ROAMING THE GREEN WAYS - The Magazine that makes you love the Ardennes ! - charleville-sedan ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TOURING
Julie and Jim
follow the Trans-
SLOW TOURISM
Ardennes
ENCOUNTER
Philippe Boudard,
ROAMING
raconteur
of legends THE GREEN
AV E N T U R E
The Ardennes
of Rimbaud
WAYS
and Verlaine
E S C A PA D E S
A choice of
family outings
The Magazine that makes you
love the Ardennes !
NAT U R E WELL BEING E N CH A N T M E N T
P. 08 P. 1 0 P. 1 6
E X P LO R AT I O N S E X P E R I E N CE S H E R I TAG E
P. 2 3 P. 30 P. 33
V I TA L I T Y GASTRONOMY I T I N E R A RY
P. 4 5 P. 5 0 P. 53
SOMMAIRE
P. 3 • EDITORIAL . ǖoNEWS CHAPTER 1 . ǖoWILD LIFE SPECIAL FOLDER: SLOW TOURISME . ǖ
11 • TREKKING . ǖoGREENWAYS P. 14 • WATERWAYS . oECOTOURISM . ǖoLEGENDS . ǖo
THRILLS AND SPILLS CHAPTER 2 . ǖǖo Ý Ý Ǘí ì . oRIMBAUD VS
VERLAINE . ǖoCABARET VERT . ǖoSEDAN’S GREAT CASTLE . ǖǖoGREAT HERITAGE P.
oTRADITION . ǖǖoREMEMBRANCE TOURISM CHAPTER 3 . ǖǖǖo ALL THE FAMILY P.
ǖoGASTRONOMY . oMOTOR HOME . ǖoACCOMMODATION . oTHE ARDENNES FOR BIKERS
. ǖoUSEFUL ADDRESSES & MAP
MAGAZINE DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY ARDENNES TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • MANAGING EDITOR : DAVID LAMARE • PUBLISHING
MANAGER : í Ý • EDITOR : í ÝÝ F ÝÝ • EDITORIAL COMMITTEE : NATHALIE DIOT, CARL HOCQUART • ORIGIǖ
NAL GRAPHIC DESIGN : CARLO OLIVEIRA • PHOTOGRAPHY : Ýí ÝÝ, C. BIELSA, í Ý F Ý, CCARM,
í Ý, ǗÝ Ý, LUC DELHAYE, BENOIT DUMORTIER, BRUNO GOUHOURY, CARL HOCQUART, LAETIS, í , ÝǗÝ , THIERRY
MICHEL, R. MOSS, MUSE'ARTS, GERRY PATTERSON, î íÝÝ , OFFICE DE TOURISME DE ROCROY, íǝÝ Ý, TALACOM,
BRIGITTE HIRARDOT ET DENIS MIGNON POUR TENDRESSE SAUVAGE, DAVID TRUILLARD, Ý Ǘí ì TRANSLATION : Ý í Ý
EDITOR IA L
IN ALL SIMPLICITY
JOIN
TOURISM
THE PLEASURE
IN
ARDENNES OF BEING ONESELF
Watching time pass, feeling life go by: not one’s life, but LIFE, in general.
Children growing up, grass growing. Don’t you think it’s essential?
Well, believe it or not, but that’s what the Ardennes is all about. Vital!
Only the essential. Nothing superfluous.
#ARDENNES If you think we are not being very objective, come and see for yourself!
GB.ARDENNES.COM Leave the madding crowd behind for a weekend or two.
Follow in the steps of the poets. Draw a deep breath from their
inspiration. Get your body and mind working again. Find out,
at your own speed, how authentic this region is.
Remember that nothing is as calming, beneficial
and energising as the simple fact
of being oneself and doing things
within our capacities. So come here
“ Draw deep
on the inspiration
”
and discover what is really good of the poets.
for you, use your stay in the Ardennes
to take a break, get up late, go to museums,
have an evening with friends, and remember
that here, time is set by a great puppeteer,
which says it all!
BE INSPIRED!
The Magazine that makes you
love the Ardennes !
03
N EWS
THE ARDENNES
AT A GLANCE
MOTORWAY H
He arrived on the Saulces-Monclin motor-
WOINIC AND I
W
ACROSS wway service area on 08/08/2008 after a
THE ARDENNES THE
44-day journey from his birthplace in a shed in
B
Bogny-sur-Meuse. Eleven years and 12,000
2018 will see the opening of a new motorway
linking Charleville-Mézières with Rocroi in
ESSENTIAL hhours of work were required to produce this
colossus. Take advantage of your stay to go
20 minutes. On the other side of the frontier,
in Belgium, a projected motorway will reduce
SELFIE and see him and take a selfie with him. To
see some real-life wild boar, the region’s
Éric Sléziak’s creation, Woinic, the 10 metre emblem, pop in to the Saint Laurent wildlife
the journey time to Charleroi to 60 minutes high 50 tonne boar, will celebrate the 10th park near Charleville-Mézières.
by 2019. anniversary of its great transhumance. (free admission)
THE NUMBER
99
THE RACE
99, the number of times the Sedan-Charle-
ville road race has been held. First organised REMEMBRANCE
in 1906, it is the oldest “town to town” road
race in France, and a key date for people ǚ The Guerre et Paix en Ardennes (War and
peace in the Ardennes) Museum will open in
in the region, when in October the streets
are full of runners in training. On average
WITH HISTORY Novion-Porcien on 23 January 2018, With
a collection of 16,000 objects, its displays
3,000 runners take part, including some who will include film projections, animated maps
have come a long way to participate: France, and settings relating the daily life of both
Belgium, Kenya, Ethiopia and more. This year, soldiers and civilians. It sets out to be both
for the first time, times will be recorded at original and educational.
the half marathon (21 km), which will enable
them to validate their performance at national Details:
level. The finish line will still be at 23.6 km. + 33 [0]3 24 72 69 50
www.guerreetpaix.fr
04
N EWS
MON T CORNE T
THE ARDENNE
GOES BACK IN TIME
A key event this year is the March opening of the historic site of Mont Cornu, the Ardennes
goes back in time. Organised around 5 periods, from the 4th century BCE to the 15th century,
this historic site below the chateau of Montcornet, gives visitors the opportunity to watch
Gallic, Gallo-Roman, Merovingian, Carolingian and medieval villages being built and lived
in, using the techniques of the period, with numerous activities, conferences and festivities
throughout the year. Archeologists, historians, keen amateurs, local authorities and the
Teaching League have been working for several years on this incredible site, a guardian of
the History of the ages. Open every day from March to November.
Details from: +33 [0]3 24 33 81 10.
MONUMENT
SEDAN’S
º
GATE
The German monument in Sedan is unique THE DATE
7< ǖ 85 G
of its kind. This 10m x 5m replica of the
Brandenburg Gate, a vestige of the German
occupation in 1914-1918, was built in 1915
in the Saint Charles cemetery, in homage
to its dead by the occupying powers who
ǚ ǚ9
RULE N°1 RESISTANCE IS USELESS: NATURE ALWAYS WINS IN THE END.
HINTS FOR
OBSERVATION
Always respect the natural
environment. Here are some
tips from a “nature lover”:
1 Don’t pick anything
2 Remain discrete
3 Don’t touch or
disturb anything
4 Keep dogs on a lead
5 Stay on the paths
6 Comply with the
reserve regulations
7 Take your rubbish home
8 Before entering reserve
during the hunting season,
check: www.fdc08.com
If you wish to learn,
it’s best to be accompanied.
