Best lakes around Somain offer diverse natural landscapes, often shaped by the region's industrial past. The area features a mix of natural and artificial lakes, alongside marshes and former mining sites that have been rewilded. These locations provide opportunities for walking, hiking, and observing local flora and fauna. Somain's surroundings are characterized by accessible trails and varied terrain suitable for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Beautiful walk on a magnificent site
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Hello, is it exclusively mountain biking or accessible by gravel please? It makes me want to do it anyway ☺️
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Great place to run on several routes or hike with the family
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The Rieulay slag heap, also known as the Argales slag heap, is the largest in the region with its 140 hectares. Formerly an industrial site for the storage of waste rock from the surrounding mines, it has been converted into a protected natural area and a place for leisure.
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The Argales de Rieulay slag heap, the largest in the region (140 ha), has long since closed its mining page. A new story has been unfolding for several years now. That of a successful reconversion.
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Artificial beach on the body of water
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Strong exposure to the wind, beautiful view of the lake and the sunset
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Magnificent setting for running and doing a bit of elevation gain!
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Several lakes around Somain are great for families. Étang des Argales is a popular choice, offering a tour with beautiful views and a bird sanctuary. Another option is Terril des Argales Beach, which features an artificial beach on the body of water. The Germignies Marsh and Spoil Heap also provides a rich natural environment suitable for family exploration.
Yes, many lakes in the area offer accessible and enjoyable walking paths. The Round Basin, for instance, has a completely renovated course suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling in all seasons. Étang des Argales also offers a pleasant tour with beautiful views.
The lakes around Somain can be enjoyed throughout the year. For example, The Round Basin is suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling in all seasons. The region's diverse landscapes, including marshes and rewilded mining sites, offer different experiences depending on the time of year.
The lakes around Somain offer a variety of natural features. You can find marshes with bird sanctuaries, such as at Étang des Argales, which features kiosks for observation. The Germignies Marsh and Spoil Heap is a rich natural environment with a birch forest and rare plant species. The area also includes rewilded former mining sites that have transformed into unique landscapes.
Yes, the region offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking. Around the Rieulay lake is a challenging area particularly suitable for mountain biking, offering magnificent views. You can find more MTB routes in the area by checking the MTB Trails around Somain guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the beautiful views, especially around Étang des Argales. The renovated paths at places like The Round Basin are popular for walking and cycling. The transformation of former mining sites into natural areas, such as the Terril des Argales Beach, is also highly regarded.
Absolutely. Many areas are well-suited for cycling. The Round Basin offers a completely renovated course perfect for cycling in all seasons. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Somain guide, which includes routes like the 'Argalles spoil tip and pond. – Étang des Argales loop'.
Yes, some lake areas provide facilities for visitors. For instance, Around the Rieulay lake is noted as a place to rehydrate or take a short break, often with magnificent views.
For scenic views, Étang des Argales is highly recommended, offering beautiful vistas during its tour. Around the Rieulay lake also provides magnificent views, especially of the lake and sunset, though it can be exposed to wind.
Beyond walking and cycling directly around the lakes, the wider Somain area offers various outdoor activities. You can find extensive MTB trails, touring bicycle routes, and road cycling routes. These guides provide options for different difficulty levels and distances, allowing you to explore the region's diverse landscapes.
While the main highlights are well-loved, the region is characterized by a mix of natural and artificial lakes, alongside marshes and former mining sites that have been rewilded. The Germignies Marsh and Spoil Heap, with its natural and artificial ponds and rich biodiversity, offers a unique and perhaps less crowded experience compared to the more popular spots.


Still not found your perfect lake around Somain? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.