The French Ardennes Press Kit

The French Ardennes Press kit

Join French Ardennes Tourism

#ardennes www.ardennes.com

Agence de Développement Touristique 24 place Ducale - BP 419 - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex - FRANCE - Tel. (+33) 03 24 56 06 08

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Agence de Développement Touristique www.ardennes.com Surface area: 5246 km2 (including 167,000 hectares- 412,000 acres - of forest) Landscape: chalky plains to the south, Argonne mountains and foothills in the centre, with a hercynian massif to the north Highest point: Croix-Scaille (503 metres) Rivers: Meuse, Semoy and Aisne Population 283,300 inhabitants (2012) Administrative centre: Charleville-Mézières – 50,000 inhabitants Main towns: Sedan – 18,500 inhabitants; Rethel – 7,800 inhabitants Famous figures Robert de Sorbon (founder of the Sorbonne University): 1201-1274 The Viscount of Turenne (Marshal of France): 1611-1675 Arthur Rimbaud (poet): 1854-1891 Verlaine (poet) : 1844-1896 The French Ardennes André Dhôtel (writer) : 1900-1991 a natural choice Yannick Noah (tennis player - singer): 1960 Tourism1 653,290 overnight stays Less than 2 hours from Paris via the motorway or TGV high speed trains, The 12,501 beds available Hotels – 52 (2426 beds) French Ardennes, once considered off the beaten track, is today easily accessible. Rotterdam E 19 Furnished lodgings and B & B: 1715 beds This lesser known corner of France offers a surprising mix of lush nature, E 35 Camp sites: 29 E 34 Golf courses: 3 Douvres Essen E 40 Anvers Riding centres: 40 remarkable heritage and fascinating history. This is the perfect place to visit, for Calais E 313 Hiking trails: 3000 km (1875 miles) E 17 E 40 E 40 unwinding and relaxing or for exploring and adventure! Lille Bruxelles Waterways: 210 km (130 miles) A26 Aachen

A16 Adventure parks: 3 A1 Charleroi E 42 Liège E 42 Cycle path Trans-Ardennes: 50 miles from Charleville-Mézières A2 E 411 E 25 N5 A16 to Givet, extension to Remilly-Aillicourt in 2016 (24 miles).

A26 Amiens Cycle path Ennemane: 6 miles from Remilly-Aillicourt A28 Charleville- to Raucourt-et-Flaba (with a connection to the Trans-Ardennes) A29 Mézières E 411 Luxembourg A26 New cycle path Trans-Semoysienne: 9 miles from Monthermé

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A1 A34 to Hautes-Rivières (on the Belgian border) Outdoor activities: A13 Reims A4 A4 100 km Shooting, fishing, hiking, horse-riding, cycle trails, A4 Metz Paris forest adventure trails, canoeing, golf 1 Key figures 2014 - ADT Ardennes www.ardennes.com Getting here

Designed and produced by: ALOHA création- www.alohacreation.fr By car: Translations: Euro Alizé, updated by the French Ardennes tourist board from LONDON, via Calais : M20 to Folkestone / Channel Tunnel. In France, from Calais take the motorway A26 to Reims, Coordination and initiative: French Ardennes tourist board Photo credits: ©Ville de Charleville-Mézières - ©JM Lecomte - CD08 - and then join the A34 to Charleville-Mézières. ©Patrick Argirakis - ©Lionel Ferry - ©Hôtel Château fort de Sedan - from PARIS : Autoroute A4 from Paris to Reims, then A34 to Charleville-Mézières (233 km in 2hrs 30). ©Marc Gaillot-Musée Verlaine - ©OT Rocroi - ©Association API-Fort des Ayvelles - ©Sophie Bettig - ©Festival des marionnettes - ©Sébastien from LILLE : Autoroute A27 /E42 from Lille direction Brussels (Belgium) via Tournai, Mons, Charleroi. On the Charleroi ring road, Ortega-Dubois - ©Frédéric Lisch - ©Parc naturel régional des Ardennes - follow sign for Philippeville and Reims (N5). Continue via Couvin and Rocroi to Charleville-Mézières (193 km in 2hrs 35). PNRA Stéphane von Wonterghem - ©Bruno Gouhoury - CD08 - © ADTA-CT - from BRUXELLES et AMSTERDAM : direction Charleroi, Philippeville (N5), Rocroi et Charleville-Mézières (148 km en 2hrs 20 mins - 356 km en 4hrs 30). Your press contact: ©Ruud.roodhorst - ©Laëtis - ©Retroscapade - ©Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme - ©ACCC-JM Lecomte - ©Emmanuel Crametz - ©Domaine de By train: Djamila Daoud Vendresse - ©Musée de la forêt - ©Musée-atelier du feutre - ©Elfy park Press officer - ©Vincent Leclère photographies - ©H. Dapremont - ©Camille Vion - Via LILLE: Eurostar from London to Lille-Europe (journey time 1 hr 40), then from Lille-Flanders to Charleville-Mézières. Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 77 ©O sixème sens - ©Chez Odette - ©Michel Renaux - ©D.Truillard - Via PARIS: Eurostar from London to Paris. Direct TGV for Charleville-Mézières and several TGVs for Reims, change for Charleville-Mézières. [email protected] ©Aymon Folk Festival - ©Jacques Delforge - ©Musicales de Louvergny - ©L. Noblet - ©Pascal Pesce - ©ADTA-DD - © ADTA JH - ©Mairie Givet - Nearest Airports: gb.ardennes.com/home/press.aspx ©C. Galichet - ©Philippe Papier - ©Festival enfants du cinéma - ©Anne Paris (Charles de Gaulle) - Luxembourg (Findel) - Bruxelles (Zaventem) - Charleroi (Bruxelles). follow @TourismArdennes Frézard - ©Olivier Lemoine. . 1 . Surface area: 5246 km2 (including 167,000 hectares- 412,000 acres - of forest) Landscape: chalky plains to the south, Argonne mountains and foothills in the centre, with a hercynian massif to the north Highest point: Croix-Scaille (503 metres) Rivers: Meuse, Semoy and Aisne Population 283,300 inhabitants (2012) Administrative centre: Charleville-Mézières – 50,000 inhabitants Main towns: Sedan – 18,500 inhabitants; Rethel – 7,800 inhabitants Famous figures Robert de Sorbon (founder of the Sorbonne University): 1201-1274 The Viscount of Turenne (Marshal of France): 1611-1675 Arthur Rimbaud (poet): 1854-1891 Verlaine (poet) : 1844-1896 The French Ardennes André Dhôtel (writer) : 1900-1991 a natural choice Yannick Noah (tennis player - singer): 1960 Tourism1 653,290 overnight stays Less than 2 hours from Paris via the motorway or TGV high speed trains, The 12,501 beds available Hotels – 52 (2426 beds) French Ardennes, once considered off the beaten track, is today easily accessible. Rotterdam E 19 Furnished lodgings and B & B: 1715 beds This lesser known corner of France offers a surprising mix of lush nature, E 35 Camp sites: 29 E 34 Golf courses: 3 Douvres Essen E 40 Anvers Riding centres: 40 remarkable heritage and fascinating history. This is the perfect place to visit, for Calais E 313 Hiking trails: 3000 km (1875 miles) E 17 E 40 E 40 unwinding and relaxing or for exploring and adventure! Lille Bruxelles Waterways: 210 km (130 miles) A26 Aachen

A16 Adventure parks: 3 A1 Charleroi E 42 Liège E 42 Cycle path Trans-Ardennes: 50 miles from Charleville-Mézières A2 E 411 E 25 N5 A16 to Givet, extension to Remilly-Aillicourt in 2016 (24 miles).

