Things to Do around Lac des Vieilles Forges
Lac des Vieilles Forges is a region in the heart of the Ardennes massif in France, characterized by its 150-hectare artificial lake and extensive 1,000-hectare surrounding forest. This landscape features wooded shores and well-maintained trails, providing a setting for outdoor pursuits. The area, situated between the Rocroi plateau and the Meuse valley, offers diverse terrain suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. Its inclusion in environmental protection areas ensures the preservation of its natural features.
Things to Do in Lac des Vieilles Forges
The Lac des Vieilles Forges region offers more than 40 routes across several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. Over 40,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars for activities in Lac des Vieilles Forges. The well-maintained trails around the lake and through the Ardennes forests are suitable for hikers and joggers, with options ranging from easy lakeside walks to more athletic full loops. Cyclists can explore the 6.8 miles (11 km) loop around the lake, while mountain bikers will find trails catering to various skill levels, including challenging routes with technical descents. For detailed information on specific activities, consult guides such as Hiking around Lac des Vieilles Forges, Cycling around Lac des Vieilles Forges, and MTB Trails around Lac des Vieilles Forges.
79
Routes
4.3
(295)
Average rating
2440
People visited
4.5
(159)
859
hikers
11.8km
03:05
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.1
(8)
19
hikers
5.40km
01:31
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
26
hikers
5.80km
01:30
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
5.46km
01:24
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(7)
352
runners
11.4km
01:22
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
4.0
(1)
58
runners
4.50km
00:33
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
39
runners
9.37km
01:04
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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4.8
(18)
92
riders
57.6km
03:39
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(17)
63
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
95
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
16
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(16)
54
riders
25.1km
01:55
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(6)
19
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
11
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
17.3km
01:31
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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47
riders
47.7km
02:15
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
47
riders
30.2km
01:29
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
26
riders
47.7km
02:14
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
14
riders
50.8km
02:20
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.0
(1)
2
riders
38.3km
02:31
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
87.8km
05:50
1,200m
1,200m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
54.1km
03:34
670m
670m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
123km
08:32
1,850m
1,850m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available at Lac des Vieilles Forges?
Lac des Vieilles Forges offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. The area also supports swimming, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing on the lake. Other activities like orienteering and tree climbing are available.
What types of hiking trails are available at Lac des Vieilles Forges?
The region features well-maintained trails suitable for various hiking levels, from easy lakeside walks to more athletic full loops. A 2.5 km (1.6 miles) lakeside walking tour starts from the beach. For more options, consult the Hiking around Lac des Vieilles Forges guide.
Are there easy hiking routes for beginners or families?
Yes, Lac des Vieilles Forges provides easy hiking routes suitable for beginners and families. A 2.5 km (1.6 miles) lakeside walk is available, and the area's trails are generally well-maintained. Specific guides like Easy hikes around Lac des Vieilles Forges and Family-friendly hikes around Lac des Vieilles Forges offer suitable options.
What cycling opportunities are there around Lac des Vieilles Forges?
Cycling options include touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. An 11 km (6.8 miles) loop around the lake is suitable for touring cyclists, offering scenic views. Mountain biking trails cater to all levels, including challenging routes towards Les Mazures. More information is available in the Cycling around Lac des Vieilles Forges guide.
Are there mountain biking trails at Lac des Vieilles Forges?
Yes, Lac des Vieilles Forges is known for its mountain biking trails, which range from family-friendly paths to technical descents. The broader Ardennes region offers more than 400 km (250 miles) of mountain biking trails. For specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Lac des Vieilles Forges guide.
What is the length of the lake loop trail?
The loop trail around Lac des Vieilles Forges is approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) long. This trail is suitable for both hiking and cycling, offering continuous views of the lake and surrounding forest. It can be connected to the "Voie Vive" for a more athletic experience.
How popular is Lac des Vieilles Forges on komoot?
Lac des Vieilles Forges is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 40,000 visitors having recorded tours. The region features 43 routes across various sports, which have received an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars from nearly 5,000 ratings.
What natural features characterize Lac des Vieilles Forges?
The region is characterized by a 150-hectare artificial lake with 12 km (7.5 miles) of shoreline, surrounded by a 1,000-hectare forest complex. It is part of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park, preserving its biodiversity, including rare plant species and over 120 bird species. The lake is fed by numerous streams and springs.
Are there specific komoot guides for activities in Lac des Vieilles Forges?
Komoot offers several guides for Lac des Vieilles Forges, covering various activities. These include Hiking around Lac des Vieilles Forges, Cycling around Lac des Vieilles Forges, and MTB Trails around Lac des Vieilles Forges. Guides for easy hikes, family-friendly hikes, running, and traffic-free bike rides are also available.
Where can I find official information about Lac des Vieilles Forges?
Official information about Lac des Vieilles Forges can be found on its dedicated website. The official website is lac-des-vieilles-forges.fr. Contact numbers for local facilities are also available through this site.
What is the size of Lac des Vieilles Forges and its surrounding forest?
Lac des Vieilles Forges is a 150-hectare artificial lake with a shoreline of 12 km (7.5 miles). It is encompassed by an extensive 1,000-hectare forest complex, which provides a diverse natural setting for outdoor activities.
Are there traffic-free cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Lac des Vieilles Forges offers traffic-free cycling routes suitable for both touring and road cycling. These routes provide a safe and enjoyable experience away from vehicular traffic. Specific options can be found in guides such as Traffic-free bike rides around Lac des Vieilles Forges.
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