Attractions and Places To See around Charleville-Mézières - Top 20

Great view of the loop

The section of the cycle path along the Meuse in the narrow valley of the Ardennes is beautiful.

The panoramic view of Monthermé, along the Sentier des 4 Fils Aymon, offers one of the most impressive views of the Meuse Valley in the French Ardennes. From this elevated vantage point, a picturesque scene unfolds of wooded hills, winding river tributaries, and the charming town of Monthermé nestled in a loop of the Meuse River. The view is a highlight of the hiking trail dedicated to the legendary four brothers and their horse, Bayard, and combines nature experiences with epic folklore. Thanks to well-maintained paths and informative signs, the panorama serves as both a visual and cultural highlight.

The Roche Bayart is a striking rock formation in the French Ardennes, closely linked to the legend of the Four Sons of Aymon. According to the medieval story, the magical horse Bayard, carrying the four brothers on his back, leaped over the rock, creating a cleft in the stone with a single hoofstroke. The rock is located near the monument to the Four Sons of Aymon and, together with the surrounding peaks, forms a symbolic tribute to these heroes of Carolingian epic. The area is accessible via a hiking trail that leads visitors past the rocks and through the forest, offering panoramic views of the Meuse Valley.

The legend of the Quatre Fils Aymon is deeply intertwined with the landscape and identity of Bogny-sur-Meuse, where four rocks rise majestically from the Ardennes forest—each symbolizing one of the four brothers: Renaud, Allard, Guichard, and Richard. According to the medieval chanson de geste, the story originates in the 15th century and revolves around the rebellion of Duke Aymon's four sons against Emperor Charlemagne. The conflict begins when Renaud kills Charlemagne's nephew during a game of chess. The brothers flee on their magical horse, Bayard, which can carry the four of them at once, and seek refuge in the Ardennes forests, where they build the castle Montessor—later known as Château-Regnault, a name that lives on in Bogny today. In Bogny-sur-Meuse, this legend is tangible: on the hilltop stands a monument depicting the four brothers and their horse, Bayard, overlooking the Meuse valley. The rock formations and surrounding path provide a living backdrop to this age-old story, which is still told and celebrated today.

Rocroi is a charming town in the French Ardennes, known for its unique star-shaped fortification structure dating back to the 16th century. By order of King Henry II, Rocroi was fortified as a strategic stronghold against Spanish influence, which later proved its worth during the Battle of Rocroi in 1643, a decisive French victory in the Thirty Years' War. The town is distinguished by its radial layout, with ten streets radiating from the central square, and, along with Palmanova in Italy, is one of the few European towns to have completely preserved this military architecture. Today, Rocroi is a protected heritage town, beloved for its historic charm, walking trails along the ramparts, and local specialties such as Rocroy beer and cheese.

The Halle de Rocroi is a historic market building dating from the 17th century and is a central feature of the Place d’Armes in Rocroi. Originally built as a covered market hall, it served as a meeting place for merchants and citizens in this strategically located fortified town. The hall was constructed in a classical regional style, with a wooden roof and open arcades that provided protection from the elements. Although the building was modified several times over the centuries, it retained its function as a social and economic hub well into the 20th century.

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.