Discover Illy, Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne and its surroundings

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!

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 ...

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.

Nice walk in the village of Corbion on the heights, some beautiful landscapes and quiet places. The barbecue area of L'Ecaillère will also allow you to have a barbecue if you wish with its fully equipped area.

Venture along the ridge path to discover the magnificent view from the Chaire à Prêche. Discover its legend from the Middle Ages, thanks to the sign posted by the Corbion tourist office. There's also 2 lesser-known legend created by pupils at Corbion nursery school. Enjoy the refreshing woodland along the Moulin stream.

A historical walk, where the memory of the poet Paul Verlaine, who lived in the Maison des Couleuvres (or Maison Verlaine) in 1885, hangs in the air. Fancy a trip to France? Just cross the ruisseau de la Goffe. You can listen to it all the way to the legendary Roche Aux Fées. There is a magnificent picnic area with a barbecue for a short break along the stream. Then head back up to the village of Corbion.

A magnificent walk that will allow you to discover the pretty, typical village of Corbion, breathtaking views and the tranquillity of the banks of the Semois. The past will be omnipresent during this walk. The opportunity to discover the Giant's Tomb from another angle.

A downhill mountain bike trail accessible to a more experienced public; requiring technique and specific riding equipment.Difficulty: blue: easy, intermediate. The "Nonnette" trail runs 700 m downhill through the forest of the Côte à l'Aise, in Bouillon. This forest is located behind the abbey and the Cordemois bridge, a stone's throw from the centre of Bouillon. It is made up of deciduous and coniferous stands.The average gradient of this enduro mountain bike trail is -9.1% with a difference in altitude of 70 m.

Producers of dried flowers for 33 years, we cultivate, dry and transform about thirty varieties of flowers. We also take care of sales! These activities keep my husband and I busy full time! We welcome you in our workshop because we are passionate about this project and we are already in a process of welcoming you. We want to make agriculture known! Come and see in our countryside, it is possible to live differently and to live happily! There is room, dare!

A pleasant setting, quality catering, designed with conviction to reduce costs. You won't regret paying us a visit ...!

Discover horse riding with qualified instructors in a family farm deep in the countryside. An equestrian farm specialising in horse rearing, offering a variety of activities: lessons for adults and children, initiation, baby pony, treks with guides and rambles in the forest for young and old, at all levels of experience. For groups: two theme tours: The farm in the middle ages, or farm animals. Information available from the Sedan Region Tourist Office: (+33) (0)3 24 55 69 87

The "Etrier Ardennais" association, accredited by the French Riding School, welcomes you on the edge of the Bannet State Forest. It provides sporting or leisure riding in a quality framework. Whether beginner or an experienced rider, on horse or pony, you will benefit from the facilities of the leisure centre.

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

"To you the castle life, in the heart of a historic site" At the heart of history, and in the largest castle of Europe, come live an atypical escape in the Residence of the Princes of Sedan.Hôtel and restaurants Château Fort Sedan, welcomes you in a remarkable heritage, established since 6 centuries, which expresses the power of medieval architecture.Our rooms have a view on the imposing courtyard of the Castle and our suites have a dominant position on the city. Our team accompanies you, with conviviality, for a serene and peaceful stay Chef OLIVOT sign, for our two restaurants, seasonal cuisine and fresh products. Stay at the castle will become your story in history and for an unforgettable memory. Open all year. Instagram : hotelchateaufort

In the very heart of the city, come and discover the Giant of Sedan, a 35,000 m2 fortress built almost 6 centuries ago. In a group or as a family, walk along the ramparts in the footsteps of the Princes de la Marck and the Tour d'Auvergne. Relive the times of the Middle Ages through our new tour 1000 years of history!  

Hotel-restaurant at the foot of the largest castle in Europe. The pleasure of a meal by the fire with family or friends. You will enjoy both regional products and dishes and seafood specialties.

The church in Illy was rebuilt by public subscription and thanks to donations from Abbé Bébin. It was inaugurated on 5 September 1893 (this date is inscribed on a commemorative plaque). The bell tower was destroyed by fire in 1945. In the Middle Ages, Illy was patronised by the Abbot of Mouzon, who also received the tithes jointly with the parish priest. Saint-Pierre church is located in the centre of the village. It has an elongated plan. The four-bay, three-vessel nave is preceded by a western section comprising an entrance vestibule framed by the spiral staircase to the north and the font chapel to the south. The rectangular choir with its flat chevet is flanked by the sacristy to the south and a parish hall to the north. The building is built of limestone rubble with a Dom-le-Mesnil ashlar chain. The inside faces of the walls are rendered. The nave floor is covered with limestone slabs and the choir with polychrome cement tiles. The nave has two levels: low semi-circular arches supported by columns with capitals and the upper level pierced by poly-lobed oculi; the side aisles are lit by lancet windows, the choir's drip walls by oculi and the chevet by a triplet. The central nave is vaulted with semi-circular barrel vaults and the side aisles are cross-vaulted. The entire building has a slate roof. The central nave is covered by a long-sloped roof with open gables, while the side aisles, sacristy and church hall are covered by shed roofs with open gables.

