This driving itinerary is a great opportunity to discover a lesser known area of France. Just 4 hours from Calais, the Ardennes area is perfect for a short break, with family or friends.
>> Medieval Castle of Sedan
Your itinerary starts at Sedan, a delightful wooded town on the banks of the River Meuse. Here, a fortress was first constructed in the 15th century. Over the years it was strengthened and extended to become a magnificent fortified castle on seven different levels. It became a Protestant stronghold in the 17th century under Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, whose son of the same name went on to become one of the greatest soldiers in French history. Sedan Castle then occupied a strategic position on France's eastern border during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, where eventually Napoleon III was defeated and imprisoned within the château fort. Recognised today as a Historical Monument, the castle is well worth a visit, offering fine views over the town of Sedan. In 2004, part of the castle was transformed into a comfortable 3-star hotel, offering a clever blend of medieval grandeur and modern comforts.
Open
April, May and June, every day 10am-12 noon and 1.30pm-6pm (last ticket sold at 5pm): July and August, every day 10am-6pm: September to March, Tuesday to Friday from 1.30pm-6pm (last ticket sold at 4.30pm). Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 10am-12 noon and 1.30pm-6pm (last ticket sold 16.30). Closed Mondays.
There are plenty of places to eat at Sedan, from the historic ambience of the restaurant within the castle’s own walls to the many little restaurants and bistros just a short stroll away. The market at Sedan, right in the centre of the town, is also worth a visit. There is a covered hall for fresh produce whilst the air is full of the wonderful smells of cheese, charcuterie and roasting chickens. The stalls spill out into the streets around the hall. Here, the local Sedan vegetable and fruit growers set up along with vendors of sweets, household goods and many other items. The market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
>> Fun for everyone at the Domaine de Vendresse
The whole family will enjoy this heritage site which blends education with entertainment. At the Iron Ore museum, you can admire the skill and spectacle of iron-casting, something that used to be a major Ardennes industry. It's an impressive display using the most up-to-date sound and laser techniques and includes a wonderful fire show and an impressive display of the huge furnace that was used.
The 6-hectare site also offers water games for children, lakes, observation points to view fish under water, fishing for sturgeon, a souvenir shop and lots more. There's even a brasserie and terrace for drinks and light meals.
The Vendress park is located 20 minutes south of Sedan.
For further information
Tel +33 (0)324 35 57 73
Fax +33 (0)324 35 57 75
e-mail: vendresse@wanadoo.fr
>> Nocturnia: down in the forest something stirs...
Nocturnia just opened its doors on 18 June. In the forest of Argonne, this innovative exhibition reveals the mysterious world of wildlife at night. In a marvellous interactive film, visitors can experience the thrill of what it's like to be a predatory bird. From the back of a great owl, you can see what it's like to swoop down and capture your prey. From the wing-span of a huge bat, you go after a moth. Special effects help explain the ultrasound system used by the bat and you can also handle a bat's wing to understand how it moves.
Nocturnia also unlocks other secrets of the night-time forest. You can see giant lookalikes of fireflies, glow-worms and luminous mushrooms, and tremble at enlarged spiders in 3D!
Nocturnia is set in the very heart of the forest of Argonne, near Vouziers in south-eastern Ardennes, and within easy reach of Reims and Verdun.
Nocturnia contact details
Bois de Roucy, 08250 Olizy-Primat, France
On the D946 between Vouziers and Grandpré
Tel +33 (0)3 24 30 23 94
Fax : +33(0)3 24 71 91 12
e-mail : argonne.ardennaise-polenature@wanadoo.fr
>> A museum that remembers
The last thee wars in Europe, those of 1870, 1914-18 and 1939-45, are the focus of this new museum devoted to the theme of war and peace in the Ardennes. Audio guides are available in English, German, Dutch and French.
Information and reservations
Musée Guerre et Paix en Ardennes
Route de Sery
08270 Novion-Porcien
Tel +33 (0)324 72 69 50
>> Jandun
A genuine, country market organised by local farmers who bring their wares to the village hall in Jandun and sell direct to the public. Expect the freshest dairy produce, meat, fruit, vegetables, apple juice and cider. You can sample delicious fresh bread baked in a traditional bread oven and even dine on the spot with a menu of the day featuring fresh farm produce. A good excuse to taste the local cider!
The market at Jandun is held on the first Friday of each month, from March to December, from 5pm-9pm. The village is a 20-minute drive south of Charleville-Mézières.
>> Rocroi
Visit this town fortified by Vauban, with unusual star-shaped fortifications. The Museum retraces the famous battle of Rocroy in which the victory over the Spanish army on 16 May 1643 was the beginning of the reign of Sun King, Louis XIV.
Tourist Office
Tel 03 24 54 20 06
>> Charleville-Mézières
The end of this itinerary takes you to Charleville-Mézières. This 17th century town is an invitation to relax: stop off at one of the many terraces on Place Ducale to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by, do some shopping in the beautiful town centre, watch the Great puppeteer’s clock play a scene of the legendary 4 Sons of Aymon (between 9am and 10pm, on the hour), visit the Ardennes Museum or sample local delicacies at the market on Place Ducale (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)