Ardennes
A powerful, almost magical area where Rimbaud, Verlaine and so many others shaped their imaginations, Ardennes is a real jewel of unspoilt nature where centuries of history have also left their legacy.
A land that breathes inspiration
With its dozen listed natural sites and Regional Nature Park, the département of Ardennes in the Grand Est is a true paradise for nature and biodiversity. A magnificent, almost magnetic land where countless artists have come to draw limitless inspiration.
There’s also a legendary historical and military heritage awaiting your discovery in the heart of this unique destination!
Unmissables in Ardennes
Gift voucher for a duo cruise on the Meuse
Gift card “Animalier d’un jour au Parc Argonne Découverte
Fantasticable, fly over the Meuse – Terraltitude Park
Day at Argonne Discovery Park
Free visit of the fortress of Charlemont
Sedan Castle
Canoeing or kayaking on the Voie Bleue
Canoeing – Kayaking on the Voie Bleue – 7 kms (2h00)
Nature and relaxation getaway in the Ardennes: Parc Argonne Découverte – Gîte Ô Rethel Jacuzzi *****
Accrobranche in family at Terraltitude Park
Nature in Ardennes
Prolific, wild and spectacular, nature in Ardennes is a treasure beyond price, starting with the Ardennes Regional Nature Park, which covers over 100,000 hectares of protected nature with an extraordinary variety of landscapes. The abundance of its cherished biodiversity inspires sustainable tourism, for total disconnection from the everyday round and a return to the essential things in life.
There’s a whole range of activities for you to enjoy in the heart of nature, along hundreds of kilometres of marked trails. On the programme: hiking, cycling, horse-riding and unforgettable excursions to wherever the water takes you.
Cycle your way along the Meuse
Take full advantage of this idyllic setting at your own pace: get on your bike and pedal your way along the “Meuse à Vélo”, a 150-km European Cycle Route alongside the Meuse, from its source in Langres to its mouth in Rotterdam in the Netherlands!
Spectacular landscapes, narrow valleys and picturesque villages – an outstanding itinerary and total immersion in Ardennes’ inner nature await you on the Meuse à Vélo route.
Bearing witness to history
Ardennes has been witness to a rich, sometimes even legendary history, and today enjoys an outstanding heritage that has resulted from it, including the city of Charleville-Mézières.
World Capital of Puppetry, it’s also famous for its ramparts, for being the poet Arthur Rimbaud’s birthplace and for its Place Ducale, quite simply one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
There’s also the town of Sedan to explore, with its historic centre, listed as a “Remarkable Heritage Site”, and the amazing castle that overlooks the town, the biggest fortress in Europe.
Cultural discoveries in Ardennes
Memory in Ardennes
Due to its strategic geographical location, the département of Ardennes has been the theatre of numerous conflicts and wars that have bequeathed it a spectacular legacy for history buffs. Sites include the magnificent little fortified town of Rocroi and its star-shaped ramparts, highly strategic defences during the Thirty Years’ War.
Don’t miss out on the citadel of Givet either, perched atop its towering rock, or the fortified churches tour in Thiérache, to see how churches were once forced to turn themselves into mini-fortresses.
Recommended addresses for your stay in Ardennes
Accommodation, restaurants, outings – view our recommended address for your stay in Ardennes!
Apartment Charleville-Mézières – Sublime view on the Place Ducale
3 nights at Château de Charbogne in the Corps de Logis gîte
Lodge Mon P’tit Lapin” Finnish Kota
Mam’s Gîte near the greenway
Ô Rethel Jacuzzi
Stay in Igl’houx with sunset view
La Houblonnière, gîte de la Brasserie
B&B Charlestown in Charleville-Mézières
La Grange de mon grand-père – Gîte Amélie
Rimbaud Suites – Suite Ophelia
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