From its source to its mouth, the Meuse is coupled with an international tourist cycle route of more than 950 km, EuroVelo 19. Julie and Jim, a Dutch couple, tried the experience of the Meuse by bike, leaving from Sedan.
Excellent ! Stunning !
Julie and Jim do not regret their choice. 280 km to pedal from Sedan to Maastricht. Six days synonymous with discovery, tranquility, exchanges...
Three nights in France, three in Belgium, stages of 33 km to 71 km.
Together with her husband, they cycle daily in the Netherlands and had already experienced a cycle touring experience of 150 km in three days. However, they wanted to opt for a route without difficulty which passed through Dinant (Belgium) and chose electrically assisted bicycles which offer “more latitude” for this long ride. The tracks, Voie verte Trans-Ardennes in France, then Ravel 1 and 2 in Belgium, are “very easy and very well marked” insists the couple. With a special mention for the road book french side, “and its map for each stage” which indicates viewpoints, tourist sites and local services, in particular repair points.
It's very reassuring.
Stop, look, explore
Leaving by bus with a Dutch tour operator from Maastricht to Sedan, Julie and Jim took advantage of a luggage service.
In the morning, we take our breakfast, we leave our suitcases at the hotel. And we leave. In the evening, we find them at the next stage.
Sedan, Charleville-Mézières, Haybes, Dinant, Namur, Liège, Maastricht.
We were able to take our time, stop, watch, explore… and sample the local beers (laughs).
We also appreciated the very natural part between Charleville and Haybes. Elsewhere, we were able to observe the locks and dams, understand history with our own eyes. We are very curious.
One of their favorites : the "impressive" architecture of the cities of Sedan and Charleville-Mézières with the fortified castle et Ducal Square.
Their advice : plan your picnic to be able to eat outside the usual French meal times.
Article taken from the magazine of the Tourist Development Agency "Ardennes Inspirations" and recomposed for the web.
Themes