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. 3 . Welcome to the French Ardennes A land of history and diversity

. 4 . 5 . Not to be missed The French Ardennes region evokes some strong images : the goddess Sylva Arduinna (a particular favourite of Julius Ceasar), deep forests filled with wildlife, the meandering Meuse and Semoy rivers, the sheer genius . 6 . 7 . Remembrance and commemoration of a 15 year-old poet Arthur Rimbaud (not to be missed: the new Rimbaud Museum), the strength and bravery of the emblematic wild boar, the magnificent castle of Sedan, Verlaine poetry in Juniville, the . 8 . 9 . For nature lovers invigorating savour of cooking of down-to earth cooking such as "cacasse à cul nu" (potato fricassee) and "salade au lard" (bacon salad) and the world-renowned Puppet Festival. . 10 . 11 . Getting around As it is so often the case, these pictures do not tell the full story. Visitors to this area are making a three-way discovery : history, nature and man. . 12 . 13 . Looking for something different? And each time, they will be surprised. The architectural heritage of the French Ardennes - from the fortified churches of Thiérache, to the brilliant Place Ducale, and from the ramparts of Rocroi to the abbey church of Mouzon – is more than matched by the region’s rich natural . 14 . 15 . Fun for all the family heritage, with its hills, valleys and wooded landscape.

. 16 . For food lovers

. 17 . Meeting the locals

. 18 . 19 . Luxury, calm and excellence

. 20 . 23 . Major events

. 2 . . 3 . Contents

. 3 . Welcome to the French Ardennes A land of history and diversity

. 16 . For food lovers

. 17 . Meeting the locals

. 18 . 19 . Luxury, calm and excellence

. 20 . 23 . Major events

. 2 . . 3 . The Fort of la Ferté welcomes the public in a new tourist center ! To improve the visitor experience, it houses a ticket office, a shop, a restaurant and a grand hall introducing the history of the fort.

Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 35 76 - www.ouvragelaferte.fr

not to be missed

Sedan, medieval city Designated "Town of Art and History", the city where Henri de La Tour d’Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne was born in 1610 was an independent principality until the 17th century. The largest fort in Northern Europe, it successfully combines a taste for oozes Princely with history and also stages regular public events such as its renowned Medieval Charleville Festival (which will take place on 21st and 22th May in 2016). The Franco-German wars In 1606, Charles de Gonzague became obsessed with the idea of building an "unrivalled also left their mark on Sedan:five informative and fascinating trails are devoted to the capital". And so Charleville was created, a setting for one of the finest squares in Europe, battles of 1870, 1914-18 and 1939-45.And to go back in time, there's no better way than a www.tourisme-sedan.fr designated " a Town of Art and History". The Place Ducale, with its 24 town houses, is a archi- Tel. +33 (0)3 24 27 73 73 stay at the castle hotel**** { tectural gem of harmony and balance. The Museum of the Ardennes, which, occupies one www.charleville-tourisme.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 55 69 90} of the mansions, houses one of the finest weapons collections in France: a souvenir of the time when Charleville was the principal manufacturing city in the country. Verlaine, the prince of poets Rimbaud: iconic genius In 19th century, the poet Paul Verlaine used to go to the Pâté, restaurant, book store, themed trail... In Charleville you can meet “auberge du Lion d’or” in Juniville writing his famous Rimbaud everywhere, especially where you least expect him, but above poem collection “Sagesse” or the edition of the “Poètes all in a number of essential places such as the Lavoir de Roche where his maudits”. Turned into a museum, the “auberge” has kept family lived, the cemetery in Charleville where he is buried, the banks of the original furniture and the spirit showing the life and the river Meuse where he is said to have written his masterpiece "Le work of Verlaine, the prince of poets. www.musee-verlaine.fr bateau ivre", and the "Maison des Ailleurs", the designated "House of the Tel: +33(0) 24 39 68 00} great", where Rimbaud's family had an apartment. The Rimbaud Museum has re-opened its doors to the public, following a major refurbishment, to pay tribute to one of France’s most famous and charismatic artists. The Square www.charleville-tourisme.com Rocroy, star-shaped city Tel. +33 (0)3 24 55 69 90} de la Gare, with the poet's bust and what he called its "mean little lawns", In the 16th century King Henry II of France ordered the construction of is also a good starting point. an impregnable bastion to oppose the powerful armies of the Emperor Fashioning local legends Charles Quint of Spain. This is Rocroy, “the little town of character®”, In the Meuse and Semoy valleys, metallurgy and mysticism have always been with its ramparts and 10 streets pointing towards a central square in associated down the passing centuries, so the museum of metallurgy in the form of a star. The 22,000 men of the 22 year-old Louis de Bogny-sur-Meuse should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The museum, occupying an Bourbon Condé, Duke of Enghien, soundly defeated the Spanish army: industrial and iconic building, displays the long history of the metalwork in the Le Grand Condé, as he became known to history, had made a brilliant Ardennes. A must: follow the steps of "four sons of Aymon" and the seven "Ladies of entrance onto the world stage. On the same battlefield, another man the Meuse". whose name would go down in history was also crossing swords with www.musee-metallurgie-ardennes.fr the enemy: Charles de Batz, better known as D'Artagnan. The whole Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 06 71 story is told in the town museum, in French, English, German and www.meuse-semoy-tourisme.com www.otrocroi.com Dutch. Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 46 73 } Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 20 06 } . . . 4 . 5 The Fort of la Ferté welcomes the public in a new tourist center ! To improve the visitor experience, it houses a ticket office, a shop, a restaurant and a grand hall introducing the history of the fort.

Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 35 76 - www.ouvragelaferte.fr

not to be missed

Sedan'sthree consecutive wars The Franco-Prussian War, First World War and Second World War and Peace museum War left tragic memories in Sedan. Five remembrance trails Dedicated to the battles of 1870 (The Franco Prussian War), retrace this harrowing past, both within and outside the town, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, the War and Peace Museum in the which can be followed on foot, by bicycle or by car. www.tourisme-sedan.fr Ardennes will re-open in 2016 (subject to confirmation) in a new Not to be missed: the "Destins de guerre" guided tour. {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 27 73 73 and vast building which will house the collection rich of 14,000 items including 150 uniforms and 50 machines. The new tours – one for adults and one for children - will show the everyday life Roland Garros,pioneer aviator of civilians and soldiers and includes projections and maps, Even if the renowned Paris tennis stadium is named after him, he never played www.cd08.fr offering a reflection on memory and history. {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 59 86 70 tennis! He was an intrepid pioneer, who has discovered aviation in the Champagne region in 1909. He bought his first Demoiselle Santos-Dumont at the age of 22, and took part in numerous competitions. Three years later he accomplished the most incredible feat of his short career. He took off from Fréjus, on the Mediterranean coast of France, heading for Tunis. After a flight of 7 hours 53 minutes he reached Bizerta with just 5 litres of fuel left in the tank, a frontier story Les Ayvelles, accomplishing the first crossing of the Mediterranean sea. He volunteered for www.tourisme.argonne-ardennaise.fr After the humiliating defeat at nearby Sedan in 1870, France military service in WWI as a pilot, and was killed in a dog fight on th5 October Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 97 57 {ARGAT, Tel. +33 (0)3 24 30 45 30 needed to better protect itself from invasions, and General 1918 over Saint Morel, near Vouziers, where he was buried. Séré de Rivières was given the task of building a series of forts along the East frontier. The fort of Les Ayvelles, built between 1877 and 1879, still dominates Charleville-Mézières. This impressive military heritage, which held 880 men, a battery of Villy-La Ferté, a tragic sacrifice 21 cannons and a monumental powder magazine, which is still The French Ardennes forests were thought to be impregnable. The fort of intact, is maintained and restored by an association. The fort, La Ferté, built to fight off any enemies, became the final bastion of the which played a decisive role until 1918, now offers a 3 km Maginot Line. In May 1940, the German forces went through the French circuit of trails and a new circuit for kids. Ardennes like a knife through butter. After four days of determined www.domaine-ayvelles.fr resistance, the Germans placed explosive charges in the bells of the fort Tel. +33 (0)3 24 33 48 97 } and on 19th May 107 French soldiers were asphyxiated. A guided tour 35 metres underground tells the tale of their heroic combat.

