The South Ardennes Green Way is a safe cycling route along the Ardennes Canal, ideal for families, cycle tourists and e-bike users.
Over nearly 110 kmIt crosses the bucolic landscapes of the southern Ardennes, picturesque villages and charming towns, combining nature, heritage and relaxation.
Connected to other cycle routes, such as The Meuse by bike / EuroVelo 19It allows you to extend your exploration of the southern Ardennes by bike.
A cycle route along the Ardennes Canal
The South Ardennes Green Way extends over 110 km along the Ardennes Canaloffering a cycle route designed for different types of cyclists.
Mostly on its own dedicated path, this greenway allows for cycling Safe and ideal for families with children, e-bike enthusiasts or cycle touristswishing to enjoy the Ardennes landscapes. The route follows the banks of the canal, alternating shaded passages, expanses of nature and picturesque villages and towns, for a route that is both relaxing and accessible, which highlights the rich natural and river heritage of the southern Ardennes.
A journey through heritage, nature and Ardennes villages
La South Ardennes Green Route immerses you in the heart of bucolic landscapes from the south of the Ardennes and the preserved nature along the banks of the canal. Along the way, you'll pass through charming Ardennes villages where the local heritage reveals itself at every turn: baroque churches, ancient castles and historic estates punctuate your journey.
This greenway connects perfectly with other cycling routes in the regionIncluding The Meuse by bike / EuroVelo 19 and the local network of cycle routes and cycling loops, allowing you to extend your stay or create tailor-made routes.
That you are whether you're a family, an e-bike enthusiast, or an experienced cycle touristThis route combines cultural discovery, immersion in nature and a safe cycling experiencemaking the South Ardennes Green Way a must-do for exploring the south of the Ardennes department by bike.
The essential stages of the journey
Pont-à-Bar, entrance to the South-Ardennes Greenway
At the crossroads The Meuse by bike / EuroVelo 19, the starting point of the South Ardennes Green Route lies Pont-a-Bar (Dom-le-Mesnil), a charming port welcoming boaters from all over Europe. This village marks the ideal entry point to this safe cycle route in the heart of the Ardennes.
From the very first kilometers, you set off on a A bucolic adventure along the Ardennes Canal, an iconic structure built to connect the Meuse to the Paris Basin. Formerly dedicated to river transport, this canal is now a key route for the soft mobility, highly appreciated by cycle tourists seeking peace and green landscapes.
On this first stage, you will mainly be traveling on a greenway, perfectly suited to families and hybrid and electric bikes.
On my way
Ardennes Nautisme
Unusual accommodation
Unusual accommodation
Pont à Bar Services – Ardennes nautisme
Nautical equipment rental
Pont à Bar Services – Ardennes nautisme
Nautical equipment rental
La Cassine – Vendresse, between heritage and Ardennes know-how
At the peaceful rhythm of the Ardennes nature, the South Ardennes Green Route takes you through a landscape of gentle valleys and shaded banks, punctuated by major heritage sitesThis stage offers a perfect balance between cycling, cultural discovery and nature breaks along the Ardennes Canal.
À Cassina, a former convent and the ruins of a Renaissance castle host each summer a sound and light show renowned, as well as numerous cultural events that bring the history of the place to life.
A few kilometers further on, the Domain of Vendresse constitutes an essential stop for families and lovers of industrial heritage.
This iconic site of the Ardennes metallurgy offers a spectacular immersion into the birth of a cast iron pourrecalling the region's historical role in the industrial adventure. An ideal stop to enrich your cycling route with a a cultural and playful interlude, in the heart of the Ardennes.
On my way
Bairon and its surroundings, a nature and leisure stop by the lake
Located on the route of the South Ardennes Green Route, the municipality of Bairon and its surroundings constitutes a An ideal stop for refueling and a relaxing break during your cycling trip in the Ardennes. You will find all the useful services for cycle tourists, to regain your strength before continuing your journey along the Ardennes Canal.
Thanks to a safe cycle path, you can easily join the leisure base Lake Bairon, one of the major natural sites in the southern Ardennes. This vast body of water offers a beach with lifeguards on duty during the seasonnumerous outdoor activities, as well as a equipped campsite et two restaurants to prolong the break by the water.
A perfect stop for alternating bike rides, family relaxation and outdoor recreation without straying from the South Ardennes Green Way.
On my way
Vouziers, between heritage, lock valleys and romantic landscapes
This step of the South Ardennes Green Route promises some nice surprises for cycle tourists.
From Bairon and its surroundings, you discover the valley of locks, one of the most remarkable sites on your journey. Nicknamed the lock ladder, she counts 26 locks out of the 44 that make up the Ardennes Canaloffering a unique spectacle to fans of river heritage.
The route follows a gently sloping terrain, creating an atmosphere romantic and bucolic, ideal for photo breaks or simply to enjoy the calm of the riverbanks.
À SemeyThe greenway follows the junction of Vouziersrevealing new landscapes and leading to this charming little town in the Ardenneswhere the escapades of the prince of poets still echo, Paul Verlaine.
