Discover the charms of Letanne, Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne

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. 

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.

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 ...

Do you like nature, walks on flat terrain, bats and/or Orval Abbey? This nice and easy walk is for you!  This signposted 5.5km route, in a loop starting from the crossroads near Orval Abbey, takes you to see how the bats live, meet a herd of Highland cows and explore the roots of a Cistercian valley.

Let yourself be captivated by the unique atmosphere of the wooded meander of the Semois! Walks will delight you with its breath-taking lookout, its dolmen or the Grea former watchtower, or even its beautiful little path going along the river Semois. Sometimes in the heart of the forest, sometimes on pretty country paths, this walk is full of charm in any season.

At the heart of a garden, a quaint cottage opens its doors: "Au Balcon du Bonheur": a carefully decorated and furnished double room (with additional sleeping mezzanine) offers sweeping views over this natural setting. A setting that combines massive charm, unusual unearthed objects, atypical rest corners, beautiful ponds and a view of the castle Yvois... The hospitality of the owner will guarantee you a moment of happiness in this scenery and atmosphere. The location means you can enjoy the local heritage and tourist sites in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

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.

The Racing Bowl has 14 bowling lanes, all FFBSQ approved, in a hi-tech 1700 square metre building, a friendly club house, an outside terrace with an unbeatable view of the surrounding area, a catering service, a billiards area, games, and more. The Racing Bowl is the ideal place to spend quality time with the family or among friends. The Pininfarina design and the switch technology will immerse you in an environment permeated by speed and sport! Come and enjoy our  Go-cart / Bowling complex, the only leisure facilities of their kind in our region. Free parking

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.

Douzy, close to both Belgium and Luxembourg, is a very dynamic village. In the fifth century the emperor Charlemagne liked to hunt in the extensive Ardennes forests. The "Coeur d'Or" hotel, located in the centre of the village in a large traditional building constructed from local stone, welcomes you in a modern setting. It offers 22 comfortable rooms with all facilities. Douzy combines ecotourism and leisure tourism, with a boating centre, an aerodrome, bowling alleys and a go-kart circuit in the near vicinity.

The hotel and restaurant L'Auberge du Port in Bazeilles welcomes you in a green setting, a few kilometres from Sedan, for a lunch between two business meetings, for a stopover evening, for dinner in a bucolic setting, for your professional seminar... All occasions lead to L'Auberge du Port nestled in a loop of the Meuse. The change of scenery is total, while being close to the main roads (A 34 motorway just a few minutes away). The hotel L'Auberge du Port has 20 charming rooms overlooking the meadow, the garden or the banks of the Meuse. Comfortable, functional and cosy, these brightly coloured rooms are perfect for private or business stays (see "Evening stopover offer") from Monday to Friday. Electric bike hire in season

The restaurant of L'Auberge du Port in Bazeilles welcomes you for real gourmet getaways in the heart of a bucolic setting. Nestled in a loop of the Meuse River just a few minutes from Sedan, the restaurant invites you to discover tasty bistro cuisine. Whether you work in the areas of Bazeilles, Douzy, Mouzon, Donchery, Sedan,..., whether you are passing through the Ardennes or enjoying a few days exploring the Ardennes, the Brasserie de l'Auberge is perfect for lunch or dinner from Monday to Friday evening. Clear skies and mild temperatures? Take a seat on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the garden. Cool or wintry frosts, take a seat in one of the restaurant's two dining rooms with their warm colours - ochre and Sienna clay shades - and contemporary decor. Wherever you are, you will feel comfortable in the friendly atmosphere of the Brasserie de l'Auberge.

For 2 to 3 people in the heart of an historic village: “House of the Last Cartridge”, Ossuary, “Chateau d'Orival” and near the Castles of Sedan and Bouillon. In the kitchen, you will find everything you need: Fridge / Coffee maker and kettle / Oven and microwave / Toaster / Electric barbecue / Induction hob, dishes and utensils / Washing machine / Iron and ironing board. Bathroom with shower cabin, washbasin on furniture. Separate toilets. Upstairs, the living room of 30m ² is equipped with a flat screen, Wifi and 2 sofas. The bedroom has a 160x200 cm bed ready on arrival and a bathroom (sink and toilet).Everything is included in the price; sheets and towels, water, electricity, heating and tourist tax.

Remains of three Gallo-Roman temples or "fanum" dating from different periods (from 50 BC to around 350 AD) have been uncovered here. The site is free to visit and contains educational panels.

Its primitive Gothic style (1195) and it's imposing four-storey height lend it a ressemblance to Laon's Cathedral ! The structure houses a Baroque organ built by Christophe Moucherel in 1725 and a recluse's cell. The former abbey, now a retirement home, is not open for visiting, but the French-style gardens, formerly the monks' vegetable garden, are open to the public. Organ concerts are offered there every year. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless restriction.

Late 12th century… Culture, confined within the abbeys, such as the Benedictine monastery of Mouzon, opened up to the outside world. Ways of thinking evolved and this phenomenon was also seen in art. Whereas the Romanesque is a style of balance, Gothic expresses verticality. The abbatial church of Mouzon was a fine example of this new trend. Only the church and the abbey gardens, in the French style, are open to visitors: the abbey itself has become a retirement home.

A few steps from the Abbey of Mouzon, there is a former abbey of Benedictine monks. Founded in 971 by the Archbishop of Reims, it is composed of three buildings: - a main building (currently a retirement home) - a dovecote (tourist office) - an outbuilding (felt museum). Until 1671, the city walls also had a surrounding moat. Until 1789, the monks lived on products grown from the agricultural land (given by the Archbishop), and from the forest, rivers, mills and herbs grown in the abbey garden. After 1789, the facility was transformed into a civil hospital, where the garden has been preserved. Over time, it has become a flower garden, maintained by the retirement home gardener.