www.tourisme.argonne-ardennaise.fr Focus on Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 97 57 { The Fort of la Ferté welcomes the public in a new tourist center ! To improve the visitor experience, it houses a ticket office, a shop, a restaurant and a grand hall introducing the history of the fort.

Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 35 76 - www.ouvragelaferte.fr

. 6 . . 7 . remembrance and commemoration

www.ouvragelaferte.fr An American hero {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 35 76 On 18th October 1918, Sergeant Alvin Cullum York (1887-1963) killed 35 German soldiers and captured 132 others during the battle of Argonne. He became an American legend played by Gary Cooper in a Hollywood movie. A 3 km circuit around Chatel Chéréhy retraces his feat. www.tourisme.argonne-ardennaise.fr Focus on Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 97 57 { The Fort of la Ferté welcomes the public in a new tourist center ! To improve the visitor experience, it houses a ticket office, a shop, a restaurant and a grand hall introducing the history of the fort.

Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 35 76 - www.ouvragelaferte.fr

. 6 . . 7 . for nature lovers Adventure parks in the trees Forest adventure trails make full use of what the woodlands have to offer. At Fumay, TerrAltitude's "Fantasticable®" takes you over the River Meuse! At Signy-l’Abbaye, the Chêne Perché takes you over the trees. At Vieilles-Forges lake at Les Mazures, the Terre A day in the Park d’Aventures trail has you jumping from tree to tree. In all cases, The French Ardennes Regional Nature Park covers thrills are guaranteed. 117,000 hectares (290 acres) from the meandering Meuse www.sports-nature-ardennes.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 75 and Semoy valleys to the wooded countryside of } Thiérache region. Biking, climbing, kayaking, riding or paragliding... Here, the outdoor activities take place in preserved sites. Several times per month the "Rendez-vous Water sports Golf du Parc", a selection of guided tour, accompany visitors on The French Ardennes lakes and rivers have a lot to offer, The French Ardennes are a golfer's paradise. The peaceful, an exploration of the local fauna and flora, architecture especially for keen swimmers. Bathing is supervised at undulating landscapes add to the pleasure of being in the open and arts and crafts. www.parc-naturel-ardennes.fr the lakes at Douzy, Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures), air and the enjoyment of playing. Some 10 km (6 miles) from {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 90 57 Warenne (Charleville-Mézières) - which received their the A34 motorway, the 18-hole golf links at Poursaudes de Blue Flags in 2015 - Bairon (Le Chesne), La Motte Villers-le-Tilleul is a technical course in a verdant, wooded (Signy-le-Petit) and La Samaritaine (Buzancy). Canoeists setting.Last but not least, the 14-hole course at Margut was laid can practice their sport at Revin, Sedan, Asfeld, Haybes out in 1987 on the Maginot Line. or Tournavaux, while yachtsmen will appreciate the Leisure centres facilities at Pont-à-Bar, Charleville, Sedan, Fumay, Givet www.golfdespoursaudes.com At Vieilles-Forges and Bairon, leisure centres provide a and the new port at Monthermé (Blue Flag in 2014). Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 39 83 Anglers are really spoilt for choice between trout legolf.biz } mix of water sports and outdoor activities for all ages. Tel. +33 (0)6 61 94 19 43 Youngsters between 6 and 17 years can learn riding, streams and nature reserves: as long as they can rowing, tennis, orientation, windsurfing, segway, archery persuade the fish to bite. www.ardennes.com and mountain bike at Bairon Lake and Vieilles-Forges { Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08 Lake: they can create their own programme to suit their interests. www.cd08.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 59 60 60}

Focus on

Along the river From the marinas of Givet, Monthermé and Haybes or from the water sports centre of Pont-à-Bar, the sailing is an ideal and original way to discover the French Ardennes, with friends or family, tailor-made or package, with an electric boat licence free or aboard a barge or another boat ! New: cruises to the Belgian border aboard the pleasure-boat “Le Charlemagne” www.ardennes.com

. 8 . . 9 . for nature lovers Adventure parks in the trees Forest adventure trails make full use of what the woodlands have to offer. At Fumay, TerrAltitude's "Fantasticable®" takes you over the River Meuse! At Signy-l’Abbaye, the Chêne Perché takes you over the trees. At Vieilles-Forges lake at Les Mazures, the Terre A day in the Park d’Aventures trail has you jumping from tree to tree. In all cases, The French Ardennes Regional Nature Park covers thrills are guaranteed. 117,000 hectares (290 acres) from the meandering Meuse www.sports-nature-ardennes.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 75 and Semoy valleys to the wooded countryside of } Thiérache region. Biking, climbing, kayaking, riding or paragliding... Here, the outdoor activities take place in preserved sites. Several times per month the "Rendez-vous Water sports Golf du Parc", a selection of guided tour, accompany visitors on The French Ardennes lakes and rivers have a lot to offer, The French Ardennes are a golfer's paradise. The peaceful, an exploration of the local fauna and flora, architecture especially for keen swimmers. Bathing is supervised at undulating landscapes add to the pleasure of being in the open and arts and crafts. www.parc-naturel-ardennes.fr the lakes at Douzy, Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures), air and the enjoyment of playing. Some 10 km (6 miles) from {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 90 57 Warenne (Charleville-Mézières) - which received their the A34 motorway, the 18-hole golf links at Poursaudes de Blue Flags in 2015 - Bairon (Le Chesne), La Motte Villers-le-Tilleul is a technical course in a verdant, wooded (Signy-le-Petit) and La Samaritaine (Buzancy). Canoeists setting.Last but not least, the 14-hole course at Margut was laid can practice their sport at Revin, Sedan, Asfeld, Haybes out in 1987 on the Maginot Line. or Tournavaux, while yachtsmen will appreciate the Leisure centres facilities at Pont-à-Bar, Charleville, Sedan, Fumay, Givet www.golfdespoursaudes.com At Vieilles-Forges and Bairon, leisure centres provide a and the new port at Monthermé (Blue Flag in 2014). Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 39 83 Anglers are really spoilt for choice between trout legolf.biz } mix of water sports and outdoor activities for all ages. Tel. +33 (0)6 61 94 19 43 Youngsters between 6 and 17 years can learn riding, streams and nature reserves: as long as they can rowing, tennis, orientation, windsurfing, segway, archery persuade the fish to bite. www.ardennes.com and mountain bike at Bairon Lake and Vieilles-Forges { Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08 Lake: they can create their own programme to suit their interests. www.cd08.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 59 60 60}

