This second day of wandering will take you to other landscapes, on either side of the border, less steep but just as fascinating.
You will have the opportunity to see incredible fortresses in Bouillon (B) and Sedan. THE Fortified Castle of Sedan was elected in 2023 Favorite Monument of the French. A must see !
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: Rochehaut (B)
Rochehaut (B) is located on a rocky spur which overlooks the Semois loop. A village which offers tourists or locals numerous activities, notably with its restaurants, its shops, its animal park, its agricultural museum, all surrounded by a hilly landscape.
The great Ardennes loop: Bouillon (B)
Between Rochehaut (B) and Sedan, discover the town of Bouillon (B). Surrounded by forests, it provides access to magnificent natural landscapes and is located just 5 km from the French border. This town is known for its fortified castle which is located on a rocky spur overlooking the Semois and the modern town. It belonged to Godfrey de Bouillon, a major player in the first crusade and first ruler of Jerusalem. Today, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Mouzon
This small town with a medieval feel takes its name from its market on the Meuse. In the 5th century, Clovis gave it to the Archbishop of Reims, Rémi, to thank him for having baptized him. Mouzon is labeled Petites Cités de Caractère. At the crossroads of the kingdoms of Northern Europe, it was marked by the religious, warlike and industrial presence.
A museum is notably dedicated to the work of felt wool in Mouzon developed by the Sommer family.
The great loop of the Ardennes: Sedan
Sedan, “City of Art and History”, is famous for its fortified castle, classified as a historic monument. This fortress, Favorite Monument of the French in 2023, is considered the largest fortified castle in Europe. An independent and Protestant principality until the 17th century, its illustrious characters have often marked the history of France: the La Marcks, La Tour d'Auvergne, the Grand Turenne, Marshal of France, who died as a hero, carried away by a cannonball and mourned by Louis XIV himself…
On my way
The Château fort de Sedan, favorite monument of the French 2023