Uncover the secrets of Champigneulle, Ardennes

This 83 km green way runs between Givet and Charleville-Mézières along the former towpath by the Meuse. Its asphalt coating allows access to any type of bicycle and roller skating enthusiast. It crosses through the grandiose landscape of the Ardennes massif, from north to south, following the meanders of the river.

Given its position at the crossroads of the Germanic and Latin parts of Europe, the Ardennes region is strewn with evidence of its tumultuous and violent past. The powerful fortresses which tower over the landscape from high rocky outcrops have given rise to myths and legends. Their thick walls bear witness to a thousand years of sieges, wars and pillage. Bouillon, Herbeumont, Sedan and Montcornet still echo to the clash of swords and the songs of minstrels. In the light-filled valley of the Meuse, wealthy cities developed, but their riches had to be defended. The Fortifications Trail takes you along these mediaeval commercial roads, where the fate of Europe was decided on countless occasions.

Allow two days for this route, used for centuries to travel between Sedan castle and Bouillon castle in Belgium. A walk where water, the forest and nature are omnipresent. Although neighbours, these two regions belong to very separate lands. One nestles in a fold of the Ardennes massif, while the other stretches along the banks of the Meuse river, near the first slope of the Parisian basin. The two towns have been sisters for a thousand years, linked by history since the signing of the Treaty of Verdun in 843 dividing up the Carolingian Empire. Along this circuit you can explore Europe’s largest feudal castle in Sedan, experience Godfrey’s first crusade at the castle and archeoscope in Bouillon and take part in medieval festivals… all in an outstanding forest setting. Breathe!

Famous for the Battle which took place in 1916, the history of the city of Verdun goes back 30 centuries. Verdun has preserved for us many traces of its part in history. It is worth taking the time to stroll round the historic heart of the city and discover what it has to offer.

In 1920 the Government decided to create a Red Zone at Verdun, to mark the soil rendered sterile by shell fragments and polluting chemicals. Ten years later, it received its first covering of some 10 million black pines, sent from Austria. The nine destroyed villages included in this Red Zone will never again see the light of day, but the Prefect of the Meuse assures they will be maintained as memorials, by continuing to nominate a mayor to each one. Starting from the Tourism Office, join the Green Way Cycle Path in the Parc Japiot opposite. 4.5 miles. Continue straight on, as far as the Canal Lock at BRAS-SUR-MEUSE. Cross the bridge to reach the opposite bank and follow the canal as far as the next bridge. Leave the Cycle Path, join the road and turn left, to reach the Stop sign opposite the Boulangerie. Turn right onto the main road, then left opposite the restaurant 8.2 miles. Follow the main road and climb up to the Tranchée des Baïonnettes. 8.75 miles. Continue to climb, then after passing the restaurant, turn right and arrive at the Ossuaire de Douaumont. If you climb on foot the 204 steps inside the tower, you will have a 360 degree panoramic view of the entire battlefield 9.25 miles. Retrace your route to the Stop sign. To visit the disappeared village of Douaumont, go left and then immediately right and take the dead-end road to the disappeared village of Douaumont, then return to the main road. Alternatively, to go direct to the Fort de Douaumont, at the Stop sign turn right and descend to the next turning. At the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, turn left, towards the Fort de Douaumont. 9.7 miles. On the road to the Fort de Douaumont, you will cross over the Boyau de Londres. 10 miles. On reaching the Fort de Douaumont, dismount and climb on foot onto the roof of the Fort, where you will have a panorama view of the horizon which in 1916 marked the German frontier. You can also take the path on the left between the shell craters, which in 300 yards leads you to the lookout point. 10.3 miles. Return back to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and turn left. On your left you will pass Abri (Shelter) 320 and on your right the National Cemetery. 11.8 miles. At the crossroads, turn left and pedal as far as the disappeared village of Fleury-devant-Douaumont. 12.2 miles. Continue straight on and pass the Mémorial de Verdun, dedicated to the Great War 1914-1918. 12.4 miles. Carry on to the Souville Lion, the monument which marks the nearest point to Verdun reached by the Germans in 1916, and where they were finally stopped. 12.75 miles. At the crossroads turn right and descend towards Verdun. You can visit the Souville fortified plateau by taking the small path on the left. There you can visit the unique Bussière twin turret, the Pamart machine gun casemates, and the ammunition shelters. 12.9 miles. On the road descending to Verdun, stop to admire the Maginot Monument on the left. A little further along there is a picnic area in the forest where you can rest. 15.3 miles. After crossing the railway bridge, at the Stop sign, cross over and pass by the Faubourg Cemetery. At the next Stop sign turn right, then immediately left, and pass the Braquier Dragée factory. At the roundabout, turn right and pass the Parc de Londres. Then at the next roundabout, turn left towards the Tourism Office.