Le ReNArd publishes
a programme of free Natures
outings open to the public,
run by specialised local
associations.
www.renard-asso.org
> “apprendre”
“ The Ardennes Forest
is a refuge for the larger
mammals. ”
WIL DL IF E
INTERVIEW
“A WORLD
IN THE RAW”
What gives the Ardennes What advice would you give
its natural wealth? Pierre Déom to nature lovers?
The region’s wealth is in the variety of its land- is the Editor of La Hulotte, As Flaubert said, “for something to become
“most read journal in
scapes: from the spruce forests in the north the warrens”.
interesting, all it requires is to observe it for a
to the plateaux of the Champagne District, the long time”. As far as I am concerned, I’m the
panoramas are immensely varied. The same is most home-loving native of the Ardennes. In
true of the fauna: Canada geese, birds from the Steppes, Boult-aux-Bois, I have all I need: wetlands, vast state forests,
have been observed in the agricultural lowlands, while the pastures, crop lands and hedges: a mosaic of diversified
rare and discrete hazel grouse has taken up residence in milieux with flora and fauna that asks only to be observed.
the woodlands to the north. It’s a world in the raw.
Which animals DID YOU KNOW?
can we hope to see? THREE
In the north, the great horned owl WILDLIFE
nests in the cliffs while the per-
egrine falcon resides in the Meuse RESERVES
There are three national
Valley, skylarks and lapwings can wildlife reserves in the Ardennes:
be seen in the fields, with foxes and The Point de Givet dry grasslands
deer in the woods. The dense Ar- with their unique geology,
dennes forest is less rich in fauna the Vireux-Molhain Reserve,
than the woods, hedges or fields, one of the most ancient fossil beds
but it suits the larger game animals in France, and the Bois-en-Val
(stag, wild boar, etc.), and traces of in Charleville-Mézières.
beavers can be found along the
“ ”
More details at
banks of the Meuse. gb.ardennes.com
For something to become
interesting, all it requires > “wildlife reserve”
is to observe it for a long time.
GUSTAVE FLAUBERT
IT’S NOT A REGIONAL
¹
With its great variety of environments, from dry red owls, black storks, boreal owls, hazel grouse, Parc Naturel Régional des Ardennes
grassland to forests and hedgerows, the Ardennes wild cats, European beavers, or horse-shoe bats. +33 (0)3 24 42 90 57
Regional Wildlife Park (PNR), founded in 2011, These excursions can be led by locals wishing to wwww.parc-naturel-ardennes.fr.
116,000 ha of exceptional diveristdiversity. Wildlife share their knowledge. Their Association, “Les Association Les Amis du Parc
excursions enable visitors to encounter long-ea- Amis du Parc” posts a programme on their web site. www.amisparcardennes.org.
09
FOLDER
SLOW TOURISM
“ We have
to take things
slowly. ”
CHANGE YOUR PACE, ADOPT
THE SLOW DID YOU KNOW?
%.41Ɲ+.-&ǚ#(23 -"$
HIKING TRAILS
In addition to the ten short hiking
trails marked by the Comité
Départemental de Randonnée
ATTITUDE
DENSE FORE S TS , WINDING RIVE RS , E XCE PTIO NAL PANO RAMAS …
YOU ARE AT T H E G ATE S O F TH E ARDE NNE S . TIME TO FO RG E T
Pédestre, there are four long-
distance trails: THE AF FAI RS O F TH E WO RL D AND TAKE A DE E P BRE ATH O F FRE S H A IR .
GR 654, the mythical trail to
The slow attitude is not a fad, but an Put on some comfortable shoes, and fol-
Compostelle, which links Namur with
Vézelay via Rocroi, Signy-l’Abbaye art of living, synonymous with letting go, low the Meuse on foot or by bicycle, delve
and Vieux-lès-Asfeld. well-being, sharing, caring for the environ- deep into the forests on horseback, relax
GR 12, which links Amsterdam with Paris ment and quality of life. on a boat … or wander on a hoverboard,
and shares the route of the GR 654 So you can be sure that you were not mis- a quadricycle or a canoe – and why not
from Gué-d’Hossus to Hauteville. taken in choosing the Ardennes, where life try your hand at cross-country skiing in
GR 14, which links the Paris region moves at the pace of an ever-present winter? From the banks of the river to the
With Belgium via Grandpré, Le Mont-
Nature. Citizens’ gardens, orchards in top of the Ardennes forest, there are won-
Dieu and Sedan.
GR 16, from Liège, enters France
the Vouzinois region, hedgerows in the derful panoramas to be seen. This striking
at Sorendal, follows the magnificent Thiérache, forests … these “green lungs” beauty reveals itself best to those who
Semoy Valley and joins the GR 654 are everywhere, with urban gems and nug- learn to contemplate it. Enjoy life on the
at Rimogne. gets of territory never far away. slow side. Here, nothing is more natural.
10WEL L B EIN G
Michel Degré,
a compulsive hiker, A HIKER’S
3 TOP
is a member of
Paysages de France.
FAVOURITES
1 BY THE WATERSIDE 2 IN THE WOODS 3 AROUND THE RAMPARTS
ASFELD OLIZY 1."1.(
Asfeld and its surroundings offer an ideal This family tour, starting from Olizy (near This 16th century star-shaped city, given the
walk for children. This surprise-filled stroll the Argonne Discovery Park) offers a 6.4 km label “Small city of character”, is best enjoyed
along the Aisne canal is flexible (5 to 10 km) loop “between two worlds” via Petite-Ville, while strolling around its ramparts. Take your
and follows the river bends. Blanche-Falaise and Martignon before children to discover the Rièzes Country,
On the way you will find the unique baroque returning by Petite-Ville. In the distance, the harsh plateau subjugated by Man.
17th century Saint-Didier church, a dam, the course of the Aisne marks the passage Let yourself be carried away by this landscape,
and a German cemetary: so many evocations from the verdant, wooded Argonne district imprinted by History. Note the glacis, a modi–
in such a short distance. to the hills of the Champagne region. fication to the natural terrain which obliged
the enemy to show himself.
ǚ
Ɠ ¹ ? PANORAMA
Saddle up! Let yourself go! The Ardennes can also be explored Mont Saint-Walfroy (near Margut),
on horseback. “We are working to ensure that hiking trails can Comité Départemental is 350 metres high. The view from
be shared by everyone”, explains the president of the Regional du Tourisme Équestre the summit is exceptional And takes in
Equestrian Tourism Committee, CDTE, Francoise Simon, who has Tél. +33 [0]6 80 34 84 87 the Meuse and the Ardennes.
a list of equestrian accommodation (both certified and uncerti- www.cdte08.ffe.com
fied) and itineraries recorded by local riders. Full details on the
Find all the Ardennes
CDTE web site. Caution: be sure to check the practicability of
viewing points on
the trails with the trail manager (municipality or département)
before setting out. gb.ardennes.com
Regional hiking The Ardennes on foot On foot and bicycle Other ideas for accompanied
committee (CDRP08) This guide from the French in the French Ardennes walks and hikes from
cdrp08@orange.fr Hiking Federation describes Brochure published (in French) gb.ardennes.com
ard
ardennes.ffrandonnee.fr 47 walks together with horse by the Ardennes Tourist > « the Ardennes on foot »
and bicycle circuits. Development Agency Or from Tourist Offices
Can be downloaded from (details p. 58)
gb.ardennes.com
11FOLDER
SLOW TOURISM R ES P IR AT ION
ºǚº
THE PATHS OF
LIBERTY
MO RE TH AN 95 0 K M OF I N TERNATI O NAL TO URIS T CYCL E TRACKS FO L LO W TH E ME US E
F ROM I TS SOURC E TO I TS ESTUARY. JUL IE AND JIM, A DUTCH CO UPL E ,
TRIED THEI R HAN D AT C YC L I NG ALO NG TH E ME US E , S TARTING FRO M S E DAN.
