The best running trails around Les Grandes-Armoises

There are nearly 20 dedicated running routes around Les Grandes-Armoises listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for joggers. The region's diverse landscape within the Ardennes provides numerous options for exploring.

While most routes are classified as moderate, many paths around Les Grandes-Armoises feature relatively gentle terrain. For instance, the Étang de Bairon — loop — running from Sauville is a 9.3 km route with mostly paved surfaces and minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for those looking for a less strenuous run.

The jogging trails around Les Grandes-Armoises offer a varied terrain, characterized by hilly forests, picturesque valleys, open fields, and high plateaus. Many routes, especially those around the lakes, feature paved surfaces, while others, like the Running loop from Yoncq, lead through more varied natural paths.

Yes, many of the running routes in Les Grandes-Armoises are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Bairon Reservoir loop from Bairon et ses environs and the Running loop from Autruche.

For scenic views, routes around the Étang de Bairon are highly recommended. The Étang de Bairon — loop — running from Sauville offers beautiful vistas of the lake and its natural surroundings. The broader Ardennes Regional Natural Park also provides diverse landscapes with forests and river valleys for breathtaking views.

Routes with mostly paved surfaces and gentle inclines are generally suitable for families. The loops around Étang de Bairon, such as the Bairon Reservoir loop from Bairon et ses environs, are good choices for a family run, offering tranquil settings and easy navigation.

While jogging, you can encounter several points of interest. The prominent Bairon Reservoir and the Bairon Lake Nature Reserve are central features. Further afield, you might explore historical sites like the Chartreuse du Mont-Dieu or enjoy the Path Along the Canal in Stenay.

The running routes in Les Grandes-Armoises are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 200 runners having explored the area. Users often highlight the tranquil settings, the varied topography, and the scenic beauty of the lakes and forests as key attractions for their runs.

Many natural trails in the Ardennes region are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife. The varied terrain, from open fields to forest paths, offers a great environment for you and your canine companion to enjoy a run together.

Specific parking information varies by route starting point. For routes around Étang de Bairon, you can typically find parking facilities near the lake's access points, such as those close to Sauville or Bairon et ses environs. It's recommended to check the individual route details on komoot for precise parking locations.

The routes around Les Grandes-Armoises vary in length, generally ranging from 6 km to 12 km. For example, the Running loop from Saint-Pierremont is about 10.4 km. Elevation gains are typically moderate, with many routes featuring less than 50 meters of ascent, while others, particularly those venturing into the hilly forests, can have up to 180 meters of elevation gain.