North of the Ardennes, le Ardennes Regional Natural Park (PNR) reveals a mosaic of preserved landscapes, green valleys, deep forests, hedged meadows and authentic villages. Designated a Regional Natural Park in 2011, this vast territory is an invitation to discovery, contemplation, and rejuvenation in the heart of nature. An ideal destination for families and lovers of wide-open spaces, hiking, and local experiences.
A natural haven on the Belgian border
Located at the northern tip of the Ardennes department, On the border with Belgium, the Park covers nearly 117,000 hectares. It encompasses 92 municipalities around Charleville-Mézières, Sedan and Givet.
It is composed of 5 varied landscape units:
- - The tip of Givet: A hilly landscape marked by quarries and fortifications. The limestone subsoil gives this territory its identity with a predominance of blue stone and the presence of characteristic dry meadows.
- - The Thiérache Ardennaise Its fields, hedgerows, and pastures are quite different from the rest of the territory, and for good reason: we are leaving the Ardennes to enter the Paris Basin. The scene of numerous conflicts between the Kingdoms of France and Spain, the churches emerged transformed, taking on the appearance of fortresses.
- - The heart of the mountain range : A landscape of wooded hills carved by the valleys of the Meuse and Semoy rivers and marked by the metallurgical industry and slate quarrying. Its subsoil is composed of an alternation of soft and hard rocks, revealing numerous outcrops and steep cliffs.
- - The Rocroi plateau This plateau is marked by its fortified town overlooking wet pastures. Large marshes and numerous farmsteads (local name given to the old farms that made the land arable) can still be found there.
- - The Sormonne Valley This landscape takes its name from the river that meanders through this agricultural territory, dotted with hedges and orchards. A territory of water, it is notably here that some of the most remarkable aquatic species of the Park can be found.
Red deer, black stork, woodlark, red-backed shrike, Tengmalm's owl, Eurasian eagle-owl, greater mouse-eared bat, fire salamander… Exceptional species live within the Regional natural park, listed within 54 Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest (Znieff) and 7 Natura 2000 sites.
A life-size playground, easily accessible from Belgium, Luxembourg and northern France.
The Park House: gateway to the territory
Based in Renwez, the Park House is the essential address to understand, explore and appreciate the territory.
It offers the following throughout the year:
- A museum space dedicated to traditions, the environment and local memory.
- A highlighting local products and members of "Valeurs Parc".
- A place for information and activities, open to all and certified Tourism & Disability for three types of disabilities (motor, visual and mental).
Just a short walk away, the Forest Museum completes the visit with an exhibition dedicated to the Park.
The Park's main objectives: to preserve, enhance, and pass on
A Regional Natural Park is not a closed reserve: it is a living territory that reconciles protection and local development.
The main missions of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park:
- To sustainably enhance the value of resources
- Making tourism a new focus of economic development
- Preserving biodiversity and landscapes
- Enhancing the natural and built heritage
- Supporting a sustainable local economy
- Raising awareness about the environment among residents and visitors
- To revitalize the region and unite the public around local identity
- Supporting municipalities in their projects
Outdoor activities
The "Valeurs Parc" brand: local and responsible consumption
La brand Values Regional natural park distinguishes producers, artisans and professionals committed to a sustainable approach.
For the consumer, it offers real benefits and advantages: traceability linked to local supply chains, imbued with meaning and humanity, and respect for the values of the Regional Natural Parks. By choosing these businesses, the consumer actively participates in the life of the region where they live or are visiting.
In the Ardennes, more than 20 producers and artisans are involved in this approach Since 2019: Meats, eggs, honeys, oils, cereals, terrines, vegetables, beers… The ideal opportunity to taste the riches of the local area during your stay.
The Park House Renwez offers a shop showcasing local products and members “Park Values”.
Hunting and nature: a carefully managed balance
Hunting is part of the rural traditions of the territory and contributes to the management of animal populations.
A precise calendar governs hunting periods in order to guarantee safety and the coexistence of different uses (hiking, mountain biking, walking)It is recommended to check conditions before your outing, especially in autumn and winter.
In this context, The PNR provides an interactive mapping tool to identify hunting areas.
This tool is essential for planning your outings, with an intuitive color code indicating hunting or potentially hunting areas.
Adopt the “Quiet attitude”
The "Quiet Attitude" program Its purpose is to make the location of quiet zones known to a wide audience. It promotes good practices in nature to preserve the peace and quiet necessary for wildlife to survive. Specific communication tools designed for tourism and leisure professionals help to disseminate awareness messages to the general public.
F.A.Q
1. Where is the Ardennes Regional Natural Park located?
It is located in the north of the Ardennes department, on the Belgian border, around Charleville-Mézières, Sedan and Givet.
2. Where is the Park House located?
In Renwez, Route de Sécheval – RD140. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and from 13:30pm to 17pm.
3. Is it possible to hike freely in the Park?
Yes, many marked trails are freely accessible year-round. It is advisable to check hunting seasons beforehand.
4. What activities can I do in the Park?
Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, cultural visits, gourmet experiences… The Park offers a wide variety of activities.
5. What is the "Valeurs Parc" brand?
It is a label guaranteeing an ecological, local and human commitment from producers and artisans in the region.
6. What are the right actions to take to contribute to respecting the tranquility of wildlife?
Here are 5 good habits to adopt:
1- I am familiarizing myself with the quiet zones and regulations
2- I stay on the marked trails in the quiet zones
3- I respect the silence of nature
4- I keep my dog on a leash
5- I prefer daytime activities
Discover these good habits in detail.
7. What are the must-see places in the Regional Natural Park?
Roc la Tour in Monthermé – Etang de la Motte in Signy-le-Petit – Charlemont in Givet – Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières – Semoy Valley – The Ardennes Thiérache – The Four Sons of Aymon in Bogny-sur-Meuse…
RTE Sécheval – RD140 RTE de la Boutillette 08150 RENWEZ
