Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of France, bordered by Belgium and shaped by centuries of history, the French Ardennes remains one of the country’s unknown destinations. With its dense forests, winding rivers and impressive fortresses, the Ardennes offers travellers a unique blend of tranquillity and discovery.
Sedan
French Ardennes
French Ardennes
French Ardennes
The name “Ardennes” conjures up images of misty woodlands, ancient myths, and heroic resistance. The region’s rolling hills and vast forests have long been the setting for folklore and history. Cutting a sinuous path through dramatic cliffs and quiet towns, the Meuse River is the easiest way of discovering the region’s charm.
Charleville-Mézières
No visit to the Ardennes is complete without a stop in Charleville-Mézières, the region’s capital and cultural hub. At its centre is the Place Ducale, a grand 17th-century square that rivals the famous Place des Vosges in Paris. Framed by arcaded buildings in golden stone, it’s lined with lively pavement restaurants and cafés
Charleville-Mezieres
Charleville-Mezieres
Charleville-Mezieres
Charleville-Mézières is also the birthplace of Arthur Rimbaud, the famous 19th-century poet. The Maison des Ailleurs, the house where Rimbaud once lived, is part museum, part poetic experience, exploring his travels and literary influence. Just steps away, the Musée Rimbaud, in an old mill by the Meuse, provides a deeper insight into his short but illustrious career.
The city is also internationally known as the world capital of puppetry. Every two years, it hosts the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, a 10 day spectacle of puppet artistry drawing performers and spectators from around the globe. Outside festival times, the Institut International de la Marionnette offers workshops, performances, and a puppetry museum.
Sedan
Travel southeast along the Meuse and you’ll arrive in Sedan, home to Europe’s largest fortified castle. Covering an area of over 35,000 square meters, the Château de Sedan dominates the town and transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. Originally built in the 15th century and expanded over time, the castle was both a stronghold and a princely residence.
Sedan
Sedan
Sedan
An audio guided tour of the fortress reveals thick ramparts, gloomy dungeons, and sweeping views from the battlements. The annual Medieval Festival in May sees the fortress come alive with jousting, music, and traditional crafts. Sedan also played a pivotal role in more recent history. During the Franco-Prussian War, the Battle of Sedan in 1870 marked a turning point that led to the fall of the Second French Empire.
Rocroi
From the air, the town of Rocroi resembles a five-pointed star, a symbol of the military ingenuity of the Renaissance period. This geometric marvel was originally fortified by Francis I in the 16th century, and later improved by the famed military engineer Vauban under Louis XIV. In 1643, it was besieged by Spanish troops but the French general Louis II de Bourbon, led his troops to a decisive victory, and relieved the fortress.
Rocroi
Rocroi
Rocroi
The bastioned ramparts, moat, and outer earthworks still stand today, making Rocroi one of the few fortified towns in Europe whose structure remains largely intact. Despite its military history, it’s still a living town, with a population of just over 2,000. Its cobbled streets, central square, and sleepy cafés offer an authentic slice of rural French life.
Museum of War and Peace
Located in Novion-Porcion, the Musée Guerre et Paix en Ardennes tells how the Ardennes endured three major conflicts—the Franco‑Prussian War (1870), the First World War (1914–1918), and the Second World War (1939–1945). Instead of focusing on iconic battles or famous generals, the museum unravels the human and regional narrative of resilience, trauma, and regeneration.
Musée Guerre et Paix
Musée Guerre et Paix
Musée Guerre et Paix
Musée Guerre et Paix
Rising barely above ground, the museum’s architecture mirrors the protective nature of bunkers — a quiet but powerful reminder of the land’s past role as both fortress and battlefield. With life-size dioramas, interactive trenches, and battlefield reconstructions, the 5,000 m² space contains over 14,000 objects. Uniforms, weapons, vehicles and household items animate each era’s experiences.
Meuse Villages
Beyond its main towns, the Ardennes is sprinkled with picturesque villages and peaceful countryside, perfect for slow travel. The Vallée de la Meuse, where the river twists between dramatic cliffs and gentle meadows, is ideal for cycling and canoeing.
Montherme
Montherme
Montherme
One gem along this route is Monthermé, a charming village sitting in a dramatic bend in the river. High above is the La Roche à Sept Heures and Roc de la Tour which offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Local legend is commemorated with a striking sculpture on the cliff opposite – it celebrates the tale of the Four Aymon Brothers, medieval knights who accidentally killed Charlemagne’s nephew.
Haybes
Haybes
Haybes
Haybes
Further downriver, the village of Haybes has a British related history. It was almost entirely destroyed by German troops during WW1 but thanks to money raised in the UK, the village was rebuilt with a new town hall and church. BAH, the Brasserie Ardennaise de Haybes, a local brewpub, makes a beer called Stockport, after the English town where the money was raised.
Hierges
Hierges
Hierges
Heading north, Hierges is one of the most beautiful villages in the Ardennes overlooked by ruins of the stunning medieval castle. Not far away lies Givet, a fortified border town with a distinctive skyline marked by the 16th century Fort de Charlemont.
Givet
Givet
Givet
It was built in 1554 at the request of Charles V to defend his empire and then perfected by Vauban. Over the centuries, the fort was besieged by all the big players of Europe, but it never surrendered until the Germans arrived in WW1. From the battlements, there are sweeping views over the Meuse Valley and the nearby Belgian Ardennes.
Givet
Givet
Factfile
GO: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Then SNCF to Charleville-Mézières.
INFO: Ardennes Tourisme has information about the region.
Tourisme Vallées et Plateau d’Ardenne has information about the valleys.
Château fort de Sedan is open daily for tours.
Musée Guerre et Paix is open daily.
STAY: Logis Hôtel Saint Hubert in Haybes sits on the Meuse and has excellent local food.
Hôtel Le Château Fort**** is luxury hotel located inside the fortress and has a fine dining restaurant.
Hotel Le Dormeur du Val makes a good base in Charleville-Mezieres near the railway station.
EAT: Hôtel Restaurant La Hulotte au Lion D’Or in Signy-le-Petit is good for local specialities.
Restaurant Auberge de la Tour in Givet has good food.
Restaurant L’Echiquier in Sedan has excellent food.
Restaurant L’Antre Ducale is in the main square of Charleville-Mezieres and popular with locals.
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