Focus on

. 8 . . 9 . Along the river From the marinas of Givet, Monthermé and Haybes or from the water sports centre of Pont-à-Bar, the sailing is an ideal and original way to discover the French Ardennes, with friends or family, tailor-made or package, with an electric boat licence free or aboard a barge or another boat ! New: cruises to the Belgian border aboard the pleasure-boat “Le Charlemagne” www.ardennes.com

getting around Getting rid of borders A AAA rating for The French Ardennes… it stands for French Ardennes All Access, a pioneer project for sharing hiking tours, routes and paths which covers the Belgian provinces of Namur and Luxembourg and the French Ardennes. On foot, by car, by bike, by boat…every visitor will be able to create their owns routes by selecting what to do, to see, to eat or to stay. Preparing your guided walk Those tailor-made routes could be downloaded to mobile devices inclu- With 3000 km (1875 miles) of hiking trails, the French Ardennes ding practical, historical and cultural information. An original solution to is a hiker's paradise. There is a wide choice of walking guide discover Ardenne heritage without frontiers. books, but it is well worth acquiring those published by the French Ardennes Hiking Board ("topoguides"), or specific or www.visitardenne.com/all-access Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 77 general walking guides together with the guide “Walking and } cycling in the French Ardennes” published by the French Ardennes Tourist Board. www.sports-nature-ardennes.com All aboard the 2 CV Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 75 } The indestructible 2 CV ... Take a ride in a Citroen "Deux Chevaux", the

French motoring icon that symbolised low-cost, reliable motoring for over four decades. Rétroscapade's 2 CV will take you along the roads of the Thiérache region, over the Rocroi plateau and through the Meuse and Semoy valleys: for a day, a weekend, or a week. It's the ideal solution to explore the French Ardennes Regional Nature Park and discover the local gastronomy while you are about it.

www.retroscapade.com {Tel. +33 (0)6 11 96 02 54

The Trans-Ardennes cycle path The most recent cycle path is also one of the finest in France! The Trans-French The French Ardennes for bikers Ardennes cycle path runs 50 miles from Charleville to Givet, giving walkers and A secure car park or lockable garage, a place to dry your clothes, a welcoming cyclists the opportunity to see the other side of the Meuse valley. 24 miles extra hot drink and the wherewithal to do minor repairs... These are the criteria has been added towards Sedan region to Remilly-Aillicourt. The path is part of a that hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday centres must meet to qualify huge European project "la Meuse à vélo" which will be extended from its opening in for the "French Ardennes à moto®" (French Ardennes for bikers) label. By Rotterdam to its source in the haute-Marne. The Trans-Ardennes is connected to the end of 2014 some 75 establishments should have received their label. the Belgian cycle path RAVEL by Givet in the north. New: the cycle path of Enne- The "Accueil Motards" (Biker Welcome) label is issued by a committee mane, 6 miles from Remilly-Aillicourt to Raucourt-et-Flaba and the Trans-Semoy- which includes the French Ardennes Tourist Board, the Regional Tourist sienne, 9 miles from Monthermé to Hautes-Rivières on the Belgian border. Board and the "Garennes Blues" Biker Club in Charleville-Mézières. “The French Ardennes by Bike®” label is a guarantee of quality. There are refreshment www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com points available on the trail, so walkers can have something to eat or drink while Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 75 } admiring the countryside views on each bank of the river. Not to be missed : Trans-Ardennes special day 27th August 2016 Focus on: www.sports-nature-ardennes.com The "cycle path by bike" tour Favourite walk: "Join the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostella". Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 75 www.voiesvertes.com } 5 days touring / 6 hotel nights The GR 654 trail enables walkers from northern Europe to reach Santiago de Luggage transport included Compostella via Namur and Vézélay across the French Ardennes. When you take From € 513.50 per person this legendary path you also experience the great hospitality of the people of the French Ardennes. A "topoguide" describing the route and accommodation is Tel. (+33) (0)3 24 59 02 53 available in the French Ardennes Hiking Board, French Ardennes Tourist Board, Tourist offices and bookshops.

. 10 . Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08- www.ardennes.com . 11 . Along the river From the marinas of Givet, Monthermé and Haybes or from the water sports centre of Pont-à-Bar, the sailing is an ideal and original way to discover the French Ardennes, with friends or family, tailor-made or package, with an electric boat licence free or aboard a barge or another boat ! New: cruises to the Belgian border aboard the pleasure-boat “Le Charlemagne” www.ardennes.com

www.retroscapade.com {Tel. +33 (0)6 11 96 02 54

. 10 . Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08- www.ardennes.com . 11 . looking for something diﬀerent? Fly across the Meuse at 70 mph! What a son et lumière ! At Fumay, the longest zip-wire in northern France (1200 metres) A fantastic son et lumière has been staged at the remains of flies over the Meuse. TerrAltitude's "Fantasticable®" well deserves La Cassine castle for the last thirty years. The spectactors its name. Willing volunteers, from 35 to 120 kgs (77 – 275 lbs) are sitting on a moving stand (which is unique in Europe), are welcome for a ride they won't forget - and tandem trips are carried for 300 metres to see a show which includes a variety possible too. It's even more fun with a friend! of scenes and pyrotechnic effects. This year, “Rémi sans famille”, the famous work of the French writer Hector Malot, www.terraltitude.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 57 57 59 will be played each Friday and Saturday from July, 16th to } August, 13th (except on 29/07). www.la-cassine.com {Tel.: +33 (0) 03 24 35 44 84 Asfeld, the curved Baroque church In 1680 the Count of Avaux-la-Ville (now Asfeld) wished to celebrate in Château life his own way the Peace of Nijmegen, which consolidated the frontiers of Jean-François and Elisabeth have awoken Sleeping Beauty. At Signy-l’Abbaye the kingdom of France. He engaged a Flemish Dominican monk, François the 18th century château of Montaubois has some of the most luxurious guest Romain, who had designed the Pont Royal in Paris, to build a church in an rooms in the region. Outside are a baroque chapel with an illuminated ceiling, unparalleled architectural style. He more than succeeded! Saint-Didier a "Basin of Bacchus" water featrue, and light and laser beams at night. Inside, the d’Asfeld, with a shape that is close to that of a viola de gamba, was a hunting lodge contains until 10 guest rooms, an enormous dining room and a challenge to contemporary architectural standards and tastes. The finest conference room. The wing of the château and a new room can host concerts church in the French Ardennes - or at least the most astonishing - now and ceremonies. Art lovers will admire the 100 period paintings. hosts a renowned annual festival of music for viola de gamba every two www.sud-ardennes-tourisme.com years. June, 25th and 26th 2016. www.chateaudemontaubois.com {Tel.: +33 (0)3 24 72 93 18 Tel. +33 (0)6 13 70 53 50 } New Nordic Wellness Village A new Wellness Village - Kotas Nordic Spirit - has opened four log Woinic, the biggest wild boar in the world cabins inspired by Saami huts in an unspoilt valley in Balaives et Butz. The biggest wild boar in the world is in the French Ardennes - of course! Each one of the four comfortable and well-equipped kotas has its own Eric Sléziak took 11 years to build it in his workshop at Bogny-sur-Meuse. pontoon by the lake for fishing and relaxation. While the wellness area The iron monster defies logic: 50 tonnes, 10 metres high, 14 m long, 5 m itself includes a spa and a traditional Finnish sauna, the kota grills offer wide. It was brought to its present site, the French Ardennes rest area on the chance to relax further with an evening barbecue. Llama, donkeys the A34 motorway, on 08-08-08 (!). Go and say hello, he doesn't bite. and other animals add to the charm of the place. The place to be for a spa retreat in the Ardennes!

