From ancient villages to beautiful rivers, there is a lot to discover in the French Ardennes. Boasting such a wealth of greenery, it's a great place to unwind, relax, and get closer to nature using a bicycle. In 2023, more than 110 km of new bike paths have been built in the southern part of this natural region. A good reason to (re)discover this part of France while cycling! Here are the 7 special places in the southern French Ardennes you should not miss when exploring the Voie Verte Sud-Ardennes. On y va!
Journey to the Middle Ages in Sedan
The Voie-Verte Sud-Ardennes starts in the picturesque Pont-à-Bar, but it would be a shame not to mention it: at half an hour cycling via the Meuse Cycle Route/EV19 you will find medieval Sedan. Delve into the history of Sedan's 16th-century castle and stroll through the city's old streets. Our culinary tips? Taste a real Ardennes beer at Au Roy de la Bière or quietly enjoy a cup of coffee with a piece of 'gâteau mollet' (egg bread) or 'galette à sucre' (sugar cake) on a terrace. Getting ready to continue your journey? Then cycle up the Voie Verte Sud-Ardennes, heading south.
Experience the story of the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame de Paris in La Cassine
After about 20 km along the Canal des Ardennes you will arrive in Vendresse. Here you will find La Cassine en Ardenne, where every Friday and Saturday night during the summer months you can experience a true light and sound show! Be enchanted by the original interpretation of Victor Hugo's famous novel Notre-Dame de Paris. A theater play where you follow the actors from a mobile grandstand and where the theater scene takes place in the ruins of an old castle. An evening beautifully rounded off with a dinner in a circus tent or a banquet of local produce served in a chapel!
Dive into the waters of Lac de Bairon
From Vendresse, keep following the route and then turn right for a break by the water. Bairon Lake, a protected natural area, is a good point to stretch your legs, enjoy the view, and even take a swim. Prefer to stay dry? At the beach you can sunbathe or go bird watching: in fact, as many as 150 species of birds can be found in this area. If all that cycling has made you hungry, we recommend Le Panoramic restaurant: from the terrace you have a beautiful view of the clear blue water.
Enjoy the view in Voncq
Speaking of beautiful views: a little further south on the route you cycle past the town of Voncq. Here you can feast your eyes on the greenery of the Ardennes.
Forests as far as you can see and a clear blue sky: breathe in the fresh air and get closer to nature and yourself. When cycling back, take the Pont de Semuy over the Aisne and go straight on, on to Attigny! On this part of the route you will pass many locks and bridges, typical of this part of the southern Ardennes. Feel free to slalom between one bank to the other, and enjoy this beautiful stretch of rural France.
Back to the 1950s in Attigny
One might not expect it, but Attigny was a very important town in the 8th century: it was home to the kings of the Carolingian dynasty. Consequently, Charlemagne visited here several times. Today it is a quiet place, where you can wander around for a while. Would you like to make your visit extra special? During the summer months, a train from the 1950s runs between Attigny and nearby Amagne. A fun ride full of fun-facts about the region that you definitely must have made! From Amagne, you can easily get back on the Voie Verte to continue on to your next destination.
Taste the culinary culture of the Ardennes in Rethel
Rethel is the ideal place to indulge your taste buds for a while: this is the capital of boudin blanc, a type of white sausage. The recipe has been passed from generation to generation for four centuries and is even such an icon of French culinary culture that it is protected with a label against counterfeiting.
To taste it the artisanal way, we recommend a visit to charcuterie Demoizet.
The town itself is also fun to visit, for example, you will find a cozy town center where you can enjoy the sunshine in peace. The Saint Nicholas Church, built in the 12th century, is also well worth a visit. After a nice picnic and a break in the park along the Aisne, it's time for the last leg of the route.
Do you have some extra energy left? Then come and say “bonjour” to Woinic, the emblem of the French Ardennes! Europe's largest wild boar is isolated 15 km northeast of the bike trail.
Feel the music in Asfeld
Our last tip is located in Asfeld, also the last village before the end of the route (or the beginning, if you cycle the Voie-Verte Sud-Ardennes from Brienne-sur-Aisne). In the center you will find the church of Saint-Didier d'Asfeld, which instead of a classical church architecture is shaped like a viola da gamba!
Not surprisingly, this exceptional building from the Baroque period (17th century) is every two years the setting of the International Viola da Gamba Festival, the next edition of which will be on July 6 and 7, 2024. After visiting the church, it is only 8 km from Asfeld to Brienne-sur-Aisne, not only the end of the route but also the border of the French Ardennes.
Will you take on the cycling adventure?
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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.