“Excellent! Superb!” Julie and Jim don’t regret ist sites and local services, especially repair
their decision: pedalling the 280 km from 0($ / $', two Dutch points. “It’s very reassuring”.
Sedan to Maastricht. Six days, synonymous citizens, tested the Green Way,
280 km between Sedan and
with discoveries, tranquillity and exchanges… Maastricht.
STOP, LOOK, EXPLORE
“Three nights in France, three in Belgium, and Julie and Jim took a Dutch tour bus from
stages from 33 km to 71 km”, explains Julie Maastricht to Sedan, taking advantage of a
Bissonnette. She and her husband pedal every day in the baggage carrying service: “Every morning, after breakfast,
Netherlands, and had already had previous experience of we left our cases at the hotel, got on our bikes and took
cyclo-tourism, covering 150 km in three days, but they wanted the road. They were waiting for us in the evening at the
an easy route through Dinant (Belgium), and opted for elec- next stage.” Sedan, Charleville-Mézières, Haybes, Dinant,
trically assisted cycles offer- Namur, Liège, Maastricht “We
ing “more latitude” for this long were able to Take our time, stop,
trek. The trails, Trans-Ardennes look around, explore, and try
GreenWay in France and Ravel 1 the local beers. We also appre-
and 2 in Belgium were “very easy ciated the very natural section
and well-marked” the couple in- between Charleville and Haybes.
sist, with a special mention for On the route we saw locks and
the road-book in France, “and dams, and were able to under-
its map for each stage”, which stand the local history with our
shows the viewing points, tour- own eyes. We are very curious.”
One thing they particularly liked:
DID YOU KNOW? the “impressive” architecture of
A PRIZE Sedan and Charleville-Mézières,
with the castle and Ducal Square.
ITINERARY Their advice: prepare a picnic to
The Trans-Ardennes GreenWay
be able to eat outside the usual
was named 2010 Itinerary of the Year
at the leading bike and hiking exhibition French meal times.
in the Netherlands.
NOVEL, FESTIVE DISCOVERY Full details about the
Clink glasses over a craft beer, listen to a concert, year from the end of August to the beginning of Sep- GreenWay Festival from
go sculling … all that in the verdant and magnificent tember, during the GreenWay Festival organised by www.cd08.fr
setting of the Trans-Ardennes GreenWay. This unique the Ardennes Regional Council in partnership with Facebook
discovery of the banks of the Meuse is possible every numerous local firms. > Les Ardennes : le Département
126
DAYS
cycling from Sedan
to Maastricht …
easy!
A LABEL FOR
BIKE, HOVERBOARD, THE ARDENNES
04 #1("8"+$a BY BIKE
Where can bikes be rented on A good breakfast to keep you
the GreenWay, or nearby? going, a meal basket, a secure
What other activities are available? lock-up for your bike,
Hoverboard, quadricycle, horse riding… and the certainty of finding
A selection of sports and open air leisure a means to repair it in the event
activities in the Ardennes Is available of problems … the “Accueil vélo”
via the Ardennes Nature et Aventures label (displayed on hotels, B&Bs,
network, which lists about 50 service camp sites etc.) tells you that
providers. all these services are available.
List of providers and Accommodation
detailed itineraries on and suggestions for
gb.ardennes.com tours available on
> “nature & adventures” gb.ardennes.com
and “cycle tracks” > “Ardennes by bike”
Trans-Ardennes The Meuse by bike Additional tour Prepare your route
GreenWay road book A tour of practically 1,000 km Extending the length of the Explore the French Ardennes
AAvailable in Tourist Offices follows the river from its source Semoy river, the Transemoysienne on foot or by bike with the
alo
along the route to its estuary on the Langres plateau to is an additional, wilder, circuit “Trans-Ardennes GreenWay”
(Rotterdam). It crosses the Vosges, its estuary in Rotterdam. of about 20 kms. With its 9 km, application. You’ll find some
Meuse, Ardennes, Belgium and It crosses the Vosges, Meuse, the Ennemane is ideal for introducing practical hints on
Netherlands. More details from Ardennes, Belgium and the family to bike tours : but watch www.francevelotourisme.com
gb.ardennes.com Netherlands. Details from out for the uphill finish!
> “brochures and guides” www.meuseavelo.eu.
13FOLDER
SLOW TOURISM
DID YOU KNOW? PEA CE OF M IN D
THE ARDENNES
WATERWAYS WE TESTED FOR YOU
PILOTING A SMALL
La Meuse: 95 km / 21 locks
(Pont-à-Bar to Givet).
Ardennes Canal:
106 km / 46 locks
BARGE
(as far as Berry-au-Bac,
in the Aisne region)
The “canal de l’Est”:
100 km / 22 locks
(as far as Verdun,
in the Meuse region) LOOK I NG FOR A REAL BRE AK? WITH O VE R 300 KM O F WATE RWAYS ,
A total of:
301 km / 89 locks /
THE ARDENNES GI VE YO U TH E O PPO RTUNITY TO DIS PE NS E
17 riverside stations. W I TH YOUR SMARTP HO NE AND E NJOY AUTH E NTIC CRUIS ING .
An on/off button. Five seconds of The most technical aspect is the lock, of which a pa-
pre-heating. Just cast off the mooring lines and clear the tient guide teaches us the techniques. They are opened
quayside. A gentle push on the accelerator, a turn of the wheel, by remote control. Fortunately the fenders are there to
10 seconds of pressure on a button, and your course is easily protect the hull from any errors. With a lock every 3 km
corrected. At Pont-à-Bar, on the Ardennes Canal, the Ponçay on average, you will have the time to perfect your skills.
starts its journey through refreshing countryside where the
emerald green of the trees mingles with the tender shade Ɣ º ǚ
of fresh grass. A stone’s throw away, cows graze peacefully. Even the less skilled will let the peace and quiet take over, and
Our boat glides on calm waters, almost in a straight line. In quickly see themselves as barge skippers: en route for vast
Rimbaud country, a tipsy craft could be taken for a tribute, horizons, legendary landscapes, historic sites and gourmet
but only a few hundred metres are needed to get a feel for stops in a peaceful, protected and beneficial environment.
the helm and the stream. Enjoy the “free liberty” so dear to Rimbaud!
Cruising options From Givet: Enjoy the water All details on
From Pont-à-Bar: cruise (outing or meal) on differently: electric boat, gb.ardennes.com
live-aboard permit-free boats the Charlemagne or the Naïade canoe, paddle, pedalo... > “river tourism”
(introductory day or week).