www.kotas-espritnordique.fr {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 56 62 / +33 (0)6 20 80 71 61 Donkey rides At Vaux-Villaine, the donkeys led by Emmanuel, Bertin, Gaston and Sleep in the trees Marius carry baggage and kids. All you have to do is walk... Around In the heart of the forest of Signy-l'Abbaye you can fall into the the village or further afield, as far as Vieilles Forges Lake or the deepest of sleeps.... perched on the top of an oak tree! The tree Semoy valley, for a day or a week, on your own or in a group. It is house in the Domaine de la Vénerie gives you a change of air and also possible to sleep on site in a lovely four-bed chalet on the edge a higher perspective on the world, between adventure trails and of the forest. Difficult to be more zen... hiking. www.lecheneperche.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 53 35 62 www.un-ane-en-ardennes.com { { Tel. +33 (0)6 19 09 29 97 . 12 . . 13 . looking for something diﬀerent? Fly across the Meuse at 70 mph! What a son et lumière ! At Fumay, the longest zip-wire in northern France (1200 metres) A fantastic son et lumière has been staged at the remains of flies over the Meuse. TerrAltitude's "Fantasticable®" well deserves La Cassine castle for the last thirty years. The spectactors its name. Willing volunteers, from 35 to 120 kgs (77 – 275 lbs) are sitting on a moving stand (which is unique in Europe), are welcome for a ride they won't forget - and tandem trips are carried for 300 metres to see a show which includes a variety possible too. It's even more fun with a friend! of scenes and pyrotechnic effects. This year, “Rémi sans famille”, the famous work of the French writer Hector Malot, www.terraltitude.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 57 57 59 will be played each Friday and Saturday from July, 16th to } August, 13th (except on 29/07). www.la-cassine.com {Tel.: +33 (0) 03 24 35 44 84 Asfeld, the curved Baroque church In 1680 the Count of Avaux-la-Ville (now Asfeld) wished to celebrate in Château life his own way the Peace of Nijmegen, which consolidated the frontiers of Jean-François and Elisabeth have awoken Sleeping Beauty. At Signy-l’Abbaye the kingdom of France. He engaged a Flemish Dominican monk, François the 18th century château of Montaubois has some of the most luxurious guest Romain, who had designed the Pont Royal in Paris, to build a church in an rooms in the region. Outside are a baroque chapel with an illuminated ceiling, unparalleled architectural style. He more than succeeded! Saint-Didier a "Basin of Bacchus" water featrue, and light and laser beams at night. Inside, the d’Asfeld, with a shape that is close to that of a viola de gamba, was a hunting lodge contains until 10 guest rooms, an enormous dining room and a challenge to contemporary architectural standards and tastes. The finest conference room. The wing of the château and a new room can host concerts church in the French Ardennes - or at least the most astonishing - now and ceremonies. Art lovers will admire the 100 period paintings. hosts a renowned annual festival of music for viola de gamba every two www.sud-ardennes-tourisme.com years. June, 25th and 26th 2016. www.chateaudemontaubois.com {Tel.: +33 (0)3 24 72 93 18 Tel. +33 (0)6 13 70 53 50 } New Nordic Wellness Village A new Wellness Village - Kotas Nordic Spirit - has opened four log Woinic, the biggest wild boar in the world cabins inspired by Saami huts in an unspoilt valley in Balaives et Butz. The biggest wild boar in the world is in the French Ardennes - of course! Each one of the four comfortable and well-equipped kotas has its own Eric Sléziak took 11 years to build it in his workshop at Bogny-sur-Meuse. pontoon by the lake for fishing and relaxation. While the wellness area The iron monster defies logic: 50 tonnes, 10 metres high, 14 m long, 5 m itself includes a spa and a traditional Finnish sauna, the kota grills offer wide. It was brought to its present site, the French Ardennes rest area on the chance to relax further with an evening barbecue. Llama, donkeys the A34 motorway, on 08-08-08 (!). Go and say hello, he doesn't bite. and other animals add to the charm of the place. The place to be for a spa retreat in the Ardennes! www.kotas-espritnordique.fr {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 56 62 / +33 (0)6 20 80 71 61 Donkey rides At Vaux-Villaine, the donkeys led by Emmanuel, Bertin, Gaston and Sleep in the trees Marius carry baggage and kids. All you have to do is walk... Around In the heart of the forest of Signy-l'Abbaye you can fall into the the village or further afield, as far as Vieilles Forges Lake or the deepest of sleeps.... perched on the top of an oak tree! The tree Semoy valley, for a day or a week, on your own or in a group. It is house in the Domaine de la Vénerie gives you a change of air and also possible to sleep on site in a lovely four-bed chalet on the edge a higher perspective on the world, between adventure trails and of the forest. Difficult to be more zen... hiking. www.lecheneperche.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 53 35 62 www.un-ane-en-ardennes.com { { Tel. +33 (0)6 19 09 29 97 . 12 . . 13 . fun for all the family The forest museum A building on piles, 46,000 tools, rooms devoted to themes Argonne animal park such as reforestation with conifers, fauna and flora, a miracu- Wolves, vultures, eagle owls, storks, raccoons, eagles.... At lous hut, a smithy, and rebuilt sawmills - among many other Olizy-Primat (10 min from Vouziers), the Argonne Discovery attractions. This is the forest museum Janine and Henri Park is an animal paradise in the midst of the forest of Vastine at Renwez: both educational and entertaining, it is a Argonne. Its 13 hectares (32 acres) combine recreational must-see if you are interested in one of the most important activities with the opportunity to discover nature in the part of the French Ardennes know-how. wild. Visitors can watch a pack of 17 wolves and raptors and www.renwez.fr other birds in flight. The Nocturnia area reveals the night Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 82 66 } world with bats, hedgehogs, toads, genets, insects and other fish. A 3D movie about wolves will enjoy the visitor. For sport and food lovers, there is a "bouncy hammock" and a terrace restaurant on tree-top level. French Ardennes slate centre This is the black gold of the French Ardennes. Slate from this region has been www.parc-argonne-decouverte.fr shipped all over the world. The slate museum in Rimogne, in a former electricity {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 07 38 power station, is a must too. The new interactive visitor trail will give an overview of the slate industry's history. Don't miss in the slate village: the winding tower and The great blast furnace the 185 metre shaft that plunged into the bowels of the earth. Another park - but what a park! At Vendresse, nature, water sports and fishing live happily side by side with industrial www.rimogne.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 13 14 history. In the very centre of the park is the former blast { furnace of Jean-Louis Gendarme: an 8-metre cube covered with a layer of 3 metres of stone from Dom-le-Mesnil and French Ardennes quartzite. At the beginning of the 19th century this monster took the French Ardennes to the top of the A park French iron and steel industry. Today it is the centre of an magical Elfy Park draws on many local legends, and is a reconstruction impressive son et lumière display. Today the molten iron is of a goblin village packed with fun and games for the whole replaced by virtual castings. family, complete with tree houses, climbing nets, pedal karts, www.domaine-de-vendresse.fr zip wires, a large swing, slides, summer tobogganing, and an {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 57 73 inflatable castle. www.elfypark.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 53 18 43 }

