Avesnes-sur-Helpe is a commune located in the Nord department of northern France. It serves as a sub-prefecture for the department and is situated approximately 14 km from the Belgian border and 18 km south of Maubeuge, which is the nearest larger town.
The geography of the area is defined by the river Helpe Majeure, a tributary of the Sambre, which flows through the town. Additionally, an artificial lake known as Lac du Val-Joly is located upstream of Avesnes on the same river.