Domaine Château du Faucon: Uncover Donchery and the Ardennes

From the valley of the Meuse to Préardennaises peaks, this route is a concentrate of the Ardennes. Starting from Sedan, you will pass by and enjoy Charleville-Mezieres and its surroundings, then down to the Crets sPréardennaises (vast territory with more than 90 municipalities ...) and go up to Sedan. You can follow pretty country lanes and some secondary roads which will allow you to make stops to enjoy the architectural heritage of towns and villages or simply the natural surroundings: castle, old coaching inn of the 17th century, former blast furnace or charming flowered village, point of view ...

Allow two days for this route, used for centuries to travel between Sedan castle and Bouillon castle in Belgium. A walk where water, the forest and nature are omnipresent. Although neighbours, these two regions belong to very separate lands. One nestles in a fold of the Ardennes massif, while the other stretches along the banks of the Meuse river, near the first slope of the Parisian basin. The two towns have been sisters for a thousand years, linked by history since the signing of the Treaty of Verdun in 843 dividing up the Carolingian Empire. Along this circuit you can explore Europe’s largest feudal castle in Sedan, experience Godfrey’s first crusade at the castle and archeoscope in Bouillon and take part in medieval festivals… all in an outstanding forest setting. Breathe!

Given its position at the crossroads of the Germanic and Latin parts of Europe, the Ardennes region is strewn with evidence of its tumultuous and violent past. The powerful fortresses which tower over the landscape from high rocky outcrops have given rise to myths and legends. Their thick walls bear witness to a thousand years of sieges, wars and pillage. Bouillon, Herbeumont, Sedan and Montcornet still echo to the clash of swords and the songs of minstrels. In the light-filled valley of the Meuse, wealthy cities developed, but their riches had to be defended. The Fortifications Trail takes you along these mediaeval commercial roads, where the fate of Europe was decided on countless occasions.

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

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.

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. 

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.

A family mountain bike ride to discover the Fontaine l'Ermite, streams and wild nature. You'll also find part of the Sugny witch trail and a funny woodcutter's hut. Accessible for sporty children, short distance and little change in altitude. On the whole, the paths are fairly wide, stony and earthy. 1 short technical section on the way down. Also worth a visit in Sugny is the Domaine Marial.

Welcome to the Dancourtine, -Charming house of 150m2 located in a quiet hamlet between Charleville and Sedan at 1mn from the highway. -Bright, renovated near town with shops. -Terrace at the back -Renting by the room or whole house on request. -Sheets and towels provided. -Baby equipment available (bed, high chair, booster seat) - WIFI access -Breakfast on request at the price of 5€. -1 double room downstairs. -3 double rooms upstairs The accommodation -2 independent bathrooms. -2 independent WC. -No smoking and no animals. -1 integrated kitchen is at your disposal as well as a dining room and a living room with television. Other remarks The terrace is accessible only until 22h and without music for the respect of the neighbors. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

All our staff look forward to welcoming you to our warm, family pizzeria, recently renovated with a new, heated terrace. Our motto is "Quality and quantity combined, at a fair price!".

Apartment in beautiful residence. Spacious and bright, on the second floor of our house. Between Charleville-Mézières and Sedan in the main street of the village where you will find local shops to enjoy a pleasant stay. 

In the heart of the village of Vrigne-aux-bois, we welcome you in a detached house in its green setting.

Sheltered from view, in a walled and secure plot, you will enjoy a house of 180 m2 for 8 people.

Behind our electric gate, you will park at the foot of your accommodation, on a private secure parking for 6 cars.

We provide you with sheets and towels. The accommodationComposed of a large living room, lounge/dining room, with a wood burning stove, opening onto the south facing terrace.

The kitchen is modern and fully equipped, also opening onto the terrace, with a covered area.

On the ground floor, there is a bedroom with a double bed (160x200), a bathroom with bath, separate toilet, laundry room with sink.

 Sheets and towels are provided.

 On the first floor there is an office area, three bedrooms, one with a double bed (160x200), the other two with single beds (90x200), a shower room with sink and toilet.

For your convenience, there is plenty of storage space throughout the house.

