Amazingly close and surprisingly versatile, THAT is the great attraction of the French Ardennes. Be inspired by this natural region to which great French writers such as Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine and George Sand were also attached. Here are the 10 places you shouldn't miss
The Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières
Does this square look familiar to you? It could very well be, because it looks suspiciously like the Place des Vosges in Paris. In fact, it was built by the same architect: Clément Métezeau. The Place Ducale in the center of Charleville-Mézières is a fine architectural feat from the 17th century. The square is lined by beautiful Renaissance-style houses with arcades, cozy cafes and restaurants below. As soon as the weather is nice, the terraces are the place to be.
Discover the Place Ducale
The castle of Sedan is the largest in Europe. Built in the 15th century, this 35,000 m² fortress is located in the middle of the city. Whether you are in pairs, with friends or with your family, this castle holds everyone in its thrall. Upon seeing this huge stronghold with its thick fortress walls, walkways and many clever techniques that made it an impregnable fortress, you'll imagine yourself being back in the Middle Ages. Especially in summer, when knightly tournaments are also organized.
Rocroi, the star of the Ardennes
Rocroi is a city with real star status. Why is that? Its distinctive star-shaped design as a fortified town, which is one-of-a-kind in France. The initial fortifications were built in 1555 during the reign of Henry II, with later modifications made by Vauban until 1675. The town proudly holds the titles of Village Étape and Petite Cité de Caractère, recognizing its unique French character. The tourist office offers free guided tours of the city and its fortifications.
The meandering Meuse at Monthermé
You can't miss the Meuse when visiting the Ardennes. Between Charleville-Mézières and Givet, the Meuse meanders and cleaves through the hilly Ardennes Massif. The town of Monthermé is located right in the curve of one of the most spectacular meanders of the Ardennes. This beautiful picture is best viewed from above. There are two good vantage points overlooking the valley: La Roche à Sept Heures and La Longue Roche. A nice walk from Monthermé. Two other very special places near Monthermé are the rock formations Roc la Tour and the rock formation of the Vier Heemskinderen.
Cycling along the Meuse Cycle Route and the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes
Cycling and the Ardennes are almost impossible to separate. Numerous signposted routes crisscross the landscape. The Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes is part of the Eurovélo 19 and was built on the old towpath of the Meuse.The route is 130 kilometers long and runs from Mouzon to Givet. In addition to cycling, the path is great for rollerblading, running and even horseback riding. A new 110-kilometer bicycle path, the Voie verte Sud-Ardennes, has been constructed along the Ardennes Canal since 2023, and is now open for all to enjoy.
The Lac des Vieilles Forges
Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, just 20 km northwest of Charleville-Mézières and a short distance from the Meuse Valley, the Lac des Vieilles-Forges unfolds before you. With its expansive size of 150 hectares and surrounded by stunning forests, it almost feels like you’ve stepped into Canada! The lake offers a wealth of recreational activities, including pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and of course, swimming. Kids will also enjoy the nearby Elfy Park, the Ardennes Terre d'Aventures climbing park, and a playground featuring bouncy castles. For those looking to explore on foot or by bike, there are numerous hiking trails and mountain biking paths throughout the forest.
Discover the lake of Vieilles Forges
Parc Argonne Animal Park
In Olizy-Primat, near Vouziers, lies the Parc Argonne Découverte, an animal park in the Argonne forest, where you can observe animals in their natural environment: wolves and raccoons and eagles, vultures and a large eagle owl that can freely spread their wings. In the Nocturnia section you will discover more about the night life of bats, insects and other nocturnal animals. After all the excitement, children can spend their energy on a giant trampoline stretched among the trees, perhaps the most fun of all... As well as the opportunity to be a “zookeeper for a day,” where children can spend a few hours shadowing a zookeeper.
Discover the Parc Argonne Découverte
Woinic, the world's largest wild boar
Standing at 10 meters tall, 14 meters long, and 5 meters wide, Woinic holds the title of the largest wild boar globally! This magnificent sculpture required Ardennes artist Eric Sléziak to use 50 tons of metal, 6.5 tons of welding, and over 12,000 hours of labor. He began the project on January 1, 1983, and after 11 years of dedicated work, he finally completed the impressive figure on December 15, 1993. You can view this remarkable creation in the parking lot along the Saulces-Monclin-Faissault highway, where it proudly signifies the entrance to the Ardennes region.
The Saint-Didierkerkerk in Asfeld
A special church because of its bold design! Jean-Jacques de Mesmes, Count of Avaux, was responsible for its construction. He wanted a building shaped like a musical instrument and built in the Baroque style he had discovered during his travels in Italy. For its construction, he engaged the Dominican friar and architect François Romain, who had also worked on the reconstruction of the Pont Royal in Paris. This architect gave life in 1685 to a church in the shape of a viola da gamba, richly decorated with domes, 138 pillars and columns and colorful frescoes. Every two years, this church hosts a renowned music festival of viola da gamba.
Discover the Eglise Saint-Didier
Charlemont, the citadel of Givet
Perched high on a rocky spur, the fortress of Charlemont overlooks the Meuse River and the town of Givet. It is the last architectural remnant of 17th-century military architecture in northern France.The citadel first served to defend the empire of Charles V, but because of its strategic position it was also coveted - in vain - by other great European rulers.Today, it is mostly an army of tourists who make the climb to Charlemont to enjoy the amazing views and discover the citadel, the old village, the underground tunnel system and former army hospital via a marked route.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