Montcornet medieval castle 10 minutes from Charleville-Mézières the ruins of the castle of Centre Montcornet defy the passage of time. Its remains date from the 15th The Felt A green wall, everyday objects, car equipment, contemporary works of century. After restoration by a voluntary association, they are the art ... At the Mouzon workshop museum everything is made of felt. In a setting for a construction of an historic village including activities, former Benedictine farm, it is also a voyage through different cultures arts and crafts to discover the life from Gaul to Middle Ages. and periods. http://chateaudemontcornet.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 93 48; www.mouzon.fr www.montcornet-remonte-le-temps.com } {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 26 19 91 Tel. +33 (0)3 24 32 50 44

.14 . . 15 . fun for all the family The forest museum A building on piles, 46,000 tools, rooms devoted to themes Argonne animal park such as reforestation with conifers, fauna and flora, a miracu- Wolves, vultures, eagle owls, storks, raccoons, eagles.... At lous hut, a smithy, and rebuilt sawmills - among many other Olizy-Primat (10 min from Vouziers), the Argonne Discovery attractions. This is the forest museum Janine and Henri Park is an animal paradise in the midst of the forest of Vastine at Renwez: both educational and entertaining, it is a Argonne. Its 13 hectares (32 acres) combine recreational must-see if you are interested in one of the most important activities with the opportunity to discover nature in the part of the French Ardennes know-how. wild. Visitors can watch a pack of 17 wolves and raptors and www.renwez.fr other birds in flight. The Nocturnia area reveals the night Tel. +33 (0)3 24 54 82 66 } world with bats, hedgehogs, toads, genets, insects and other fish. A 3D movie about wolves will enjoy the visitor. For sport and food lovers, there is a "bouncy hammock" and a terrace restaurant on tree-top level. French Ardennes slate centre This is the black gold of the French Ardennes. Slate from this region has been www.parc-argonne-decouverte.fr shipped all over the world. The slate museum in Rimogne, in a former electricity {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 07 38 power station, is a must too. The new interactive visitor trail will give an overview of the slate industry's history. Don't miss in the slate village: the winding tower and The great blast furnace the 185 metre shaft that plunged into the bowels of the earth. Another park - but what a park! At Vendresse, nature, water sports and fishing live happily side by side with industrial www.rimogne.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 13 14 history. In the very centre of the park is the former blast { furnace of Jean-Louis Gendarme: an 8-metre cube covered with a layer of 3 metres of stone from Dom-le-Mesnil and French Ardennes quartzite. At the beginning of the 19th century this monster took the French Ardennes to the top of the A park French iron and steel industry. Today it is the centre of an magical Elfy Park draws on many local legends, and is a reconstruction impressive son et lumière display. Today the molten iron is of a goblin village packed with fun and games for the whole replaced by virtual castings. family, complete with tree houses, climbing nets, pedal karts, www.domaine-de-vendresse.fr zip wires, a large swing, slides, summer tobogganing, and an {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 57 73 inflatable castle. www.elfypark.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 24 53 18 43 }

.14 . . 15 . for food lovers meeting the locals Ardennes de France Let’s go to the market The new puppetry school The collective label "Ardennes de France", managed by the The national accreditation for local producers' markets The new building housing the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la French Ardennes Tourist Board, includes some 60 members and obtained in 2013 by the French Ardennes Chamber of Agriculture Marionnette (ESNAM) will be built in fall 2016 in Charleville-Mézières, the world 200 products. There is fine food (salt meats, black and white confirms what everybody knows: the French Ardennes has a puppet capital. Temporary exhibitions will be hosted in the grand hall and puddings, poultry, macaroons, chocolates, etc.), industrial very large number of farmers producing products of high students and artists-in-residence will show their works in the new showroom of products, services or tourist products. Local beers rub shoulders quality. Seven local markets have now received this label: 115 seats. This unique place of training, exchanges and encounters will also share with ewe’s milk cheese, cider, red turkeys, honey, decorative Launois-sur-Vence, Avaux, La Cassine, Mouzon, Renwez, its art by projecting images of puppeteers at work on the building façade to wrought iron, embroidery or saffron. Charleville-Mézières and Givet. Try to visit at least one passers-by. before going home! Building work live: esnam-en-chantier.blogspot.fr retrouvez-nous sur facebook ! www.ardennes-de-france.com www.marionnette.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 59 70 www.ardennes.chambagri.fr } www.marches-producteurs.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 33 72 50} {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 89 40 Not to be missed: 29th October to 27th November Exhibition "French Ardennes local products" Frenh Ardennes Tourist Board 24 place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières. The green rock festival . Last year the festival attracted a new record of 85,500 spectators. Among the bands and singers, Christine and the Queens, Etienne Daho, The Chemical Brothers, Selah Sue were there. In 2013 The Cabaret Vert was awarded the "Greener festival" label, which is given to environmentally -friendly festivals. Save the date for 2016: from 25th to 28th August. www.cabaretvert.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 36 12 68}

Dining out The Cercle des restaurateurs ardennais (Circle of French Ardennes restaurateurs) has laid out a gourmet trail from Rethel to the north of the Ardennes, in which high quality products combine with the pleasure of the senses. Thirteen establishments A megalithic monument belonging to the association where the expertise of the chef and the quality of the service contribute to a fine dining Located at an altitude of 400m, it is easily accessible. In the heart of the experience. French Ardennes forest and among special places of local legends and {www.restaurateursdardennes.fr well-preserved sites, Philippe Boudart has built a fantasy world, his fantasy world. Overlooking the highest point of the Ardennes called La Croix Scaille (503m high), the upright stones are in the form of a charriot and are oriented New : Sale of local products and gift ideas at: “Vitrine des Ardennes” 24 place Ducale, 08000 Charleville-Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08 to the sunrise. A special place to experience the Ardennes. www.ardennes.com Woinic shop – A34 motorway service “Aire des Ardennes” – Sortie 14 Tel. +33 (0)6 77 82 27 48 08270 Faissault Tel. +33 (0)9 66 00 02 00 { www.ardennes.com Val d’Ardenne Tourist Office - rue du Château, 08320 Vireux-Wallerand Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 92 42 www.valdardennetourisme.com also the on-line shop boutique.ardenne-insolite.com La cacasse peut être servie avec une viande de porc, des saucisses ou des blancs de poulet cuits avec les pommes de terre, et accompagnée d'une salade fraîche. Preparing for the D'autres recettes sur : www.festivaldesconfreries.com et www.ardennes-de-france.com puppet festival In 2016 the world's biggest puppet theatre festival is taking a break. Not to be missed the "Week-end Marionnettes J-365" from 23rd to 25th September 2016*: shows for adults and children, an international puppet auction, a picnic and opportunities to meet other visitors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s kind of appetizer one year before the global event in September 2017, from 16th to 24th. www.festival-marionnette.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 59 94 94 * Dates to be confirmed

