South-Ardennes Greenway

This route offers a beautiful crossing of the Ardennes between the hamlet of Pont-à-Bar, near Sedan, and Brienne-sur-Aisne on the Axon border. The route can be extended to Villeneuve-sur-Aisne, around thirty kilometers from Reims. The route follows the route of the South-Ardennes greenway, with a detour through Vouziers. On the program, there are nearly 125 kilometers which are covered exclusively along the Ardennes canal, as well as that of Vouziers on a small portion.

The Ardennes canal connects the Aisne valley to the Meuse valley via the Bar valley. This structure was built to connect the Meuse to the Paris basin. Along the way, the town of Rethel offers a nice alternative if you want to split the stage in two.

The starting point is in the hamlet of Pont-à-Bar, where the greenway crosses the route of EuroVelo 19 which runs along the Meuse in its entirety. From the small marina, you embark on a track which runs along the Canal des Ardennes.

The first part of the route will lead you to the discovery of unmissable historical monuments of the Ardennes. La Cassine is home to a former convent as well as the ruins of a castle which have become the scene of sound and light shows during the summer. The Vendresse area is also a center of Ardennes metallurgy. Then in Bairon, a new connection allows you to connect the eponymous lake for a refreshing break.

The surrounding area of Montgon includes a number of locks. Among the 44 on the Ardennes canal, you come across 17 on the outskirts of the town. It is shortly after that of Semuy that you turn off towards Vouziers while following the canal of the same name. This charming city is also known for having been the place of detention of Paul Verlaine.

Back on the banks of the Ardennes canal, it regularly shares its route with the course of the Aisne. This new section is also steeped in history. Roche was regularly visited by Arthur Rimbaud during the summer periods, while Charlemagne had built a palace in Attigny.

Then you enter the chalky Champagne, which marks a change in landscape and architecture. You quickly reach Rethel, the largest town on the route. Ideal for taking a break or stopping off, it has all the necessary amenities.

Finally, the last section of the journey evolves in a wonderful setting of nature and peace. Cereal crops bloom along the canal and clear the horizon as you approach the end of the route. Arriving in Brienne-sur-Aisne, the route can continue to the Villeneuve-sur-Aisne railway station which provides daily connections with Reims.