La Croix Gillet from Haybes

Steep at the bottom of the village. From there 7km of climbing with some steeper sections, running sections and a short descent. Interesting as a stepping stone between the Flemish Ardennes and real climbing. Mainly in the forest, not really nice views.

A fine, demanding climb at the start of this ascent through the village and then on to the final section, where the surface is fine and there is little vehicular traffic in a magnificent Ardennes forest crossing. Beginners beware, this is a demanding climb.

Ideal if you're looking for a climb with some length.
Doable for everyone, never gets too steep. First part in the village is nothing special, the best part follows later as the climb winds into the forest.
Nice quiet climb. Definitely recommended if you are in the area.

I have a 2nd home in the region and so visit here regularly. My custom and advice is to use this climb rather as a descent and instead climb up the ridge via either the slope from Haybes to Hargnies or via the crown jewel of the region: the col du Malgré tout. Those lend themselves better to climbing with their hairpin turns, while this one here forms a long straight line with gentle curves, ideal for descending. I climbed it once, just to have done it and it is mentally tough rather than physically.

From Haybes, the road immediately gives it a big jolt. The first kilometre is steep. Then you have a nice viewpoint on the Meuse meandering around Fumay on the right. The climb now flattens out a bit and will even descend for a while before picking up considerably again. After about 4 km, the climb flattens out again to lead straight to the summit. You will reach it after about 7 kilometres, making this climb one of the longest in the Ardennes. Too bad there are actually no bends in it, making it look a bit boring.

Nice long climb, starting in the village you cycle right into the woods. There is very little traffic and we cycled this 'early in the morning through the fog banks. I didn't find the climb really difficult anywhere but as it is a long climb you do get tested.

Just outside the village you look out beautifully over the Meuse valley. Nice to stop for a moment before the real climbing begins.

I definitely recommend this climb:
Beautiful road surface
Quiet, very little traffic
Rather steep start in the village
Pretty long climb
Just after the first steeper part out of village, a nice viewpoint
In short: do it

For me, this climb shows the strength of the French Ardennes, even compared to the Belgian Ardennes: a climb of no less than 7km and 400 altimeters: this leans towards lighter climbs in higher medium mountains. Starts steep in Haybes, gradually riding out of the village and into the forest briefly interrupted by 2 short descents. After this quite steep for a period. Arriving at the top you are not yet relieved because if you turn right it still goes up some false flat.