65 varieties of shrubs. 40 trees. Dried flowers. A private garden that looks its best between June and October: annuals, biennials, grasses, perennials, vegetable garden and gourds. Also rare, tropical, aromatic and magical plants. Recycling of plastic, wood, iron etc. and creation of insects. Every year, there is a different theme. Ad hoc events (artists). Yurt. Individual visits or guided tours with advance booking. Educational tours.

The town hall was built in 1935 to replace the former 17th-century courthouse, which was too cramped to be used as a town hall. Above the large windows of the marriage hall is the town's coat of arms, surmounted by an astonishing devil's head, smiling at those who would seek the origin of Stenay's name... The kiosk, surmounted by a lyre, was built in 1894 to replace buildings, the communal oven and the covered market built in the Middle Ages.

In the old fortified town of Stenay stands a building 100 metres in length, like a vessel. This old malt factory has become Europe’s biggest beer museum. It tells the fabulous tale of beer, which is linked to the history of humanity. The museum explains the technical developments in the production of beer through the ages, with some lovely scenographies. Plus a number of anecdotes…

GATEWAY TO THE OLD CHURCH OF SAINT-DAGOBERT: Stenay was a Merovingian royal residence, and one of its last kings, Dagobert II, was buried here. His tomb was located in the Saint Rémi chapel, later renamed the Saint Dagobert chapel. Unfortunately today, only the portal (primitive Gothic, 13th century) of this chapel has survived the ravages of time. Reassembled stone by stone, in a cellar converted into a crypt beneath the building at 3 place Raymond Poincaré in the town center, it has been preserved and enhanced by the Cercle Saint Dagobert II association.

This type of construction, known as arcades, shopping arcades or covered passageways, can be found in many urban centers throughout France. Built over superb, multi-level Gothic cellars, these galleries were remodeled in the 16th and 17th centuries to support buildings transformed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Beer Museum is housed in the old storehouse in the citadel in Stenay built between 1609 and 1615. The museum offers a completely new layout covering an area of more than 2,500 sq. metres. Learn all about beer and its history through extensive collections including more than 45,000 exhibits. The modern interactive layout provides a thousand and one ways to go about your visit, depending on your particular interest (technical, cultural, gastronomic or historic). The museum’s cultural programme is constantly changed and renewed.

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)

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 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.

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

24/7 pizza dispenser: hot or cold

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.

Friterie Stenaisienne: to go

Restaurant - Pizzeria with take away option.

This restaurant adjoining the Villa Motel hotel features a bright dining room with covered terrace. It offers French cuisine based on fresh produce prepared on site. Tailor-made menus for groups. Free private parking.

Snacking restaurant which is located inside the "Intermarché" supermarket

Enjoy the little village of Pouilly-sur-Meuse and this comfortably renovated house, which preserve the architectural style of the 19th century. It has a huge garden with exceptional views of the river Meuse.Two bedrooms are featured with a private bathroom each. There are two other bedrooms and a bathroom and seperate toilets.

Accommodation features 3 bedrooms (3 double beds, 2 twin beds, cot if required). WC, bathroom (bath, shower, washing machine). Large living room and fully-equipped kitchen with doors opening onto spacious terrace. Paved courtyard, garden on the rear of house. Board games, table tennis table and basketball net for guests. Bedlinen supplied.

Stay in the heart of a bright house with large bay window opening onto terrace and 300 m² enclosed garden. 4 large bedrooms, one with veranda. Billiards, table tennis, garden chalet with barbecue and sauna. Minimum 3-night stay. Cycling and fishing facilities and LPO refuge. Theme stays available on request.

Camping Les bouleaux is located in Inor along the Meuse canal. It provides chalets, mobile homes and tents pitches. On-site or take-away catering available in the evening only. Special package are available for cyclists. Open every day in season except Monday - Reception before 7pm.

At the heart of a garden, a quaint cottage opens its doors: "Au Balcon du Bonheur": a carefully decorated and furnished double room (with additional sleeping mezzanine) offers sweeping views over this natural setting. A setting that combines massive charm, unusual unearthed objects, atypical rest corners, beautiful ponds and a view of the castle Yvois... The hospitality of the owner will guarantee you a moment of happiness in this scenery and atmosphere. The location means you can enjoy the local heritage and tourist sites in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

On an arm of the Meuse and downstream from the mill reach, it was a trading port before becoming a marina. Small barges were loaded with products from the forge, hay and wood, while others brought grain, coal, slate and fish from the North Sea. The latter were salted on the "sorerie" island, today a reception and service area for motor homes. Garage mort possible in winter at the Port de Stenay. Payment in summer at the Stenay harbor office. For boats over 24 m, please inform us of your arrival.

Stenay's motorhome area is well-renowned for its beauty, its amenities and its excellent value for money. Situated on an island in the Meuse and accessible via en automatic barrier (24/7, payment by credit card) which provides a security entrance. Shops, restaurant, bakeries and the beer museum are just few steps away.

Modernly decorated gite, located near the port, with a living room with fitted kitchen. One bedroom with double bed. Terrace with garden furniture and access to swimming pool and jacuzzi (shared with owners). Ideal for discovering the Nord Meusien region with your partner. Minimum two-night booking.

Room in the charming little town of Stenay, near the Beer Museum and marina. 58 € per night for two people - 7 €/person for breakfast. Reservations possible all year round.

8 people – 4 furnished holiday units (2 pers/unit). 4 x 45 m² furnished apartments on one level, in a historic setting, in the wing of the old Stenay water mill (18th century). Garden, open fireplace, television, fitted kitchen with dishwasher. Heating and electricity included in price.