Located in a nice quiet town, 5 km from Sedan and Belgium, this small stone house, completely renovated, in the owner's courtyard, will offer a relaxing and comfortable stay amidst the trees and flowers that run along the edge of stream. 1 bedroom with double bed and cot. Linens provided. 1 bathroom with bath and toilet. Living room with sofa bed, TV, DVD, library and fitted kitchenette (washing machine, dishwasher, multifunction oven, freezer). Covered terrace with furniture and BBQ. Private parking in enclosed garden. On-site bakery, other shops very close (Sedan 3 km). Accommodation is bordered by a stream, close to nature and hiking trails. Cleaning: 35 €.

Gite entirely renovated - exceptional residence Villa Florentine - all comfort 7 bedrooms with 9 new beds and baby bed - 3 bathrooms - 2 living rooms - kitchen and scullery - very large dining room - terrace - park - swing Equipment: washing machine, dryer, two dishwashers, two fridges, hotplate, oven, extractor, iron, hair dryer, many food processors, TV, speaker, WiFi Dishes for 30 guests Bed linen included Household and bath linen not included

The restaurant of Sedan welcomes you every evening, for a dinner in all friendliness.Book your stay on half board by booking your gourmet formula on our site and benefit from the best price guaranteed.

The rooms at the Hotel Inn Design in Sedan are modernly decorated and very functional. Each room has a private bathroom with toilet, shower and hairdryer. The beds are equipped with duvets.  The hotel provides 2 rooms with reserved parking spaces for people with reduced mobility. WIFI connection is secured and free.

Quad-Off-Road-Aventure offers you quad biking tours along paths and tracks. Our concept is very simple: you take the machines and set off on an adventure, supervised by a professional guide with a state diploma. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, man or woman, let us guide you through the heart of our region for a unique moment of escape and adventure. Our hire fleet consists of 6 two-seater KYMCO MXU 550 quads and a POLAIS RZR 900S buggy. A safety briefing and handover will be given before each departure.

After having passed the night as a prisoner at Bellevue, the Emperor left on the 3rd of September for Germany escorted by German Hussards skirting around Sedan. It was, as a matter of fact, impossible to cross the town which resembled “ Dantes Inferno”. It was completely blocked by a confusion of cannons, horse drawn vehicles, horses and all the after- effects of battle and bombings. It took many days to collect the corpses from the battlefield and amass all the innumerable weapons and assorted military debris. The Peninsula of Iges, which the canal of Villette had turned into an island, also offered a vision of horror. It gained the name ‘camp de misere’ (Camp of Misery) : 83,000 men and 20,000 horses were cooped up in 400 hectares, denied nourishment, medical aid, shelter and the necessities for survival. Many died, and those who survived were marched off to captivity in Germany. Realising that all was lost, Napoleon III, now a broken man, had on the 1st of September 1870 tried to die with his soldiers. However two days later, as a deposed emperor he was going along the Meuse River to Montimont when he saw his soldiers in dire straits. On the 3rd of September it was raining whilst he was escorted towards Belgium via Saint- Menges, Illy and la Chapelle. Arriving in Bouillon in the afternoon, he visited French wounded at the fortified Castle before spending the night at the Hotel de la Poste. His room overlooked the river Semois, and can still be visited. His guards conducted him to Libramont the next day, where he took the train to Kassel, a few kilometres from where he was imprisoned in the chateau of Wilhemhohe until the Treaty of Frankfurt (10th of May 1871). Less than three years after the debacle of Sedan ( disaster), he died in England where he had remained in exile.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, to the south of Vrigne, was built after the destruction of the previous church during the fighting in 1940. The old church, rebuilt in 1859 by the Reims architect Brunette thanks to a donation from Mrs Marie-Marguerite Gendarme, remains only in part: parts of the choir and chapels have been incorporated into the new building. Work began on 16 August 1951, the foundation stone was laid on 23 November 1952, and the church was consecrated on 18 and 19 September 1955. The church has a Latin cross plan. The nave, with a single nave of five bays, is preceded by a porch with a main entrance and two side entrances. The fifth bay is flanked by two chapels forming a false transept. The choir comprises a straight bay flanked by two chapels and a three-sided apse, with a sacristy adjoining the north chapel. The bell tower stands on the north side of the first bay. The building combines Dom-le-Mesnil rubble with a reinforced concrete internal structure for the modern parts, while the older parts are made of rendered rubble and ashlar. The floors are covered in black marble slabs, and the walls, rendered in grey cement, have rectangular windows with glass panes in the nave and the right-hand bay of the choir. The apse and tympanum of the portal have similar openings, while the choir chapels have pointed arch openings. The nave has a low barrel vault, the chancel has a ceiling and the nave chapels have sloping ceilings. The slate roofs include long gable ends for the nave, choir and chapels, lean-tos for the choir chapels, and a reinforced concrete roof for the porch. The bell tower is covered by a reinforced concrete extrados.

