In the Ardennes, each outing feels like a trip. Following the road as the landscapes pass by is always a majestic escape: from forests to valleys, from the Meuse river to the smallest river, at each turn, you will be tempted to stop and fix the image in your memory. On either side of the border, you will find a restaurant or brasserie to take a break.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Charleville-Mézières
La puppet capital of the world is also the birthplace of the poet Arthur Rimbaud who was born there in 1854. This town, an ideal city created by Charles de Gonzague in the XNUMXth century, was endowed with a great history over time that traces the Ardennes museum.
You can relax on the terraces of the majestic Place Ducale, the heart of the city and enjoy restaurants, bars and shops. It notably hosts the Oktoberfest every year in May and the World Puppet Theater Festival every two years in September.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Monthermé
Between Givet and Charleville-Mézières, Monthermé offers the opportunity to gain height with the Rock at seven o'clock and the Rock of the 7 villages. The Meuse forms an incredible meander here that you will have the opportunity to observe from these viewpoints. At the confluence of the Meuse and the Semoy, each stone can be the setting of an ancient legend, as in Bogny-sur-Meuse where the Four Sons Aymon forever wander the forest on their magical horse Bayart.
Laval-Dieu Abbey was built in the 12th century and renovated several times following multiple fires. Nowadays, it can be visited as well as its gardens.
Close to this beautiful Ardennes heritage, a brasserie pays homage to this abbey.
On my way
The great loop of the Ardennes: Rocroi
Rocroy is an ideal stopover, both calm and marked by the History of France. The fortifications of this Little City of Character®, built by Henri II in 1555, remain visible. Starting from the central square, ten streets separate to form a star seen from the sky.
In 1643, it was the scene of a battle won by the Duke of Enghien, future Grand Condé, against the Spanish troops which inaugurated the reign of Louis XIV. A museum retraces this famous battle in French history.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Givet
The charming Meuse city sung by Victor Hugo is one of the “Most beautiful detours in France”. Along its ancient streets, numerous buildings bear witness to its past. It has the particularity of being dominated by two fortresses: Fort Condé and the impressive and unusual citadel of Charlemont.
The Charlemagne cruises, which crisscross the Meuse, offer another point of view on the city and its surroundings.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Dinant (B)
Dinant (B) is located in the heart of the rock, on the banks of the Meuse. It is overlooked by its citadel from where you can admire an incredible view. The cable car can take you there, unless you prefer to take the 408 steps to enjoy a sporty and equally spectacular climb.
Crossing the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, you will come across dozens of saxophones in the colors of Europe. Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the instrument.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Monthermé
Between Givet and Charleville-Mézières, Monthermé offers the opportunity to gain height with the Rock at seven o'clock and the Rock of the 7 villages. The Meuse forms an incredible meander here that you will have the opportunity to observe from these viewpoints. At the confluence of the Meuse and the Semoy, each stone can be the setting of an ancient legend, as in Bogny-sur-Meuse where the Four Sons Aymon forever wander the forest on their magical horse Bayart.
Laval-Dieu Abbey was built in the XNUMXth century and renovated several times following multiple fires. Nowadays, it can be visited as well as its gardens.
Close to this beautiful Ardennes heritage, a brasserie pays homage to this abbey.