Attractions and Places To See around Aubrives - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aubrives, a village located on the left bank of the Meuse in the Ardennes department of France, offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural sites. The area is characterized by its position along the Meuse River, historical architecture, and surrounding natural landscapes. Visitors can explore landmarks, artistic installations, and tranquil natural settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Aubrives
- The most popular attractions is View of Fort de Charlemont, a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the 16th-century Fortress of Charlemont. This stronghold was built by Emperor Charles V to protect the Meuse valley.
- Another must-see spot is Washhouse at Vierves-sur-Viroin Castle, a castle based on a medieval fortress and farm. The building features a classical facade and an Attila Tower, spreading its silhouette over the landscape of Vierves-sur-Viroin.
- Visitors also love Border Trail at Mazée, a 2 km interpretive trail. This loop-shaped hiking trail runs along a ridge, offering panoramas of France and featuring information boards and boundary stones marking the border.
- Aubrives is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions, including fortified churches, riverbanks, and unique land art installations, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
- The attractions around Aubrives are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and over 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Givet
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View of Fort de Charlemont
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Washhouse at Vierves-sur-Viroin Castle
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Based on a fortress and a farm of medieval origin, the emblematic building spreads its slender silhouette over the landscape of Vierves-sur-Viroin - private property.
The 'Comtes de Hamal', who owned the estate between 1567 and 1852, extensively renovated the old medieval fortress and farm and reduced the defensive functions of the building to a base.
The facade of the house, in classical style, is pierced with large windows. This “modern” home is flanked by the so-called Attila Tower, whose spherical roof pushes the castle into the landscape, while its large windows provide new vantage points.
In the second half of the 19th century, works related to the pleasure continued: the two courtyards were joined to form a large terrace opening onto the valley.
The garden is below, the tree-lined ring that splits the ramparts...
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Border Trail at Mazée
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Hierges Castle
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The castle, originally called the Castle of Jerusalem, was built on the site of a castrum whose origins date back to the 9th century, when the Seigneurie of Hierges was part of the property of the House of Ardenne. At the time of the Crusades, the fortress of Hierges was handed over to the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and in the 12th century the castle was destroyed.
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The construction of Fort Charlemont began in 1555 by order of Emperor Charles V. It dominates Givet and the Meuse valley. The fort and its defences have been modified several times. Between around 1600 and 1675, the Spanish expanded the fort. In 1678, it was conquered by the French army of King Louis XIV. The town fell to France in 1697. Vauban was commissioned to expand the complex and improve the works. In 1874, several forts on the border were modified based on the ideas of Séré de Rivières, including this fort. The bastions were rebuilt and an underground staircase with several hundred steps was dug into the rock. The staircase connects the fort to a railway tunnel. In this way, the fort could be supplied with ammunition, soldiers and equipment, all out of sight of the enemy and invulnerable to enemy artillery fire. In 2009, the French army transferred the fort to the municipality of Givet.
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Situated on the Meuse and crossed by the Houille river, Givet is a French city in the heart of the Ardennes with a remarkable geographical location and a rich urban and historical heritage. Givet is the perfect combination of history and modernity.
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The fraudsters' trail The roads crossing the border were often monitored by guards (customs officers) who pursued fraudsters (illegal sale of tobacco, alcohol, etc.). The smugglers then used the small paths to escape the customs officers. These winding paths were often used in the past by fraudsters who used all the tricks to escape the customs officers.
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The border A border is a limit between two countries. On the ground this limit is sometimes marked by boundary stones. Your walk on this trail will cross the border several times, so you will come across beautiful stone boundary stones. These limit the Belgian territory (formerly that of the Principality of Liège) and the French territory.
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A beautiful loop-shaped hiking trail, the upper part of which runs along the ridge and offers beautiful panoramas of France, while the lower part has been made easily accessible with information boards, benches and, where necessary, stairs.
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This 2 km interpretive trail is equipped with benches, signage, interpretation panels specially written and laid out in such a way that they are understandable to everyone (easy to read and understand), a reading table and a bivouac area!
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Castle of the Counts of Hamal in Vierves-sur-Viroin Based on a fortress and a farm of medieval origin, the emblematic building spreads its slender silhouette over the landscape of Vierves-sur-Viroin - private property. The 'Comtes de Hamal', who owned the estate between 1567 and 1852, extensively renovated the old medieval fortress and farm and reduced the defensive functions of the building to a base. The facade of the house, in classical style, is pierced with large windows. This “modern” home is flanked by the so-called Attila Tower, whose spherical roof pushes the castle into the landscape, while its large windows provide new vantage points. In the second half of the 19th century, works related to the pleasure continued: the two courtyards were joined to form a large terrace opening onto the valley. The garden is below, the tree-lined ring that splits the ramparts...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I visit directly in Aubrives?
