Lac du Val-Joly, Artificial lake in Hauts-de-France, France.
The Lac du Val-Joly extends over 180 hectares of water surface near the Belgian border, creating a substantial water body in northern France.
Engineers constructed the lake before 1970 to regulate the Helpe Majeure river flow and provide water for the thermal power station at Pont-sur-Sambre.
The lake forms part of the Avesnois Regional Natural Park, which maintains the natural and agricultural heritage of the Nord department.
Visitors access water activities, hiking trails, and nature observation points through the established recreation center on the eastern shore of the lake.
The water reservoir functions as the largest lake north of Paris while supporting local hydroelectric power generation through its dam system.
Location: Trélon
Elevation above the sea: 175 m
Address: Lac du Val-Joly, France
GPS coordinates: 50.11528,4.13222
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
France offers diverse winter destinations spanning both urban and natural landscapes. The Alpine regions contain several ski areas, including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the base of Western Europe's highest peak, Les Trois Vallées with its extensive network of runs, and L'Alpe d'Huez at elevations above 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). The Aiguille du Midi provides access to high alpine views through a cable car system, while Lake Annecy presents a winter landscape within the Savoie Alps. Cities across the country display their historical architecture during the colder months. Strasbourg Christmas Market transforms the city center into a seasonal gathering place, Nancy presents the 18th-century Place Stanislas, and Paris maintains structures including Sainte-Chapelle and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Beyond the capital, Versailles Palace stands with its formal gardens, Château de Chambord occupies the Loire Valley, and the Palais des Papes remains in Avignon. The Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral shows 13th-century Gothic architecture, while Mont Saint-Michel stays accessible on its tidal island. Additional sites include the Roman-era Nîmes Arena, Pont du Gard, and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. The Grotte de Lascaux displays prehistoric art, while Les Eyzies de Tayac holds archaeological sites. Southern regions such as the Calanques near Marseille, Gorges du Verdon, Grande Plage in Biarritz, and Cap d'Ail Beach provide access to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, even during winter months.
Liessies Abbey
3.5 km
Écomusée Trélon
6.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de Solre-le-Château
7.2 km
Chapelle Sainte-Hiltrude de Liessies
4.4 km
Musée des Bois Jolis de Felleries
8.1 km
Tilia of Macon
9 km
Église Saint-Ursmar d'Eppe-Sauvage
3.3 km
Château de la Motte
4.1 km
Église Sainte Hiltrude de Liessies
3.6 km
Église de la Conversion-de-Saint-Paul de Clairfayts
4.8 km
Chapelle d'Épinoy
6 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Walcourt de Solre-le-Château
7.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
6.6 km
Église Saint-Martin de Beaurieux
6.9 km
Église Saint-Léger
6.6 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Ohain
8.4 km
Prieuré Saint-Dodon
5.1 km
Église Saint-Sulpice de Ramousies
6.8 km
Église Saint-Martin de Glageon
7.6 km
Église Saint-Lambert de Felleries
8.5 km
Hôtel de ville de Solre-le-Chateau
7.2 km
Église Saint-Hilaire de Wallers-en-Fagne
6.6 km
Église Saint-Martin de Baives
7.6 km
Manoir de Moustier-en-Fagne
5 km
Château Maillard
2.5 km
Pierre Martine
6.5 km
Château de Beaurieux
6.9 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs de l'Épine
6.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes