Explore the charms of Boult-aux-bois, Ardennes

Along the spectacular valley of the Meuse, the greenway path Trans' Ardennes offers an easy route of 120 km between Sedan, Charleville-Mezieres and Givet, where it connects to the Belgian Ravel. 

Come and breathe in the pure atmosphere of this small valley in the heart of the Élan national forest. 

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.

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!

The enchanting landscape, misty rivers and endless forest of the Ardennes have inspired many poets in the past and continue to inspire them today. The towns of Charleville-Mézières, Juniville, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bouillon were visited by two of the most famous enfants terribles of nineteenth-century French poetry, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, who shared the rebellious and defiant character of the Ardennes. They were two poetic geniuses who were complete opposites: Verlaine, the academic, formal poet and Rimbaud the instinctive, social-commentator poet. What a magnificent combination! They would shake up poetry for ever. This trail takes you through places where they sought refuge, places where they recharged their batteries, and places that inspired them.

Crossing the land of the Ardenne means encountering contrasting landscapes steeped in legends. The most secret valleys, the deepest forests and the wildest rivers have given rise to legends, some of which are told and experienced with the current of the water. In the Meuse valley, as the river twists and turns, revel in the surprise of amazing landscapes, monuments nestling in green settings and soothing calm. Exploring the Ardenne with the current, following the pace set by the river, ensures a change of scenery and a sense of wonder.

For those who love walking or cycling, the Green Routes in France and the RAVeL in Belgium open the doors to the most secret corners of both countries. As you cycle along the banks of the Meuse or hike through the secret Oignies Forest, you will understand why these long-distance paths are known as “happy trails”. They only rarely cross roads, so you can cycle or walk in complete peace! The path along the beautiful Meuse valley crosses the river several times on ancient bridges that are works of art. The path that leads to Nismes Forest follows the route taken by the old stopping trains from station to station. But above all, these paths allow you to discover countryside that is inaccessible by car.

Learn how to make your own cosmetics and household products during workshops (workshops can be done at home, on request) and how to take care of yourself through energy treatments with Karine (Natural creator). In turn, Barbara offers you the opportunity to discover laughter yoga and her individual and group meditation workshops. Registration and appointment required: Barbara 06 42 70 54 88 & Karine 06 75 81 60 53 Instagram @lesmeditationsdalisea @crea_au_naturel

A 25 m swimming pool and a paddling pool with games for children. A fitness area (cardio training, muscle strengthening: rowers, elliptical bicycles, treadmills, classic bicycles, bicycles with back support). A wellness area with sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi.

Fill up on oxygen all year round with the Bairon Nautic Club! Holiday courses, sailing lessons or competition sailing, the club welcomes you and offers you lessons in catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers or small habitable boats. To discover, practice or improve your skills, the instructors will accompany you for one or more sessions, according to your wishes. For all these activities, you will be supervised by qualified professionals. Sailing school : From April to October, the club welcomes you and offers courses in catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers or small habitable boats. The rental point is open to the public: From 3 July to 15 August - 7 days a week - from 1pm to 7pm (last departure at 6pm) From 16 August, by reservation only. To do so, please call on the same day from 11:00 am Closed in case of bad weather conditions.

This house is located in a quiet village in the South of the Ardennes, nearby historical sites (WWI and WW2) of the Argonne. Garden, swimming pool, games for children. 4 bedrooms (1 double bed, 4 single beds, 2 double beds). 2 shower rooms (1 is equiped with a washing machine), toilets. Fully equiped kitchen (ceramic hob, microwave oven, dish washer), large living room, TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, telephone, 2 single sofa beds. Terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.

3 km away from the Belgium border (Orval Abbey) and 35 km away from the fortress in Sedan, a house with character (1828) with modern comfort and authentic decoration in a very quiet village. 3 bedrooms (2 bedrooms with twin beds and 1 bedroom with a double bed), 2 separated toilets, 1 bathroom (bath and shower), dining-room (wood stove, baker's oven), large lounge with TV, patio with garden furniture and barbecue set, fully-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, ancient sink). Housekeeping and sheets may be provided. Taxes and heating included (350 KW/week maxi and 350 KW/week end maxi). Shops and activities 5 km away.

Charming cottage for eco holidays in the Ardennes countryside. Restored with environment friendly materials, La Marquise enchants with its timeless charm... ground floor: fully equipped kitchen (freezer, dishwasher, glass plate), living room, lounge with TV and games for children, laundry (washing machine) WC ind. First floor, 3 bedrooms (1 king bed + 2 super single beds + 2 single beds + 1 baby bed), bathroom with shower and bath, WC. Enclosed garden with two terraces, one covered. Riders with their horses welcome.

House of 215 m² for 14 people. Independant kitchen. Hifi, TV, Coffee maker, Microwave, Refrigerator, Freezer, Combined-freezing, Dishwasher, Internet. Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 160cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm. Terrace, Park, Garden, Garden, Private, Shading, Closed, Barbecue. Parking is private.

