Taking the Way of St. James in the Ardennes is to live a unique experience combining nature, heritage and spirituality.
De Hossus Ford à Asfeld, GR 654 – Via Campaniensis It crosses forests, plateaus and valleys, and picturesque villages. This legendary hiking route appeals to both pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts. Between Rocroy, Signy-l'Abbaye, Chateau-Porcien, AsfeldLet yourself be carried away by the serenity and beauty of the Ardennes landscapes.

An iconic route: the Via Campaniensis (GR 654)

Among ways of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle the most iconic, the Via Campaniensis, also called GR 654, connects Namur (Belgium) à VézelayThis historic route crosses the Ardennes department, offering to pilgrims, hikers et nature lovers a journey rich in landscapes and emotions.
Ce GR in the Ardennes is a true condensed version of what the region has to offer that is most authentic: deep forests, villages of character and vast horizons.

At the gateway to the Ardennes: Hierges and the Meuse valley

Before entering the French ArdennesThe path runs along the Belgian-French border, passing through Doisches, Vaucelles et Mazée.
The pilgrim then makes a short stop at Yesterday, charming village dominated by its medieval castle and labeled Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Nearby, theVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office, located at Vireux Wallerand, accompanies walkers in preparing their hiking trails, whether it is the GR 654, An local loop hike or an day hikeIt also contains information on the accommodation, the restaurants and the points of interest from the tip of the Ardennes.

The village of Hierges is dominated by its medieval castle.

From Gué d'Hossus to Asfeld: 120 km hike in the heart of the Ardennes

This is at Hossus Ford that the Way of St. James truly enters the French Ardennes. The GR 654 then crosses the territory from north to south for approximately 120 km, before joining Asfeldthen Reims in the Marne.

Map of the GR 654 hiking trail in the Ardennes

Essential stops on the GR 654 in the Ardennes

Rocroi, the star city

A mosaic of landscapes and hiking experiences

On the Way of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, Rocroi plateau to Porcian plainsThe walkers discover a mosaic of landscapes : deep forests, green valleys, hedgerows and picturesque villages.
Lovers of hiking in the Ardennes will appreciate the diversity of the route. The tranquility of the landscapes invites you to contemplation and connection with nature.

The Pre-Ardennes Ridges at Signy-L

Hikers and Pilgrims 08: Guardians of the Way

The association Hikers and Pilgrims 08 (RP08), member of the French Federation of Associations of the Ways of St. Jamesmaintains, marks and enhances the GR 654 in the Ardennes.
She assists walkers in their preparation and promotes the discovery of the natural and spiritual heritage Ardennes region through many hiking trails.

Rocroi reveals itself in the morning mist.

F.A.Q

The path follows the GR 654 across Hossus Ford et Asfeld, or approximately 120 km. It passes through iconic towns such as Rocroy, Signy-l'Abbaye, Château-Porcien and Asfeld before joining the Marne in the direction of Reims.

The layout of the GR 654 is available on the website: https://www.mongr.fr/

The route alternates between forest hikeOpen plateaus, valleys, hedged farmlands and charming villages. From the Rocroi plateau to the Porcien plains, the variety of landscapes makes it one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails of the department.

The towns and villages passed through — Rocroy, Signy-l'Abbaye, Château-Porcien and Asfeld — have accommodation, restaurants and shops. 

The association provides trail marking, maintenance, and support for walkers. Hikers and Pilgrims 08 (RP08), member of the French Federation of Associations of the Ways of St. James.

Yes the the Way of St. James in the Ardennes is accessible to beginners, provided they prepare their stage well, especially for the longer sections between two villages.

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