The 19 things to do in the Ardennes

Visit the Ardennes: what are the best things to do and see in this department rich in a centuries-old history?

Les Ardennes is a French department in the Grand Est region. The capital of this neighbouring rural territory of Belgium is Charleville-Mézières. The department consists of valleys crossed by rivers such as the Meuse and the Chiers.

Charleville-Mézières and Sedan are the main cities and bring together the majority of the population. The department marked by the confits with the German neighbor has emblematic monuments such as the Sedan Castle, the fortified site of Charlemont or the Ayvelles Fort.

Many fortified churches and medieval sites are also one of the must-sees on site. The cyclable track of the green track and the ardenna forest sites attract many visitors as well as the summer festivals and museums.

Are you wondering what to do in the Ardennes once on site? Here is a selection of the must-see activities when you visit the Ardennes and you want to enjoy your stay!

1. The Arthur Rimbaud Museum

The Arthur Rimbaud Museum is entirely dedicated to the illustrious poet. It naturally holds place in its native town of Charleville-Mézières. It allows to cultivate and to know everything about this monument of French literature.

The museum remains a must-see in the Ardennes and takes place in a historic monument of Charleville. This former mill is located on the edges of the Meuse and allows to complete its visit by a revitalizing walk along this sumptuous stream of water.

2. The fortified castle of Sedan

The fortified castle of Sedan is perched on a promontory bordering Meuse. This is the department’s main tourist site. The fortified castle of Sedan has the title of Europe’s largest medieval fortress! It is more than 35,000 m2 distributed over seven floors.

Its walls, with a colossal thickness, guaranteed security to the occupants of the place! Whether you're a heritage star or not, this destination is definitely an unstoppable to visit in the Ardennes.

3. Parc Argonne Discover

The Parc Argonne Découverte is an animal and leisure park located in the forest of Argonne, specifically in the municipality of Olizy-Primat. This tourist site dedicated to animals will especially delight families accompanied by the smallest.

You can enjoy exciting exhibitions, meet fabulous animals and share the daily life of the caregivers. Playful activities and theme games are offered and regularly renewed. The Parc Argonne Découverte is clearly one of the tourist attractions to visit in the Ardennes.

Do not hesitate to go there when you come to the department!

4. TerrAltitude

TerrAltitude is a fun park nestled in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes. Nestled, or rather suspended! This is a large structure dedicated to the hip and has several levels of difficulty. Everyone can find his account!

You can rub yourself with the Fantasticable: on almost a kilometre, this zipline will propel you to more than 100 km/h... sensations strong guarantees, you will understand it! Courses worthy of Indiana Jones are offered to the most important of you. For others, why not try out all-terrain electric scooters?

Anyway, if you're looking for what to do in the Ardennes, go to TerrAltitude!

5. Nichet Cave

The Nichet Cave is located in Fromelennes. It would be a shame to visit the Ardennes without stopping there. Created in the limestone, this sublime natural site takes you up to thirty meters underground.

The site is divided into rooms spread over three levels and explores with a guide that will tell you everything about this fantastic space created by time. The proposed animations are remarkable: effects of light and sound reinforce the unique atmosphere of the place.

6. Woinic, the Colosseum of the Ardennes

Woinic? His name doesn't tell you? This is the uncontested master of the department! This giant boar sculpture was made by the Ardennes sculptor Éric Sléziak. Its construction has spread over more than ten years! The boar was chosen because it is the symbol of the department. The result is detour and sculpture is a major point of interest to visit in the Ardennes.

Between 1 January 1983 and 15 December 1993. This monumental work was found on... a highway area. High eight meters and fourteen long, we see it several kilometers in the round!

7. The Museum of the Last Cartridge

La Maison From the last cartridge is a museum of the entire city of Bazeilles dedicated to the battles of the battle of Sedan. The museum takes place in a historic building that housed the Blue Division fighters.

These soldiers of the Infantry of Marine opposed the Bavarians during the War of 1870 within this building. That is to say the importance of the place! Particularly interesting, the visit is a must for anyone looking for what to do in the Ardennes.

8. The castle of Hierges

The castle of Hierges is located on a rocky sparrow in the commune of Hierges. It dominates the Joncquière valley near the Franco-Belgian border. The ruins of the castle were classified as “Historical Monument”, and the whole is among the most famous monuments of the department.

If you are looking to visit the Ardennes, go through the picturesque town of Hierges which offers these exceptional ruins.

9. The Musée de la Métallurgie Ardennaise

Yes! The Ardenna Metallurgy Museum is dedicated to the history of metallurgy in the Meuse Valley. The Ardennes are known to house steelworks and be a high place of metallurgical production in France.

In this museum located outside of Bogny-sur-Meuse, you will know all the techniques of old and industrial past of the department. For its cultural significance, the museum is a must to visit in the Ardennes. When do you meet?

