Attractions and Places To See around Bellaing - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bellaing, a commune in the Nord department of northern France, offers a blend of industrial heritage and natural landscapes. The area is part of the Bassin Minier du Nord-Pas de Calais, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing insight into its coal mining history. Bellaing serves as a gateway to various attractions in the surrounding Hauts-de-France region, including natural reserves and historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Bellaing
- The most popular attractions is Goriaux Pond, a lake and national biological reserve. This site, formed from mining subsidence, offers opportunities for walking and views from an accessible slag heap.
- Another must-see spot is Trouée d'Arenberg, a challenging cycle way and historical site. This 2.4 km cobbled section through the Arenberg forest is a notable part of the Paris-Roubaix cycling race.
- Visitors also love Vineyard Pond, a large lake near Valenciennes. It offers well-maintained paths for hiking and biking, with a tour around 4 km.
- Bellaing is known for its industrial heritage, natural reserves, and challenging cycling routes. The area provides a variety of options for exploring historical sites, unique ecosystems, and outdoor activities.
- The attractions around Bellaing are appreciated by the komoot community, with 164 photos and 296 upvotes across various highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Trouée d'Arenberg
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Goriaux Pond
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Valenciennes Town Hall
Highlight • Settlement
The façade of the town hall is decorated with allegorical statues, the work of the sculptor Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire. At the top of the building is a pediment by the famous sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. The town hall is a symbol of the urban history and culture of Valenciennes and also houses a media library and various exhibitions.
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Pont Gibus (Pavé de Wallers à Hélesmes)
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Vineyard Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Strook is also called Pont Gibus. Gibus is the nickname for Duclos Lassalle who won Paris-Roubaix in 1992 and 1993.
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Valenciennes Town Hall is a magnificent building with a rich history. The current town hall is located on the Place d'Armes and is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture. The building was originally built in the 17th century, but was largely destroyed during a bombing raid in 1940. It was later rebuilt and re-inaugurated in 1967. The façade of the town hall is decorated with allegorical statues, the work of the sculptor Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire. At the top of the building is a pediment by the famous sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. The town hall is a symbol of the urban history and culture of Valenciennes and also houses a media library and various exhibitions.
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The Lac du Vignoble is a beautiful lake located in Valenciennes, about two kilometers southwest of the central city area. The lake is surrounded by a green area and offers many recreational activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and more. The tour around is about 4 km.
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Sector of one of the oldest legendary cycle races and to think that our idols have ridden it..., great 😊.
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Very impressive town hall.
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Well-known photo moment here. There is always a professional sports photographer here during the Paris Roubaix Challenger. You can order his photos afterwards, of course for a fee
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The Trouée d'Arenberg is a 2.3 km long paved path located in the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers forest in northern France. This path is famous for being part of the Paris-Roubaix cycle race, where it is considered the most difficult section of the route. The cobblestones are uneven and slippery, and the path is often muddy and wet, but you will also enjoy the historic and natural scenery of the former mining region, where you can see the old railway bridge and the wildlife of the forest. The Trouée d'Arenberg is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a unique and rewarding experience for those who dare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore near Bellaing?
Near Bellaing, you can visit the Goriaux Pond, a national biological reserve formed from mining subsidence, offering opportunities for walking and views from an accessible slag heap. Another option is the Vineyard Pond near Valenciennes, which has well-maintained paths for hiking and biking. Additionally, the region features the Réserve naturelle régionale du Pré des Nonnettes and the unique peat bog of the Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred, both about 13km away.
Are there good cycling routes around Bellaing, especially for challenging rides?
Yes, Bellaing is known for challenging cycling routes. The most famous is the Trouée d'Arenberg, a 2.4 km cobbled section through the Arenberg forest, a notable part of the Paris-Roubaix cycling race. Another challenging section is Pont Gibus (Pavé de Wallers à Hélesmes), also famous from Paris-Roubaix. For more cycling options, you can explore various road cycling routes and gravel biking routes in the area.
Where can I find hiking or running trails near Bellaing?
You can find excellent walking and running opportunities around the Goriaux Pond, which is part of the Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers national forest. The Vineyard Pond also offers well-maintained paths for walking. For dedicated running trails, check out the Running Trails around Bellaing guide, which includes routes like the Goriaux Pond loop.
What historical sites or cultural landmarks are there to see?
Bellaing is part of the Bassin Minier du Nord-Pas de Calais, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insight into its coal mining history. You can also visit the impressive Valenciennes Town Hall, a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture. Further afield, explore the UNESCO-listed Belfries of Douai (24km) and Cambrai (25km), or the ramparts of Le Quesnoy (20km).
Can I experience the region's industrial heritage?
Absolutely. The Cité de Bellaing is part of the Bassin Minier du Nord-Pas de Calais, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which preserves the industrial heritage of coal mining. The Goriaux Pond itself is a result of mining subsidence, and you can see an accessible slag heap nearby, offering a unique perspective on the area's past.
Are there family-friendly activities or places for children?
For outdoor adventure, Parc Pure Aventure offers various game trails for both children and adults. Natural spots like Goriaux Pond and Vineyard Pond are also suitable for family walks and light cycling on their well-maintained paths.
What is the best time of year to visit Bellaing for outdoor activities?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Bellaing. The weather is typically mild, making it comfortable for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural reserves and historical sites without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Are there any local markets to visit near Bellaing?
Yes, several nearby towns host local markets. You can find markets in Denain (Thursdays, 5km), Anzin (Tuesdays & Fridays, 6km), and Bruay-sur-l'Escaut (Thursdays & Sundays, 9km). These markets are a great way to experience local life and find regional products.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the natural reserves?
The regional nature reserves like Pré des Nonnettes and the Tourbière de Vred are home to diverse local flora and fauna. While specific species vary by season, you can expect to observe various bird species, insects, and unique plant life adapted to these specific ecosystems, such as those found in peat bogs.
Are there opportunities for spa and wellness activities nearby?
Yes, the town of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, located about 9km from Bellaing, has been a spa center for over 2000 years and continues to offer various spa-related activities and treatments.
What are some unique natural ecosystems to visit?
The Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred, about 13km away, is a unique peat bog ecosystem. Peat bogs are rare and important habitats, offering a chance to see specialized plant and animal life adapted to these wetland conditions. The Goriaux Pond, a national biological reserve, also represents a unique environment formed by mining subsidence.
What are some lesser-known outdoor spots or viewpoints?
Beyond the main attractions, the slag heap adjacent to Goriaux Pond offers an accessible viewpoint with panoramic views of the pond and surrounding area. The Trouée d'Arenberg, while famous for cycling, is also a scenic path through the forest for walkers interested in its historical significance and natural beauty.
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