The Jardinier-Hivert factory, founded by Émile Hivert around 1848, specialised in nail-making. Jules Dardenne, his successor, renamed the company Dardenne-Bourguignon and moved to rue Gambetta, but lack of space led him to rent the Forge Gendarme, which he modernised. In 1904, his son Albert expanded the business internationally from the premises rented from Baron Evain. After damage suffered during the First World War and Albert's death, his son René moved the company to premises built by Carnot de Douzy. In 1971, René's son Jean expanded the company, which was renamed Ferogalva-Dardenne, although it went bankrupt in 1992. Since then, Jean's son Bruno has taken over production of ironmongery and building hardware. The workshop, which used to be powered by an internal combustion engine, now uses an electric motor to drive the machines via transmission shafts and belts. Located in the rue Danton, it consists of a small ground-floor structure built of iron panelling with brick rendering, topped by a long-sloped metal roof covered in corrugated iron. The company employed up to 13 people.

Route 1 : The start of the forest botanical trail in Vrigne Aux Bois is located in the municipal park, which was originally the pleasure park of the castle built by the Master of Forge, Jean Nicolas Gendarme, in 1820. It therefore contains multi-century-old trees that dominate the town. Access to the park is free and the start of the path is located to the right of the church. Its route is a 1.8km loop that goes around the outside of the park in 1 hour on a beautiful, easily accessible path. It allows you to discover 20 forest species through 23 panels. This trail is also a digital trail. With your smartphone, you can scan a QR code to obtain additional information on each species. As such, it is referenced on a national scale on the Smart Flore network. Route 2: This trail starts at Place Baudin in the heart of Vrigne Aux Bois. It consists of a 2km loop around the main pond at Forge Gendarme. This flat circuit is suitable for everyone. At one point, you will come across a ‘staircase bridge’ with benches. It explains how the Vrigne and Claire rivers were used to make the most of their hydraulic energy. There are 8 educational panels to help you discover this area. The trail also includes a fitness trail and a mini educational orchard.

Château Évain, in Vrigne-aux-Bois, was built in 1820 by Baron Évain. It was acquired by the town of Vrigne-aux-Bois on 26 November 1962, and now houses the town hall.

The church was completely rebuilt in 1876-1877 according to plans drawn up on 19 September 1875 by the architect Jean-Baptiste Couty. The estimate indicated that Bulson and Dom-le-Mesnil stone would be used, and specified that the vaults would be made of hollow bricks, the paving of Romain flagstones and the steps of Saint-Laurent stone. Saint-Charles church, located in the centre of the village, has a Latin cross plan with a north-facing chancel. The two-bay single nave is preceded by a western section comprising the bell tower, a stairwell and a chapel. The transept is followed by a chancel with a flat chevet, and the sacristy is located between the chancel and the south arm of the transept. The building is made of limestone rubble with ashlar elements. The nave is barrel-vaulted, the chancel ribbed, and the whole is covered in slate with a polygonal spire on the bell tower.

In 1817, Jean-Nicolas Gendarme set up a forge to produce cannonballs in the old Saint-Basle mill. In 1824, he built a blast furnace on the Vrigne stream, along with a pond, coal sheds and a forge. The complex, completed in 1825, also included workers‘ accommodation, nicknamed “the Barracks”, and employers’ accommodation decorated with cannonballs. Production included cast iron (irons, projectiles) and bar iron, rolled at Vrigne au Bois. In 1851, the site consumed Ardennes ore and charcoal, processing 800 tonnes of cast iron and 1,300 tonnes of iron. Marguerite Gendarme-Evain leased the plant to the Dardenne family in 1876, then to Creton in 1935, who modernised the site with turbines and steam engines before closing it in 1969. The buildings, made of limestone rubble and ashlar, are carefully designed, with symmetrical facades, large dormer windows, niches and long-sloped roofs. Some of these features have survived, although they have partially collapsed or been destroyed since the 1980s.

On an area of just over 13 hectares, on the site of an old mill, Jean-Nicolas Gendarme had an industrial complex built around 1824. According to an inventory dated 15 July 1851, it comprised: >> a charcoal-fired blast furnace ; >> a charcoal-fired refinery furnace; >> two coal-fired puddler furnaces; >> two bocards; >> blowing machines and equipment for iron drawing and calibration of cast iron objects; >> a sawmill. The complex was located on three ponds, two of which still exist today, fed by water from the Vrigne and Claire rivers. From 1876, the factory was rented out to other Vrignois industrialists. The entire building was bought by the Evain family in 1965, but the business ceased altogether in 1969. In 1991, the building's facades were included in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Today, the municipality of Vrigne-aux-Bois is considering renovating the site.

The Blay-Collard foundry was founded in 1882 by Gabriel Blay to produce malleable iron. Taken over in 1906 by his wife Marie Collard under the name Fonderie Veuve Blay-Collard, the factory was requisitioned by the German army during the First World War, and its equipment was taken away. Activity resumed in 1920, and the foundry became Blay et Laurent in 1922 under the management of Pierre Lucien Blay and Edmond Laurent. A family business for a long time, it evolved into Ardennes Fonderies, specialising in malleable cast iron. In 1962-63, the site was taken over by Gillet Roquigny, a hardware manufacturer, before ceasing production in 1978. Today, E.A.I. carries out anodising on the site. The original foundry hall (1882) features Dom-le-Mesnil limestone walls, an asbestos cement long-sloped roof and semi-circular arched windows. A brick extension with exposed metal framework, built in the 1920s and 1930s, completes the ensemble. The offices, rebuilt as an extension to the hall, and three concrete block buildings for the anodising baths date from the 1960s.

It is 8.5 km long and rises in the Sedan forest, six kilometres north of the village of Saint-Menges, at an altitude of 413 m, near the Belgian border, at a place called La Fontaine Fleuret. According to Géoportail, it is also known as the Paquis stream.

All our staff look forward to welcoming you to our warm, family pizzeria, recently renovated with a new, heated terrace. Our motto is "Quality and quantity combined, at a fair price!".

The restaurant of Sedan welcomes you every evening, for a dinner in all friendliness.Book your stay on half board by booking your gourmet formula on our site and benefit from the best price guaranteed.

Kyriad Sedan's restaurant welcomes you from breakfast to dinner. Start the day with a comprehensive and varied breakfast buffet. For lunch or dinner, your hotel in Sedan satisfies every appetite with its gourmet menu. Enjoy à la carte dishes or just savour a variety of specialities. Treat yourself in a friendly atmosphere!

Open every day except Sunday evening and Monday. Service from 12h to 14h30 and from 19h to 22h. For more information join us on Facebook

Charcuterie and Ardennes cheeses on boards. Vegetarian dishes Local dishes

Discover gourmet Turkish cooking in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you are looking for Asian cuisine at an unbeatable price, Le Pacifique offers a refined menu of delicious traditional dishes. The warm and friendly welcome will make you come back for sure to discover the other dishes on the menu. Special mention for the coconut balls with raspberry.

Restaurant "The Principality" welcomes you in a unique setting, and offers original cuisine combining the flavor and quality of fresh produce. The dining room, located in the former home of the Lieutenant du Roy, invites you to discover the changing chef's card according to the seasons.

Welcome to the Dancourtine, -Charming house of 150m2 located in a quiet hamlet between Charleville and Sedan at 1mn from the highway. -Bright, renovated near town with shops. -Terrace at the back -Renting by the room or whole house on request. -Sheets and towels provided. -Baby equipment available (bed, high chair, booster seat) - WIFI access -Breakfast on request at the price of 5€. -1 double room downstairs. -3 double rooms upstairs The accommodation -2 independent bathrooms. -2 independent WC. -No smoking and no animals. -1 integrated kitchen is at your disposal as well as a dining room and a living room with television. Other remarks The terrace is accessible only until 22h and without music for the respect of the neighbors. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

