First night: Charleville-Mezieres

Visit the Ducal Palace, with a square considered to be on of the most beautiful in Europe, relax after your journey at one of the pavement cafes in the pedestrianised centre or visit the Rimbaud museum dedicated to one of France’s most brilliant poets.

1st day cycling: Charlevilles-Mezieres – Haybes: 35 miles.

Start your cycling through the villages on the banks of the river Meuse.At Revin there’s a 16th century wooden framed house called the Spanish House, built when Revin was a buffer town between France and the Spanish Netherlands.  After Revin the cycle path goes through some magical forests where you may hear birdsong. Fumay is an excellent refreshment stop. The quay at Haybes is a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the views of the tied up boats and wonder how UK registered pleasure barges got across the Channel.

2nd day cycling: Haybes – Givet:16 miles.

Collect your picnics before you leave!  At Vireux- Molhain visit one of the most beautiful churches in the Ardennes, perhaps visit the Thursday morning market at Vireux –Wallerand and admire the superb 16th century Charlemont fort as Givet comes into view. Givet has a splendid riverside setting with a number of riverside cafes. You can hire electric boats, take a cruise on the river or perhaps enjoy the slides or jacuzzi at the indoor waterpark.

3rd day cycling:         Family Option (1)

Cycle along the Belgian RAVel, a flat new cycle path cycle to Mariembourg. Enjoy the wonderful forests. This route is 34 miles return. Or perhaps go halfway, return and relax in Givet. Visit the European crafts exhibition with its beautiful ceramic, metal and glassware. You could also cycle to Dinant, Belgium, a family friendly town. (Remember the Voie Verte along the Meuse does not extend beyond Givet).

NB: There is no formal frontier here between France and Belgium. Spend the night at Givet.

3rd day cycling:         Family Option (2)

Givet to Haybes 16 miles. Enjoy a morning coffee by the river or try one of the electric boats before cycling.

3rd day cycling:          Adults option

Givet to Rocroi: 34 miles. Enter Belgium along a new cycle path, the RAVel. Continue to Rocroi, a star –shaped fortified town. Rocroi was the site where in 1643 a 21 year old French duke ended 100 years of Spanish infantry ascendancy. At the end of the RAVeL there are some hills where you may  have to dismount and push your bicycles. However, your effort is well rewarded.

4th day cycling:          Family Options 1 and 2

Haybes – Charlevilles-Mezieres: 35 miles

After a pleasant evening and a buffet breakfast for cyclists, there’s an  opportunity at Fumay to visit a museum highlighting the quarrying and production of slate. For the adventurous there is also an adventure park with rope “bridges”  and a superb zip wire ride.

4th day cycling         Adult option

Rocroi - Charlevilles-Mezieres: 29 miles

Cycle through gently undulating, beautiful countryside in the Thierache, a region of fortified churches, farms and chateux.

5th or 6th day (depending on option)

Following  your buffet breakfast we bid your au revoir et bon voyage.

Links

Water park at Givet

Adventure park at Fumay