. . } . 17 . 16 for food lovers meeting the locals Ardennes de France Let’s go to the market The new puppetry school The collective label "Ardennes de France", managed by the The national accreditation for local producers' markets The new building housing the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la French Ardennes Tourist Board, includes some 60 members and obtained in 2013 by the French Ardennes Chamber of Agriculture Marionnette (ESNAM) will be built in fall 2016 in Charleville-Mézières, the world 200 products. There is fine food (salt meats, black and white confirms what everybody knows: the French Ardennes has a puppet capital. Temporary exhibitions will be hosted in the grand hall and puddings, poultry, macaroons, chocolates, etc.), industrial very large number of farmers producing products of high students and artists-in-residence will show their works in the new showroom of products, services or tourist products. Local beers rub shoulders quality. Seven local markets have now received this label: 115 seats. This unique place of training, exchanges and encounters will also share with ewe’s milk cheese, cider, red turkeys, honey, decorative Launois-sur-Vence, Avaux, La Cassine, Mouzon, Renwez, its art by projecting images of puppeteers at work on the building façade to wrought iron, embroidery or saffron. Charleville-Mézières and Givet. Try to visit at least one passers-by. before going home! Building work live: esnam-en-chantier.blogspot.fr retrouvez-nous sur facebook ! www.ardennes-de-france.com www.marionnette.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 59 70 www.ardennes.chambagri.fr } www.marches-producteurs.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 33 72 50} {Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 89 40 Not to be missed: 29th October to 27th November Exhibition "French Ardennes local products" Frenh Ardennes Tourist Board 24 place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières. The green rock festival . Last year the festival attracted a new record of 85,500 spectators. Among the bands and singers, Christine and the Queens, Etienne Daho, The Chemical Brothers, Selah Sue were there. In 2013 The Cabaret Vert was awarded the "Greener festival" label, which is given to environmentally -friendly festivals. Save the date for 2016: from 25th to 28th August. www.cabaretvert.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 36 12 68}

. . } . 17 . 16 Preparing for the puppet festival In 2016 the world's biggest puppet theatre festival is taking a break. Not to be missed the "Week-end Marionnettes J-365" from 23rd to 25th September 2016*: shows for adults and children, an international puppet auction, a picnic and opportunities to meet other visitors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s kind of appetizer one year before the global event in September 2017, from 16th to 24th. * Dates to be confirmed

www.osixiemesens.com {Tel. +33 (0)3 51 38 98 13 Country château elegance With its 100 hectares (250 acres) of woodland and pasture, the estate of the château du Faucon in Donchery, has been designed for the comfort and well-being of both horses and their riders. On the one side, 31 hotel rooms, the gastronomic restaurant “Au château” for lovers of fine food, and reception rooms for conferences, marriages of family celebrations. On the other, 28 stalls, an indoor arena, a crazy golf course, tennis courts. An exceptional residence on the outskirts of Charleville-Mézières. www.domaine-chateaufaucon.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 41 87 83 }

Hierges, an outstanding village Not far from Givet, the stones of the château of Hierges dominate the Meuse with majesty: the majesty of the French and Italian gardens, the majesty of the stables (now inhabited), and the majesty of its history going back to the year 1000. Charles de Berlaymont, the Financier to Charles Quint, was undoubtedly its most illustrious owner. Godefroy de Bouillon also left his imprint in one of the most beautiful remains of the Ardennes. There are guided tours of the gardens (subject to confirmation). www.valdardennetourisme.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 92 42 } .18 . .19 . Preparing for the puppet festival In 2016 the world's biggest puppet theatre festival is taking a break. Not to be missed the "Week-end Marionnettes J-365" from 23rd to 25th September 2016*: shows for adults and children, an international puppet auction, a picnic and opportunities to meet other visitors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s kind of appetizer one year before the global event in September 2017, from 16th to 24th. * Dates to be confirmed

luxury, calm and excellence In memory of Odette Odette's bistro, the former Williers inn, is today a high-class hotel-restaurant. Here, not far from the Abbey of Orval and Floren- ville, modern comfort goes hand-in-hand with comfort, calm and gastronomic excellence. With its patio, library, hi-tech conference room, all in a superbly verdant setting, Chez Odette is an invitation to rest both mind and body: the most delicious of the many links between the French and Belgian French Ardennes. www.chez-odette.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 55 49 55 } The sixth sense The guest rooms at the bed and breakfast in Williers run by Marie-Line and Bernard Henry are an ode to rest and repose. The four rooms are called Air, Water, Earth, and Fire, and are steeped in aromas, essential oils and fusional music. This former country house was chosen to represent the Champagne-French Ardennes region in the television programme "France's favourite house". "You discover your sixth sense when you come here" says Bernard Henry. www.osixiemesens.com {Tel. +33 (0)3 51 38 98 13 Country château elegance With its 100 hectares (250 acres) of woodland and pasture, the estate of the château du Faucon in Donchery, has been designed for the comfort and well-being of both horses and their riders. On the one side, 31 hotel rooms, the gastronomic restaurant “Au château” for lovers of fine food, and reception rooms for conferences, marriages of family celebrations. On the other, 28 stalls, an indoor arena, a crazy golf course, tennis courts. An exceptional residence on the outskirts of Charleville-Mézières. www.domaine-chateaufaucon.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 41 87 83 }

Hierges, an outstanding village Not far from Givet, the stones of the château of Hierges dominate the Meuse with majesty: the majesty of the French and Italian gardens, the majesty of the stables (now inhabited), and the majesty of its history going back to the year 1000. Charles de Berlaymont, the Financier to Charles Quint, was undoubtedly its most illustrious owner. Godefroy de Bouillon also left his imprint in one of the most beautiful remains of the Ardennes. There are guided tours of the gardens (subject to confirmation). www.valdardennetourisme.com Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 92 42 } .18 . .19 . major events Mouzon May to October Tel. +33 (0)3 24 26 19 91 - www.mouzon.fr th th Ardennes 26 January to 5 February http://lesenfantsducinema.fr/ Exhbitions in the felt centre Les enfants du cinema festival A selection of international and animated films where children are the heroes.

7th and 8th May Charleville- Mézières www.festivaldesconfreries.com th th Sedan 5 and 6 March Tel +33 (0)6 08 94 65 29 - www.ardennes.com Gastronomic brotherhood festival Salon du chocolat Sedan A mixture of good food, festivities and good humour gave birth to this gastronomic festival. Chocolatiers from France, Belgium and Luxemburg gathered in Sedan, Marcillet room. The renowned Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières will host the event, Chefs and master chocolate masters treating the vistors to tasting, demonstrations and workhops. with the traditional parade and demonstrations of their skills by French and Belgian craftsmen. The watchwords of this unique good-natured get-together are, as always, tradition, good food and regional products. This year the guest of honour is the Belgium brotherhood of la Carmelle from Doische.

th th Charleville- 5 to 20 March Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 32 40 00 - www.charleville-mezieres.fr 14th, 15th and 16th May Charleville- Poetry festival Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 32 40 00 - www.charleville-mezieres.fr One of the key events devoted to poetry in the birthplace of the prodigy poet Arthur Rimbaud, Beer Festival who wrote all of his poetry in a space of less than five years. The French Ardennes, a country of beers full of character, could not but organise a festival worthy of the name dedicated to the cult brew of the children of Rimbaud. The Beer Festival will be held in grand style at Charleville-Mézières, to pay tribute to bitters, lagers… th th Reims 18 to 20 March Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 76 - www.ardennes.com

"French Ardennes tourist fair" st th Sedan 21 and 22 May Tel. +33 (0)3 24 29 98 80 - www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr The 7th edition will be held in the "Tendance Nature" fair in Reims to promote the French Ardennes as a tourist destination. The fair organised by the French Ardennes tourist board Medieval festival will offer numerous activities. The Principality of Sedan prepares to welcome tens of thousands of visitors in the exceptional setting of Europe's biggest castle for one of the major tourist events of the region Champagne-Ardenne. July and August: Knight's tournament. nd rd 2 and 3 April Monthermé http://www.loreedeslegendes.fr/

