Thuin / Jeumont / Maubeuge

Setting off not far from the Walloon city of Charleroi, this stage makes a fine introduction to the EuroVelo 3 cycle route (which is completely laid out along its 210km through Belgium). You ride through green surrounds, accompanied by the sound of babbling water, passing the villages of Lobbes, Merbes-le-Château and Solre-sur-Sambre, whose historic centre boasts an undeniably interesting heritage. The River Sambre, dotted with locks, invites you to pause frequently, looking at the river boats. Erquelinnes, with its river port, many shops and train station, could also make an appealing entry point to the Scandibérique cycle route. On the horizon, spot the ramparts of Maubeuge, designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s great engineer.

The route

This EuroVelo 3 stage starts not far from Thuin train station and, going along the Sambre’s north bank, forms part of the RAVeL (Réseau Autonome de Voies Lentes) slow network. No particular difficulties to signal for cyclists along here, as you follow the greenway alongside the Canal de la Sambre. 
Surfacing smooth: concrete and asphalt.

Trains

• Thuin train station
• Erquelinnes train station
• Jeumont train station
• Maubeuge train station 

Don't miss

• Thuin: the medieval centre  
• Feignies: Leveau Fort
• Maubeuge: the Art Deco Salle Sthrau community hall; the Vauban-designed ramparts
• Assevent: the Nécropole Nationale (a French national cemetery containing World War I graves for both French and German soldiers) 
• Vieux-Reng: La Salmagne Fort (a defence dating from the late 19th century)