Charleville-mezieres, Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne

For those who love walking or cycling, the Green Routes in France and the RAVeL in Belgium open the doors to the most secret corners of both countries. As you cycle along the banks of the Meuse or hike through the secret Oignies Forest, you will understand why these long-distance paths are known as “happy trails”. They only rarely cross roads, so you can cycle or walk in complete peace! The path along the beautiful Meuse valley crosses the river several times on ancient bridges that are works of art. The path that leads to Nismes Forest follows the route taken by the old stopping trains from station to station. But above all, these paths allow you to discover countryside that is inaccessible by car.

Crossing the land of the Ardenne means encountering contrasting landscapes steeped in legends. The most secret valleys, the deepest forests and the wildest rivers have given rise to legends, some of which are told and experienced with the current of the water. In the Meuse valley, as the river twists and turns, revel in the surprise of amazing landscapes, monuments nestling in green settings and soothing calm. Exploring the Ardenne with the current, following the pace set by the river, ensures a change of scenery and a sense of wonder.

On mainly paved forest roads, this walk crosses the southernmost part of the municipality of Vresse sur Semois. Discover the village of Pussemange located on the border with France and an impressive view from the watchtower of the vast forests in this remote corner.

Quiet walk in the southernmost part of the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois. Discover the remote villages of Bagimont and Pussemange on the border of France. 

Quiet forest walk starting from Sugny. This walk is a shortened version of walk No 46 Pinsaumont. 

Nice quiet forest walk with not too much height difference. At the end of the quiet track leading out of the village, you come to a pleasant covered picnic area. The walk then follows wide paths through the forest with mainly deciduous trees. You pass the Chêne au Visage, an impressive natural monument. The Fontaine l'Ermite and a dilapidated tree-hugger's hut give you an impression of a long past.  

A nice refreshing walk on very easy paths that will take you to discover the pretty deciduous forest. You will pass by the VITA track and the pleasant Chahaye pond. This pond is a great place to relax, picnics and barbecues are available. For PRM or pushchairs (in dry weather), start at the pond of La Chahaye for a 2 km walk.

A walk along fairly easy paths to discover the beautiful stones of our heritage. Le Tchèté de la Rotche (Château de la Roche) is built on a rocky outcrop. Three different castles were built on this site between the years 750 and 1100.

The first part of the walk is marked by scattered sculptures and educational panels about the forest. You will also discover a reconstructed forest workers' hut. Two covered picnic areas provide the opportunity to take a break halfway through the hike. Further on you can see the result of the beaver's work; the walk is partly diverted via the road to avoid the flooded area. On the way back you can see the Tchesté de la Roche on the other side of the road.

Located close to the Semois. Shady site. Pleasant surroundings.

Building and style : Begun in 1499, the construction lasted 120 years, using for the second time the foundations and some of the elements of the primitive roman church. Late gothic style showing a great unity, with 5 naves, but no outside abatments. The narrowness of the central nave, the pillars without capitals emphasizes the impression of height (18 m ) Exceptional ribbed vault. The keystones and intersecting ribs are well decorated with pendantives. The top of the gothic windows shows a large variety of carved decorations. The stair of the organ – loft and the outside part of the west portal are built in a renaissance style. The south portal is neo-gothic (restored in 2009) and the spire were added in the XIXth century. The inside of the building, sober and striped, was restored after the bombardments in 1944. The history : The Black Virgin in Mézières has been honored since the Xth century. The annual pilgrimage ended in 1962. The wooddes statue burnt to ashes in 1643 was replaced by the present stone one, in the XIXth century. 1521 : siege of Mézières by the army of Charles Quint, the Germanic Emperor 1570 : The King of France Charles IXth married Elizabeth of Austria in the church of Mézières. Wars of religion, the French revolution, wars in 1815, 1870, 1918, 1944 : the church was often taken as a target and devastated. In 1946, under the order of Pope Pie XIIth, it became a basilica. The windows : Made between 1955 and 1979, the basilica's windows are the work of René DÜRRBACH (1911- 1999). He was a painter, a sculptor, a collaborator and a close friend of Picasso. The windows were made by a master glassmaker André Seurre in Besançon ; they were installed by Jean Lanfranchi, a maker of glass in Mézières. More than 68 windows are as evidence gives to non figurative art, in the second half of the XXth century. The artist uses a cycle of symbolic colours, figures, universal signs (such as cross – heart – circle – square) in order to create a way of meditation to Mary, around the duality between "the Black Virgin" and "the Virgin of Hope" The organ : Built in 1997 by the Koenig factory of Sarre-Union, it's a mechanical organ with 40 stops. Made in the classical style of organs in north Europe Organ concerts in July and August (orguebasilique.free.fr), guided tours throughout the year, whether around the stained glass windows, organ-visit, a panoramic tour or a walking tour of the city. Middle Ages in the Renaissance ... In season: walks of the ramparts / torchlight visits. The basilica also hosts the sacred treasure of the Ardennes (+33 (0)3 24 32 44 75)