This hamlet whose splendid panorama overlooking the village of Illy has certainly been popular as a mecca wherein the spirit has been flowing for centuries for surrounding villagers. This example at Illy could not have escaped the attention of General Margueritte at the beginning of the afternoon of the 1 of September 1870. It was here that he assembled his Cavalry Division prior to its fateful charges against the German infantry lines on the slopes below, on the plateau of Terme. Towards 2.30 pm, he advanced in front of his troops to within 400 meters of the enemy to reconnoitre their positions. It was at the moment that the cavalry charge began that he was mortally wounded close to the Terme Inn. He was immediately succeeded by General Gallifet, who led the first heroic charge. All the cavalry units wanted to avenge the loss of their commander, particularly the 1st Regiment of the Chasseurs d’Afrique which he had previously commanded. This series of charges marks the last ever French cavalry charge. The memorial ‘des Braves Gens’ (the Brave People) commemorates these events.

At the beginning of the XIXᵉ century, the Warcan site housed a shearing power factory, which was transformed into a spinning mill over the course of the century. It was owned successively by Gauchez-Dagand, Lécluse, Pingard and then Rousseaux. In 1944, Pierre Rouy took over ownership under the name Société Anonyme de Filature et de Tissage de Sedan. Most of the current buildings, dating from the XXᵉ century, have been converted into homes, a garage and a nightclub. The site, crossed by an arm of the Givonne, includes a reservoir used as a fishery and a winnowing system that is still visible. The main workshops, built of limestone rubble, have a metal frame on cast-iron posts. Secondary buildings, made of concrete blocks, line an internal road near the Givonne.

In 1835, Camion-Richard built a factory in Vrigne-aux-Bois, comprising a refinery, forge and rolling mill, powered by three waterwheels on the Jacquemotte pond. The reservoir and winnowing system still remain. Today, the premises are shared between the Aplitec factory, which specialises in metal processing, and a small-scale roofer. The complex comprises buildings dating from the early 20th century, with a seven-bay production workshop with tiled and glass sheds, and a dwelling house with a slate roof. The supporting structures are metal with cast-iron posts. Later extensions were added, notably between the wars and in the 1950s, with a turbine building and an extension to the south. The old buildings are of limestone rubble, while the extensions are of iron pan and concrete. A hydraulic turbine is still present on the site to the east.

The Givonne rises north of Sedan, in the commune of La Chapelle, at an altitude of 402 m4, in the middle of the Sedan forest in the Ardennes massif. In the Ardennes department alone, the Givonne stream flows through the following six communes, from upstream to downstream: La Chapelle (source), Givonne, Illy, Daigny, La Moncelle and Bazeilles.

Sources suggest that the church was remodelled in 1763 (the bell tower may have been built at this time, as two bells were supplied in 1769). Restoration work was also carried out in 1845, and must have concerned the openings and roof. Based on its vault and triumphal arch, the choir appears to date back to the 17th century. Notre-Dame church is located in the centre of the village, with its chancel facing north-east. It has an elongated plan. The single nave is preceded by a bell tower, the ground floor of which serves as a vestibule. The square choir has a flat chevet and the sacristy is attached to its southern flank. The building is built of Romery limestone rubble and schist with ashlar chain. The inside faces of the walls are rendered. The floor of the central aisle of the nave and choir is covered with polychrome cement tiles and the area under the pews with limestone slabs. The building has a single storey with pointed arch windows and the choir is lit by two large half-roses. The nave is covered by a pointed barrel vault and the choir by a ribbed vault. The entire building has a slate roof. The nave and choir are covered by a long-sloped roof and the bell tower by a polygonal spire; at choir level, two perpendicular long-sloped roofs simulate a transept.

In 1845, the spinning mill, then named ‘filature du Charme’ after the Clairs-Chênes stream, was being repaired. Géris and Lallement ran the mill, with Michel Géris becoming sole owner in 1855. After the Second World War, the Parent-Clavière family ran the farm according to oral tradition. Now converted into a home, the factory is thought to date from before the First World War. The buildings, built of limestone rubble with brick surrounds and oculi, include workshops with shed roofs over timber frames and cast-iron posts. The owner's accommodation has a long-sloped mechanical tile roof. The turbine, the reservoir, the pipes and the remains of the transformer remain.

