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The Circuit de Lezennes, located near Lille in northern France, was a unique motorcycle-only circuit, offering riders a safe space to test their skills away from public roads. Known officially as the Complexe Motocycliste de la Montagne de Fer, the circuit catered primarily to non-competitive motorcycle enthusiasts.

Riders could bring their street-legal bikes and practice on open track days, which drew a mix of skill levels and bike types, creating some inherent risks. The track was celebrated for its challenging long right-hand corners, which caused uneven tire wear—leading riders to creatively manage this by reversing their tires periodically.

Layout and Configurations of Circuit de Lezennes

The circuit’s main outer loop measured 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) and could be divided into shorter tracks using internal connectors. In addition, the infield featured an off-road motocross track. A standout section of the track was the “Pief-Paf,” a sequence of progressively tighter corners requiring significant rider precision.

Circuit de Lezennes in France - Map

The Downfall of Circuit de Lezennes

Despite its relatively isolated location near a motorway junction, the circuit faced noise complaints allegedly from nearby residents, particularly from Lesquin, where part of the circuit land extended.

This issue, spearheaded by Lesquin’s mayor, led to heightened scrutiny and eventual calls for its closure. However, many riders and supporters questioned the validity of these complaints, citing the distance from residential areas and pointing out the nearby highways’ likely contribution to ambient noise.

Abandoned Circuit de Lezennes in France: First corner

The circuit’s supporters argued it served as a vital community hub, promoting road safety by offering riders an alternative to high-speed street riding.

Efforts to save the circuit included online campaigns and petitions, yet increasing regulatory demands for noise control and safety upgrades ultimately forced the circuit to shut down in 2019.

Since then, it has remained abandoned, adding to the frustration of the motorcycle community that had embraced it as a vital recreational and safety resource.

Abandoned Circuit de Lezennes in France

The Legacy of Circuit de Lezennes

While the Circuit de Lezennes is no longer operational, it remains fondly remembered by motorcyclists in the region. Its closure highlighted the challenges faced by grassroots motorsport facilities in balancing community support with regulatory and environmental pressures. [1] [2]

For further exploration of this topic, we could investigate whether the site’s current state might allow for revival efforts or repurposing to benefit both local communities and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Abandoned Circuit de Lezennes in France: Rubble on the track

My Visit to Circuit de Lezennes

A fan’s tip led me to the abandoned Circuit de Lezennes, an intriguing place shrouded in mystery. Online, I found only sparse information—mainly scattered discussions on a few French and Belgian forums and some YouTube videos. Armed with this limited knowledge, I managed to pinpoint the circuit’s location.

To prepare, I thoroughly studied the area, identifying potential entry points around the track. I noted a narrow path encircling the circuit and guessed I might find an opening in the fence there. Planning discreetly, I chose to park near a nearby football stadium, avoiding leaving my car in front of the abandoned track where it might attract unwanted attention from the authorities.

Abandoned Circuit de Lezennes in France: Power lines

Reaching the Circuit

On June 8, 2023, en route to the historic Reims-Gueux circuit, I made a detour at Lille. The abandoned Lezennes circuit wasn’t hard to locate, but the final stretch required a long, hot walk from the stadium to the track.

When I arrived, I followed the narrow path circling the circuit. Surprisingly, what I thought might draw attention turned out to be a popular walking route. The path ran along an elevated ridge, with the circuit far below. A steep drop beyond the fence separating the path from the track made entering—or exiting—the circuit challenging and dangerous.

Adding to the difficulty were trees everywhere, preventing me from launching the drone I had brought. Determined not to give up, I pressed on, vowing to find a way inside, even if it meant circling the entire perimeter.

Gaining Access

After walking nearly three-quarters of the way around the circuit, the path descended to the same level as the track. There, through a gap in the bushes, I found an entry point. Finally, I was in!

Abandoned Circuit de Lezennes in France: Bridge over the track

I made my way across the overgrown and deserted Circuit de Lezennes, eventually crossing a small bridge that led to the infield and the track itself. The surface was littered with rubble and debris—likely scattered to discourage illegal racing. Still, I pressed on, exploring the layout and features like the “Pief-Paf” section while hoping the walkers above wouldn’t report my presence. Urban exploration, after all, is a legally ambiguous hobby.

I also stayed alert for potential encounters with homeless individuals who might use the site as a shelter. Thankfully, neither they nor law enforcement interrupted my visit, allowing me to film the experience in peace.

Capturing the Circuit

With the ground footage complete, I prepared to launch my drone for aerial shots of the abandoned track. Flying proved tricky because of overhead power lines and a pylon located within the circuit grounds. This forced me to keep the drone at a higher altitude for safety, limiting low-level shots to only part of the circuit.

Beyond my main video recordings, I also captured behind-the-scenes moments for a “making-of” vlog, available to my supporters on Patreon and YouTube Members. If you’re interested in supporting my work, feel free to join—every contribution helps preserve the memory of these forgotten tracks.

The Journey Back

After completing my exploration, it was time for the long walk back to the football stadium. The journey had taken over an hour in sweltering heat, and retracing my steps was just as challenging. By the time I reached the stadium, I was exhausted, sweaty, and starving. Luckily, a few nearby restaurants offered a chance to recharge before continuing my journey to Reims-Gueux.

The visit to Circuit de Lezennes was an unforgettable experience. Both for the challenges of accessing the site and the unique character of the abandoned track itself.

Thoughts on this subject

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