She could go unnoticed, and yet… Our Lady possesses a real gem. After the two World Wars, the window was totally destroyed. The town called upon a number of art workshops. Against all odds, the proposal made to Picasso was positively received. The great artist himself took an interest and became fascinated by the project. However, there was a major concern: Picasso was not a believer! No matter: he entrusted this huge commission to his deeply pious pupil, René Dürrbach. He was to devote 25 years to the task, and together with glassmaker André Seurre he created a work covering 1000 m2, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The window is marked by the symbolism of the Picasso School. Completed in 1979, this intimist composition speaks to all and is open to every culture. The basilica welcomes visitors daily, thanks to volunteers who can offer you the keys needed to ‘read’ this complex work.

Mézières in the 9th century... The quays along the Meuse were bustling with activity. A lot of trading took place: Burgundy wines passed through the city. At this crossroads of the economic world in northern Europe, trading posts and processing workshops sprang up on all sides. The city became rich on 500 years of trade. Many people from Liège brought their know-how to Mézières. Henceforth, iron was to be hammered out along the Meuse. This wealth had to be protected. Mézières took steps to ensure that it was encircled and fortified…

Housed in a meander of the Meuse, the city is the first of two cities to see the day. Mézières built its market fame throughout the Middle Ages from the exodus of merchants from Liège from the thirteenth century. In 1521, Charles V tried to enter the Kingdom of France before being arrested in Mézières by the famous Chevalier Bayard sent by King François 1st. The King then ordered the reinforcement of the protections of the city with the construction of the towers Milard and Du Roy (still visible today). The city asserts itself as a strategic place of defense of the kingdom at the border. The city was honored in 1570 and received the marriage of King Charles IX of France who married Elisabeth of Austria in the present Basilica. At the end of the wars of religion, Mézières was partially destroyed after the installation of the French Catholic League then forced by the Protestants, leaving the field open to the construction of the Charleville project initiated by Charles de Gonzague. Its future then becomes military (XVIII) then administrative and notarial (XIX). In each of the stones of Mézières is registered a moment of the history of France. The early twentieth century brings magnificent Art Deco construction. Mézières is charming not his composite style, radiant and charming.

In an exceptional setting uniting the classicism of the seventeenth century with the modernity of an architecture of glass and steel, the museum of the Ardennes reveals the history of a singular territory at the margins of France and already open on neighboring Belgium. A history where, from the dawn of time, one exploits the wood, the slate, and the iron. Thus were born the first works of art of prehistory on engraved shale, Gallic villages, guns and rifles manufactured in Charleville, some of which contributed to the independence of the United States. The visit of the museum of the Ardennes is essential to understand the beautiful Place Ducale and more broadly the foundation and development of the ideal city wanted and designed by Charles de Gonzague, Duke of Nevers and Prince of Arches in the seventeenth century. Many artists from the Ardennes, such as Eugène Damas (1844-1899) have also sublimated the beauty of landscapes and rural life in suspended time. Throughout the year, the Musée de l'Ardenne also offers a permanent exhibition of puppets for young and old as well as free temporary exhibitions.

1606. One Louis de Gonzague, an Italian nobleman, wanted to move closer to France. On his wife’s land, he created a new city from start to finish, designed in the Italian style! His son Charles, a worthy heir, dreamt up Place Ducale, with its draughtboard pattern and its fine symmetry. He gave his name to this beautiful city and it quickly supplanted Mézières, which had become dated.

Labeled Maison des Illustres by the Ministry of Culture, this house is the place where lived the schoolboy Arthur Rimbaud, his mother, his brother and his 2 sisters during his period of poetic creation between 1869 and 1875. So it is a place particularly significant in the poet's adolescence. The maps on the ground in each room evoke the incessant departures towards the cities and countries which fascinated Arthur Rimbaud. Temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year highlighting the work of Rimbaud or contemporary poets. These exhibitions help to make this place of history, breath and poetic dimensions speak. The house also hosts the Arthur Rimbaud museum shop. The inner courtyard of the house still houses the wooden stairs through which Rimbaud came in and out of his house and an apartment to accommodate an artist in residence writing, or artistic creations.

