Trans-Ardennes Greenway: Nouzonville to Monthermé Loop

This cycling loop is approximately 30.7 kilometers long and usually takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate and can vary based on your cycling speed and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

While the loop is generally considered a moderate bike ride, it is part of the larger Trans-Ardennes Greenway, which is largely flat and paved. This specific loop does include some elevation, but its mostly paved surfaces make it suitable for various skill levels. Beginners with good basic fitness should find it manageable.

The loop starts and ends in Nouzonville. You can find parking in Nouzonville to begin your ride. As the route is a loop, you'll return to your starting point.

The terrain is mostly paved, following a former towpath, but be aware that some segments might be unpaved and potentially more challenging. As the Meuse valley progresses towards the Ardennes range, the terrain becomes more demanding, transitioning from meadows to dense forests.

The route offers breathtaking views as it winds through the French Ardennes. You'll follow the meandering Meuse River, passing through forests and picturesque villages. Notable highlights include the Trans-Ardennes Greenway itself, the View of Château-Regnault-Bogny, and the historic Abbey of Laval Dieu. The section around Monthermé is particularly known for its stunning 'loop of the Meuse'.

Monthermé is celebrated for its stunning 'loop of the Meuse,' often described as the 'pearl of the Meuse.' Viewpoints such as Roche à Sept Heures or La Longue Roche offer spectacular panoramas of the river gracefully winding through the forested landscape. The area is noted for its 'magnificent, truly magic forest'.

Yes, this loop is an integral part of the larger Trans-Ardennes Greenway (Voie Verte), which is a 130-kilometer cycling route and forms a segment of EuroVelo 19, the Meuse Cycle Route. The route also passes through sections of the Voie Vive, La Boucle des Sept-Roches, and Les Grands Ducs.

The Trans-Ardennes Greenway, which this loop is part of, is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in populated areas or near wildlife, and to clean up after them.

No, you do not need any special permits or to pay an entrance fee to cycle this route along the Trans-Ardennes Greenway. It is publicly accessible.

Cycling on designated paths and trails within the Parc naturel régional des Ardennes, including this loop, generally does not require special permits or fees. However, visitors are expected to respect park regulations, which typically include staying on marked trails, protecting wildlife, and leaving no trace.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, especially the forests and river views, is at its most vibrant. Always check local weather forecasts before you go.