Discover Rozoy-sur-serre: Charm and Nature in Picardy

This intrepid but short excursion surprises by the diversity of its landscapes. Beginning at the Saint-Agapit chapel in Séchelles, the route, winding and grassy in its first part, offers beautiful panoramas over the countryside of Marles. After leaving the road to Agnicourt, it becomes straight, following the route of an old railway line, majestically lined with a curtain of poplars.

Open on the Thiérache river, this circuit offers beautiful forest, hedged farmland and cereal-growing landscapes. The isolated farm of Bélimont marks the end of a gradual ascent, before the tree cover of the Val Saint-Pierre forest. Driving south, the route offers views of the forest, the Laonnois plateaux and the villages nestled in the hollow of the Serre valley.

In the past, peat was extracted for heating and to turn the machines. Today, the Liesse marshes are a protected natural area with an exceptional fauna and flora in the north of France.

In the heart of the marshy region of La Souche, Pierrepont remembers the exploitation of peat bogs which made its wealth. This excursion, ideal for all the family, penetrates in the ignored environment of the marshes, ornithological and floristic paradise. Patience, silence and observation will be your best assets to discover the treasures of the Saint-Boétien marsh.

"The marsh is a whole world on earth, a different world with its own life, its sedentary inhabitants and passing travelers, its voices, its sounds and its mystery above all. Nothing is more disturbing, more disturbing, more frightening at times than a swamp." (Le Horla, Guy de Maupassant). Lift the mysterious veil of this swamp, witness to the past exploitation of peat in the north of France.

Here is the opportunity, for this very rolling mountain bike route, between woods and marshes, to discover the Renaissance castle of Marchais, made of brick and stone (property of the princes of Monaco), and perhaps some grey heron, or a spotted owl in the marshes of the Souche.

From the Notre-Dame de Liesse Basilica, we enter the Grand Marais and the Saint-Boétien marsh (marais de la Souche). After the village of Missy-lès-Pierrepont, the immersion in nature continues by crossing the Bois Semé.

The enchanting landscape, misty rivers and endless forest of the Ardennes have inspired many poets in the past and continue to inspire them today. The towns of Charleville-Mézières, Juniville, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bouillon were visited by two of the most famous enfants terribles of nineteenth-century French poetry, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, who shared the rebellious and defiant character of the Ardennes. They were two poetic geniuses who were complete opposites: Verlaine, the academic, formal poet and Rimbaud the instinctive, social-commentator poet. What a magnificent combination! They would shake up poetry for ever. This trail takes you through places where they sought refuge, places where they recharged their batteries, and places that inspired them.

From La Maison Bleue to the ancient oppidum of the "Camp of the Romans", passing by the hillock of Montaigu, this circuit offers nice contrasts of landscapes between the vast plain of Picardy and the extremity of the mountains of Laonnois.

This very sporty circuit offers beautiful contrasts of landscapes between the Picardy plain and the end of the Laonnois mountains. In its second part, the countryside becomes hilly, charming around Courtrizy. Leaning against the foothills of the Chemin des Dames, the mounds of Mont Héraut and Saint-Erme increase the difficulty. A second departure is possible from the church of Montaigu: reach point 6.

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

Located in the bucolic village of Rièzes near Chimay, the owner of the Domaine Marie-Astrid guesthouse welcomes you to his charming residence, which is full of character. The rooms are spacious and boast refined décor that mixes wood and contemporary furnishings. The highlight of this building is the vineyard, with more than 5,000 vines of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Not to mention the other delicious products that the owner makes, such as beer, bread, cheese, chocolate and ice cream, to name just a few. There is a beautiful swimming pool with a stunning view of the surrounding nature. Generous breakfasts made from local produce are available and a table d’hôtes menu is possible with a reservation. 

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.  

Located in the peaceful little village of Rièzes, near Chimay, the Bengali gypsy caravan offers comfortable, unusual accommodation for a successful romantic getaway. Set in lush green surroundings, this gypsy caravan has a warm atmosphere thanks to its wooden materials and sleek décor. It’s spacious and fully equipped, with the exception of a TV, which is deliberately left out for a totally disconnected experience. Private garden with furniture, barbecue, fire pit and large communal garden featuring a Zen area with sauna, hot tub and Nordic bath. Breakfasts, snacks and set menu/à la carte evening meals can be booked in advance. There are signposted walking and/or cycling routes nearby. Not to mention Chimay and its castle, Scourmont Abbey, the Eau d’Heure lakes and the Aquascope at Virelles.  

Located in the heart of verdant nature, a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame de Scourmont abbey, this charming rural holiday rental is set in a former farm. The owners of the Gîte des 4 Saisons offer a warm welcome to their home, which combines the authenticity of a former farm and the modern comforts of a pleasant getaway. The rooms are decorated in a very tasteful and elegant way. The living room is complemented by a recreation room with a billiard table for long games with family or friends. You can relax on the spacious terrace and enjoy the view of the woodlands. Several sign-posted walks are located nearby.  

This charming hotel and its comfortable rooms will delight you with their charm and uniqueness. Each room is decorated in a harmonious way, with a colour theme based on Chimay Trappist products. Auberge de Poteaupré is located in a quiet part of the small village of Bourlers, a stone’s throw from Scourmont Abbey, where Chimay’s Trappist products are produced. Are you looking for an unforgettable experience? Combine your getaway with a visit to the Chimay Experience and a tasting at Auberge de Poteaupré. Its specialities, which are made from local produce from the Chimay region, include escavèche, meatballs with cheese sauce, etc.

With a tablet, Chimay Experience, located near to Notre-Dame de Scourmont abbey, welcomes you to discover the secrets, history and treasures of Chimay trappist beer and cheese making. Permanent, interactive exhibition. You will find an animated model of the abbey, a virtual guestbook, an ingredients chest, etc. Taste a Chimay from the barrel at the end of the visit. New: “Chimay with your eyes closed”: discover Chimay artefacts in the dark. Try to recognise the artefacts that have been placed on four shelves using only your sense of touch. Place your hand on the object... if you do not recognise it, it will be explained!

Located in a peaceful hamlet in the villages of Bourlers and Forges, 500 metres from the production site of our famous Chimay Trappist beer, La Maffe de Scourmont holiday rental is found in the barn of a farmhouse from 1726, which is near the owners’ farm. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with both modern and antique furnishings sharing space. You can enjoy some peace and quiet by the pond or relax on a stroll along the edge of the forest. The farm offers guests the chance to milk cows, feed calves, or experience daily or seasonal agricultural work, if they wish.

Situated in the peaceful village of Seloignes, just a few kilometres from Chimay, this 18th-century clogmaker’s house offers a relaxing stay with a change of scenery guaranteed. Le Nogal owes its name to the remarkable walnut tree in the property’s garden. The owners of Le Nogal warmly welcome you to their charming, character-filled, stone-walled and timber-framed house, which has been completely renovated. The rooms are bright and well laid out, with three themed bedrooms inspired by their travels and time living abroad. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. There are some great walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention the magnificent Château des Princes de Chimay, Scourmont Abbey, Aquascope and the Eau d’Heure Lakes.