📍 France

ARDENNES: LEGENDARY FORESTS AND FORTIFIED HERITAGE TOWNS

Deep forests stretching endlessly, citadels rising from valleys, ramparts watching over hills. The Ardennes, wild and mysterious.

≈ 10
Days
327
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore deep forests and Ardennes fortresses. Discover Charleville-Mézières and its urban heritage. Tour Sedan citadel and its monumental ramparts. Wander Mouzon around its medieval heritage. Climb to Montmédy's fortified plateau. Admire Rocroi and its star-shaped walls, major witness to military history.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Charleville Mezieres

river town cultural gateway

Charleville Mezieres - Photo 1Charleville Mezieres - Photo 2Charleville Mezieres - Photo 3Charleville Mezieres - Photo 4Charleville Mezieres - Photo 5Charleville Mezieres - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Ducale Square.
2
Rimbaud Museum.
3
Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Espérance.
4
Museum of Ardenne.
🎯

Activities

→
World Festival of Puppet Theaters (September).
→
Walk along the Meuse.
→
Tour of the ramparts.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23.1 km
Travel time: 46min
2
Day

Sedan

fortress rampart river crown

Sedan - Photo 1Sedan - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Fortress (largest in Europe).
2
Felt Museum.
3
Star-shaped fortress.
4
Battle Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Historical spectacle.
→
Walk along the Meuse.
→
Discovery of felt craftsmanship.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19.3 km
Travel time: 39min
3
Day

Mouzon

medieval village castle stone

Mouzon - Photo 1Mouzon - Photo 2Mouzon - Photo 3Mouzon - Photo 4Mouzon - Photo 5Mouzon - Photo 6Mouzon - Photo 7Mouzon - Photo 8Mouzon - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Fort de Charlemont.
2
Saint-Hilaire Church.
3
Vauban Towers.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on the ramparts.
→
Bicycle tour of the fortifications.
→
Discovery of military urban planning.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 29.3 km
Travel time: 59min
4
Day

Montmedy

Montmedy - Photo 1Montmedy - Photo 2Montmedy - Photo 3Montmedy - Photo 4Montmedy - Photo 5Montmedy - Photo 6Montmedy - Photo 7Montmedy - Photo 8Montmedy - Photo 9Montmedy - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Belvederes of the Quatre Fils Aymon and Longue Roche.
2
Meanders of the Meuse.
3
Dames de Meuse viewpoint.
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise on the Meuse.
→
Hike to the Quatre Fils Aymon.
→
Belgian border.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 98.3 km
Travel time: 1h38
5
Day

Rocroi

fortress star medieval crown

Rocroi - Photo 1Rocroi - Photo 2Rocroi - Photo 3Rocroi - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Vieux Revin Museum.
2
Rethelois Museum.
3
Battle Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike in the Meuse valley.
→
Panoramic observation.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41.3 km
Travel time: 1h23
6
Day

Givet

river gateway border fortress

Givet - Photo 1Givet - Photo 2Givet - Photo 3Givet - Photo 4Givet - Photo 5Givet - Photo 6Givet - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Fort de Charlemont.
2
Old town.
3
Saint-Hilaire Church.
4
Vauban Towers.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the Ardennes forest.
→
Canoeing on the Meuse.
→
Gastronomy (white pudding from Rethel).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37.3 km
Travel time: 1h15
7
Day

Montherme

river village forest canyon

Montherme - Photo 1Montherme - Photo 2Montherme - Photo 3Montherme - Photo 4Montherme - Photo 5Montherme - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Belvederes of the Quatre Fils Aymon and Longue Roche.
2
Meanders of the Meuse.
🎯

Activities

→
Canal walk.
→
Mountain biking.
→
Panoramic observation.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11.9 km
Travel time: 24min
8
Day

Revin

river town market commerce

Revin - Photo 1Revin - Photo 2Revin - Photo 3Revin - Photo 4Revin - Photo 5Revin - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Dames de Meuse viewpoint.
2
Vieux Revin Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the Ardennes forest.
→
Canoeing on the Meuse.
→
Rock climbing.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 66.9 km
Travel time: 1h07
9
Day

Rethel

river town market commerce

Rethel - Photo 1Rethel - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Nicolas Church.
2
Rethelois Museum.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Gastronomy (white pudding from Rethel).
→
Traditional market.
→
Canal walk.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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