This tour is the perfect way to discover Verdun for the first time. It invites cyclists to explore the city's history through the centuries, from the 10th century to the present day. You'll discover lively Verdun with its quays, medieval Verdun and contemporary Verdun with its art deco facades. Pedal to the rhythm of the Meuse on the Véloroute voie verte, enjoy the peace and quiet of the canal banks and explore Verdun's "Little Venice". The city boasts no fewer than five canals and twenty bridges. Originally, these canals were used by the many mills, tanneries and for navigation. Although some have been buried, you can still admire the Canal St-Airy, with its stone bridge and 16th-century house, the Canal du Puty, which runs alongside the ramparts, the Pont-écluse St-Amand and its Canal St-Vanne, and the discreet Canal de Minimes, which winds its way through the houses of Verdun.

Pedal through the rhythm of the river meuse on our green long distance cycling route to enjoy the peace of the canal and discover the «Little Venice» of Verdun no fewer than 5 canals and 20 bridges exist here in the city. Originally used by many windmills, tanneries and for navigation, some canals were buried. Today, we can admire the St-Airy canal, with its stone bridge and 16th century house, the Puty canal along the ramparts,the St-Amand bridge lock and its St-Vanne canal and the Minimes canal. discreet, making his way through the dwellings of Verdun. From the Tourist Office, cross the road and walk in the Parc Japiot, the green lung of the city center. Return to the Tourist Office along the Meuse. Take the road «Quai de la République» and take the Chaussée bridge on your left. 1 km • On the other side of the bridge is Porte Chaussée, official entrance of the city in the 14th century, and defensive element of the Grand Rempart. Turn right to take Avenue des Frères Boulhaut, then in the middle of the buildings, in the center, take the lane to reach the City Center. Continue straight on Mazel Street and look up. Contemplate the architecture and decorative arts. 2,16 km • Walk to the covered Market and turn left. Pass the Vanne Canal and then turn right. 2,75 km • Pedal to the Pré l’Evêque leisure center and turn right to pass the St-Amand Lock Bridge. It belongs to the three lock bridges designed by Marshal Vauban at the end of the 17th century to reinforce the defense of the south-east front of the city. The bridge allowed flooding of the upstream sector to keep the city out of reach of enemy cannons. Completed in 1687, it is the only one to have resisted the events related to the history of the city. Very well preserved, its maneuvering building is still in working order. 3.3 km • Turn right into Covered Market (marché Couvert) and Mazel street. Facing the do not enter, take the bridge Fernand Legay on the right. A stunning view opens up to you, on one side the Quai de Londres and its marina, and on the other side, the junction of the canal St-Vanne and the river Meuse. Go straight ahead, pass in front of the Town Hall on the left and turn right. Before the bridge, turn left. Further on, get close to the right and walk along La Digue Park. 4,25 km • Then join the banks of the river Meuse and go to the Tunnel de l’écluse. 4,66 km • Pass the tunnel and ride on the cycling path. Further on, you will see on your right, the « Grand Gueulard », spillway that divides the course of the river into two branches. 7,31 km • Pedal to l’écluse de Belleray, turn left and climb the the road. At the top, at the roundabout continue straight ahead to reach 2 roundabouts next to each other. 9,81 km • Turn left and go down the St-Sauveur road to come out on the St-Airy canal. It enters the lower town by passing under the lock bridge of St-Airy (on right), one of the 3 lock bridges designed by Vauban to ensure the defense of the place by upstream floodings. The House located at 12 rue des Remparts, half-timbered with stucco is probably and is the oldest in Verdun (15th or 16th century). Turn right, walk along the St-Airy canal and pass the lock bridge. At the Tour des Champs Gate roundabout, take the road of the left and then turn right 10,37 km • Walk along the Puty Canal (canal du Puty) and its ramparts. Pass the Tour de l’Islot (Islot Tower), an integral part of the ancient walls of the city, dating back to the 13th century. 10,5 km • At the end of the road, gaze at the Tour des Plaids (Plaids Tower) Built in the 14th century. In the shape of horseshoe, it is also known as the Puty Tower. The name of «Plaids» comes from the judicial hearings held there in the Middle Ages. 10,65 km • Cross the road and go straight. Pass the Canal des Minimes, place of the old tanneries and return to the Quai de la République. Before the roundabout, turn right and walk along the Puty Canal. Turn left and left again to find the Tourist Office.

In the Middle Ages, the abbeys of Chéhéry and Montiers-en-Argonne (Marne) and of Lachalade (Meuse) were established in Argonne Forest: the monks’ task was to overpower the devilish forces and Celtic beliefs that haunted the region. To do this, they cleared the land – to excess. Razed in 1657, Chéhéry Abbey was to be rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. The classical, harmonious façade is a fine illustration of the Cistercian order. Today a substantial edifice of bricks and stone still remains, the former abode of priors and monks. The courtyard is flanked by two pavilions (outbuildings and shed).

Located in a rural setting. Easy to find. Just opposite the church.