Orée des légendes Festival - Monthermé Book fair, market, music and stories dedicated to legends. th th Charleville- 25 June to 11 September Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08 - www.ardennes.com

nd th Juniville Vitrine des Ardennes - Sustainable tourism in the Ardennes 2 April to 30 October Tel. +33 (0)3 24 39 68 00 - www.musee-verlaine.fr Based on local examples, the exhibition is aimed to illustrate the sustainability principles which ensure a good balance between environmental protection, social responsibility and economic efficiency. Les Verlainiennes - Musée Verlaine They are becoming a part of the French Ardennes destination, which has drawn up a sustainable development strategy. Exhibitions of paintings and photographs, books fair and concerts are being held in the museum dedicated to Verlaine, the prince of poets. The museum has received the label "Maison des Illustres" (House of the great).

th st Haybes 29 April to 1 May Tel. +33 (0)6 30 48 44 51 - www.fetedelabiere.com Bogny-sur- th th 22 and 23 July Meuse Tel. +33 (0)7 82 54 07 22 - www.aymonfolkfestival.fr Arden brew fest Aymon Folk Festival A beer lover fest to experience Ardennes craft beer and meet the brew masters. "The Four Sons of Aymon" plateau. A natural setting overlooking the magnificent panoramic view of the Meuse Valley where a folk and world music festival is held every year.

. 20 . . 21 . major events Mouzon May to October Tel. +33 (0)3 24 26 19 91 - www.mouzon.fr th th Ardennes 26 January to 5 February http://lesenfantsducinema.fr/ Exhbitions in the felt centre Les enfants du cinema festival A selection of international and animated films where children are the heroes.

Orée des légendes Festival - Monthermé Book fair, market, music and stories dedicated to legends. th th Charleville- 25 June to 11 September Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 06 08 - www.ardennes.com nd th Juniville Vitrine des Ardennes - Sustainable tourism in the Ardennes 2 April to 30 October Tel. +33 (0)3 24 39 68 00 - www.musee-verlaine.fr Based on local examples, the exhibition is aimed to illustrate the sustainability principles which ensure a good balance between environmental protection, social responsibility and economic efficiency. Les Verlainiennes - Musée Verlaine They are becoming a part of the French Ardennes destination, which has drawn up a sustainable development strategy. Exhibitions of paintings and photographs, books fair and concerts are being held in the museum dedicated to Verlaine, the prince of poets. The museum has received the label "Maison des Illustres" (House of the great). th st Haybes 29 April to 1 May Tel. +33 (0)6 30 48 44 51 - www.fetedelabiere.com Bogny-sur- th th 22 and 23 July Meuse Tel. +33 (0)7 82 54 07 22 - www.aymonfolkfestival.fr Arden brew fest Aymon Folk Festival A beer lover fest to experience Ardennes craft beer and meet the brew masters. "The Four Sons of Aymon" plateau. A natural setting overlooking the magnificent panoramic view of the Meuse Valley where a folk and world music festival is held every year.

. 20 . . 21 . major events

South of Tel. +33 (0)3 24 71 47 60 - www.cftsa.fr 16th July, 15th August and all year round the French 4th September Houldizy Ardennes Tel. +33 (0)6 16 67 69 16 - www.festivalhouldizy.fr Little tourist train Street theatre The railcar run by the CFTSA (South French Ardennes Tourist Association) takes you gently through the countryside from Comedy, circus acts, jugglery, acrobatics and music. Vouziers to Attigny and back. It takes its time, making its way placidly between the greenery and the waters of the Aisne. It can be booked for a birthday, anniversary, family celebration or an outing with friends.

th th Sedan 24 June to 8 July Tel. +33 (0)3 24 27 09 75 - www.mjc-calonne.com 23th to 25th September* Charleville- Mézières Guitar festival Tel. +33 (0)3 24 59 94 94 - www.festival-marionnette.com A musical event celebrating the world's most popular instrument. Puppet week-end J-365 Fourth edition of the "Puppet Week-end J-365" offers shows for adults and children, an international puppet auction, a picnic, and opportunities to meet other visitors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's a kind of appetizer one year before the the global event in September 2017, from 16th to 24th *. *Dates to be confirmed th th Every Friday and Saturday from 16 July to 13 August la Cassine (except on 29th July) Tel. +33 (0)3 24 35 44 84 - www.la-cassine.com st Charleville- Son et lumière at La Cassine 1 October Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 32 40 00 - www.charleville-mezieres.fr After its success in summer 2015, La Cassine will be the theatre for "Sans famille", the Son et Lumière show adapted from Hector Malot’s great work “Remi sans famille”: hundreds of voluntary actors, The Nuit blanche land exceptional lighting effects, pyrotechnics, costumes and decors. A deeply emotional experience. A night-time contemporary-art experience.

Louvergny th th and 12 to 20 August th rd Charleville- surrounding Tel. +33 (0)6 31 63 95 92 - www.musicales-louvergny.com 15 to 23 October aeras Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 32 40 00 - www.charleville-mezieres.fr Classical festival Poetry festival A classical event held in the French Ardennes countryside since 1994: in Louvergny village and surrounding areas. The program is made by the artists under the supervision of the piano player Paolo Gatto. Last year, A festival devoted to music, slam and story-telling. 1300 music lovers acclaimed the artists for their lists of songs and their musical performances.

th th Sedan 15 October to 6 November Tel. +33 (0)3 24 27 73 73 - www.tourisme-sedan.fr Charleville- Chimeria - Visionary art festival 25th to 28th August Mézières Tel. +33 (0)3 24 36 12 68 - www.cabaretvert.com Lectures, films and meetings with scientists. Guest of honour: Pàlffy museum and the Vienna academy of Visionary Art. Music festival “Cabaret Vert” Eco-friendly and eclectic, the music festival Cabaret Vert, named after a Rimbaud poem, is definitively off the beaten track: new or famous artists, street art, cinema, cartoon… 11rd November Givet Tel. +33 (0)3 24 42 92 42 - www.valdardenentourisme.com Onions fair Sedan 1st to 3rd September and Sedan About 500 sellers and 60 fairground activities in the streets of Givet, along the Belgian border. region www.mouvementsderue.com Mouvements de Rue Music and dances in the streets. Non-exhaustive diary as of 20th November 2015. For further information: www.ardennes.com . 22 . . 23 . major events

Public guides available:

Discovery guide (accommodation and practical information) (FR, GB, NL) Walking and cycling in the French Ardennes (FR, NL) Tourist map of the French Ardennes (FR, GB, NL) Sport and leisure map (MINIMAP®) (FR, GB) Group tours (FR) French Ardennes de France products and specialities (FR) "Clévacances" accommodation (FR) “Gîtes de France” accomodation map (FR) Trans-French Ardennes cycle path roadbook (FR, GB)

Download maps and guides: www.ardennes.com

Your press contact: Latest press releases and press kit on : Djamila Daoud gb.ardennes.com/home/press.aspx Press oﬃcer Press trips can be organised on request. Tel. +33 (0)3 24 56 67 77 For any help or information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. [email protected] Follow @TourismArdennes practical information

Public guides available:

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Agence de Développement Touristique 24 place Ducale - BP 419 - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex - FRANCE - Tel. (+33) 03 24 56 06 08

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