(in (subject to availability). and “by the waterside”
From Monthermé:
cruise with commentary on the Roc.
14“ Excursions in
a gentle, undulating
setting. ”
ENCOUNTER
IN THE PEACEFUL FOOTSTEPS
OF A DONKEY
Bertin, Marcel, Fernand, Marius, Gas- much 40 kg for a small donkey”. These excellent
ton … with their long donkey’s ears, they are Based with his donkeys walkers can cover as much as 15 to 20 km per
coddled by their owner, Emmanuel Crametz. in Le Ménil at Vaux-Vilaine, day from their base at Vaux-Villaine to Lalob-
''ƛ)0 ( -ƛ' /5 offers
Untreated pastures in summer, organic hay in the opportunity of a unique
be and Signy-l’Abbaye, in a “gentle, undulating
the winter…. and kilometre after kilometre for experience. setting”, or descending the Meuse Valley “to
exercise. Attracted by the peaceful beauty of the lake at Vieille-Forges or even the Château
the site, and inspired by his long experience of de Montcornet”. Great fun for youngsters, who
hiking, he left Valence, his home town in the south, to come don’t notice the kilometres passing. Peace and quiet guar-
to Ardennes to organise donkey treks. “From the age of 3 or anteed. “I see it on their faces when they come back. They
4, donkeys are perfect for carrying bagages and children, as even move differently. Everything changes at donkey’s pace.”
AN ECOTOURISM CLUB TO GUIDE YOU
Rooms painted with potatoes, natural pigments from dennes. Water and energy savings, use of natural cleaning
the Moulin d’Ecordal, façade finished by local crafts- products, waste selection, etc. Just so many gestures All environmentally
men, masonry heater, single dish to avoid waste, local in favour of the Environment. “The choice of ecotourist friendly activities on
products: just so many environmentally responsible accommodation is the guarantee of a holiday that is in line gb.ardennes.com
initiatives which are not always easy to find, especially with the ideals of responsible tourism”, says Stéphanie > “responsible tourism”
for tourists visiting the area for the first time, but now Drothier, responsible for the Club at the Ardennes Tourist All ecotourist
the Ardennes Ecotourism Club, a cross-border network, Development Agency. “These committeed professionals providers on
simplifies the task. are informed and can give advice about buying locally, gb.ardennes.com
'L QMKCRFGPRWQGRCQKCCRGLEAJC?PAPGRCPG?DMPQSQ- finding good ideas and leisure activities. Customers > “our preferred labels”
tainable tourism have been identified in the French Ar- can relax. We look after it for them.”
15P UR E DEL IG H T
UNEXPECTED
THE CHARIOT
OF LEGENDS
ELFY PARK DEEP I N THE ARDENNE S MAS S IF, PH IL IPPE BO UDARD’ S “ TCH ÅR
IN SC AI L L E” SPAN S DI F F ERE NT WO RL DS . A 21S T CE NTURY L E G E ND.
THE ELVES' Between the magnetic these ancient legends, it is inspired by
VILLAGE #$($++ *0ƛ- Roc-la-Tour and the leg- a fundamental element of the Ardennes
Near the Vieilles-Forges maintains the flame endary Croix-Scaille, the tradition: enchantment.
of the “fabulous”
lake, the forest is home hamlet of Six-Chênons
in the Ardennes.
to a fun-loving people contains a fascinating SUMMER SOLSTICE
of elves. work: the Tchår scaille. “The enchanter modifies the world by his song,
Elfy Park, their country, Conceived by Philippe voice, speech, and rhythm … We find these ele-
is made up of games: Boudard, it evokes a chariot made of schist ments in hunting, forging, and legends, always
slides, tyrolean traverses,
(scaille means slate in Wallon) drawn by two related to an animist society” explains this teller
netting: 5 hectares
horses, in the centre of a circle of menhirs on of legends, who sees the Tchår scaille as another
of magic for young
and old alike. the edge of a clearing: an island in the immen- stone added to this edifice.
sity of the forest. The motto, “I ride between the Massive. Rugged. Monolithic. Immobile. Under
www.elfypark.fr worlds”, an allusion to the Europe of Legends, the sun of the summer solstice, this vessel of
also recalls the Celtic tradition of chariot graves: stone and its symbolic horses seem ready to
warriors were buried in their chariot with their take flight. The unending forest, the odour of the
horses to travel to the next world. The Tchår earth, the breeze. The poetic magic takes effect.
Scaille is an invitation to a voyage through dif- The evocative power of the place prevails: the
ferent worlds. As a contemporary resurgence of legend still lives.
¹Ɠ ¹
A wonderful moment awaits you! The “walks with Arduin the French Hiking Federation, Jean-Luc and Claudie
the druid” offer the chance to discover the Ardennes (sometimes accompanied by Arduin the Druid) guide
through its tales and legends. For example: the Four you during long walks of an hour and a half or two hours. *2)(*ƛ /#
Sons of Aymon, The Pipe that smokes at Bogny-sur- It gets steep sometimes! Good shoes essential, and programme from
Meuse, Imbolc the Lyre at Monthermé…. Qualified by animals must be on a lead. rando.jeanluclemaire.fr
16DID YOU
KNOW?
THE ROUTE
OF LEGENDSS
In the Ardennes, it is said that
there is a legend under every
stone. Why not have a look under
one or two? Meuse Valley,
Semoy Valley, Val-de-Lesse…
The Route of Legends offers
you the opportunity to discover
enchanting tales and magic sites
in 12 stages through France
and Belgium, Escapades of 20
to 50 km, by car or on a bicycle.
gb.ardennes.com
> “tourist routes”
1 2 3
MONTHERMÉ LAIFOUR Ɣǚǚ
1."ǚ+ ǚ3.41 THE LADIES OF MEUSE AYMON'S 4 SONS
Broken stone columns, overturned blocks of On the left bank of the Meuse, three enormous Here the enchanter Maugis built the Castle of
quartzite, the gaping ravine: from its altitude of tree-covered rocks bar the skyline. The legend Montessor with the 4 Sons of Aymon, the heroes
408 metres, the chaos of Roc-la-Tour offers a tells that they are the daughters of the Count of a famous chanson de geste. Renaud, Alard,
strange panorama from which emanates a savage of Rethel, Berthe, Hodierne and Ige. Married Guichard and Richard lived at Charlemagne’s
power. This devastation is the work of the Devil, to Vauthier, Heribrand and Geoffroy, the sons of court until Renaud killed the king’s nephew during
the vestiges of a castle promised to a lord, be- the Count of Hierges, the three sisters remained a chess game. They fled the Ardennes on his
fore the first cock crow, in exchange for his soul. alone after the departure of their husbands on magic horse Bayard, crossing valleys in a single
But the Devil and his noisy army of fiends woke Crusade with Geoffroy de Bouillon. They were leap. Numerous sites around Europe tell the tale:
the cock, who crowed before the last stone had unfaithful to their husbands with passing knights, Ardennes, Gascogny, German… If you’re at Bogny
been laid: and the Devil destroyed the fabulous and God punished them by turning them to stone for the summer solstice, listen carefully and you
castle in a rage. when Jerusalem was taken. may hear the whinnying of Bayard.
171
A DR EN A L IN E
3
TOP 5
DID YOU KNOW?
