Family weekend in Charleville-Mézières and Sedan

Back in time in Charleville-Mézières and Sedan

In Charleville-Mézières, travel back in time by staying in a hotel in or near Place Ducale. Choose from a special family suite or spacious rooms decorated in a style inspired by the poet Arthur Rimbaud. Poetry will take you back to the 19th century during your family weekend in Charleville-Mézières!

Are your children more into medieval nursery rhymes than romantic poetry? In Sedan, just a few kilometres from Charleville-Mézières, spend a night in the time of kings in the largest fortified castle in Europe! While the children play knights on the ramparts, enjoy all the modern comforts in the hotel's rooms and suites. Contemplate the old stones and exposed beams, the view over the courtyard and gardens and enjoy the life of a prince or princess in a unique setting in the heart of the Ardennes!

If you're more of a troubadour than a knight, head off for a family weekend in a gypsy caravan! For one night, become a nomad again for a short break roaming the roads of the Ardennes. Finally, for a family weekend in the countryside, opt for an unusual night out in the western atmosphere of a covered wagon or at a campsite on the banks of the Meuse! It's the perfect opportunity to take a real break amidst the greenery of the Ardennes Regional Nature Park.

Culture and leisure go hand in hand in Sedan and Charleville-Mézières!

A weekend in Charleville-Mézières is the perfect start to a cultural stay in the city, with a chance to discover the life of Arthur Rimbaud! There are various routes around the city that will tell you all about the tumultuous life of the "man with soles of wind". It's also an opportunity to (re)discover the fabulous Place Ducale, which hosts the World Puppet Theatre Festival every two years. Charleville-Mézières is the world capital of puppetry!

Do you like to combine cultural discoveries with leisure activities? Explore the fortified castle of Sedan! As well as its hotel and restaurant, the fortress is above all a treasure trove of Ardennes heritage, and offers a whole host of activities to help you discover its history in a different way. Visit its basements by torchlight, explore its museum with its fascinating and unusual scenography and take part in a real knights' tournament with the whole family. Children won't want to leave! In Sedan, culture and leisure go hand in hand!

A weekend in Charleville-Mézières: a breath of fresh air for all the family!

Once you've tried out the many activities available in the centre of Charleville-Mézières and on the banks of the Meuse, the area around the town offers a host of nature-based outings, ideal for a weekend of relaxation and family laughter.

Around twenty kilometres from Charleville-Mézières, in the Ardennes Regional Nature Park, the Vieilles Forges lake is the ideal place for water sports enthusiasts. Children can race their bikes on the water or pedal boats, while adults can enjoy a leisurely paddle in a kayak or stand-up paddle. In the Parc des Ardennes, there's something for everyone!

If you'd rather stick to dry land for all the activities around Charleville-Mézières, opt for an all-terrain scooter ride in the Massif des Ardennes. Get on your electric bikes for an afternoon in the heart of nature!

Do you like to combine leisure with peace and quiet? Make the most of your family weekend and introduce your children to animals on a horse-drawn carriage or donkey ride! Close your eyes and let yourself be (literally) carried away by the gentle rhythm of your companions for the day.

Finally, to discover Charleville-Mézières and Sedan at your own pace, take the Meuse cycle route, which crosses both towns and guides you through forests, tales and legends... Nature is never far away during a weekend in Charleville-Mézières!

: Charleville-Mézières is in the Ardennes department, in the Grand Est region. It lies in the natural region of the Ardennes, of which it is the "chef-lieu". Sedan lies a few kilometres to the south-east of Charleville-Mézières along the Meuse, which flows through both towns.

: Charleville-Mézières is a town known for its impressive architecture, of which the famous Place Ducale is a perfect example. During your family weekend, be sure to wander its streets and alleys in search of Art Deco or neoclassical details. It's the perfect opportunity to go on a treasure hunt with the kids! Sedan is another town to discover during your family weekend! Sedan Castle is a must-see place to take the kids, but the town's other districts are also well worth a visit.

Here are a few ideas for things to do during your stay in Charleville-Mézières and Sedan:

- Visit the museums dedicated to the famous poet: the Musée Rimbaud and the Maison des Ailleurs,
- Discover the history of the region at the Musée de l'Ardenne,
- Follow the banks of the Meuse to admire the fortifications of the town of Mézières,
- Search for the Grand Marionnettiste, the giant automaton of Charleville-Mézières and attend the World Festival of Puppet Theatres,
- Walk along the Quai de la Régente in Sedan, for a cool stroll along the banks of the Meuse,
- Visit the Sedan Botanical Garden, for a green break in the city,
- Follow the La Meuse à vélo route through Charleville-Mézières and Sedan to discover the Ardennes at your own pace.

: For your family weekend in Charleville-Mézières, whether you prefer to spend the night in the city centre or in the surrounding countryside, the Ardenne has the right accommodation for you. On the Place Ducale, a stone's throw from the Rimbaud museum, you can stay in a charming hotel or in a flat decorated in the poet's colours. To fully appreciate the generosity of the local people, you can opt for a night in a bed and breakfast or a gîte on the outskirts of the town.

: The Ardennes is an area that can be visited at any time of year, although the summer months are a good time to visit. In winter, the ancient architecture of Charleville-Mézières or the fortified castle of Sedan under the snow is a sight to behold. In spring, the banks of the Meuse come alive and the quays of both towns promise an invigorating breath of fresh air. In summer, the region's pleasant temperatures allow you to make the most of your holiday with a succession of visits and activities. Finally, in autumn, the light and the leaves turn brown and a sunset over the fortifications of Charleville-Mézières or the castle of Sedan offers a panorama that your children will remember for a long time.

Whichever season you decide to spend your weekend with the family, booking your accommodation in advance, whether in a hotel or a gîte, will give you peace of mind and great prices.