The lake in figures
- About 150 hectares of water and nearly 12 km of shoreline, surrounded by the forests of the Ardennes Regional Nature Park.
- A man-made lake created from a former pond and enlarged in 1949.
- About 420,000 visitors a year, making it one of the busiest leisure sites in the Ardennes department.
- A beach of about 5,000 m², lifeguarded in summer.
- A hiking loop of about 11 km around the lake.
Sources: Ardennes Tourism Development Agency (area, shoreline, history). The Ardennes Department provides the visitor figure: 420,000 visitors a year (2023).
What to do at Lac des Vieilles-Forges?
Treetop adventure at Le Corsaire Volant
A life-size pirate galleon, 9 courses including the Tour Infernale climbing wall, 70 challenges from 1 to 15 m high and 9 zip lines. From age 6. Discover Le Corsaire Volant.
Elfy Park family fun park
5 hectares of play in the forest, themed around elves and Ardennes legends, with a summer toboggan run, giant nets, zip lines and Valdemar, Thomas Dambo’s giant troll. From age 2. Discover Elfy Park.
Wisplash water park
Inflatable modules on the water for jumping, sliding and climbing. wisplash.fr.
Swimming, water sports and fishing
Lifeguarded beach in summer, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats and sailing. The lake is also renowned for fishing, especially for carp.
Hiking and cycling
You can walk or mountain-bike around the lake, a loop of about 11 km. The surrounding forests and the Meuse valley, with the Trans-Ardennes greenway, offer many more outings.
Camping and picnics
There is a campsite on the lakeshore. Picnic areas, snack bars and free parking are available on site.
Getting to Lac des Vieilles-Forges
Address of the parks: 6 rue du Lac, 08500 Les Mazures, France. Coming from Renwez, the parks are on the right, after the leisure centre and before the sailing club. GPS coordinates: 49.8754, 4.5976.
| From | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Charleville-Mézières | approx. 20 km | approx. 20-25 min |
| Revin / Rocroi | approx. 15-20 km | approx. 20 min |
| Sedan | approx. 45 km | approx. 40 min |
| Reims | approx. 110 km | approx. 1 h 15 |
| Couvin / Chimay (Belgium) | approx. 40-50 km | approx. 30-40 min |
| Charleroi (Belgium) | approx. 90 km | approx. 1 h 10 |
| Namur (Belgium) | approx. 100 km | approx. 1 h 30 |
| Brussels | approx. 150 km | approx. 2 h |
| Luxembourg | approx. 170 km | approx. 2 h |
| Lille | approx. 200 km | approx. 2 h |
| Paris | approx. 240 km | approx. 2 h 45 |
Approximate driving times, excluding traffic. From Belgium, you arrive via Couvin and Rocroi or via Givet and the Meuse valley.
Frequently asked questions about the lake
Where is Lac des Vieilles-Forges?
In the French Ardennes (Grand Est region), in the municipality of Les Mazures, between Charleville-Mézières (20 min) and Revin, about 40 minutes from the Belgian border.
Can you swim in Lac des Vieilles-Forges?
Yes. A designated beach is lifeguarded during the summer season. Outside lifeguard hours, you swim at your own risk.
What is there to do with children at Lac des Vieilles-Forges?
Elfy Park (from age 2), Le Corsaire Volant treetop adventure (from age 6), the Wisplash water park, the beach, playgrounds and a walk or bike ride around the lake. The Pass-Partout combines Elfy Park and Le Corsaire Volant on the same day.
Is Lac des Vieilles-Forges far from Belgium?
No: about 30 to 40 minutes from Couvin and Chimay, 1 h 10 from Charleroi, 1 h 30 from Namur and 2 h from Brussels.
Do you have to pay for parking?
No, parking by the lake is free.