Attractions and Places To See around Lez-Fontaine - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Lez-Fontaine include historical sites and natural landscapes within the Avesnois Regional Natural Park. This charming village is situated in an area known for its hedged farmland and rolling hills, drained by the Solre river. Visitors can explore a selection of cultural sites and regional points of interest. The region offers diverse attractions for those interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Lez-Fontaine
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Voie verte de l'Avesnois
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Church of Liessies
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Solre-le-Château Church
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Val Joly Lake and its accommodations.
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Château de la Motte
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Tips from the Community
you can eat and sleep there.
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A short tour in the Avesnes countryside offering beautiful views of Solre-le-Château and its leaning bell tower. Route mainly on asphalt paths with however a grassy path over 600m. Possibility of walking from Lez-Fontaine to the hamlet of l'Epine via the greenway. Ideal departure: the square of Solre-le-Château where parking is easy and where it is possible to eat or refuel.
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A nice little hike to discover what ValJoly offers as an activity (horseback riding, mini golf, simple or electric pedal boat, bike ride, etc.). I did this hike with my dog and in the middle of the rain, overall the paths are in good condition. There is just one part, after the equestrian center, where the path is dirt with a slight downward slope. Be careful of slipping ☺️
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Very nice asphalted railway line cycle path EV3.
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From the Nord department not the Ardennes...😧
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Schöber paved bike path in the countryside 😊
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Located in the Avesnois Regional Natural Park, the greenway of Avesnois connects Trélon to Ferrière-la-Grande in the north via Liessies, Solre-le-Château, Lez-Fontaines, Sars-Poteries and Dimont. Along the way, you will discover the landscapes of the state forest of Abbé-Val-Joly, the valley of Helpe Majeure and the basin of Solre. A varied route between nature and heritage. The Voie Verte de l'Avesnois (Emerald Trail) uses about 30 km of the old railway line that opened in 1885 and connected Maubeuge to Fourmies. Closed to passengers in 1969 and to goods in 1976, it is still occasionally used for freight on the Maubeuge-Ferrière-la-Grande and Trélon-Fourmies sections.
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Built in the 18th century, Château de la Motte was originally a farm belonging to Liessies Abbey, used as a retirement home and infirmary for the monks. The structure was supposedly erected in 1725, but a bluestone lintel bears the date 1755. The château, long owned by the Lhomme family, was divided in two around 1925. A large bourgeois house next to the farm became a hotel-restaurant, which in 1936 was run by the Soufflet de Fourmies family, grandparents of Franck Plateau, the current owner. In the 1980s, Mrs. Plateau (Frank's mother) and her two sisters continued to run the hotel restaurant, which was taken over by Franck Plateau and his wife in 2000. All the buildings are constructed of brick for the entire walls, and bluestone and local marble for the window frames, chains, bands, and cornices. From the pond, the plan appears simple: U-shaped, with a square tower rising in the center of the horizontal beam of this U. The two buildings forming the parallel sides are pierced by a cart door, which leads to the open courtyard overlooking the pond. The entrance to the dwelling is located on the ground floor of the two-story tower, which is crowned with a picturesque roof in three distinct volumes: the four upright sides, in inverted cavettes, with skylights, are extended by a vertical, rectangular, closed campanile, itself crowned by an inverted pavilion. The water from the forge was used to power machinery. At the foot of the dike, a dovecote dominates, with a roof barely simpler than that of the castle tower. Some of the old buildings are characteristic of the construction of this region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Lez-Fontaine?
Lez-Fontaine is rich in history. You can visit the 13th-century Saint Martin Church, known for its Gothic architecture and rare 16th-century polychrome paintings. Other notable sites include the unique octagonal Kiosque à Musique, the Théâtre de Verdure (an open-air theater converted from an old quarry), and several ancient oratories and fountains scattered throughout the village.
Are there any natural attractions or parks to visit near Lez-Fontaine?
Yes, Lez-Fontaine is situated within the beautiful Parc naturel régional de l'Avesnois, an area characterized by its hedged farmland and rolling hills, often called the 'petite Suisse du Nord'. You can also explore Lake Val-Joly, a large artificial lake offering scenic hiking opportunities and recreational activities.
What outdoor activities are available around Lez-Fontaine?
The region around Lez-Fontaine is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling on the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, a greenway stretching over 100 kilometers through varied landscapes. Hiking is popular around Lake Val-Joly, with a 16-kilometer route around its banks. For more specific routes, check out the cycling guides like Cycling around Lez-Fontaine or Road Cycling Routes around Lez-Fontaine.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Lez-Fontaine?
Absolutely. The area around Val Joly Lake and its accommodations offers various relaxation activities, including a swimming pool, making it a great spot for families. The lake also provides opportunities for walks, mini-golf, and pedal boating. For animal lovers, the Parc Zoologique de Maubeuge is also a short drive away.
What are some unique architectural features to look out for?
Beyond the Saint Martin Church, keep an eye out for the distinctive Solre-le-Château Church, known for its bulbous and tilted tower, which has inspired local legends. The octagonal Kiosque à Musique in Lez-Fontaine itself is also a remarkable example of cast iron architecture with elaborate motifs.
Where can I find hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
The region offers a variety of trails. The 16-kilometer tour around Lake Val-Joly is a popular option. For dedicated running trails, you can explore options listed in the Running Trails around Lez-Fontaine guide, which includes routes like 'La Forestière loop' and various segments of the Avesnois Greenway.
What is the Voie verte de l'Avesnois and what does it offer?
The Voie verte de l'Avesnois is a greenway, also known as the Emerald Trail, that spans over 100 kilometers. It offers a safe and picturesque route for cyclists and walkers, connecting various villages and crossing diverse landscapes of forests, meadows, and the valleys of the Helpe Majeure and Solre rivers. It's a great way to experience the Avesnois countryside.
Are there any museums or art exhibitions nearby?
Yes, approximately 2.6 km from Lez-Fontaine, you can visit MusVerre in Sars-Poteries. This themed exhibition hall is dedicated to glass, offering a unique cultural experience focused on this art form.
What are some lesser-known historical sites or 'hidden gems' in the area?
Beyond the main church, Lez-Fontaine has several smaller historical points of interest. These include the Calvary of Chemin d'Offies, blessed in 1833, and the remains of an Old Chapel ('Capelle dé d'sus l'Trie'), once a popular pilgrimage site. A Roman Tomb was also discovered in the area in 1823, adding to the village's ancient history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Lez-Fontaine?
Visitors particularly appreciate the combination of historical sites and natural beauty. The scenic walks around Lake Val-Joly and the opportunities for cycling on the Voie verte de l'Avesnois are highly rated. The charm of the local villages and the unique architecture, such as the tilted tower of Solre-le-Château Church, also receive positive feedback.
Can I visit historical religious sites near Lez-Fontaine?
Certainly. In addition to Lez-Fontaine's own Saint Martin Church, you can visit the Church of Liessies, which is part of the former Liessies Abbey. This church dates back to the 16th century and contains numerous remarkable wooden statues and paintings, protected as historical monuments.
Are there any places for relaxation or water activities?
Yes, Val Joly Lake and its accommodations is a prime spot for relaxation and water activities. It offers a swimming pool and various options like pedal boating on the lake. The expansive natural setting of Lake Val-Joly also provides a tranquil environment for unwinding.
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