Charleville-Mézières walks

A short walk off the beaten track along the banks of the Meuse, between Mézières and Warcq. Suitable for walking or mountain biking. Easy to follow and no significant elevation gain. A short section through the town of Warcq to cross the Meuse and the Sormonne, but most of the route is in the countryside.

Charleville and Mézières have had two very different histories. One was built on the orders of an Italian nobleman, Charles de Gonzague, whilst the other came into being thanks to the work of its craftsmen and the determination of its merchants.

Circular around a bend in the Meuse downstream from Charleville. The start is not far from Place Ducale. Parking is available at the campsite near the footbridge or near Avenue Gustave Gailly. There are some hills and a few high-speed roads to cross.

Hiking between the river and the forest. Observe the beaver lodges on the two islands of Montcy, on the Meuse, and their tracks along the river. Opportunity to visit the linen museum. In the past, many houses had a wash house and the inhabitants washed the laundry of the bourgeoisie of Charleville. Montcy-Notre-Dame was nicknamed Montcy-les-Linges.

Short hike in the forest near Charleville.

A short hike that starts in the woods of La Francheville, continues to Saint-Marceau and ends along the banks of the Vence river, passing some industrial wasteland and the remains of water mills.

Surprisingly peaceful gravel pits less than two kilometres from a town with over 50,000 inhabitants. Discover a19th- century fort hidden in the woods.

Rainwater, seepage, river flooding, trees and vegetation have transformed the former gravel pits into a very pleasant walk, in a maze of paths running alongside ponds, each more beautiful than the last, bordering the Meuse with very pretty landscapes as a backdrop and the peaceful murmur of human activity all around.

Route through woods and valleys. Panoramic views over the Gernelle and Issancourt-et-Rumel valleys and, at the end of the hike, over La Grandville.

A route through the woods that alternates between flat terrain at the start, rough terrain on the way back and balcony passages following the undulations and curves of the terrain, with occasional views of the valley through the trees.

Beautiful views over the Meuse valley and the surrounding villages, as well as traces of the Second World War, in a place where stone quarrying has shaped its economic history.

A short, easy walk in the woods of Montcornet.

This hike will take you to the border valley of the Ruisseau du Bois Jean, which was once a hotspot for encounters, fraud and smuggling. The Baraque Laurent, the only one still standing, has now been converted into a lodge for groups. The other three huts have disappeared, but their ruins are still visible.

Walk through the Élan forest amidst splendid spruce and beech trees. In the footsteps of Saint Roger, who founded Élan Abbey in 1148 (now destroyed) and the miraculous fountain that cures infertility and heartbreak. Also in the footsteps of Father Meslier, who served in Étrépigny, Balaives and Butz from 1689 to 1729 and was an atheist and revolutionary.

Set off to discover this little corner of paradise where tranquillity reigns.A forest steeped in mystery – let yourself be carried away by the birdsong...

Hike with no significant elevation gain, suitable for inexperienced walkers. Route mainly on forest trails. Beautiful views of the Semoy and the entrance to Hautes Rivières, at the Robertsart site, at the paragliding launch site. Moderator's note : it seems that private property shortly afterwards (12) makes it necessary to return via the D13, see reviews.

Walk along the lake on the undeveloped shore, then return to the starting point through the forest on the heights of the Bois de Renwez.