Lac des Vieilles Forges - Image 1
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Lac des Vieilles Forges

4.5
·872 reviews·, France

A serene 150-hectare lake nestled in Ardennes forests, perfect for fishing, swimming, and outdoor adventures.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Warm water for swimming

CrowdMedium
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Lac des Vieilles Forges - Image 1

Lac des Vieilles Forges

Best Time

Summer mornings

Warm water for swimming

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 150-hectare lake nestled in Ardennes forests, perfect for fishing, swimming, and outdoor adventures.

4.5
(872 reviews)

"Beautiful natural setting for fishing, swimming, and outdoor activities."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Vehicle is Key

Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for easy access and exploring the area. 🚗

🎣 Cast Your Line

This lake is a hotspot for fishing, with many reporting successful catches. :fishingpoleand_வத:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 872 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Forest Lake

Serene Forest Lake

Surrounding the lake

A peaceful 150-hectare lake embraced by forests, perfect for fishing, swimming, and unwinding.

Instagram+1
Water Sports Hub

Water Sports Hub

Sailing school

Experience sailing and other water activities at the local sailing school.

Instagram
Angler's Paradise

Angler's Paradise

Lake waters

A popular spot for fishing, with anglers reporting quick catches.

Instagram+2
Scenic Lakeside Trails

Scenic Lakeside Trails

Lake perimeter

Enjoy walking or mountain biking around the lake's 12 km of shoreline.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Water Activities

Visit during warmer months for swimming and water sports. The lake is surrounded by forest, making it a beautiful spot for picnics and relaxation year-round, but water activities are best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn. Instagram

Vehicle Recommended for Access

Public transport to Lac des Vieilles Forges is limited. Having a vehicle is highly recommended for easy access to the lake and nearby amenities like supermarkets. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Warm water for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring and Autumn afternoons
Why
Pleasant for walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Qui dit hiver, dit promenade en nature. Direction le Lac des vieilles forges. Celui-ci est entouré de forêts même si une promenade à pied est possible sur les berges, il occupe une superficie d'environ 150 hectares, et dispose de près de 12 km de berges, Il est alimenté par de nombreux ruisseaux. Il y est également, très agréable de s'y baigner l'été, il dispose d'un camping et d'une base de ...
ardennes_et_ailleurs
26 likes • 1.1K views

🚗 Vehicle is Key

Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for easy access and exploring the area. Reddit 🚗

🎣 Cast Your Line

This lake is a hotspot for fishing, with many reporting successful catches. Instagram+1 :fishingpoleand_வத:

Reportage à l’école de voile du Lac des Vieilles Forges, avec Thomas Van den Schrieck, président du comité départemental de voile des Ardennes.
olivier.cattiaux
20 likes • 930 views
🌲 Pépites naturelles des Ardennes 🌲 🌱 Lac des Vieilles Forges : Havre de paix au cœur de la forêt pour pêche, baignade et détente. (Prisé l’été !) 🌊 Vallée de la Meuse : Entre randos, vélo et canoë, découvrez ses méandres parmi les plus beaux de France. 🌿 Roche à Sept Heures (Monthermé) : À l’aube ou au crépuscule, admirez un panorama époustouflant sur la Meuse. 🪨 Roc la Tour : Chaos rocheux l...
levoyageurenfrance
597 likes • 24.6K views

🚴‍♀️ Bike the Berges

Mountain bike trails circle the lake, offering a great way to explore. Reddit :mountain_biking:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Ideal spot for a picnic, especially during warmer months. Instagram :picnic_table:

Binnen 24 uur al beet! 🎯 Op Lac des Vieilles Forges hoefde Matheus niet lang te wachten – nog maar net gestart en de eerste vis lag al in het net. Zo begin je een sessie in stijl! 🎣💥 📺 Zondag zie je de hele sessie op ons YouTube-kanaal. Zorg dat je klaarzit!
avidcarp_benelux
86 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Vehicle is Key

Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for easy access and exploring the area. Reddit 🚗

🎣 Cast Your Line

This lake is a hotspot for fishing, with many reporting successful catches. Instagram+1 :fishingpoleand_வத:

🚴‍♀️ Bike the Berges

Mountain bike trails circle the lake, offering a great way to explore. Reddit :mountain_biking:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Ideal spot for a picnic, especially during warmer months. Instagram :picnic_table:

☀️ Beat the Cold

Water can be chilly in the morning; visit when it's hot for a refreshing dip. Reddit ☀️

What Travellers Say

4.5
(872 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lac des Vieilles Forges for its beautiful natural setting, surrounded by forests, making it ideal for fishing, swimming, and outdoor activities like biking and walking. The picturesque scenery is a major draw, especially during warmer months. However, some reviews strongly criticize the cleanliness of sanitary facilities at nearby campsites and mention issues with noise from late-night music.

"It is located in the Jungle of Les Mazures, around three hours drive from Paris.
The campsite has lots of great activities to offer including an indoor swimming pool (heated) water splash for kids, an artificial lake beach just 200 metres from the camping site. There are many restaurants around the campsite. Recommended to those who has vehicles because there isn’t any public transportation access available to the campsite. For the reservation, it is always recommended to book as earlier as possible because for the peak vacation (July and August) it is quite complicated to get spots even for the Tent Pitchers.
There are many super markets like Aldi,Carrefour just 15 to 20 minutes drive away from the campsite."

DORJEE WOESER

"Took the car to this lake to drop the MTB, then drove on to Monthermé, parked at the confluence of the Semois and la Meuse and started walking back to Lac des Vieilles Forges. Very nice walk, highly recommend, just don't underestimate the first 7 or so kms, that's where the elevation delta is. Arrived at the lake from the North side, jumped on the bike and rode back along the South side. 23 kms walking, 27 riding, lots of mud and a big smile on my face."

Andy Heynderickx

"Pretty good, come when it's hot though because the water is cold in the morning. Trails are good too took around an hour on a mountain bike to go all around."

Isaaci Oliver

What People Like

Beautiful forest setting
Great for fishing
Scenic walking trails

What People Dislike

Dirty campsite facilities
Late-night music

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The best way to reach Lac des Vieilles Forges is by car, as public transportation options are very limited. The lake is located in the Jungle of Les Mazures, about a three-hour drive from Paris. Reddit

Parking is generally available around the lake, especially near popular access points and activity centers. It's advisable to arrive earlier during peak season to secure a spot. Instagram

Yes, the lake has approximately 12 km of shoreline, offering multiple access points for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenery from various perspectives. InstagramReddit

Lac des Vieilles Forges is approximately a three-hour drive from Paris, making it a feasible destination for a weekend getaway. Reddit

The lake is situated near towns like Revin and Monthermé, which offer additional amenities and points of interest. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the lake and its surrounding natural areas is generally free. However, specific activities or facilities like the sailing school might have their own charges. Instagram+1

As a natural lake, Lac des Vieilles Forges is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the sailing school or nearby campsites will have their specific operating hours. Instagram

For activities like sailing, it's recommended to check with the local sailing school for booking procedures and availability. Instagram

General rules for natural parks and lakes apply, such as respecting the environment and wildlife. Specific restrictions might be in place for certain areas or during particular events. Instagram

Yes, the lake is beautiful in winter for nature walks, though water activities are not possible. Instagram

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities

Yes, fishing is a popular activity here, with many anglers reporting success. You may need a fishing permit, so check local regulations. Instagram+2

While specific species aren't detailed, reports suggest a healthy fish population, attracting various types of anglers. Instagram+1

Swimming is possible, especially during the summer months when the water is warmer. Some areas might have designated beaches. InstagramReddit

Sailing is a prominent activity, with a dedicated sailing school on site. Other water sports might be available depending on the season and local providers. Instagram+1

Equipment rental information would typically be available through the sailing school or other water sports providers operating at the lake. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Scenery

The entire lake offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The surrounding forests and water reflections provide stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage often captures the expansive beauty of the lake and its forest setting, showcasing its natural charm. Instagram+1

The lake is surrounded by lush forests, offering a tranquil and natural landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons. Instagram+1

Exploring the different sides of the lake and its shoreline will reveal various scenic viewpoints. The northern and southern sides offer distinct perspectives. Reddit

The natural environment around the lake is conducive to wildlife spotting, offering opportunities for nature photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants located around the campsite and in nearby towns, offering dining options for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! The lake is an ideal spot for picnics, with beautiful natural surroundings to enjoy your meal. Instagram

Supermarkets like Aldi and Carrefour are a 15-20 minute drive away from the campsite area, convenient for stocking up. Reddit

Dining options range from local restaurants to self-catering if you utilize nearby supermarkets. Reddit

If you are staying at a campsite, cooking facilities are usually available, and you can purchase groceries from nearby supermarkets. Reddit

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