10. Saint-Laurent Wildlife Park

The St. Lawrence Wildlife Park is a natural reserve of 38 hectares with wild animals typical of Ardennes fauna. Located between Aiglemont and Saint-Laurent near Charleville-Mézières, it offers a sumptuous course of about 3 km. By borrowing it, you can closely observe animals – separated by fences, make sure!

Boars, deer, daims, biches or sheep live quietly. Native tree species are presented by concise writings. Several flried sections snake in this protected natural space. Discover it, family or friends!

11. Lake Bairon

Lake Bairon is a must-see in the Ardennes. In addition to walking trails, you can enjoy the activities offered in its vast leisure base. A furnished beach and a swimming area await the curious who are looking to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Ideally located on the towns of Sauville and Chesne, Lake Bairon is a prime destination. Quickly check why!

12. The Perched Oak

The Perched Oak is a natural space where you can have fun, eat and even stay for several days. Along with your half, you can enjoy a romantic getaway in the trees by renting a cabin. Dwellings on pilots are also available!

This vast leisure site offers mountain bike trails, majestic zip lines or hiking trails to explore peacefully. You will have understood it: visiting the Ardennes without discovering the Perched Oak, what a shame!

13. The citadel of Givet

The Citadel of Givet, also named Fort of Charlemont, is located near the Belgian border on the Meuse. It dominates the pretty little town of Givet and acted as a checkpoint overlooking the Meuse valley. Built by the famous Charles Quint In 1555, this historic building is a fascinating heritage destination.

When you look for what to do in the Ardennes, go for a ride!

14. The War and Peace Museum

The War and Peace Museum in Ardennes is located on the town of Novion-Porcien in the department of Ardennes. This historic site is entirely dedicated to the memory of the Franco-German War of 1870, the First World War and the Second World War.

Our advice? Leaving to discover it with the youngest who will appreciate the educational explanations provided by passionate guides. The museum is a site to visit in the Ardennes without moderation!

15. The park of Mount Olympe

It is in Charleville-Mézières, close to Place Ducale, that on almost fifteen hectares the site of Mont Olympe. This vast leisure area includes a nautical base, a water centre, playgrounds, a marina, a municipal campsite and a park for hikers.

Featuring the plain of the same name, Mont Olympe Park is accessible by the Old Mill Bridge: the Rimbaud Museum. Amazed by respecting the beauty of the site, go quickly and enjoy it!

16. Puppets

The World Puppet Theatre Festival is an annual event taking place in Charleville-Mézières. He promotes the puppet show and lasts ten days. This festival is one of the most important in the department: it brings together almost 150,000 spectators!

Thirty nations are represented, each with a particular puppet culture. When we look for what to do in the Ardennes, it would be a shame to miss these spectacular festivities!

17. Lake Old Forges

Lac des Vieilles Forges is a reservoir located on the communes of Harcy, Renwez, and Les Mazures in the French department of Ardennes. It has a beautiful leisure base and is lined with many Wagnerian forests.

On nearly 140 hectares, you can admire the beauty of the department's landscapes. The little plus? The activities offered on its nautical basis during the summer season. Come on, don’t hesitate: go for a tour when you come to visit the Ardennes!

18. La place ducale de Charleville-Mézières

Founded in 1606 by Charles de Gonzague, Charleville-Mézières is a splendid city. Place Ducale is simply one of the most beautiful baroque squares in the north-east of France. It is even the twin sister of the Place des Vosges in Paris!

This architectural gem was ranked as a Historic Monument in 1946. The square has 26 pavilions sitting on a beautiful arcade gallery. Our advice? Go to visit her with a local guide.

19. Gastronomy

What to do in the Ardennes when you like the good one? Going on a gastronomic getaway, pardi! The department’s heritage is expressed through mythical dishes: the bare ass cacasse, the Ardennes dry ham, the cooked game, the bacon salad... The restaurateurs also offer Rethel's white dildo and local brewers, ardennaise beer.

It is in the countryside that you enjoy the most: what do you expect to discover the flavours of the region?

How do I go to the Ardennes?

It is easy to access the department of the Ardennes by air. In addition to the small aerodrome of Charleville-Mézières, the Charleroi Airport welcomes tourists from all over Europe. In order to find your ticket at the best price, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

From here, given the specificity of this rural department, we advise you to rent a vehicle to move without taking your head. Indeed, the car is essential to get around the Ardennes given the low public transport network.

If you come from Paris , highways A4 and A44 will lead you to Charleville-Mézières. In 2:30, you will arrive in the chief town of the Ardennes.

Where to stay in the Ardennes?

When we look for what to do in the Ardennes, we also have to look for accommodation. On site you will find several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. With regard to hotels, it is obviously in Charleville-Mézières that we find the most establishments. The budget is rather affordable regardless of the season of your trip.

Some picturesque small municipalities have a rental offer that will allow you to benefit from affordable rates and more typical accommodation. Consider, for example, the villages of Wasigny, Omont, Mesmont or Hargnies: they are the most charming in the area! To find the right solution for you, use a hotel comparison .

Prepare your suitcases and go to the Ardennes!