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.

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. 

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

Bloc Session Ardennes takes you to the top! With climbing walls up to 4.5 metres high, no harnesses or climbing belts are required, but there are safety mats on the floor to ensure climbers' safety. There are 80 boulders for all levels spread over the 400 m² of climbing space in the hall. There is even a dedicated area for children, where they can learn the activity at their own pace. A training area is available with two rowing machines, a cross-training cage and elastic bands for warming up before climbing. We also have a bar and snack area, as well as tables and benches for relaxing.

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.

Guests will appreciate the verdant surroundings of the Kyriad Hotel, located at the entrance to the city, next to the expressway. It provides a peaceful, relaxing setting, where the comfort of its bedrooms is a priority.   Special attention is paid to the personal needs of every guest. It is ideal for an overnight stay during a relaxing holiday among friends or for all the family. "Business class" guests can take advantage of the well-equipped and convivial conference rooms for seminars, training courses and meetings.

An elegant and bright cocoon on the outskirts of Sedan and Charleville-Mézières, 15 km from the Belgian border. Carefully decorated and fully equipped, it offers a modern kitchen, new bathroom, spacious living room, 2 bedrooms and laundry room. (The sofa can sleep 1 person). Ideal for weekends away as a couple, with family or friends, or for business trips. Close to shops. Non-smoking accommodation, pets not allowed. Other comments: There is a sandwich toaster and an air fryer. Just like at home, so you can cook up some tasty meals!

20 pitches for motorhomes on the banks of the MeuseNatural setting near the center and shops1.5 km from Sedan CastleService Bollard and Drain ZoneFor the pleasure of boaters, CAMPING-CAR PARK is also in charge of the management of the Fluvial Stop adjacent to the motorhome area. The halt allows 10 boats to be able to benefit from services for every 24 hours. Sedan, in the Ardennes metropolis, is a former principality dominated by its immense castle, valiant witness of the history of France. From the area, you will be just a few steps from the castle and downtown Sedan. Stroll through the historic center called "remarkable heritage site" with its facades Louis XV and Louis XVI through the Botanical Garden for a green stop. For a more nature and sporting outing, cycle through the Meuse (France, Belgium, and the Netherlands) and especially the Trans-Ardennes greenway, between Charleville and Sedan. It is suitable for cyclists of all levels and is located on the old towpath. Take your time, admire the forest and breathe the fresh air! Let yourself be won by the soothing and rejuvenating effect of the river. Download the Trans-Ardennes Greenway Roadmap On foot, many hiking trails will make you discover Sedan and its surroundings. The Sedan market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning (Place Crussy and Place Alsace-Lorraine)

The Maison du Patrimoine is a Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP) and is part of the Ville d'art et d'histoire (City of Art and History) label, which Sedan obtained in 1999. The Ministry of Culture awards the label "Ville ou Pays d'art et d'histoire" (City or Country of Art and History) to territories that undertake to protect and animate their heritage, and signs an agreement with them. Today, more than 195 Cities and Countries of Art and History highlight heritage in all its diversity throughout France. Actions to promote heritage are implemented, coordinated by the Architecture and Heritage Coordinator: - guided tours - visits and workshops with schoolchildren - events such as the European Heritage Days, the Rendez-vous aux jardins, the National Architecture Days, etc. - publication of discovery tours, brochures on the history of the city - exhibitions Within the framework of the conventions signed with the State, each City or Country of Art and History undertakes to create a CIAP. A Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage is a place of presentation of the territory in its urban, historical and architectural dimension. It aims to give inhabitants and tourists, children and adults alike, the keys to understanding the city, as a prelude or complement to a visit. A CIAP is not a museum in the sense that it does not present collections, but plans, photos, models, materials, architectural projects... that make you want to see the city for real! Called "Maison du Patrimoine", the CIAP of Sedan includes : - a permanent exhibition allowing to approach the urban evolution through the centuries as well as the themes specific to the territory, - a temporary exhibition room, - a reception and documentation area - an activity room for schoolchildren - the offices of the Heritage Department.

The Saint Michel, facing the Princes' Palace and close to the Castle, has 43 spacious, comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. The hotel is in a fine old residence built of local stone in the 17th century, at the same time as the Princes' Palace. Its central location is ideal for visiting the old city. It can also be a convenient starting point for tours of the secret, mysterious features of the Ardennes.

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.

Between 1894 and 1899, Saint-Martin church was completely rebuilt under the direction of Abbé Toussaint, as was the church in Glaire. The old church had been renovated in 1828 and again in 1854. In 1180, Guillaume, Archbishop of Reims, officially confirmed the donation of the cures and chapels of Iges, Glaire, Frénois, Saint-Menges and Torcy to the abbot of Saint-Médard de Soissons. The church of Saint-Martin, located in the centre of the village, has an elongated plan with a three-bay nave and an imposing bell tower serving as the entrance. To the rear, the wider choir has three vessels separated by columns and a flat chevet adjoining the sacristy. The outer walls of the choir end in a gable, imitating a transept. Built of limestone rubble, the church's interior walls are plastered and decorated with geometric paintings. The floors are mosaic in the aisles and limestone slabs under the pews. The single-storey building is pierced by semi-circular bays and covered with domes. The bell tower has a vestibule and a bell chamber, while the roofs are slate, with a long-sided roof for the nave and choir, and a pavilion roof for the bell tower.

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 history of the grotto of Notre-Dame du Mont d'Iges takes root in 1877, when Abbé Olivier inaugurated in Villette the first pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes in the Sedan area. Faced with the growing influx of worshippers, his successor, Abbé Champeaux, decided to go further and had an exact replica of the Massabielle grotto built on the Iges peninsula, at the heart of a former quarry bordering the Meuse. It was Monsieur Tatoux and his workers, specialists in rockwork, who carried out the construction after travelling to Lourdes to take exact measurements of the original grotto. The construction was completed in 1921 and the grotto was blessed the same year. Twelve years later, in 1933, it was the turn of the Stations of the Cross to be blessed, completing the site in its current form. The site is also distinguished by the quality of its sculptural elements: the cast steel statues, commissioned from the Raffl workshops in Paris and the foundry of Vaucouleurs, bear witness to the care taken in its creation and to the artisanal craftsmanship of the era. Gradually integrated into the landscape of the peninsula, the grotto has become over the decades a place of contemplation and strolling, deeply rooted in local memory.

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.

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

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.

Located at the Château Fort de Sedan in the Ardennes, the Midi au Château restaurant offers a complete menu (starter, main course, dessert) and a varied menu.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Independent and cosy floor on the first floor of my flat. You will have at your disposal a kitchenette with a dining area opening onto a pretty terrace with trees, one or two (depending on the option) spacious bedrooms, a bathroom with toilet. If you like peace and quiet and the impression of being in the countryside, even though you are in the middle of the city in a shopping district, this accommodation will delight you.

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.