The 9 most beautiful hikes to do in the Ardennes

Do you like rich and varied landscapes? So put on your most beautiful walking shoes for a hike in the Ardennes!

Between France and Belgium, the Ardennes are full of millennial forests with countless hidden secrets. Hiking in this green setting is entering a preserved natural space that is conducive to resourcing. With more than 1,000 km of marked paths, this department of the North is a happiness for hikers and nature lovers.

From the family walk to the sporting hike, you take a full view with the impressive views of the Ardennes. Wanderlix makes you discover the most beautiful hikes to do in the Ardennes. Follow the guide!

1. Monthermé via the Semoy and Meuse valleys

We start this top with a hike that will give the most sporting thread in "the pearl of the Ardennes". In the heart of Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes , follow this marked trail of 50 km.

Through the meanders of the Meuse, discover the region's emblematic villages such as Tournavaux and Monthermée. Another way is for you to admire forest landscapes composed of beech, birch and oak.

What we appreciate is the calm of the forest tinted with the Meuse clapotis or the Semoy in the background. On the heights, you even enjoy a breathtaking view of Monthermé surrounded by the arms in U of the Meuse. The famous Horseshoe Bend Ardennes!

The houses perfectly match the shape of this emblematic landscape of the region. A break then takes place to just enjoy the moment that is present between two clusters.

2. Meuse peaks in Monthermé

Discover the Natural Park of the Ardennes on a smaller portion like the Crests of the Meuse. This ascent remains as sporty as the first with a denivell that will challenge your legs all along. In addition, if you have vertigo, some passages can put you in a strain around Roche Bayard and 4 sons Aymon.

However, this hike is worth a visit to its magnificent views of the Meuse Valley and the city of Monthermé. You are advised to stop at the view of the Longue Roche or the Roche Seven hours to embrace this peaceful landscape.

Don’t miss the Ardennes Horseshoe Bend who has nothing to envy our American neighbours!

3. Tour du Lac des Vieilles Forges

In the heart of the Ardennes massif, not far from the Meuse valley, discover the Lac des Vieilles Forges. This trail bordered by wild flowers runs along the lake in the shade of the Ardennes trees. In addition to offering a beautiful family walk, the lake welcomes a leisure base on one of its shores.

While the parents rest after this walk, the children enjoy it all the time to play in the water. In addition, many water activities are available such as kayaking, sailing or paddle. There is even an Accrobranche park and a play area for children with pedalos and trampolines. How to delight the grand and the little ones all day.

4. Trail of the Piot Cross

You don't know what hiking in the Ardennes choose? Then why not the trail of the Piot Cross and its Piot hill 316 meters high. Quietly progress at the pace of your steps in a quiet and soothing environment typical of the region. Again, breathtaking panoramas reveal the beauty of the Meuse Valley and the Bar.

La Meuse continues its path to Donchery peacefully in the eastern canal. To become incollable on the surrounding area, stop at the orientation table. It reveals to you all the secrets of this hike and its landscapes witness many battles in the history of the region.

5. Circuit des Étangs à Signy-le-Petit

Discover the artificial ponds of the Motte and the old Forge thanks to this hike in the Ardennes. At the heart of the thierachian and the plateau of Rocroi, enjoy the calm of the surrounding nature. Also admire the Chapelle-des-Glands, local legend theatre on your way.

Like many water points, the pond of the Motte welcomes a leisure base with paddle and pedalalo rental. It is also a bathing place supervised by masters in July and August, ideal for children. A well-deserved break is necessary after having swallowed the kilometers without stopping.

6. Around the Chartreuse du Mont-Dieu

This hike takes you to discover the Chartreuse de Mont-Dieu. For the little story, it is a former monastery founded in 1132 in the middle of an impressive 1,123 ha forest. He welcomed the chartered monks in his womb until the French Revolution.

This trail is worth a visit only to admire the extraordinary architecture of this historic place witnessing an incredible past. The path then takes you to a wooded environment in the heart of the Mont-Dieu Bois to the Neuville-à-Maire. It’s not for nothing that it’s one of the most beautiful hikes to do in the Ardennes!

7. GR® 14, section 5: Champagne-Ardenne

Among the hikes to be done in the Ardennes is the portion of GR 14 and specifically section 5. From Grandpré, join her Belgium passing through the mythical city of Sedan.

Treat 77 kilometers among the forests of the Ardennes massif and the rolling meadows of the region. The Meuse accompanies you well stretched for a few kilometers like a guide that knows by heart its path. It is another way to discover the varied and often unknown landscapes of this part of France.

8. The Val de Serre

In the beautiful region of pre-Danenna hills nestles a hiking path on an old railway track. Walk through the miles among the meadows, woods and wetlands of Val de Serre. An impressive variety of landscapes that characterize the Ardennes region so well.

On this trail, discover the fortified church of Saint-Martin in Montcornet or the former collegial church in Rozoy-sur-Serres. Perhaps you will have the chance to admire a hober falcon or a fish martin.

Any noise between the leaves? Probably a mischievous deer or hare that hides away from any human presence. Do not hesitate to visit the tourist office of Thiérache country to find out more.

9. La Trans-Semoysienne

Among the hiking trails in the Ardennes do not miss the Trans-Semoyienne along the Semoy. This beautiful green road created in 2016 winds from the city of Monthermé to the Hautes-Rivières through Tournavaux and Thilay. This hiking trail takes place both on foot and by bike for the most sporting.

Many points of view follow this path to discover breathtaking views. Make a stop at the Roche at 7 o'clock or at the Liry, you'll tell us about it.

Hiking in the Ardennes offers a multitude of varied landscapes for visitors to this iconic region. So what are you waiting to discover this pretty corner of France armed with your walking shoes?