LEISURE
SPORT
The green immensity
THRILLS
of the Ardennes hides
many treasures.
At Villers-le-Tilleul,
the Poursaudes golf
course is another
original way to relax
and practice a sporting
activitry in the countryside.
gb.ardennes.com THERE’S N O NEED FOR MO UNTAINS TO E NJOY TH RIL L ING MO ME NTS :
> “golf ” THE ARDEN N ES MASS IF AND ITS ALTITUDE VARIATIO NS O F 38 0 ME TRE S
ARE AN I DEAL P L AYG RO UND FO R ADRE NAL INE LO VE RS .
Have a good time at the PNR Sedan and region Ride over Les Crêtes,
The Parc Naturel Régional mountain bike area mountain bike trails
(Regional Wildlife Park) is home Le Bannet : 16 trails with different The Crêtes Préardennaises
to tthe Meuse and Semoy Valleys levels, a total of 116 km, are available offer 239 km of mountain bike
Mountain Bike area. It offers 21 marked on the VTT-FFC Bannet site, Givonne, trails from 12 km to 25 km.
trails, 6 rest areas and 350 km near Sedan. Download from
of trails (from Givet to Nouzonville) Downloadable map and trails on www.rando-cretes.fr
with 4 levels of difficulty. www.charleville-sedan-tourisme.fr
Downloadable map, details on
18 www.parc-naturel-ardennes.fr4 2
3
% -3 23(" !+$
Michaël Gault, the manager of
the TerrAltitude adventure park at Fumay.
“It’s a nice overhead stroll of 1.2 km above the
forest and the Meuse, two key features of the
Ardennes countryside, at a height of 110 m. People
often like it so much that they find it too short
(the top speed is 100 km/hr). You can do it lying
down, or in the sitting position, which feels more
1
reassuring, or two people (father and son, for
example) can do it together.”
5
www.terraltitude.com
ENDURO
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Steve Pechet, vice-champion BUNGEE
4
Grand Est Benelux 2015
“The French Ardennes are ideal for mountain bike JUMPING
and nature addicts, with marvellous views, hilly, Éric Lavieille, président of
varied terrain, and ease of access. It’s better than the Adrénaline Élastique association
the mountains: you climb for shorter distances, it’s “Amazing. A hell of an experience. Have to do it
less elitist, and you can do 4 or 5 special descents again.” There’s no lack of superlatives on landing.
in a single morning. There’s a lot of choice, with “It’s a jump of 37 m from the magnificent Exer-
about twenty trails between Bogny-sur-Meuse, mont Viaduct, in a very pretty natural setting.
Monthermé, Hautes-Rivières and Nohan … usually We organise 30 per year, in a great atmosphere,
starting from Roc-la-Tour at 8 or 9 am.” on the last Saturdays each month from April to
September”. A “pure instant of adrenaline” that
Facebook page can also be experienced at the Fumay adventure
Semoy VTT club de Monthermé, park from a 20 m high wooden tower.
To cycle in safety,
respecting www.adrenaline-elastique.com/exermont
the environment
2 Booking mandatory,
call +33 [0]6 73 58 66 45
TRAIL
/ 1 "'43(-&
5
Jérémie Degraeve, president of K-raid
Ardennes, the organisers of the Aymon Trail Olivier Tordo, instructor-pilot
(Bogny-sur-Meuse), Meuse Trail (Revin) at Douzy flying club
and the Rimbaud City Trail (Charleville- “Unforgettable. Extraordinary. Fabulous. Going out
Mézières). of the door is difficult, the step is high: 3,500
“The valley is perfect for seekers after thrills in the metres! But the instructors are very serious and
great outdoors: there are some ups and downs, a reassuring. Free fall is fantastic, you drop like
lot of woodland, and above all, a vast number of a missile at over 200 km/hr: a real feeling of
paths and tracks. You have a combination of fun freedom. Then, after the tumult of free-fall, the
and technique, with some quite difficult passages opening of the parachute and the utter silence of
such as the Quatre fils Aymon at Bogny-sur-Meuse, the descent under parachute. It was marvellous.
or The Wall, just behind Haulmé, a drop of 250 m I’m a pilot, but I suffer from vertigo. If I can do it,
over 500 metres, between 35 and 40%.” anyone can. I would do it again with pleasure”.
www.k-raid-ardennes.fr Paraclub de Belval
Details of other Ardennes trails Registration: +33 [0]6 13 08 24 11
at gb.ardennes.com Details on gb.ardennes.com
> “trails” > “in the air”
19RÈGLE N° 2 OPEN YOUR EYES, YOUR EARS AND, ABOVE ALL, YOUR MIND
AD V E R TISE M E NT
ARABICA
White chocolate flavoured
RASBERRY
MACAROONS with coffee and tender
Fondant and freshness chicory biscuit.
THE CAROLO
The “speciality” of
Charleville-Mézières
THE ARDOISIER
Our own creation,
a tongue in cheek
reference to the Ardoise,
a local sweet.
PHOTO : DAVID TRUILLARD
C O N F E C T I O N E R , B A K E R , C H O C O L AT E M A K E R
7 RUE DU MOULIN • CHARLEVILLE-MÉZIÈRES • +33 [0]3 24 33 25 11
WWW.BOULANGERIE-BIO-MONTOLYMPE.FREX P LOR AT ION S
ǚ º ǚģ Ģ
A TOWN AT THE RIGHT
TEMPO
IN JUST TW O DAYS, ANNE AN D AL E XANDRE DIS CO VE R TH E MANY
FAC ETTES OF THE C AP I TAL O F TH E FRE NCH ARDE NNE S , DID YOU KNOW ?
B I RTHP L AC E OF THE PO E T ARTH UR RIMBAUD AND
GUIDED TOURS
TH E PUP P ETS OF THE P L AC E D UCAL E , 17TH CE NTURY JE WE L , The Tourist Office offers a large
AND THE MEDI E VAL RAMPARTS O F MÉ ZIÈ RE S : range of guided visits: Heart of
A WAL K P UNCTUATE D BY MANY S URPRIS E S . Charleville, Medieval Mézières,
Basilica of Mézières and its stained
glass, In the footsteps of Rimbaud ..
Ɲ".-"$132
Organ concerts are also given,
organized during summer
Details from Ardennes Tourism in the Basilica of Mézières.
Tourist Office, Development Agency
Charleville/Sedan en Ardenne +33 [0]3 24 56 06 08 Details:
+ 333 [0]3 24 55 69 90 gb.ardennes.com gb.ardennes.com
www.charleville-sedan-tourisme.fr
23Anne and Alexandre chose to
spend a weekend break in Charleville- ITINERARY
OF A COUPLE IN
Mézières, awarded “City of Art and
History” label. They looked forward
to taking a beneficial and cultural
CHARLESTOWN
breather in the country, less than
two hours from Paris.
SATURDAY 667 85 SUNDAY
S UND
After passing the astonishing building of the l’École
Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette
>I85 ¹ (National School of Puppet Arts), Anne and Alexandre >I55 ¹
From Paris, after 1 hour 37 minutes by TGV, Anne stroll along the pedestrian streets 4 once walked It’s already
allready Sunday,
S and there are so many things to
and Alexandre arrive right in the heart of Charlev- by Rimbaud, who was born at 12, rue Napoleon (now do. Following the advice of their hotelier, they rent
ille-Mézières, the ideal city imagined and founded rue Bérégovoy). bicycles to take the Rimbaud tour, via the station
in 1606 by "G@QKDRƝCDƝ&NMY@FTD. square, former college and cemetery.
