.

The trails around Felleries traverse a diverse and picturesque landscape. You'll experience the unique 'bocage' scenery with its small fields and hedges, extensive woodlands like the Mormal Forest, and scenic views of the prominent Lac du Val-Joly. Many routes follow the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, a dedicated greenway offering a mix of forests and charming villages.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Val Joly Dam – Val-Joly Lake Loop loop from Willies offers a moderate 19.5 km circular ride, perfect for exploring the lake area without traffic.

The routes often pass by or near interesting landmarks. You might encounter the historic Château de Trélon, the distinctive Solre-le-Château Church with its tilted tower, or the serene Church of Liessies. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois itself is a major attraction, offering a peaceful journey through the region.

The Avesnois region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, making them ideal for gravel biking. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer a unique, quiet experience, though some paths might be muddy or require more robust tires.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the extensive Voie verte de l'Avesnois, which many routes utilize, provides a safe and scenic environment. For families, consider shorter sections of the greenway or routes like the Val Joly Dam – Val-Joly Lake Loop, which offers a moderate challenge with beautiful lake views.

Parking is generally available in the villages where the routes start, such as Willies, Beaurieux, Ramousies, or Hestrud. For routes around Lac du Val-Joly, there are dedicated parking areas near the lake. If you plan to explore the Mormal Forest, look for designated parking spots at forest entrances.

The komoot community rates the trails around Felleries highly, with an average score of 3.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful natural scenery of the Avesnois Regional Natural Park, and the joy of riding on dedicated greenways like the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, away from traffic.

Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Saint Hiltrude Chapel – Lake Val-Joly loop from Ramousies is a difficult 51 km route. It offers significant elevation gain and a comprehensive tour of the region's diverse landscapes, including the lake and forest areas.

Felleries and the surrounding villages like Willies, Beaurieux, and Hestrud offer local cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel. Lac du Val-Joly also has amenities. It's always a good idea to check opening hours, especially outside of peak season, and carry some snacks and water with you.

Public transport options directly to Felleries and smaller trailheads can be limited. It's advisable to check regional bus services for connections from larger towns in the Nord department. Many visitors prefer to arrive by car, which also offers more flexibility for reaching various starting points within the Avesnois Regional Natural Park.

The trails in this guide range from moderate to difficult. Moderate routes, such as the Hestrud Church loop from Hestrud (14 km), involve some climbs and varied terrain. Difficult routes, like the 51 km Saint Hiltrude Chapel – Lake Val-Joly loop, feature more significant elevation changes and longer distances, suitable for experienced gravel bikers.