Terrils and Villages: Exploring the Mining Region of Hainaut
A gravel cycling route starting from Dour
Discover the remnants of the mining industry while cycling through picturesque villages
Map
This gravel cycling route takes you through the historical mining region of Hainaut, known for its distinctive terrils (slag heaps) and charming villages. You'll encounter terrils that have been transformed into nature reserves, offering unique landscapes to explore. The route also passes through Boussu, home to Le Beffroi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece. From there, you'll cycle through quaint towns like Masnuy-Saint-Pierre and Cuesmes, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region. With a moderate difficulty level and an epicness factor of 4, this route is perfect for riders seeking a mix of history and natural beauty.
gravel
63 km
337 m
Tough
Route profile
Highlights on the route
0 km
0 km
Start: Dour City centerDour: Conquer the challenging terrains and iconic climbs of Dour in the Hainaut Province of Belgium.
Dour, situated in the Hainaut Province of Belgium, offers a variety of cycling experiences for road and gravel cyclists. The locality is known for its challenging terrains and hilly landscapes, making it popular among cyclists looking for a good workout. Road cyclists can tackle iconic climbs like La Roquette, while gravel cyclists can explore off-road trails through dense forests. Dour has several cycling-friendly amenities, including bike-friendly accommodations and repair shops. Visitors can also enjoy local attractions such as the Parc de l'Epinette and the Eglise Saint-Victor. With its challenging terrains and scenic landscapes, Dour is a great destination for experienced cyclists seeking an adrenaline rush.2 km
2 km
Terril de l'Alliance102 mPeakExplore Terril de l'Alliance, a transformed slag heap providing stunning panoramic views of the region.
4 km
4 km
BoussuTownVisit Boussu and admire the unique architecture of Le Beffroi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
33 km
33 km
Masnuy-Saint-PierreVillagePass through the charming village of Masnuy-Saint-Pierre and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
46 km
46 km
BeffroiViewpointDiscover the rich history of the region by visiting Beffroi, a majestic bell tower.
50 km
50 km
CuesmesVillageTake a detour to Cuesmes and explore the birthplace of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh.
56 km
56 km
WasmesVillagePedal through the picturesque town of Wasmes and learn about its association with van Gogh and the mining industry.
58 km
58 km
Terril du Sept108 mPeak ViewpointMarvel at Terril du Sept, a unique slag heap with a distinct shape resembling a seven.
63 km
63 km
Finish: Dour City centerDour: Conquer the challenging terrains and iconic climbs of Dour in the Hainaut Province of Belgium.
Cycling routes from Dour:
Gravel Adventure Mineral Wonders: Exploring Hainaut's Terrils and Historical Landmarks Hills and Valleys Loop Terrils and Villages: Exploring the Mining Region of Hainaut Hainaut Hill Loop Scenic Route to Dour The Hidden Gems of Wallonia: Exploring Rural Gravel Roads and Historical Landmarks The Countryside Explorer From Countryside to Adventure: Exploring Quaint Gravel Routes in Wallonia The Lap of Nature: A Scenic Road Cycling Experience
Cycling routes nearby:
