EuroVelo 3 in Belgium
The Scandibérique cycle route forms part of the larger European cycle route, EuroVelo 3. In Belgium, the portion of this greater cycle route is entirely laid out for cyclists and is part of the country’s RAVeL network of greenways (paths for non-motorized traffic). You can simply follow the RAVeL Sambre network to reach Thuin and then cross the border at Erquelinnes, cycling on towards Maubeuge to continue your cycling adventure through France.
The EuroVelo 3 route through Belgium in detail (going north-south)
Leaving Aachen/Aix-la-Chapelle, the EuroVelo 3 leads you to Liège, historically known as the ‘‘Fervent City’’. Soon after, you come to a highly symbolic place marking the ‘‘Three Frontiers’’, between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. After some 10km, you reach Line 38 of Belgium’s RAVeL network, enabling you to explore the hedge-divided fields of the Pays de Herve area and its green, light-filled setting. There are many viewpoints along the way from where you can admire the landscapes.
Leaving the greater Liège area, you first follow the Meuse RAVeL network, then that of the Sambre. Take in exceptional views, on the one hand over a wide variety of historical, riverine and post-industrial heritage across the two valleys and, on the other hand, over the Walloon Region’s cultural diversity, reflected in towns such as Namur and Charleroi. Before reaching France, in the relaxing atmosphere of the bucolic landscapes of the Haute Sambre area, seek out unexpected aquatic and bird life.
For further details
Topoguide EuroVelo 3 Aachen-Paris (in German)
You can buy this recent guide produced by publisher BVA to help you plan your EuroVelo 3 cycling journey from Aachen/Aix-la-Chapelle to Paris. The fact that it’s in German shouldn’t be a major obstacle, what with the superb maps, one of this publisher’s secrets to success!
The EuroVelo 3 cycle route through Belgium
Maps EuroVelo 3
Tourist cycling map for Wallonia in Belgium (in German):
This set of maps presents all the cycling trails in Wallonia, including the RAVel greenways network and the EuroVelo 3 cycle route. Indications may be in German, but it’s easy to use the maps without understanding German.
Order map
Tourist cycling map for Paris-Picardy (in German):
This map presents the network of cycle paths in the northern French region of Hauts-de-France. The EuroVelo 3 plays the starring role, from its arrival in France to its approach to Paris. The map may be geared to German-speakers, but it’s easy for anyone to use.
Order map
Eurocyclo
These useful additional aids to using the EuroVelo 3 cycle route were created as part of the EuroCyclo project. Bringing together some 30 French, Flemish and Walloon service providers, the project was brought about in response to the exceptional expansion in cycling tourism in Europe and aims to create high-quality tourist services based around the three major cross-border European cycle routes in these parts (EuroVelo 3, 4 et 5) as well as catering to significant regional cycle routes (notably Véloroute Nationale 30 and the Lys à Vélo).
At the same time, the partners involved are developing nodal point networks extending across all sides of the borders to add to the possibilities for cyclists exploring these cross-border territories.
Explore the entire range of cross-border cycling offers via the website: www.eurocyclo.eu
