Rethel walks

A peaceful cycle ride along the Voie Verte Sud Ardenne, which runs alongside the Canal des Ardennes from Château-Porcien to Pont-à-Bar, punctuated by the numerous locks.To compensate for the difference in level between the Canal des Ardennes and the Meuse, between Le Chesne and Rilly-sur-Aisne, no fewer than 27 locks line the canal, 17 of which are within the Montgon area. Follow the Canal des Ardennes, discover its locks, via a short detour to the Château de La Cassine, and the passage through the Saint-Aignan tunnel.

Discover the Canal des Ardennes, then the village of Asfeld with: - its 17th-century Baroque church (unique in Europe and still open) - its Grand-Cour square - its renovated wash house. Return via the old railway line, passing through the village of Vieux Les Asfeld (old station and wash house). A very easy route that can be enjoyed all year round.

This route allows you to discover Saint-Michel Church, its wash house on the Vaux and the national forest that stretches across several municipalities. Moderator's note : many hikers seem to have had difficulties on this route, see reviews, use a GPS.

A short walk in and around Heutrégiville to see the town hall, the Suippe, the mill and the church.

Short walk in the heart of Heutrégiville, the woods along the Suippe, the mill, and Vaudetré.

Discovery hike through Boult-sur-Suippe and Bazancourt, alternating between village areas and nature along the waterways under the shady tree-lined paths. Discover the remarkable tree "La Pouplie", the churches, the cultural centre and the Rock of the Virgin Mary of the Sick in a setting between land and water.

The ‘ Les héros d’Orfeuil’ mountain bike trail offers a family-friendly ride through the heart of the countryside and the open landscapes of the chalky Champagne region. Easy and accessible, this route combines nature and history: it passes through sites steeped in history, such as the site of the former German naval gun or the Orfeuil National Necropolis. The route also invites you to discover a dry grassland where rare orchids bloom.

This route is designed for nature lovers and those looking for a beautiful escape without any major difficulties. The terrain is very gentle, with little elevation gain, making it accessible to walkers of all levels. The atmosphere is calm, conducive to observing the local flora and fauna, but also to daydreaming. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims by taking a section of the GR® 654, which corresponds to the famous Way of St James. You will also pass through the charming village of Brienne-sur-Aisne, where you can admire its church and local architecture.

A bucolic walk through the Ardennes countryside and forest. Enjoyable for families, no major difficulties apart from the distance. Lots of animal tracks, wallows, a few fallen trees across the path, a stream crossing, and a few historic sites.

Starting from Place Carnot, in the heart of Vouziers, the circular Boucle de la Chambre aux Loups invites you on a pleasant escape between town and country. Easy and accessible to the whole family, this hiking trail winds peacefully through the fields, offering beautiful open views and a breath of fresh air just a stone's throw from the houses. Ideal for an easy nature walk, this circular route combines simplicity, relaxation and the chance to discover the local heritage.

Circular Loop 2 – In the footsteps of the Dukes of Joyeuse: Amidst unique natural landscapes, heritage and history, follow in the footsteps of the Dukes of Joyeuse through the remarkable scenery of the Aire Valley, linking ancient castles and abbeys that bear witness to a rich local feudal and aristocratic history. The GR® de Pays Argonne invites you on a nature getaway in the heart of an authentic region, amidst deep forests, hidden valleys and charming villages. Set off to discover an unspoilt Argonne, marked by history and the tranquillity of its landscapes. Complete Argonne Country GR® circular loop: 386 km across the Argonne massif.

Circular Loop 1 From Mont Dieu to Bairon: From Vouziers, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Croix-aux-Bois forest, pass through charming villages with their golden ochre stone houses, be inspired by the legacy of the Carthusian monks of Mont Dieu, and marvel at the valley of the locks and the River Aisne. The GR® de Pays Argonne invites you on a nature getaway in the heart of an authentic region, amidst deep forests, hidden valleys and villages full of character. Set off to discover an unspoilt Argonne, shaped by history and the tranquillity of its landscapes. GR® de Pays Argonne circular loop: 386 km across the Argonne massif.

This lovely walk through the Vouziers countryside offers a chance to get away from it all, starting from Vouziers, in a rural setting amongst fields, wooded areas and the tranquillity of the towpath along the canal.

A lovely walk along the water’s edge and through the fields.

A beautiful route that is generally easy to walk. However, there are two stream crossings that add a little spice to the route. The route offers beautiful views of the Thiérache region and the Pre-Ardennes ridges. You will also encounter a little railway history.

This rural commune, one of the "most beautiful villages in France", a few kilometres from the Belgian border, in a setting typical of the region, consists of a homogeneous habitat made of red bricks and grey slate roofs, which give it a certain character. Its small Protestant temple and, above all, its superb fortified Saint-Médard Church, dating back to the Middle Ages, are its most representative buildings. They make you want to stop off here on your way tothe Ardennes, Reims or the Picardy coast, which are not far away.

A short family walk through the streets of Parfondeval, discovering one of the most beautiful villages in France.

A short circular loop in the Berru woods, suitable for families, which takes you through the village, the sandpit and the heights of Nogent-l'Abbesse.

A walk offering 360° panoramic views and taking you from one valley to another. As well as the Dolmen de la Ganguille, don’t miss the viewpoint over the Audry Valley and Hardoncelle Castle.

A short route in a forgotten corner of the Ardennes department, from the church at Aouste to the rural village of Laval d'Estrebay and the hamlet of La Vallée.

An easy walk that takes you through part of the Lislet wind farm and allows you to stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of Montcornet. It also offers a chance to reflect on a bit of history: the Battle of Montcornet on 16 and 17 May 1940, featuring Colonel Charles de Gaulle. Finally, there is an interesting heritage site to discover: the Church of Saint-Martin in Montcornet.

A short walk in the forest offering beautiful views of Reims, the Saint-Thierry massif and the Reims mountains.

From Monthois, head to the Source des Dues, which once supplied the whole village. Starting from Monthois, in a rural setting, the Source des Dues trail invites you to enjoy a peaceful stroll through unspoilt countryside. Passing through open fields and rolling hills, you’ll reach the Source des Dues, which once supplied water to the whole village. Throughout the route, there are lovely views of the surrounding plains.

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.

A easy route through Reims, to discover its streets with their magnificent façades, monuments and points of interest.

The city of Reims occupies a special place in the history of France and Europe. This urban route combines Romanesque masterpieces such as the Basilica of Saint-Rémi and Gothic masterpieces such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, with the Art Deco architecture characteristic of the city's reconstruction after the First World War.

Twenty-third stage of the Jura to Hauts-de-France via the Francigena. Following the Marne-Aisne Canal, you leave the Champagne vineyards and the Reims mountains behind to arrive in Reims and its Notre-Dame Cathedral. As you cross Reims, there is a wealth of heritage to discover: the cathedral, of course, but also the Basilica of Saint Remi, Gallo-Roman ruins and engravings by Albrecht Dürer. You then leave this beautiful city behind and continue through vineyards and forests towards the Massif de Saint-Thierry, one of the four Champagne production areas.

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.

Tour of Montcy-Saint-Pierre Island, along the right bank of the Meuse and the Montcy Canal cutting across the meander. A very easy route combining town and countryside, suitable for all ages. Both seasoned athletes and walkers seeking a change of scenery will find something to suit them. Numerous spots for observing the wildlife inhabiting the Meuse and several viewpoints overlooking Charleville-Mézières and the surrounding area.

Short hike in the forest near Charleville.