In the wheel of the Champions A bike adventure available on the JOOKS app

Starting and returning to Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes, and finishing at the foot of the café-rando Symbiose, the circuit totals 24km and 5 cobbled sectors. Fun’s over, it’s time to pedal!

A third of the way through the old village, the first cobbles appear. Things get serious at the intersection with “le chemin des postes”.

The Paris-Roubaix has passed through here three times, the first in 2005, the year the Arenberg trench was removed. The aim was to find an alternative route and sector: 2600m of 5-star cobblestones!

Since 2005, the portion of this sector between Préseau and Artres is no longer officially listed as a paved sector, as it is too heavily covered with tar. Asphalt isn’t the only enemy of cobblestones. Vegetation can be too. Fortunately, some cobblestones fight back and resist being buried, giving them a second life.

A striking example can be found further afield in the commune of Quérénaing.

Suffering, dust, tears? there’s no question of it here…

The legend just a few pedal strokes away…

Kilometer 8.

At the entrance to the village of Artres, our cyclotourists cross the Rhônelle. Time for a break. Stroll through the maze of streets in the village center and continue on to the church of Saint-Martin and the old château farmhouse.

The mythical cobbled section between Quérénaing and Maing is by far the one that will transport you into THE legend…

This section is a must on the queen of classics (currently rated 3*).

After that, hang up your bike and explore Maing on foot

The church of Saint-Géry is one of the oldest in the Valenciennes region (12th century).

The finish line is not far away…

Keep your eyes peeled for more surprises along the way… like the Château de Famars: an impressive neo-Gothic building with machicolated towers, built on the foundations of a 17th-century château.

Arriving at the end of “la cavée de Famars” (rue de Feleine), you take the direction of the starting commune…

A finish line seems to be taking shape in your mind. Between the fields and the Rhonêlle river, sprint to get there first!

Once you’ve passed the “Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes” sign, all that’s left to do is celebrate victory!

Take a group photo and share it on our networks with #valenciennestourismeetcongres!