ESNAM
16 avenue Jean Jaurès
65I55 ¹ +33 [0]3 24 33 72 50
The place Ducale 1 , the twin of the famous Place www.marionnette.com 665I85 ¹
des Vosges in Paris, is a must-see. There are cafés, Th yellow
The ll stones of the Old Mill, where the Rim-
shops, restaurants and tourist information points. The baud Museum is housed 7 look splendid in the
couple visit an exhibition at the Vitrine des Ardennes sun. Once inside, the discovery of the poet’s original
(Ardennes Showcase). 667 9: manuscripts is a moving experience. Outside again,
L h bbreak,
Lunch k with local products. White sausage, Anne and Alexandre cross the street and find the
fresh vegetables, local beer. And of course, a Maison des Ailleurs (known as the “House of the
carolo for dessert. Illustrious”), which evokes Rimbaud’s travels, and
666I55 ¹ was his childhood home.
Th are enthralled
They h ll d to discover the magnificent
Musée de l’Ardenne (Ardenne Museum) 2 in a Musée Arthur Rimbaud
house on the square. This framework of stone and 8I55 Quai Rimbaud
glass houses 2000 years of local history from ň Ň via the Cours Briand and the Avenue +33 [0]3 24 32 44 65
Off to ,ňYHŇQDR
Roman times to the present. The unexpected view d’Arches for a guided tour of the medieval quarter, Maison des Ailleurs
of the Grand Marionnettiste (Great Puppeteer) 3 and a stroll on the ramparts 5 . This area, once de- 7 Quai Rimbaud
prompts them to go and have a look at this automaton,fended by the "GDU@KHDQƝ!@X@QC and scarred by the +33 [0]3 24 32 44 70
the symbol of the world capital of puppet theatres. wars from 1870 to 1945, houses some little-known www.charleville-mezieres.fr
treasures. Our two friends discover the magnificent
Musée de l’Ardenne Notre-Dame d’Espérance basilica, famous for its
31 place Ducale contemporary stained glass, the work of René Dürrbach,
+33 [0]3 24 32 44 60 a pupil of Picasso. 667I85
www.charleville-mezieres.fr TToday
d they’ll
h ’l have a picnic. Starting from Mont-
Grand marionnettiste cy-Notre-Dame, the young couple pedal along
Place Winston Churchill the GreenWay 8 in search of a quiet spot. As
Presentation of a playlet of the legend of the Four
Sons of Aymon every hour from 10 am to 9 pm. Full B
I55
Ɲ"(-$, Ɲ(-Ɲ3'$Ɲ"$-31$Ɲ.%Ɲ3.6- To make the most of their stay, Anne and Alexandre
The Métropolis is not only one of Fritz Lang’s masterpieces, decide to take the last train. Delighted by the authen-
it is also a cinema in the heart of Charleville-Mézières, ticity and beauty of the region, they resolve to return.
a stone’s throw from the Place Ducale.
242
6 7
SOME
SUGGESTIONS
FROM
AMEL
BOUDERRA
# *-( 0++ / # -
º' ( *0 --ƛI ƛ/- ./$1ƛ(J “Discover
leader of the FCBA a show at every turning as
(Flammes Carolo you stroll through the city!
Basket) was voted There’s a really friendly
best player in atmosphere. Every two
France in 2016 years the city is full of life
and 2017.
1
from morning to evening.”
1 *)/D(4'+ J “I love
it. You just have to climb it. There is a flat area at
the top, and you can sit down or play, and there’s
¹ a lovely view of Charleville-Mézières. Below you
The exceptional area of can watch the boats passing along the Meuse, near
the Place Ducale. the swimming pool, and children playing basketball.
You always meet young people. And you feel almost
outside the city. It’s perfect for a picnic.”
# . ƛ/. ) ƛ- /# ( $((J “Of course, there’s
the Place Ducale. You need to take the time to look
around, stroll along the rue du Moulin, read the
poems on the seats near the Musée Rimbaud, and
take photos.”
# º1 )0 ¦º-# .J “The buildings on this avenue,
on the other side of the city, towards Mézières, are in a
magnificent Art Deco style. The town hall is attractive
too, and if you are going as far as Mézières, take the
Rue Monge, pass the army barracks and the Meuse
5 8 and continue to the Exhibition Park. That’s where we
train. The matches are held from October to May.”
3 4AD V E R TISE M E NT
MUSÉE
Running commentaries,
temporary exhibitions, book fair,
concerts, and more.
VERLAINE
REVAMP THE CLICHES
PROGRAMME, PRICES, BOOKING… 1 RUE DU PONT PAQUIS
MORE DETAILS FROM 08310 JUNIVILLE
WWW.MUSEE-VERLAINE.FR +33 [0]3 24 39 68 00
Pays Rethélois Tourism Office
3 Quai d'Orfeuil • 08300 Rethel • www.sud-ardennes-tourisme.com
Illustration based on a photo by Marc GaillotDIS COVERY
TRAIL
RIMBAUD
VERLAINE
ROUTE
This tour, comprising
eight stages of between
20 and 50 km, takes you
in the footsteps of
the two poets.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE POETS
RIMBAUD VS VERLAINE
Arthur Rimbaud and Paul
Verlaine are among the great-
“
Verlaine was the first to recognise
Rimbaud’s potential genius. the
”
have far more importance in
life of these two poets than
est of French poets. It was here, is generally accepted. The two
in the French Ardennes at the poets met, loved each other and
end of the 19th century, that they lived a turbulent rela- finally hated each other in Paris, London and Brussels. But
tionship. "It’s impossible to separate Rimbaud from Ver- less is said of their common roots in the Ardennes. And yet
laine. Without Verlaine, we might never have known the real they are very deep. Rimbaud was constantly leaving, only to
Rimbaud," asserts Maryse Aubry, who created the Rimbaud return. Verlaine lived many happy summers in his father’s
Tour, which starts in Roche. "Verlaine is the only person to family. After the "Rimbaud affair" the Ardennes were the site
recognise the potential genius in Rimbaud", confirms Marc of a double quest. That of the redemption of Verlaine (as
Gaillot, the enthusiastic guide at the Verlaine Museum in teacher and farmer), and that of the flight of Rimbaud. By a
Juniville, where the poet lived for several years. They both strange destiny, their paths never crossed again. Rimbaud
defend a version of the story in which the French Ardennes was far away. They never met again.