Lovers of good traditional cuisine, we welcome you "All is well". We invite you to taste our steak-tartare, our calf's head or our foie gras. In summer, enjoy our shady terrace. Traditional restaurant located in the district of Mézières. Takeaway and catering service on order. From Tuesday to Sunday from 12h to 14h. From Wednesday to Saturday from 19:30 to 21h.

Located in the center of Charleville-Mézières, a stone's throw from the pedestrian streets and museums, opposite a pleasant square and in the immediate vicinity of the train station. The "COULEURS SUD" is the comfort of a modern 3-star hotel in a refined setting and a warm atmosphere, and the only 3-star hotel in Charleville-Mézières that offers you a restaurant. Thanks to a permanent availability and a personalized reception 24 hours a day, we guarantee you a service always attentive and attentive.

Le Garage is an atypical restaurant located in the district of Mézières.  A cuisine elaborated from fresh products for small dishes all homemade! All in a very friendly spirit, in winter share this moment near the wood stove!

Located on the outskirts of Charleville-Mézières, this 3-star hotel-restaurant with 46 rooms is 10 minutes by car from Place Ducale and 2 km from the Parc des Expositions de Charleville Mézières and 8 km from Charleville Mézières train station. Easily accessible from exit 9 of the A203 motorway. The hotel is 10 minutes from a cinema and a bowling alley, and a 15-minute drive from the Charleville Mézières aquatic center. Hotel 5 minutes from the fortifications of Mézières and the Basilica of Our Lady of Hope, 15 minutes from the feudal castle of Sedan (the largest medieval fortress in Europe), 20 minutes by car from the lakes of the old forges and Lake Bairon . This hotel offers a restaurant with 60 seats (available without reservation except for groups), as well as a terrace with 46 seats. A 35m² room with a capacity of 45 people. The room is in natural light, wi-fi connected, equipped with a flipchart, a video projector, and a TV with DVD player. This hotel offers several labels: tourism quality, champagne by bike, the Ardennes by motorcycle. Restaurant open every day from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Character hotel, very close to the train station and 10 minutes' walk from the city center. Comfortable and spacious rooms, clean and nicely decorated. Private, closed, secure car park with restaurants nearby. Reception open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (8 p.m. on weekends) beyond an access code will be communicated to you.

A beautiful, welcoming hotel located in an old bourgeois building, opposite the train station and a 5-minute walk from the lively center and Place Ducale, the Hôtel de Paris offers comfortable and quiet rooms. The warmth and availability of its reception team and contemporary comfort with 29 personalized rooms. Possibility to rent a meeting room equipped with 30m2 for 20 p.

Ideally located a few steps from the city center, this hotel with 46 rooms whose windows overlook a magnificent illuminated and renovated square, where Rimbaud, the Ardennes poet, wrote the famous poem "A la Musique". This hotel has just been completely renovated. Possibility of stopover evenings and group reception (caterer). Close to train station and shops. Rooms for 1, 2 or 3 people. Wifi in all rooms. Television with Canal + channels and many channels. 46 rooms. Public parking in front of the hotel. Pets welcome. A completely renovated hotel in fresh colors Reception hours: 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Restaurant (stopover): 6.30 p.m. to 9.15 p.m.

At the heart of the medieval city, the commercial district of Mézières, on the Place de la Basilique, 2 guest rooms (with private bathroom and toilet, TV, wifi, parking and private garage) with different atmospheres: "Elsewhere" and " Dreams of cat ". The farm was built on the fortifications of the Milard Tower. The owners warmly welcome you and offer a table of quality hosts, around local products, with ease. City tax not included.

The most romantic and rimbaldian of our hotels close to the city center and the Ducale Square. The Dormeur du Val, consisting of 16 rooms, a bar with free access, a professional salon, a Business corner (PC + Printer), FREE Wifi, a relaxation area (sauna), a library and garden is to try alone, duo or group, weekdays or the time of a weekend in rimbaldian land! Its comfort and the modernity of its rooms decorated with care, equipped with baths and / or showers, 160 cm bed, air conditioning, LED flat screen TV, home management, office and wardrobe, safe, hair dryer, etc.

Hotel in the city center near Ducale Square. Old building, quiet, in the historic district of Charleville 18 economic rooms in a restored building, close to the main cultural sites and shops of the city-prefecture. Proposal of a meal (single menu for residents) in the evening. A family and warm hotel.

Hotel restaurant open 7 days a week. Located between the train station and Place Ducale, our hotel offers bright and spacious rooms with every comfort in the city center. Restaurant open every day during the week. Possibility of pension or half-board for groups on reservation. 3 star hotel with 35 rooms (double, twin, triple and single). Closed secure parking in the basement. Seminar room rental (contact us)