Aubrives itself boasts several significant historical sites. You can explore the Fortified Church of Saint-Maurice, dating back to the 13th and 16th centuries, which served as both a place of worship and a refuge. Another notable landmark is the 130-year-old Aubrives Drawbridge (Pont à Bascule), a listed historical monument reflecting the area's industrial past. The village also features other historical buildings like the provost's house from 1585 and beautifully restored old wash houses.
Are there any unique cultural or artistic sites in Aubrives?
Yes, Aubrives is home to unique land art installations. Along the banks of the Meuse, you can discover the 'Virgins of the Meuse,' a series of ten large standing stones sculpted in the style of Celtic menhirs by artist Georges-Armand Favaudon. The 'Bard's Trail' is a themed walk that showcases more of this artist's monumental works.
What natural attractions can I explore around Aubrives?
The area around Aubrives offers beautiful natural settings. You can enjoy tranquil walks along the banks of the Meuse, which are also popular for fishing. The surrounding limestone grasslands are rich in biodiversity, offering guided walks to observe wild orchids and various butterfly species. Hiking trails also ascend from the village to the heights of the 'Côte d'Aubrives,' providing scenic views of the Meuse Valley.
Are there hiking opportunities near Aubrives?
Absolutely. The 'Côte d'Aubrives' offers trails with scenic views. For a specific interpretive trail, consider the Border Trail at Mazée, a 2 km loop that runs along a ridge with panoramas of France and information boards. You can find more hiking options, including routes like the 'Hierges Castle and Doische Loop from Vaucelles' or the 'Observation Tower – Village of Hierges loop from Aubrives,' by visiting the Hiking around Aubrives guide.
Can I cycle along the Meuse river near Aubrives?
Yes, Aubrives provides access to the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19), a popular cycling route that allows you to explore the wider Meuse Valley. You can find various cycling routes, such as 'Around Givet' or 'Pont de Vireux – Beautiful waterfront homes. loop from Aubrives,' in the Cycling around Aubrives guide.
Are there mountain biking trails in the Aubrives area?
Yes, the region around Aubrives offers several mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Saint John the Baptist Church – View of the Ardennes loop from Aubrives' or the 'Limbourg Mill – Lock no. 55 at Montigny loop from Vireux-Molhain.' Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Aubrives guide.
What family-friendly activities are available around Aubrives?
Families can enjoy the Border Trail at Mazée, an interpretive trail designed to be easily understandable for everyone, featuring benches and a bivouac area. The Washhouse at Vierves-sur-Viroin Castle is also listed as family-friendly. For a unique experience, the Brasserie d'Aubrives offers a brewery escape room.
What historical sites are there near Aubrives?
Beyond Aubrives, you can visit the medieval village of Hierges, just 5 minutes away, with its cobbled streets and the impressive ruins of Hierges Castle. Also nearby are the Roman Camp and Saint-Ermel Collegiate Church in Vireux-Molhain, and the formidable Fort of Charlemont in Givet, about 15 minutes away. You can get a panoramic perspective of this fortress from the View of Fort de Charlemont.
What is the best time of year to visit Aubrives for outdoor activities?
The Ardennes region, including Aubrives, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. Spring (April-May) is ideal for observing wild orchids and butterflies in the limestone grasslands, while summer (June-August) offers warm weather for cycling and river activities. Autumn (September-October) provides beautiful foliage for hiking.
Are there any viewpoints offering scenic panoramas?
Yes, the area is known for its scenic views. You can find breathtaking panoramas of the Fortress of Charlemont from the View of Fort de Charlemont. Additionally, hiking trails ascending the 'Côte d'Aubrives' offer expansive views of the Meuse Valley and the neighboring village of Hierges. The Border Trail at Mazée also provides beautiful panoramas of France from its ridge.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Aubrives?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical heritage and natural beauty. The strategic location of Givet and the impressive architecture of Fort Charlemont are highly regarded. The Border Trail at Mazée is praised for its accessible design, interpretive panels, and beautiful panoramas. The tranquil banks of the Meuse and the unique land art installations also receive positive feedback for their peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.
Where can I find local food and drink in Aubrives?
For those interested in local crafts and beverages, the Brasserie d'Aubrives offers craft beers brewed on-site. The village and nearby towns also provide various options for cafes, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy local cuisine.
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