Attractions and Places To See around Eccles - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Eccles offer a diverse range of outdoor and cultural experiences. This region features scenic greenways, historic religious sites, and expansive lakes. Visitors can explore natural landscapes and discover local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Eccles
- The most popular attractions is Lake Val-Joly, a lake that is a large artificial lake and a superb hiking spot. The tour of the lake is approximately 16 kilometers, allowing discovery of the banks and the Helpe Majeure river.
- Another must-see spot is Solre-le-Château Church, a church with a distinctive bulbous tower. Its tilted tower is a notable feature, giving rise to local legends.
- Visitors also love Val Joly Lake and its accommodations., a site offering various relaxation activities and a fun swimming pool. It is appreciated for its exotic lake and walking opportunities.
- Eccles is known for its greenways, historic churches, and large lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Eccles are appreciated by the komoot community, with 41 upvotes and 24 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Voie verte de l'Avesnois
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Church of Liessies
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Listed as a historical monument since 1944, the church contains many remarkable elements, including numerous wooden statues dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, which are protected as historical monuments. There are also four paintings from the 18th century representing the four cardinal virtues: Temperance, Justice, Strength and Prudence.
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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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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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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 natural attractions can I explore around Eccles?
The region around Eccles is rich in natural beauty. A prominent feature is Lake Val-Joly, a large artificial lake perfect for hiking, with a 16-kilometer route around its banks and the Helpe Majeure river. You can also find various relaxation activities and a swimming pool at Val Joly Lake and its accommodations., which is appreciated for its exotic lake and walking opportunities.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in the Eccles area?
Yes, the area features several historical and cultural landmarks. The Solre-le-Château Church is notable for its distinctive bulbous and tilted tower, which has inspired local legends. Additionally, the Church of Liessies, part of a former 8th-century abbey, boasts defensive towers, numerous 16th-18th century wooden statues, and 18th-century paintings representing cardinal virtues.
What outdoor activities are popular around Eccles?
The Eccles region is excellent for various outdoor activities, especially cycling and walking. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois (Avesnois Greenway) offers over 100 kilometers of safe and picturesque routes for cyclists, winding through forests, meadows, and charming villages. You can find numerous road cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking routes, including those around Eccles.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Eccles?
Absolutely! Val Joly Lake and its accommodations. is a fantastic family destination, offering various relaxation activities and a fun swimming pool. The area around Lake Val-Joly also provides easy walking paths suitable for families, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural scenery.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around Eccles?
For walking and hiking, the tour around Lake Val-Joly is a popular choice, offering a 16-kilometer route through meadows and the Abbé-Val-Joly national forest. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois also provides scenic paths for leisurely strolls or longer hikes, connecting various charming villages and natural landscapes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Eccles?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse range of outdoor and cultural experiences. The scenic greenways, like the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, are highly rated for cycling and walking. The expansive Lake Val-Joly is loved for its hiking opportunities and the recreational facilities at Val Joly Lake and its accommodations.. The historic churches also add a unique cultural dimension to the region.
Are there cycling routes available near these attractions?
Yes, the region is very cyclist-friendly. The Voie verte de l'Avesnois is a dedicated greenway perfect for cycling. You can find numerous routes for different cycling styles, including road cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Eccles, Gravel biking around Eccles, and MTB Trails around Eccles guides.
Can I find accommodations near the main attractions?
Yes, Val Joly Lake and its accommodations. is a prime spot for holidays, offering various lodging options alongside relaxation activities and a swimming pool. This makes it a convenient base for exploring Lake Val-Joly and the surrounding natural areas.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walking routes around Eccles?
Walking routes around Eccles, particularly those near Lake Val-Joly and along the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, generally feature varied terrain. You'll encounter well-maintained paths, often dirt or gravel, passing through meadows, forests, and along riverbanks. Some sections might have slight inclines or declines, but many are suitable for a leisurely pace.
Are there any specific architectural highlights in the region?
Beyond the natural landscapes, the region offers architectural interest, particularly in its religious buildings. The Solre-le-Château Church stands out with its unique bulbous and tilted tower. The Church of Liessies, with its defensive towers and historical significance as part of an ancient abbey, also presents notable architectural features.
What is the 'Voie verte de l'Avesnois'?
The Voie verte de l'Avesnois, also known as the Emerald Trail, is a greenway spanning over 100 kilometers. It utilizes parts of an old railway line and offers a safe and picturesque route for cyclists and walkers. It connects Trélon to Ferrière-la-Grande, passing through diverse landscapes including the state forest of Abbé-Val-Joly and the Helpe Majeure valley.
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