DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in Scourmont

Your cycling trip in the Thiérache begins in Scourmont, beautifully lost in the middle of the meadows but a stone's throw from the abbey of the same name, where the famous Chimay is brewed! Scourmont is also home to Espace Chimay, a museum dedicated to the sacred brew—enough to familiarise you with the drink you’ll likely be ordering as soon as you sit down on a terrace!

Day 2: Scourmont – Liessies

43 km | +360 m | ⏱︎ 3h06

The first town you will encounter is none other than Chimay, renowned for its Trappist beer and its princely castle, which you can visit. You will then cycle delightfully along small country roads with virtually zero traffic, offering picturesque views of the region's hilly landscape. On your way, you will pass Val-Joly Lake, nestled in a lush green setting in the middle of the forest. Without noticing, you will also cross the French border. You leave the land of beer for the land of cheese!

Welcome to the Nord department, known for its famous Maroilles. And where there is cheese, there are, of course, dairy cows: they are an integral part of the landscape. It is actually thanks to them that there are so many green pastures in the Thiérache: between us, it’s much nicer than endless cereal fields, as you might see elsewhere in the Hauts-de-France region!

Day 3: Liessies – Maroilles

43 km | +330 m | ⏱︎ 3h04

You will first travel along the iconic Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3) to the village of Sars-Poteries, which developed around the glass industry. Today, the interesting MusVerre museum allows you to discover glass art, as well as the "bousillés"—those quirky glass objects blown by artisans during their breaks, effectively small improvised works of art.

In the same vein, you will notice another local curiosity: the decorative ridge tiles that adorn many roofs. This craft tradition, which almost disappeared, is now enjoying a promising revival.

A few pastures later, a short detour will allow you to visit a Maroilles cheese dairy, where the entire production process of this iconic cheese is explained in a didactic way.

At the end of the day, you will spend the night in Maroilles or a neighbouring village, in the heart of this authentic Thiérache countryside.

Day 4: Maroilles – Saint-Algis

59 km | +250 m | ⏱︎ 4h12

Off you go for a stage that is a bit longer in terms of distance, but largely flat. After passing the last hills, you will join the course of the Sambre-Oise Canal, which will lull you for about ten kilometres, and cross a few typical lock-keeper villages. Originally built to facilitate the transport of coal, wood, and agricultural products between industrial Belgium and the Paris basin, it embodies a bygone era, but is now finding a new lease of life focused on pleasure boating.

You will then join the course of the Oise, where you will find the Scandibérique, which you will not leave again until the following morning. A greenway leads you to the town of Guise, a historic city best known for housing the famous Familistère. This one-of-a-kind architectural ensemble was founded in the 19th century by the industrialist and utopian Jean-Baptiste Godin. We highly recommend a visit.

Guise also has a cute little centre and an impressive fortified castle, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages.

You then get back on the greenway that winds through the Oise Valley. Villages appear, lining up their brick and stone houses topped with dark slate. Here, time seems to stand still. Almost all of them house an authentic fortified church, witnesses to the turbulent history of this border region.

One of these villages, Marly-Gomont, emerged from anonymity in 2007 when the rapper Kamini made it the hero of his famous song of the same name, propelling this small Thiérache town into the national spotlight.

Day 5: Saint-Algis – Scourmont

48 km | +370 m | ⏱︎ 3h43

You take the greenway again until Hirson, before gradually returning to Belgium through small country roads crossing a landscape alternating between centuries-old forests, green pastures, and picturesque little hamlets. The landscape, again more hilly, is splendid. Just before completing the loop, you will pass by the Abbey of Scourmont (where the monks who make the good beer reside!), which you can visit.

The end of your Thiérache odyssey upon arrival at your starting hotel. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel upon your arrival.

ACCOMMODATION

Regardless of the comfort level chosen, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, conviviality, and well-being. We also strive to ensure that they are well-located: easily accessible by bike, and as much as possible, close to amenities and points of interest.

AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVEL(S)

Standard Range

2/3★ hotels and B&Bs

Charming accommodation, chosen for its welcome and location.

Photo provided as an example to illustrate the type of accommodation in this category.

Always included:

• Breakfast
• En-suite bathroom
• Bike storage
• Restaurant(s) accessible on foot
• Convenient location

CHOOSING YOUR BIKE

Whether you choose a rental bike or set off with your own, it is essential to have a bike that is suited to the requirements of the route as well as your own needs.

RENTAL BIKES

We offer high-quality electric bikes, equipped with all the essential accessories.

Electric bikes (e-bikes)

SCOTT brand bikes (or similar), equipped with a 400 Wh battery. You can count on a range of at least 60 kilometres with great comfort.

Photos are for information purposes. Bikes subject to availability.