ROCHE º ǎǏ º ǎǏ
The Auberge du Lion d’or The "THE 1HLA@TC left The epicentre of the “myth” In April-May 1873, Rimbaud, º ǎǏ
(Verlaine Museum), Charleville to go to the with the Rimbaud Museum, Verlaine et Delahaye
known as “House of the family farm. Today only The Maison des Ailleurs, were drinking partners ģ ǎǏ
Illustrious” witnessed a wall is left standing. the cemetery, at the Hôtel de la Poste From 1845 to 1873, Paul
Verlaine's passage to A 7 km tour explores and the Rimbaud tour… or the Hôtel des Ardennes. Verlaine spent summers in
the south of the Ardennes this region that inspired On 25th May, they decided the “land of his heart” with
when he wanted to become Rimbaud to write 0.ļ $'ƛ0 to leave for London. his aunts Julie and Henriette.
a farmer with his friend Une Saison en enfer. / ƛ$.*) . º$(( 0-. In July, Verlaine fired a shot A 5 km tour introduces you
Lucien Létinois. +33 [0]3 24 32 44 65 at Rimbaud in Brussels. to his life here.
gb.ardennes.com www.charleville-mezieres.fr
Musée Verlaine > “Rimbaud-Verlaine route” gb.ardennes.com gb.ardennes.com
+33 [0]3 24 39 68 00 > “Rimbaud-Verlaine route” > “Rimbaud-Verlaine route”
www.musee-verlaine.fr
27EM OT ION
DID YOU KNOW?
THE CABARET VERT
A UNIQUE
A NAME IN THE FORM
OF A TRIBUTE
The "@A@QDSƝ5DQS
is the name of a poem
by Rimbaud written
during an escapade
STATE OF MIND
in Belgium.
2018 edition from
23rd to 26th August
Details: I N DEP ENDEN T, CO NVIVIAL , AUTH E NTIC, S IMPL E , G E NE RO US ,
www.cabaretvert.com
RESP ONSI B LE AND FE S TIVE O F CO URS E ! TH E CABARE T VE RT
I S THE Q UI N T E S S E NCE O F TH E ARDE NNE S .
The surprise of discovery •
International stars are not “What an incredible atmosphere!
Over and above the concerts, toon ”
Living and open arts • Car-
strips, street art, film pro-
alone on the stage of the what I remember are the encounters jections: culture doesn’t stop
Cabaret Vert. There’s a place during meals. You can spend time at music. Outside the concerts
for rising stars and emerging with friends, or make new themselves, festival goers im-
artists too. There’s an ethos of acquaintances. merse themselves in a host of
renewal that is noticeable in other worlds. Little islands of
every creative field, from ca- LOLA, 20
curious and delicious events.
tering to decoration, including 655 /(*Ƙ# In 2017, 2,000
the theatre. Every edition brings its collection of surprises. people worked free of charge for 3 weeks to prepare the
Ecology is in its DNA • The first French ecology friendly festival… With enthusiasm and generosity, in a legendary
festival, which signed a chart for the environment in 2005, atmosphere of goodwill. Because the excellent welcome is
has constantly progressed. With its emphasis on short cir- not reserved only for the festival goers.
cuits, responsible consumption, draconian waste manage- Among the artists on stage: The Chemical Brothers, Iggy
ment (with its own waste sorting unit!), the creation of a think Pop, Archive, Massive Attack, Placebo, Prodigy, Emir Kus-
tank (the Ideal), awarded the “Greener festival” prize in 2010, turica, Catherine Ringer, Christine and The Queen, Dionysos,
it is now supporting a European sustainable development Franz Ferdinand, Indochine, Louise Attaque, Arno, Korn… and
programme. many more!
¹ Ǜ ¹ ¹Ǜ¹
¹I ¹ F ¹ F
"The church of Asfeld, in the shape of a viola has hosted some of the greatest names of clas-
de gamba, is a real gem". sical music: Jordi Savall, Paolo Pandolfo, Guido
Balestracci … For its next edition on 23rd and 24th
More than 10 years after discovering it, Jean-Louis June 2018, the president of the Asfeld Heritage
Charbonnier, teacher of viola de gamba in Paris Association, Aline Beaujard, is expecting as many
(and Gérard Depardieu’s musical double in “All the as 5,000 people from Spain, Austria, Italy, the UK,
mornings of the world”) is still dazzled by this 17th Belgium, and France of course: an international
century marvel "present in art books all over the appeal that is perfectly normal for this string in-
world". This amazement, shared with other enthu- strument, close to the guitar with its six strings Details:
siasts, led to the creation of the Asfeld biennial and its frets, which was played in all the European www.paysrethelois.fr
viola de gamba festival, unique in Europe, which courts from the 15th to the 18th centuries. www.violedegambe.org
28FESTIVALS FOR
EVERY TASTE
GUITAR
Rencontre guitar et patrimoine
(Guitar and heritage encounters)
offers moments of pure, simple
beauty, celebrating summer with
outstanding instrumentalists in
the most prestigious sites of Sedan
and its region. The programme
includes baroque, classical,
jazz and “world music”.
"$+3("
The end of July brings a Celtic
atmosphere to the Platelle of
the Quatre Fils Aymon, Bogny-
sur-Meuse, with the Aymon Folk
Festival, which celebrated
its 20th anniversary in 2017.
"+ 22(" +Ɲ,42("
(-Ɲ3'$Ɲ".4-318
Classical music comes to the
countryside with the Musicales de
Louvergny, under the supervision
of the Italian artistic director, Paolo
Gatto. Internationally renowned
artists, musicians and opera singers
will be performing with good humour
and fantasy in various villages of the
Vouzinois region.
-#Ɲ +2.a
The château de la Cour des Prés,
a 16th century castle in Rumigny,
is another exceptional site for
musical evenings. The concerts take
place in summer, and are followed
by a candle dinner. Details:
+ 33 [0]3 24 35 52 66.
All concerts and festivals
gb.ardennes.com
> “events”
29EX P ER IEN CES
MIDDLE AGES IN SEDAN
LIVING
HISTORY
HEN RI I V, EL I SA BE TH O F AUS TRIA, TURE NNE . . .
GREAT NAMES HAVE C ONTEMP L ATE D TH IS CAS TL E , TH E L ARG E S T IN E URO PE
L ET YOURSEL F B E C ARR IE D AWAY BY ITS MAG IC US E R G UIDE
Imagine • Even from the moat or Watch a tournament • Sigis-
the castle court, the silhouette of mond, the guest of the Prince de
this stone colossus seems very la Marck, is a bad sport. He thinks
unusual. Seen from its heights, he is a better fighting man than
the ramparts and wall walk appeal his host. They challenge each
to the wildest imagination. Can other to a duel. The two lords
you see the young Charlotte de and their faithful companions will
la Marck welcoming her troops, confront each other in the lists.
over there? They await your encouragement.
Enjoy a visit • Pierce the se- Thrills and excitement are guar-
crets of its towers, gates and anteed throughout the summer,
ramparts. Reconstitutions tell or during the Medieval Festival.
you the great and small history Feast • And experience a wak-
of the place. Raymond le Marm- ing dream on 26th and 27th May.
iton has escaped from the cas- With 400 extras and numerous
tle kitchens to guide visiting companies and craftsmen, the
children. medieval festival gives you a
one-way ticket to the Middle
Ages. Daily life, workshops (cooking, forge, glassblowing,
Ǔ Ɠ ¹ ¹ Ɠ ǔ garment making, juggling, fire eaters, and a medieval market:
7555 you could even get married!
The city of Sedan proposes several /. )( 3)/, )-./& Disguise yourself for the Medie-
discovery tours with different themes: Guided tours val Festival or take advantage of the collection of period
Immerse yourself in Sedan, Turenne, during the summer costumes in the photographic studio in the castle. An un-
Sedan during the Great War, Sedan season. forgettable photo opportunity is available throughout the
Hospital, etc. festival or in the summer period.
