Mare à Goriaux is a distinctive region in northern France, situated within the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers forest. Its landscape is characterized by the expansive 90-hectare Mare à Goriaux Pond, formed by mining subsidence, and the prominent Terril 171 slag heap, which offers panoramic views. This area presents a striking contrast of mineral, vegetal, and aquatic elements, supporting rich biodiversity and serving as a significant national biological reserve. The unique terrain and natural features make Mare à Goriaux suitable for several sports like…
132
Routes
4.2
(373)
Average rating
2432
People visited

4.6
(86)
342
hikers
8.69km
02:23
30m
30m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.4
(48)
259
hikers
12.0km
03:09
40m
40m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.3
(20)
76
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(21)
122
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.0
(1)
40
riders
78.2km
03:25
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
64
riders
32.4km
01:42
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

32
riders
42.4km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

25
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.6
(5)
41
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(26)
55
riders
42.3km
02:15
130m
130m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(2)
30
riders
49.8km
02:26
110m
110m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(4)
11
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(4)
23
riders
130km
07:47
430m
430m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(5)
17
riders
16.7km
01:09
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
10
riders
44.3km
02:55
100m
100m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

3.0
(1)
17
riders
26.0km
01:37
80m
80m
Hard bike ride. Great for any fitness level. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.7
(3)
6
riders
32.8km
01:50
110m
110m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

9
riders
49.4km
02:56
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
51.6km
02:51
80m
80m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
10
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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14
runners
18.9km
01:57
50m
50m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
runners
8.64km
00:56
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
7.12km
00:45
20m
20m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

10
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Mare à Goriaux is a region in northern France, located within the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers forest. It features a 90-hectare pond formed by mining subsidence and the Terril 171 slag heap. The area is a significant national biological reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and unique landscape.
Mare à Goriaux offers various outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Jogging, Gravel biking, and Mountain biking. The region's diverse terrain supports routes for different skill levels. More than 50,000 visitors have shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.35 out of 5 stars on komoot.
Mare à Goriaux features numerous hiking trails, including a 4.0 miles (6.5 km) walking circuit around the pond. Trails range in difficulty and offer routes through wetlands, former industrial sites, and along the pond. For more information, consult the Hiking around Mare à Goriaux guide.
The region is well-suited for cycling, offering routes for touring, road, gravel, and mountain biking. Cyclists can experience sections like the Arenberg hole, famous from the Paris-Roubaix race. Guides such as Cycling around Mare à Goriaux and Road Cycling Routes around Mare à Goriaux provide detailed information.
The Mare à Goriaux Pond, an immense 90-hectare body of water, is a central feature and a crucial habitat for some 300 bird species. The Terril 171 slag heap, stretching 1.2 miles (2 km) long and 65 feet (20 meters) high, offers panoramic views. These features create a striking contrast of mineral, vegetal, and aquatic elements.
Mare à Goriaux offers routes suitable for families, with varying difficulty levels. The 4.0 miles (6.5 km) circuit around the pond is generally accessible. For specific family-oriented options, refer to the Family-friendly hikes around Mare à Goriaux guide.
Komoot offers several guides for Mare à Goriaux, covering various activities. Examples include Hiking around Mare à Goriaux, Cycling around Mare à Goriaux, and Running Trails around Mare à Goriaux. These guides provide detailed route information and tips.
Yes, Mare à Goriaux is a protected area. The pond is a significant national biological reserve, protected since 1982, and is part of a 270-hectare biological reserve managed by the National Office of Forests. It is also classified as a Natura 2000 zone, highlighting its ecological importance.
The Mare à Goriaux Pond is known for its origins from mining subsidence and its role as a vital habitat. It supports some 300 rare bird species, including the great crested grebe and osprey. The pond's history involves three smaller mares merging around 1930.
Mare à Goriaux is easily accessible from the A23 highway via the Raismes exit. Parking facilities are available for visitors. Public transport options may also be available, with guides like Hikes from bus stations around Mare à Goriaux offering relevant routes.
Information about Mare à Goriaux can be found through the Porte du Hainaut Tourist Office. The official website is http://www.pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr.

