For children, sitting still on vacation is not an option, especially in the French Ardennes, where there are plenty of waters to enjoy, trees to scale, and recreational parks that offer educational opportunities. Once the weather allows, it’s time for adventure! Discover what activities await you and your kids.
1001 possibilities offered on the water
Picturesque lakes, invigorating streams, and untamed rivers: the water in the French Ardennes is diverse and plentiful. Every parent understands that by engaging in these activities, you are greatly benefiting both younger and older children alike!
Paddle together to adventure on the fast flowing waters of the rivers and enjoy the passing scenery at your own pace. There are several routes to follow in the valley of the Semois, on the Aisne and on the Meuse.
Looking for a more tranquil experience? You’ll find plenty of options! The Lac de Bairon, Lac des Veilles-Forges, and Lac de Douzy offer a variety of water sports, including sailing, kayaking, pedal boating, and, of course, swimming! With sandy beaches and several playgrounds, you can enjoy the sensation of warm sand beneath your feet, refreshing water at your fingertips, and the joyful sounds of children playing. Now that’s what a true vacation feels like!
When spending time at the beach with children, a beach with surveillance is preferable.
In summer, the following seven beaches are supervised:Vieilles-Forges, Douzy, Bairon, Sedan, La Warenne (Charleville-Mézières), La Samaritaine (Buzancy) and La Motte (Signy-le-Petit).
High and dry
If you wish to explore the TerrAltitude adventure park in Fumay, you need not worry about vertigo. The park features the exhilarating Fantasticable, a cable car that stretches up to 1.2 km long and soars 110 meters above the forest and the Meuse River, reaching speeds exceeding 100 km per hour!
Looking for more adrenaline kicks? In Fumay you can bungee jump from a 20-meter high tower and in Exermont from a 37-meter high viaduct. In Haulme, you can make a descent of 380 on an enduro mountain bike. And in Belval it is possible to skydive at 200 km/h from an altitude of 3500 meters.
Just a bit closer to the ground, yet equally demanding, are the climbing forests of the Ardennes, where trees are plentiful! Face the challenge with the whole family at TerrAltitude in Fumay or at Ardennes Terres d'Aventure on Lake Vieilles-Forges. Another fun activity is the climb up to the most legendary viewpoint of the Ardennes: the Roc-la-Tour in Monthermé. Or scramble with your hands and feet on the Roche aux Corpias rock in Tournavaux or the Roche aux Corbeaux in Hautes-Rivières.
The wonderful world of elves at Elfy Park
Enter the captivating world of elves at Elfy Park, a haven of peace in the middle of a wooded area near the town of Les Mazures, not far from Charleville-Mézières.
Be mindful as you play and climb, as the elves are truly everywhere!
Animal keeper for a day
A zoo visit has never been so much fun: make fruit skewers for bats, take a parrot under your wings, enter the raccoon park and learn more about the life of wolves.Children will have a unique moment with the animals at Parc Argonne Découverte where they can spend an entire morning with a zookeeper.
The fish farm of Vendresse
Phario trout, rainbow trout, salmon trout, golden trout... After exploring the fish farm at Domaine de Vendresse, you'll be able to identify each one with ease. This welcoming nature and recreation park features fishing ponds and an aquarium, alongside outdoor activities, playgrounds, and an informative light and sound show set in a historic 19th-century blast furnace.
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.