The castle is open every day from 10 am
to 5 pm (last departure at 5 pm),
DID YOU KNOW?
except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
8 --("*Ɲ-. 'Ɲ6 2Ɲ!.1-Ɲ(-Ɲ2$# -
The famous French tennis player is the son of the professional
footballer Zacharie Noah, of the CSSA (Club Sportif Sedan
Ardennes), which won the French Cup in 1961.
Sedan Castle Charleville/Sedan
+33 [0]3 24 29 98 80 in Ardennes Tourist Office
www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr +33 [0]3 24 27 73 73
www.charleville-sedan-tourisme.fr
30THE CITY IN
5 KEY HISTORICAL
DATES
MILESTONES
Ɠ
Aurélien Behr is the guide selected for official vis-
its: President Hollande in January 2017, Françoise
Nyssen, Culture Minister, in September. A member
of the SHAS (Sedan region society of history and
archaeology), and the author of “Sedan, an interna-
tional and denominational focus”, he reveals 5 key
dates for Sedan.
ƛ-(4 7J His son, Robert IV, married Françoise de Brézé, the "'41"'Ɲ.%Ɲ2 (-3ǚ
daughter of Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henri II of
France. Henri II stayed at the castle for a month in 1552. "' 1+$2ǚ!.11.,į$
Behind its sombre façade, typical
*1 ' - 7;=6J Disguised, Charles IX mingles with
of the classical style, the church
the crowd to watch his future wife, Elizabeth of Austria, at
of Saint-Charles-Borromée hides
the foot of the bastion des Dames (Ladies bastion). The
a rarity: a Protestant church dating
marriage was celebrated in Mézières on 26th November. from the end of the 16th century.
77 +/ ' - 7AD V E R TISE M E NT
H ER ITAG E
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT SEEING
THE JEWELS
OF THE ARDENNES
FROM THE STAR OF ROC RO I TO TH E CITADE L O F G IVE T, PAS S ING BY MO UZO N
AN D THE FORTI F I ED CH URCH E S O F TH IE RACH E , E S CAPE DO WN
THE PAT H S O F ARCH ITE CTURAL PE ARL S .
12 4
3
LANGUAGES
Tour of Charlemont and Citadel
of Givet, in French, English
3 and Dutch
ROCROI 1
CHARLEMONT 2
ę
ęº
“A stone star in a verdant setting”, Rocroi, $/ƛ ( *! $1 / 3 4
MONTCORNET AND ITS GEMS
an Ardennes " Small city of character", is Perched on a rocky spur, Charlemont was This 11th and 12th century medieval for- Recently classed as a “Small city of
unique as much for its architecture and built in the 16th century on the orders of tress, although partially destroyed, has a character”, Mouzon is a pearl full of sur-
fortifications as for its History. On 19th Charles Quint, whence its name: Charles' special charm. Constantly modified until prises. Between the Porte de Bourgogne
May 1643, the Duke of Enghien, soon Mount, and modified by Vauban in the the 16th century, it is a unique example (a gate in the 13th century fortifications),
to be known as the “Grand Condé”, de- 17th century. Now classified as a historic of architectural adaptation to the de- its classified abbey church (12th to 19th
feated the Spanish army besieging the monument, the citadel held a strategic velopment of artillery. When the castle centuries, early Gothic style), its organs,
city. It was a turning point in the history position in Europe for many years. Since was cleared, many objects from daily life also classified, and a curious “recluse’s
of France, at the beginning of the reign 2017 its eastern point, undoubtedly the were discovered, and are displayed in cell”, this little town is an ideal place for
of Louis XIV. most spectacular, can be visited from one of the preserved rooms. a complete change of air. The village also
July to September. It offers remarkable houses the Musée du Feutre (Felt Mu-
Rocroi and North-West views of Givet and its valley. Association of friends seum), the only one of its kind in France.
Ardennes Tourist Office of Montcornet
+33 [0]3 24 54 20 06 Val d’Ardennes Tourism +33 [0]3 24 54 93 48 A stage on the Route des abbayes
www.otrocroi.com +33 [0]3 24 42 92 42 +33 [0]6 71 15 43 15 to be found on gb.ardennes.com
www.valdardennetourisme.com www.chateaudemontcornet.fr > rubrique “tourist routes”
345 6
6
TOURS
to discover
OPEN YOUR
the 65 fortified churches
7 of Thiérache
PEEPERS AND FORGET
THE REST.
DID YOU KNOW?
º
There are two “village
étapes” (stopover villages)
in the French Ardennes:
Rocroi, in the north near
the Belgian frontier,
and Launois-sur-Vence 8 ,
in the heart of the Ardennes
foothills. The village is also
known for its 17th century
8 postal station.
FORTIFIED
O ǚºƔ
º + $ƛ(
$ !ƛ1*0-$/
HERMITAGE 6 º ǚº
ģº 5 At an altitude of 350 metres, the ºǚģ 7
Signy-le-Petit, Aouste, Liart, Rouv- Saint-Walfroy hermitage overlooks the Deep in the forest at an altitude of 500 metres, the church
roy-sur-Audry… The French Ardennes Yvois country and offers an unbeatable of Saint-Antoine des Hauts-Buttés seems like the back of beyond.
have some twenty fortified churches. view. An ancient pagan cult centre for Dating from the 19th century, this still active pilgrimage site,
These places of worship, flanked by the worship of Arduinna, the goddess dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, seems to be frozen in time.
defensive towers and embellished with of hunting and forests, it takes its name 2,500 votive offerings on the walls (not counting those
machicolations, arrow slits and barti- from Deacon Walfroy, who converted the removed for safety reasons) give it irresistible charm.
zans, were modified to serve as places Ardennes in the 6th century. A cross, a
of refuge for the local populations in a church and a park complete this calm,
dangerous environment. peaceful site, a place of pilgrimage and
spiritual retreat.
Ardennes Thiérache
Association of Municipalities Tourist Office of
+33 [0]3 24 26 13 31 Portes du Luxembourg
www.ardennes-thierache.com +33 [0]3 24 29 79 91
www.portesduluxembourg.fr
35AD V E R TISE M E NT
Its shape evokes a butterfly with infinite depth
and colour: a new territory is spreading its wings today.
Do as it does, and take flight to discover ... the Valleys
and Plateau of the Ardennes.
From the splendid star-shaped city of Rocroy to the
spectacular river bend at Monthermé, through the legends
of the four sons of Aymon or the Ladies of the Meuse, from
the heights of the Rocher des Grands-Ducs or the foot of the
Chateau of Montcornet, on a boat on the lake at Veilles Forges
or by bike on the Trans-Semoysienne, following the industrial
heritage at the Museum of Metallurgy at Bogny sur Meuse
and the Slate Museum in Rimogne, on the trace of natural
resources in the Forest Museum in Renwez and the museum
of minerals and fossiles, in immersion in the Aquatic Centre
in Rocroy, enjoying activities in the Ardennes adventure park,
or quite simply with all the family at Elfy Park,
spread your wings and have a change of air:
the Ardennes opens its arms to you.
www.cc-valleesetplateaudardenne.fr
Two Tourist Offices
at your service
Boucles de Meuse et Semoy :
+33 [0]3 24 54 46 73
> contact©meuse-semoy-
tourisme.com
Rocroy :
+33 [0]3 24 54 20 06
> info©otrocroi.comYou can also read