Fabulous Vegan and gluten free B&B in the gorgeous countryside of the Champagne-Ardennes. All 5 rooms are fully equipped and furnished to a high standard with private en suite with shower, basin and WC. A homemade vegan and gluten free breakfast is included in the price, as well as tourist tax. The Rose room and Garden room are suitable to bring a dog, The Flamingo room and Leaf room are suitable for families and have space for a children's cot. On request you can join us every day for a three course meal, depending on availability. If you would like a picnic please ask about the options at the moment of booking. The property can also be rented as a self-catering holiday home per weekend, midweek or week.

In the Ardennes, in the middle of nature, the Château des Loches welcomes you to a vast 190-hectare estate consisting of forests, a horse farm and a park planted with century-old trees. The Domaine des Loches is the ideal place to recharge your batteries with your family or friends. The Château is composed of two adjoining gites: The Gîte de Gaupuy with a capacity of 15 people and the Gîte des Puisselets with a total capacity of 8 people. The Gîte de Gaupuy is located in the oldest part of the Château which dates from 1818. Completely renovated, it has a capacity of 15 people and a surface area of 350 m². You will be seduced by its charm and its refined decoration. You will enjoy a comfortable living room overlooking the terrace and the wooded park, a spacious dining room and a beautiful kitchen. The rooms are equipped with luxury bedding and will bring you peace and quiet. All our rooms have their own bathroom. Children and adults can have fun in the games room. Description of the Gîte : On the ground floor : an entrance halla living rooma dining rooma fully equipped kitchena laundry room with washing machine, dryer, toilet and washbasinOn the 1st floor : 3 bedrooms (beds 180 x 200) with shower room and WC1 bedroom (bed 180 x 200) with shower room1 bedroom (bed 180 x 200) with bathroom 1 independent WC1 library spaceOn the 2nd floor : 1 bedroom (2 beds 90 x 200) with bathroom and WC1 bedroom (3 beds 90 x 200) with bathroom and WC1 games room (TV, table football, board games, etc.)For the outside : Tables, chairs, parasolsdeckchairsBrazierSwingGames (bowls, rackets, molkky) Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Of the prestigious castle that was almost a "Versailles" in the 18th century, remains nothing but the Bouveries (cattel shed) arranged in a common horseshoe. Now it houses stud farm. 

The Saint-Germain church is decorated with anogival portal dating from the 14th century, with an openwork tympanum of a rosewindow. The overmantel houses the statue of Saint-Germain, patron saint of thechurch.

A few kilometres from Vouziers, you will find the Chapelle de Falaise. It was built between 1917 and 1918 by soldiers of the 236th RI of the German reserve, on the edge of a military cemetery. In the 1920s and 1930s, the bodies of these soldiers were transferred to the Chestres cemetery. It was restored in 2009 with the help of Franco-German volunteers and completed in 2014 during the first Centenary celebrations.

Discover the National Necropolis of Chestres. Located at an altitude of 114 metres, the site offers you a panoramic view of the valley. The site is divided into two distinct cemeteries: the German cemetery on the one hand, and the French necropolis, each with its own entrance. The necropolis is multinational in character, bringing together French soldiers, Czechoslovakian legionnaires, Russian military and civilians, Belgian deported soldiers and Commonwealth airmen.

On the outskirts of Vouziers, along the D977 department, you can see the monument erected as a tribute to the 21st and 22nd Czechoslovak Hunting Regiments that fell in October 1918 in the area. These brave fighters helped to liberate Vouziers alongside the French army. The monument depicts a Czechoslovakian soldier with a grenade in his hand. On the base, you can read the inscription "Pavda Vitzei" meaning "truth will prevail". Offered by the Czechoslovak nation, it is the work of Czech architect John Zázvorka.

Saint-Médard church has a 13th century porch tower, the oldest part of the building. The nave and choir, in Gothic style, date from the 15th century. Inside, it houses the mausoleum of Claude de Joyeuse, Lord of Grandpré. The church is open every day of the year.

The church of Saint-Martin was rebuilt afterthe fighting of May 1940. Its fortified porch tower houses an elegantflamboyant gate. Inside the church, one of the stones is dated 977 and isconsidered one of the oldest in the Ardennes department. Visits to the church are only possible onrequest at the town hall.

Following a period of prosperity at the beginning of the 16th century, the project to build a beautiful and large church in Vouziers was born. The superb Renaissance portal designed by the architect Jehan Laurens is a testimony to this. A leaflet is available at the tourist office. The Church is open every day except Sunday.

Located on the road to Santiago de Compostela, the church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur was partially destroyed during the bombings of May 1940. The nave and choir were rebuilt in the 15th and 16th century ogival style.

A daring competitor, this pilot had become famous before the war for breaking various records (1st crossing of the Mediterranean by air, on 23 September 1913 in 7h58min). He volunteered in 1914 and was the first to set up firing through the propeller. After several victories in 1915 and a three-year captivity in Germany, he returned to the front in 1918. It was in air combat that Roland Garros lost his life over Saint-Morel on October 5.  Let yourself be told the story of Roland Garros thanks to the two audio terminals located in Vouziers and Saint-Morel. (Didactic panel on the Saint-Morel site).

Restaurant - Pizzeria with take away option.