This cemetery is the military area reserved for tombs of French soldiers fallen for their country in 1870 on the land of the municipality of Floing and its surrounding area. In the middle of the entrance to it, there is a large stele alongside 16 other steles spread along the edge of the back wall. Those who climb the slopes leading to the cemetery and Le Terme Plateau from Floing Church may experience two feelings: the joy of seeing the beautiful scenery, but even more powerful, the reliving of the bloody ordeal of a few thousand heroic cavalrymen who, at the end of a losing battle, sacrificed themselves to save honour. In less than two hours on the afternoon of 1 September 1870, over a thousand men set out upon incredible cavalry charges and died in the intense gunfire of the enemy soldiers positioned in tight rows along the hills of Le Terme.

he forges and furnaces of Givonne, dating from the 16ᵉ century, were the main facilities of the Principality of Sedan, operated by the Goffin d'Haraucourt and then Lembermont families. At the time of the Revolution, they included two refinery fires, two hammers and a swift. In the 19ᵉ century, they passed into the hands of Thomas, Lamotte-Pirotte, then Desrousseaux-Noizet. Today, only the shop, the dwelling and an early 19ᵉ century coal shed remain. The buildings that have disappeared include the forge, the blast furnace hall (1837), and the workshops, with the exception of the dam. The building is of limestone rubble with ashlar surrounds, while exposed timber framing characterises the coal hall.

The French army was deeply disorganised and caught off-guard as a result of several coinciding events: the succession of three commanders in chief in the space of three hours, the orders from the wise General Ducrot and the counter-commands from General Wimpffen, who was unaware of and thus unprepared for the situation. Once the German net tightened and the French artillery shattered, the German infantry began to climb the hillsides of Terme around 2 pm in order to stop the enemy’s progression and General Marguerite’s cavalry division was thrown into the fray. General Margueritte personally checked the enemy’s positions three times, which was 400 metres away, and he was fatally wounded near the Terme Inn when the attack was launched. General De Galiffet immediately succeeds the General Margueritte. Everyone wanted to avenge their chief, particularly the First Regiment of African Chasseurs that he had led. The German skirmishers were taken aback, but were able to fight back against the charge, and a fray broke lose. Men and horses fell, covered in mud and blood, lieutenant colonel De Liniers who was leading the Third Regiment of the African Chasseurs second-in-command was killed as well as one of his officers, major de Varaignes, Albaret of the First Hussar in addition to many others. The Division survivors rallied at their starting position from where they launched another attack, but the waves of German infantry kept surging forward. Ducrot spoke one last time to the successor of General Margueritte and said: ‘Come on, my little Galiffet, one more last effort,’ and the latter replies : ‘as long as there is one left...’ These fierce battles lasted almost two hours and finished around 4.15 pm, except for major d’Alincourt and about sixty cuirassiers who launched a final suicidal attack with swords drawn, from Gaulier to Saint Albert, an attack of glory and despair.

A pleasant setting, quality catering, designed with conviction to reduce costs. You won't regret paying us a visit ...!

Hotel-restaurant at the foot of the largest castle in Europe. The pleasure of a meal by the fire with family or friends. You will enjoy both regional products and dishes and seafood specialties.

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

The idea behind this restaurant is original. Customers can watch beers being made using traditional methods, including the famous ‘Sedane’. This warm, friendly brasserie lies at the foot of the castle, near the old district of the city.

Discover gourmet Turkish cooking in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Traditional restaurant with homemade cooking using fresh seasonal produce. Slate menus.

In the very centre of Sedan, the twinned restaurants "Au bon vieux temps" and "Le Marmiton" (brasserie) welcome you just a stone's throw from the biggest medieval castle in Europe. Founded in 1967.

Installed just in front of the largest European Castle of Sedan. Traditional cuisine based on fresh products, focused on tastes and flavors from around the world. All products are homemade (foie gras, smoked salmon, etc.). Fresh bread produced every day entirely on site. Member of the Cercle des restaurateurs d'Ardenne.

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.

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 €.

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...

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.

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

Charming house located on the heights of Sedan. Family and friends can relax in this green setting. With a capacity of 10 -12 people 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Minimum rental of 3 nights

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

In the hills above Sedan, this loft boasts breathtaking views! This property comprises a superb, light-filled living room where the charm of the stone combines with modern materials. The fully-equipped kitchen has a central island and a range of appliances. Large cupboards, dressing room and shelving lead to the sleeping area, comprising 2 connecting bedrooms with no doors and a shower room. Outside, you'll find a terrace, south-facing garden and parking.

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.

"To you the castle life, in the heart of a historic site" At the heart of history, and in the largest castle of Europe, come live an atypical escape in the Residence of the Princes of Sedan.Hôtel and restaurants Château Fort Sedan, welcomes you in a remarkable heritage, established since 6 centuries, which expresses the power of medieval architecture.Our rooms have a view on the imposing courtyard of the Castle and our suites have a dominant position on the city. Our team accompanies you, with conviviality, for a serene and peaceful stay Chef OLIVOT sign, for our two restaurants, seasonal cuisine and fresh products. Stay at the castle will become your story in history and for an unforgettable memory. Open all year. Instagram : hotelchateaufort

Hotel-restaurant at the foot of the largest castle in Europe. The pleasure of a meal by the fire with family or friends. You will enjoy both regional products and dishes and seafood specialties.