The Ardennes are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Three major European routes — GR 14, GR 16, and GR 654 – Way of St. James to Compostela — cross the Ardennes department and offer immense possibilities for exploration, between forests, valleys, plateau, hedgerows and plains.
Between mythical panoramas, charming villages and unspoiled nature, the hikes in the Ardennes rival each other in beauty.
The GR16: The Semois-Semoy Trail
Le GR16 is one of the most iconic hiking trails of the Ardennes. It follows the Semois river on 200 km, from its source in Arlon, Belgium, to its confluence with the Meuse at Monthermé in the French Ardennes, where the river takes the name Semoy for its last 20 kilometers.
After winding through the wild landscapes of the Ardennes massif, the route reaches Rimogne where it connects to GR 654 – Way of St. James to Compostela.
The GR14: from the Eifel to Champagne
Le GR14 connects Malmedy in Belgium to the Der region in Champagne, crossing the hilly and wooded landscapes of the French Ardennes.
This route is ideal for lovers of hiking in the Ardennes, combining forest passages, open panoramas and historical heritage.
From Argonne, it is possible to continue towards Paris or to reach the Way of St. James to Compostelalle thanks to the GR network.
In some places, the GR14 also offers local variations or... hiking loops to explore certain sectors in greater depth.
The GR654: on the Way of St. James to Compostela
Major section of the Way of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, the GR654 crosses the Ardennes from Namur towards Vézelay. This spiritual and cultural journey appeals to both pilgrims and enthusiasts of hiking trails pedestrian wishing to discover a historical route.
From the Ardennes plateau in the north to the Champagne plain in the south, the GR654 offers a wide variety of landscapes dotted with villages, deep forests and peaceful scenery.
In Rimogne, it is connected to GR16allowing for the creation of long and personalized itineraries.
Perfect for long-distance hiking, this route is also an excellent starting point for designing a hikes endlessly or a shorter stage in the Ardennes region.
F.A.Q
1. Which long-distance hiking trails (GRs) cross the Ardennes?
The Ardennes are crossed by three routes of Great hike : the GR14, the GR16 and the GR654 – Way of St. James to Compostela.
These trails offer some hikes varied options for exploring the region on foot.
2. What is the length of the GR trails in the Ardennes?
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Le GR16 extends over 200 km, for: 46 km in the French Ardennes along the Semoy river.
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Le GR14 crosses the Ardennes department from north to south on approximately 60 km between Sedan and the Argonne.
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Le GR654 –Way of St. James to Compostela, crosses the department from north to south about 96 km.
3. Where can I find maps of the GR trails in the Ardennes?
You can consult the official routes of the GR in the Ardennes on the website of the French Hiking Federation (www.ffrandonnee.fr) or on Visorando Ardennes to prepare your hiking in the Ardennes.
4. What are the typical stages for a long-distance hike in the Ardennes?
There is no set route. The stages vary depending on the GR trail, the elevation gain, and the hiker's physical condition. Most hikers plan 15 to 25 km per day.
5. Which apps should I use to prepare for a hike in the Ardennes?
To organize your hiking in the ArdennesYou can download the application. MaRando.fr, offered by the FFRandonnée, or the application Cirkwi.
