Forget the preconceived ideas and set the course east! Here are the 8 most beautiful villages in the Ardennes to discover.
The Ardennes are certainly one of the most underestimated French departments. Located in the Great East Region , they do not lack charm. And if you have the opportunity to go, don’t hesitate to visit the charming villages that hide in the Ardennes.
Here, forests and rivers are queens, which gives great opportunities for water sports and walking. Of course, history has also passed through this as evidenced by the many fortifications.
We must say that the Ardennes are riding on France, the Belgium and Luxembourg . The wars did not spare them non-plus and the enthusiasts find it so that their knowledge thirst can be spread.
Finally, poetry lovers can go to the discovery of Arthur Rimbaud’s life which is a child of the country. In short, you see, there is something to do and without delay, here is a selection of the 6 most beautiful villages in the Ardennes.
1. Rocroi
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pecold
Too bad we don’t have the ability to fly because the view of the sky on this village of the Ardennes is impressive and unusual. Located on the border of Belgium, Rocroi is fully fortified, which gives it a form of star.
It is one of the last in Europe to have kept this form with all the original fortifications. It is known in history books as well for a famous battle won by The Great Condé which is, in fact, the center of one of the museums of the city.
The best way to discover it is to sign up for a guided tour or follow the heritage circuit set up.
2. Givet
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
Voisine de Rocroi, Givet is overlooked by the citadel of Charlemont perched on a rocky summit. This village of Ardennes is one of the most beautiful detours of France with its old stone houses that border the Meuse. During your stroll in Givet, you can admire many blue stone buildings that come directly from the surrounding quarries.
Among them, do not miss admiring the ancient convents, churches, the chapel of Walcourt and of course the fort. Finally, Givet is also known for its gastronomic specialties that will be the cherry on the cake of your visit.
3. Yesterday
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
Behind this village of the Ardennes lies Belgium. And the least we can say is that Hierges forms a border of charm. The centre of the town kept the marks of the feudal era. The houses are old blue stones and you slate.
The central square kept its paved and fountain while an ancient tower invaded by vegetation the day before. To go to the little church of Saint John the Baptist, a small flowery alley must be mounted.
And to end, there are of course the romantic vestiges of the castle including a house of master rebuilt. Visit the site to admire the beautiful gardens.
4. Mouzon
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Fryderyk
Mouzon is also located at the limit of Belgium and Luxembourg. The village with yellow stone houses spread from and from the Yoncq River.
On the horizon, the high towers of the abbey church of the first Gothic age testifying to the existence of a former Benedictine major abbey. Its buildings and gardens are still visible today.
There are also the vestiges of the ancient fortifications such as the beautiful Burgundy tour and the circuit of the ramparts you can follow. Not to mention the little streets and squares to be discovered.
5. Monthermé
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
The viewpoint on this village of Ardennes is splendid from the peaks of the Meuse. Monthermé literally forms a loop along the river whose main street follows the shape. The artery is lined with old houses.
There is also the fortified church and the abbey of Laval-Dieu. The village and its surroundings are the theater of tales and legends that you can discover during river cruises.
Don’t forget to take your hiking shoes in your suitcases because the village is also the starting point of some of the most beautiful circuits in the region.
6. Wasigny
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Havana(nl)
Finally, here is a small forgotten village but whose surviving charm deserves a look. The 15th century old hall, classified as Historical Monuments.
By letting yourself be dragged along the alleys, you can discover old houses with wood and if you continue through the countryside, you will find the impressive entrance door of the castle park.
He also experienced better days, but he testifies as the rest of the village of the time when the wires were running at full speed. If this time is over, a little walk in Wasigny is enough to imagine the atmosphere of ancient times.
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