Accessories included:

• Smartphone mount (1 per bike)
• Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
• Lock
• Repair kit
• Helmet(s) on request

IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE

Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain, etc.
You could potentially be far from anywhere in the event of a mechanical issue!

Which bikes are suitable?

• Trekking bikes (hybrids)
• Mountain bikes (MTBs)
• Gravel bikes
• E-bikes with good range.

• Road bikes
• City bikes

DIFFICULTY: FAIRLY EASY TO MODERATE

➡️ The stages are moderately long (approximately 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day - max. 5).
This pace suits most people: it strikes a balance between the pleasure of cycling and discoveries along the way.

➡️ The route alternates between relatively flat sections and hillier ones. Overall, the course is quite accessible for those with only occasional cycling experience, as the stages are not too long. Only the stage between Maroilles and Saint-Algis stretches out a bit more, but it is also flatter.

DAILY DISTANCES:

ELEVATION GAIN:

TYPE OF PATHS:

Most of the time, you will be riding along small country roads with light to zero traffic. However, greenways and towpaths are also an integral part of the route. Over 90% of the route is paved. The rest of the time, you will be riding on well-maintained compact gravel tracks. No technical difficulties to report.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

⏱️ DURATION

5 days and 4 nights, including arrival day. 4 days of cycling.

📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS

Arrival in Scourmont possible on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from April to October.
The first cycling stage therefore takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

🗺️ ROUTE TYPE

Circular tour. At the end of the route, you return to your starting point.

📍 START AND END POINT

Start and end of the trip: Scourmont (Belgium)

🌦️ WHEN TO GO?

The weather is generally favourable from April to October, although the summer months are most often the most pleasant in terms of temperatures. In the event of a heatwave, temperatures also remain milder than further south.

🍽️ MEALS

Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion (except for 1 dinner which is included).

During the day, you can grab a bite in local restaurants (you will find suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic by picking up supplies at supermarkets.

For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel has one itself!

🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. You only carry your personal items for the day during the cycling stages. A pannier is provided with the rental bike.

🚩 ARRIVAL

BY TRAIN

The starting point is not directly accessible by train, but you can still reach it by taking a bus from Couvin station (contact us for more information).

BY CAR

You can leave your car for free in the hotel car park for the duration of your trip.

📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

To ensure you get the most out of your adventure, we will provide you with various practical and easy-to-use materials:

• A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:

  • Practical information
  • A description of the route
  • All necessary tourist information
  • Restaurant suggestions
  • Places to pick up supplies
  • Cultural facts and anecdotes
  • A list of bike repair shops located near the route



• A printed map of the tour




• Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)

  • User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent to you just in case)
  • Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
  • Customised tracks between each accommodation
  • Voice guidance

📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE

You are travelling independently (self-guided), with 7/7 telephone assistance in case of any issues.

🛡️ INSURANCE

To guarantee reimbursement of costs in case of trip cancellation or problems on-site, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Find out more about cancellation and assistance insurance.

🎒 GEAR TO BRING

A helmet, a lock, a repair kit, a phone mount, and a waterproof rear pannier constitute the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (the helmet is only upon request).
For added comfort, we recommend that you also bring the following specific accessories:

Waterproof over-trousers

Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashing water, and mud. Some models have gaiters that also cover your shoes.

Power bank

Useful for recharging your phone during your lunch break: navigation is battery-intensive, even in flight mode. Recommended unless your battery is very high-performing.
Expect to pay £10-£20.

Cycling shorts or gel saddle cover

Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during long rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.

Water bottle

More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to double-walled insulation.

Buff / neck warmer / beanie

Outside of the summer, mornings can be chilly and you will not regret having packed them!

2026 PRICES

The price is calculated based on a two-person stay in a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.

THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES

• Hotel and B&B nights
• Breakfasts at each accommodation
• 1 dinner
• Luggage transfer between accommodations
• Detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), created by us during our reconnaissance trip
• GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• Printed map of the tour
• Luggage tags
• 7/7 telephone assistance
• Tourist taxes
• Booking fees

OPTIONS

• Rental electric bike(s)
• Guided tour of the Familistère de Guise (Day 4)
• Single room supplement
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel from your home to Scourmont and return. If you are travelling with your own bikes, the loop can also start from another location.
• Lunches and dinners (except for 1 dinner which is included)
• Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
• Anything not listed in "THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES"

SPECIAL CASES

• If you transport your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
• Solo travellers: a logistics supplement is added to the single room supplement.

REVIEWS

"The Thiérache is a beautiful discovery: a peaceful, authentic region full of charm. Between its lush green landscapes, its astonishing fortified churches, and its generous gastronomy (Maroilles, Chimay...), the cycling trip offers a true break for relaxation. Thanks to your agency!"  September 2025