Facing Lac Vert, the restaurant offers a mix of Togolese and Italian specialties, a blend of flavors and colors on your plate. Pizzas on site or to take away. Wine cellar. Reservations by phone.

Florian welcomes you in a warm, contemporary setting to offer semi-gastronomic cuisine, with many local products. Covered terrace. Private parking. Groups welcome. An address not to be missed in Northern Meuse! Takeaway on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm: reservations by phone.

Fast-food restaurant in Dun-sur-Meuse. On-site and takeaway sales. French fries, sandwiches, hamburgers, snacks... Order by phone

In the center of Dun-sur-Meuse, this restaurant-snack bar offers fast food, mainly Turkish specialties, but also classic snacks, to take away or enjoy on the spot with friends or family. Catering on site or to take away.

The "Lau'Livia" foodtruck offers you Brittany at your fingertips with products from the Meuse region: galettes, crêpes, cakes, ice creams etc... Full menu available on the website. Foodtruck presence: Monday = Colimençarts parking lot from 6.15pm to 8.30pm Tuesday = Bazeilles every lunchtime from 11:15am to 1:15pm or Stenay from 18h to 19h30 (even weeks) Wednesday = Villers-devant-Oral from 9am to 2pm and Stenay from 6.15pm to 8.30pm Thursday = Warcq from 11:15am to 1:30pm Inor from 18h15 to 20h30 (even weeks) Thonnelle from 18h15 to 20h30 (odd weeks) Friday = Stenay market from 7:30am to 12:30pm Ecouviez from 6:15pm to 8:30pm (even weeks) Beauclair from 6.15pm to 8.30pm (odd weeks)

Enjoy a choice of hot and/or cold sandwiches from €7, accompanied by a good local beer. La Taverne offers menus for groups of 15 or more (booking required). A store and events are available throughout the year.

The Chanzy team welcomes you in a warm atmosphere to enjoy delicious French or Italian-style dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients. Around thirty pizzas, homemade pastas, salads, grilled meats, fish and homemade desserts are on offer.

This restaurant-snack bar offers fast food, mainly Turkish specialties, but also classic snacks, to take away or enjoy on the spot with friends or family. Catering on site or to take away.

Come and enjoy the cosy atmosphere, accompanied by dishes with unique flavors, from hamburgers to Brazilian specials.

Country cottage up to 11 people adjacent to the owners' house. Come and discover the charm of the Ardennes countryside, its walks in the forest (access on foot) and its swimming at Lake Bairon. The Argonne park is 10 min. Cultural outings possible in Reims, Sedan, Belgium, Luxembourg ...  Our cottage is suitable for families with children, with its large and friendly living room equipped with table football and the wooden playground in the garden and large trampoline. Books and board games are available, as well as everything needed for babies and young children. Equipment:Central heating, TV, microwave, kettle, filter coffee maker, induction hob, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, wine glasses, charcoal barbecue… and on request, any other small equipment that you may lack during your stay. All mattresses are of high quality. The owner is often present during the day and is at your disposal if necessary.

Cellar located in a small village where we like to spend time with our customers in order to pass on all our knowledge about wines. All the wines are chosen on the spot and 90% of them are exclusive. On request, introductory wine tasting courses can be offered with a meal. We match our wines to your menus and make deposits. We can also provide wines of honour for weddings and end-of-year gifts. 40 years of experience and numerous articles testify to the quality of the establishment and its services. Air-conditioned cellar and warehouse for the conservation of wines Open from Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 7pm From Sunday to Wednesday we ask you to call

Organic products, fresh or processed, old varieties to rediscover for the pleasure of your taste buds. We are available every day by appointment

Your taste buds will be charmed! Discover Ribes Rondom, a redcurrant sparkling wine made using the traditional method, with red fruits from their plantations located in Falaise. Since 2020, they have also been producing Ti'Gobu, a redcurrant must brandy and a redcurrant ratafia. Visits on request, direct sales at the property and at farmers' markets.

Direct sale of free range and organic eggs. Open Monday, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon.

Direct sale of spring and summer flower honey - 500g or 1kg pots. All year round by appointment.

Come and pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and currants. Picking charged by the tray. Open from June to August

The Maître des Cols cellar welcomes you all year round from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm. Easily accessible, located on the Vouziers - Ste Ménehould road, the shop is spacious and well laid out. The selection is as rich as the advice. Offers a wide range of wines (organic, Appellation d'Origine INAO, Vigneron Indépendant...). Summer outdoor activities will take place in a rural setting around the small pond. Initiation to wine tasting on site or at home. Food and wine pairing. Prices and catalogue available on request per email.

Production and sale of sweets, babas and aperitif biscuits

This house is located in a quiet village in the South of the Ardennes, nearby historical sites (WWI and WW2) of the Argonne. Garden, swimming pool, games for children. 4 bedrooms (1 double bed, 4 single beds, 2 double beds). 2 shower rooms (1 is equiped with a washing machine), toilets. Fully equiped kitchen (ceramic hob, microwave oven, dish washer), large living room, TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, telephone, 2 single sofa beds. Terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.