Discover the French Ardennes in 3 days: Wild nature and authentic French escape

Getting There: Effortless travel with LeShuttle

Start your journey from Calais. After a quick 35-minute Channel crossing with LeShuttle, you can drive off in your own car and reach the Ardennes in around 3 to 4 hours. This smooth, flexible journey gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace - perfect for discovering scenic routes, lakes and hidden villages along the way.

Why the Ardennes?

Outdoor adventures: Cycle along The Meuse Cycle Route - EuroVelo 19, a spectacular riverside route passing through Charleville-Mézières and Sedan or follow the Voie Verte Sud-Ardennes along the Canal des Ardennes. With over 1,000km of marked hiking trails, including the GR654, GR14 and GR16, the region is ideal for walkers. For waterside relaxation, head to Lac de Bairon or Lac des Vieilles Forges where you can swim, paddle or simply unwind surrounded by nature.

Rich heritage: Step into history in Sedan, home to the vast Château de Sedan - the largest fortified castle in Europe. In Charleville-Mézières, discover the legacy of Arthur Rimbaud, with museums and landmarks dedicated to his life and work.

Family-friendly fun: Meet wolves and birds of prey at Parc Argonne Découverte, soar above the Meuse Valley on the Fantasticable zipline, or try a hands-on creative experience at the Musée-Atelier du Feutre.

Local flavours: The Ardennes is known for its hearty, authentic cuisine. Sample locally brewed beers, taste the renowned Jambon sec des Ardennes, or try the famous Boudin blanc de Rethel - a regional delicacy enjoyed across France.

Club LeShuttle members can enter a competition for a chance to win a 2-night stay in the French Ardennes.

Day 1: Rivers, viewpoints & historic towns

A scenic introduction to the Ardennes through elegant towns and river landscapes

Charleville-Mézières → Monthermé → Sedan

Morning - Charleville-Mézières

Start in Charleville-Mézières, a refined town known for its grand Place Ducale. Wander the arcaded square, explore the old streets and stop for coffee at one of the cafés lining the plaza.

Cycle to Monthermé: 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace

Afternoon - Meuse Valley & Monthermé

This stretch follows The Meuse Cycle Route - EuroVelo 19, which runs for over 1,000 km across Europe and passes through the Ardennes via the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes. In this section, the route is completely flat, traffic-free and secure, making it ideal for a gentle ride through the region’s preserved natural landscapes.Cycling along the Meuse - © Loïc Lagarde

As you cycle between Charleville-Mézières and Monthermé, you’ll follow the Meuse River through forested hills, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. The route is perfectly suited to cyclotourism or a relaxed half-day activity, whether you ride the full distance or simply enjoy a shorter section at your own pace.

Cycle back to Charleville-Mezieres and drive down to Sedan: ~30 minutes

Evening - Sedan

Arrive in Sedan and settle in for the evening. Enjoy dinner in a local brasserie, where regional dishes and local beers take centre stage.

Day 2: Castles, nature & outdoor adventure

A day combining heritage with active exploration

Sedan → Lac de Bairon → Argonne

Morning - Sedan

With its vast area of 35000 square metres and thick walls, visit the impressive Château de Sedan and explore its fantastic ramparts and immersive exhibitions. Take time to wander the town before heading out into the countryside.

Sedan Fortress Castle – © David Truillard

Drive to Lac de Bairon: ~ 35 minutes

Midday - Lac de Bairon, Le Chesne

Relax at Lac de Bairon, a 120-hectare lake surrounded by nature. Swim, try paddleboarding or enjoy a lakeside picnic while spotting local wildlife. Lifeguard supervision in July and August.

Afternoon - Outdoor activities

Experience the thrill of adventure as you soar above breathtaking river landscapes.

Drive 25 minutes south of the lake and visit the Parc Argonne Découverte at Olizy-Primat to see wolves (from Europe, Arctic and black ones from Canada) and birds of prey up close. Alternatively, explore one of the many hiking trails through the forest.

Evening

Return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening, sampling local specialities and regional produce.

Day 3: Lakes, villages & the journey home

A gentle final day with time to unwind before heading back

Sedan → Lac des Vieilles-Forges/Fumay → Calais

Morning - Lac des Vieilles Forges

Head to Lac des Vieilles Forges, a peaceful 150-hectare lake surrounded by 1000 hectares of forest. It’s the perfect spot for a final walk, swim or quiet moment by the water before your return journey. For adventure, head to Fantasticable in Fumay, just under 20 minutes drive north from the Lac des Vieilles Forges, a thrilling 1,2km long zipline soaring above the Meuse Valley at a 68-mph speed. Couples can share the ride together!Lac des Vieilles-Forges credited ©Les Droners

Optional stops - Rocroi & Givet

• If time allows, stop in Rocroi, a unique star-shaped fortified town with a striking geometric layout and labelled Petite Cité de Caractère. Its first fortifications date all the way back to 1555 under the reign of Henry II, famous for its 19 may 1643 Rocroy battle.
• Further north, just under 40 minutes’ drive from Rocroi, visit the 500 year old Charlemont fortress built by Charles Quint with a fantastic panorama of the Meuse.

Return journey

Drive back to Calais (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours) to catch LeShuttle and head home.

Discover more

From forest trails to medieval fortresses, the Ardennes offers a refreshing alternative to more crowded French destinations. With easy access from the UK and the freedom to explore by car, it’s an ideal choice for a short break or longer escape.

_{Top photo credit: Lac de Bairon - Thomas Gerard-Noody-Prod-2023}