The house has been completely renovated. Gérald, who trained as a carpenter, worked with finesse. This house, containing two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a cellar and a terrace, will appeal to those who love wood and color.
At the back, the terrace overlooks a flowered and cultivated garden in which it is possible to go while respecting the plantations.
A beautiful hazelnut tree separates the terrace (where it is possible to eat and rest) from the garden, and ensures, by its dense foliage, privacy not overlooked. We are 10 minutes walk from the town hall, 25 minutes from Place Ducale and 5 minutes by bike from the Voie Verte.
We are close to a bus line which leads to the city center in 10 minutes.
The street is residential and very quiet. It is possible to park in front of the house. At the rear the houses overlook a set of green gardens.

Apartment in beautiful residence. Spacious and bright, on the second floor of our house. Between Charleville-Mézières and Sedan in the main street of the village where you will find local shops to enjoy a pleasant stay. 

In the heart of the village of Vrigne-aux-bois, we welcome you in a detached house in its green setting.

Sheltered from view, in a walled and secure plot, you will enjoy a house of 180 m2 for 8 people.

Behind our electric gate, you will park at the foot of your accommodation, on a private secure parking for 6 cars.

We provide you with sheets and towels. The accommodationComposed of a large living room, lounge/dining room, with a wood burning stove, opening onto the south facing terrace.

The kitchen is modern and fully equipped, also opening onto the terrace, with a covered area.

On the ground floor, there is a bedroom with a double bed (160x200), a bathroom with bath, separate toilet, laundry room with sink.

 Sheets and towels are provided.

 On the first floor there is an office area, three bedrooms, one with a double bed (160x200), the other two with single beds (90x200), a shower room with sink and toilet.

For your convenience, there is plenty of storage space throughout the house.

Stone house sleeps 6 with 4 bedrooms, terrace and large enclosed garden. Situated on the edge of the forest of the Ardennes, in a quiet village, shops on site, bordering Belgium, 5 km from Sedan and 25 km from Charleville. Access to many hiking trails. Many visits nearby: Sedan and Bouillon fortified castles, the beautiful valleys of the Semois and Meuse...

Situated in the heart of the Ardennes, on the edge of the Meuse valley, the town of Floing is one kilometre from Sedan and about twenty from Charleville-Mézières, and close to Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. I offer you two rooms in the annex of my house. In the entrance of the building there is a fridge, a microwave and a courtesy tray with tea or coffee. Arrival from 4 pm - departure from 10 am

Located in a nice quiet town, 5 km from Sedan and Belgium, this small stone house, completely renovated, in the owner's courtyard, will offer a relaxing and comfortable stay amidst the trees and flowers that run along the edge of stream. 1 bedroom with double bed and cot. Linens provided. 1 bathroom with bath and toilet. Living room with sofa bed, TV, DVD, library and fitted kitchenette (washing machine, dishwasher, multifunction oven, freezer). Covered terrace with furniture and BBQ. Private parking in enclosed garden. On-site bakery, other shops very close (Sedan 3 km). Accommodation is bordered by a stream, close to nature and hiking trails. Cleaning: 35 €.

Contemporary house located in the charming commune of Floing, just 1 km from Sedan and 15 km from Charleville-Mézières. Designed to accommodate families, groups of friends or business travellers. This spacious, bright house offers all the comforts you need for a stay in a peaceful, leafy setting. The large terrace adjoining the main room and master suite is ideal for outdoor meals and socialising.

Gite entirely renovated - exceptional residence Villa Florentine - all comfort 7 bedrooms with 9 new beds and baby bed - 3 bathrooms - 2 living rooms - kitchen and scullery - very large dining room - terrace - park - swing Equipment: washing machine, dryer, two dishwashers, two fridges, hotplate, oven, extractor, iron, hair dryer, many food processors, TV, speaker, WiFi Dishes for 30 guests Bed linen included Household and bath linen not included

Situated in Donchery in the Champagne-Ardenne region, Villa Bonne Entente features a patio and garden views. This accommodation is 6 km from Sedan, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site. The holiday home has 4 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bashrooms with a shower. The holiday home offers a children's playground.  After a day of hicking or cycling, guests can relax in the gardenor in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Bouillon is 27km from Villa Bonne Entente, while Charleville-Mézières is 14 km from the property.