On my way
An enchanted valley of locks
Hold your breath and savor the moment. From Chesne to Semuy, slide along the valley of the locks. To the feeling of freedom, add that of the privilege of entering the painting. Crazy charm The smell of cut hay. The croaking of a toad in the early morning. The delicious shine of a cherry tree. Sweet, intimate, seductive, the Valley of…
Hold your breath and savor the moment. From Chesne to Semuy, slide along the valley of the locks. To the feeling of freedom, add that of the privilege of entering the painting. Crazy charm The smell of cut hay. The croaking of a toad in the early morning. The delicious shine of a cherry tree. Sweet, intimate, seductive, the Valley of…
Attigny, literary heritage and history along the Ardennes Canal
After Vouziers, the South Ardennes Green Route follows the route of the Ardennes Canal and the Aisne River, often parallel and sometimes so close as to share their beds. This stage is captivating thanks to its peaceful landscapes and its literary and historical heritage remarkable.
À Rochethe young poet Arthur Rimbaud He spent his summers on the family farm and wrote his major work there. A Season in HellThe American singer and writer Patti Smith He also stays there regularly. Attigny, the novelist André Dhôtel, winner of the Prix Fémina in 1955 for The country you never reachleft his mark on this small town.
At the same time, Attigny offers all the services and shops necessary for cycle touristsguaranteeing a convenient and pleasant stop along the route.
The city is also rich in medieval history : this is where Charlemagne He built a palace and minted his own coins there. A walking tour of the city recounts his deeds, including the fate of the Saxon chieftain. Witikind, and their resonance into the 20th century.
On my way
Aux Sabots de Vent – Équitation
Equestrian sports
Aux Sabots de Vent – Équitation
Equestrian sports
Rethel, a gourmet and heritage stop along the South Ardennes Green Way
Leaving Attigny, the South Ardennes Green Route cross the Chalky Champagneoffering a change of scenery and architecture that accompanies cyclists all the way to the city of RethelWith just a few pedal strokes, you'll discover this historic city, formerly owned by Mazarin from 1663where heritage and local gastronomy meet.
Rethel is famous for its White sausage, a specialty of the Ardennes region, to be enjoyed during this gourmet stop. The Destination Sud-Ardennes tourist officeLocated near the train station, it is the ideal starting point for exploring the city.
On this section, the The greenway is mainly on its own dedicated path along the towpath.guaranteeing a safe and pleasant ride. However, between Ambly-Fleury and Givry-sur-Aisne, a 2,7 km section is shared with car traffic, requiring increased vigilance.
On my way
Asfeld, between baroque heritage and nature along the South Ardennes Greenway
Your journey on the South Ardennes Green Route leads you to Asfeld, nestled in a countryside of cereal crops where the Ardennes Canal It brings a touch of serenity and nature. This stage combines relaxation, heritage and cultural events for cycle tourists seeking discoveries.
The village is famous for its 17th century baroque churchremarkable for its red brick and surprising shapes where the straight line seems absent.
Un unmissable heritage site for all lovers of architecture and local history.
Every two years, Asfeld hosts a viola da gamba festival, a unique event that attracts music lovers and curious onlookers and enriches your cultural experience along the greenway.
La South Ardennes Green Route then leads you to the border of the Aisne department, where the route continues towards the We Are and the city of Reimsoffering new perspectives to extend your cycling adventure beyond the Ardennes.
On my way
F.A.Q
1. What is the total length of the South Ardennes Green Way?
La South Ardennes Green Route extends 110 km along the Ardennes Canal, including 11 km for the Vouziers branch, offering a safe and well-equipped route for cycle tourists, families and e-bike users.
2. Is it possible to travel the South Ardennes Green Way over several days?
Yes, the route can be completed in 3 to 4 days.Depending on your pace and the number of stages chosen, several towns and villages offer services and accommodation to facilitate your stay, such as Rethel, Attigny, Vouziers and Bairon-et-ses-environs.
3. Is the South Ardennes Green Way suitable for families and children?
Absolutely! The way is mainly flat and secureIdeal for families with children and beginner cyclists. A few short sections are on shared roads, but the majority of the route is on... clean site along the canal.
4. Where are the starting and access points to the South Ardennes Green Way?
The main access points are located to the north at Pont-a-Bar, where the South Ardennes Green Route connects to The Meuse by bike / Trans-Ardennes Greenway, then throughout the journey to Bairon and its surroundings, Attigny, Vouziers, Rethel et Asfeld, towards the south.
All these points are easily accessible by car, with some parking spaces availableand some, like Rethelare also served by the trainfacilitating access to the route for cycle tourists.
5. Are there maps, GPX files and services available to help plan the route?
Yes, the Ardennes Departmental Council publishes a detailed map of the route with the supply points, accommodations and restaurants, to facilitate the preparation of your journey.
The GPX track of the route is available for download. here.
6. Can one extend their route from the South Ardennes Green Way?
Yes, the route is connected to other cycle paths.
To the north, the South Ardennes Green Way is connected to The Meuse by bike – EuroVelo 19.
To the south, it extends towards the Aisne department, the Somme and Reims, offering many possibilities to extend your cycling adventure in the region.
