The French Ardennes are one vast playground for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. And unexpectedly close by, too! Sports enthusiasts can burn off all their energy here, yet get a lot of energy in return. Peaceful countryside, healing forests, refreshing ponds and gorgeous nature, not to mention surprising villages and delicious food: you can go wild on foot, by bike or on a boat.
Free way for cyclists on the "Greenway" routes
The French Ardennes boasts a vast network of bike paths and routes suitable for every cyclist and bike type. Whether tackling challenging terrain on a mountain bike, enjoying a leisurely ride with family, or effortlessly gliding through the countryside on an e-bike, there's truly something for everyone.
The Meuse Cycle Route stretches a total of 1,150 km, beginning in Langres, where the Meuse River rises, and winding its way to its mouth in Rotterdam. The path through the Ardennes, known as la Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, spans 128 km. With the river as your guide, it's impossible to get lost—just follow the Meuse and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way!
If you have time, you can also make some side trips along the route. By leaving the quay at Mont-Olympe towards Charleville-Mézières (3 km), or cycling along the Ennemane between Raucourt-et-Flaba and Remilly-Aillicourt (9 km) or by following the Semois from Monthermé via the Trans-Semoysienne (20 km).
Walk, see, taste
The French Ardennes offers a wide variety of themed walks, including activities like identifying trees, observing beavers, and "cheese walks." For instance, Juliette can guide you on a tranquil stroll or a forest bathing experience. All your senses will be engaged—sight, smell, touch, and even taste!
Or discover Lake Bairon, a Natura 2000 site. All year round, nature excursions, themed walks and educational workshops are organized here.
And with a cheese tasting, you can give your walk complete character! You can do it at Vanessa Ponsin's sheep farm in Noyer-Pont-Maugis.
Emmanuel Crametz takes young and old animal lovers for donkey rides in the Ardennes Thiérache region, a beautiful rural area with numerous forests, small rivers and many fortified churches. You can choose to go out unaccompanied with the faithful hoofed animal or accompanied by a guide.
Long-distance trails in the Ardennes
There are four long-distance trails (GRs) that cross the area:
- GR 654 - Part of the famous pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostella. The GR 654 goes from Namur to Vézelay, passing through Rocroi, Signy-L'Abbaye and Vieux-lès-Afeld.
- The GR 12 - This is the route from Amsterdam to Paris and partly follows the GR 654 from Gué-d'Hossus to Hauteville.
- The GR 14 - The route between Ile-de-France and Belgium via Grandpré, Le Mont-Dieu and Sedan.
- The GR 16 - Starting in Liege, this trail runs through France to Sorendal via the wonderful Semois Valley, then joins the GR 654 at Rimogne.
Boating, drinking tea
You will discover another side of the Ardennes from the water. Step aboard the 'Charlemagne' at 11 a.m. and be completely enraptured. Not only by the beautiful landscape of the Meuse, but also by the tasty lunch. Double the enjoyment. Starting point is the fortified town of Givet, which has a totally different look from the water.
Discover peace and quiet
Looking for peace and relaxation? The natural environment alone is conducive to your mental health.
But if your body and soul yearn for even more inner peace, you can also try your hand at yoga or meditation in nature. The Ardennes make you more vital than ever and let you go home with a healthy mind in a healthy body.
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.
