La Thiérache – Rocroi Plateau – Sormonne Valley - Office de ...

Map 

L ocated to the north of the Champagne-Ardenne region, 

North-West Ardennes is 90 minutes from Brussels, 2 

hours from Luxembourg, 2½ hours from Paris and 1 hour 

from Reims by main roads. 

Tourist 

Guide 

North-West Ardennes 

Thiérache ▼ Rocroi Plateau ▼ Sormonne Valley

Contents 

■■ A hint of heritage 2 

■■ A dash of discovery 16 

■■ A nugget of nature 19 

■■ A fullness of fun 23 

■■ Arts & crafts 26 

■■ Local produce 26 

■■ Markets and fairs 27 

■■ Restaurants 28 

■■ Accommodation 29 

■■ Practical information 36 

Office 

deTourisme deRocroy 

et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais 

(tourist office) 

The tourist office can provide all the information you 

need when planning your stay in North-West Ardennes. 

Get in touch with us! We look forward to seeing you soon 

in North-West Ardennes! 

North-West Ardennes tourist centre 

14, place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel./Fax. +33 (0) 324 542 006 

Email: info@otrocroi.com - www.otrocroi.com 

◆ Information bureau 

2, Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33 (0) 324 535 544 

Brochure published by the Syndicat Intercommunautaire du Nord-Ouest Ardennais (SINOA) 

6, rue de Montmorency - BP 41 - 08230 ROCROI. 

Director of Publication: Jean-François Thiery, Chairman of SINOA. 

Project coordination: SINOA. 

Texts: SINOA. 

Translation: STT - 66 avenue Pierre Goubet F-55840 Thierville sur Meuse, SINOA. 

Graphic design: 5pointcom - 127, avenue de Paris - 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne. 

Photographic credits: Jean-Marie Lecomte - 8, place Hippolyte Noiret - 08390 Louvergny, 

Danielle Champion, Jean Seris, Maison de la Thiérache, Ardennes Terre d’Aventures, Centre 

aquatique du Nord-Ouest Ardennais, Office de Tourisme de Rocroi et du Nord-Ouest 

Ardennais, Fotolia, Phovoir, Goodshoot, Photodisc. 

Cartography: Jean-François Destrée - 1571, La Croix de Fer - 08230 ROCROI. 

Printing: Le Réveil de la Marne - 4 Rue Henri Dunant - 51200 Epernay. 

Information obtained at end of November 2010. 

Magazine cannot be sold. 

Despite all the care taken with this publication, errors or omissions are still possible. Changes 

may also have occurred, for which SINOA cannot be held responsible. Thank you in advance 

for your understanding.

Tourism office of Rocroy 

and North-West Ardennes 

+33(0)324.54.20.06 

info@otrocroi.com 

www.otrocroi.com 

Opening hours : 

October to March : Tourism office is 

open every day (not Monday) 

from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm 

And 2.00pm to 5.00 pm 

April to September : Tourism office is 

open every day 

from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm 

to 6.00 pm 

UPDATE 28/2/2013 

P21 Neuville lez Beaulieu : Poney club (closed) 

P21 Signy le Petit : Horse Drawn Carriage (closed) 

P 27 Lonny : Sale of local produces (closed) 

P 29 Rouvroy/Audry : Le Rimbaud (closed) 

P29 Rimogne : Le St Jacques replaced by La Pyrite. 

P29 Renwez : Hôtel des Voyageurs (closed) only 

restaurant 

P30 Aubigny les Pothées is not “ Clévacances” 

P31 Blanchefosse-et-Bay : Gîte owned by Ms Hardy 

(not Ms Duboys de Lavigerie) 

P31 Brognon : Gîte n°150 capacity: 14 people 

P32 Lonny : Gîtes (closed) 

P32 Logny Bogny: Gîte (closed) 

P33 Prez: Gîte (closed) 

P34 Tarzy: Le Gîte (closed) 

New 

Rocroi : Hotel & Restaurant, Les Sabots d’Hélène 

03 24 37 34 08 

Lonny : B & B CV, 2 rooms, Ms Heurion 

03 24 59 04 13- 06 71 59 10 46 

Lonny : B & B CV, 2 rooms, Ms Miluy 

03 24 59 29 07 

Rocroi : 1 Gîte 9 people GF 03 24 56 89 65 

Maubert Fontaine : 1 Gîte 5 people GF 

06 18 09 22 90 

Antheny: 1 Gîte 6 people GF 03 24 56 89 65 

Liart: 1 Gîte 15 people GF 03 24 56 89 65 

Rimogne : Museum of Slate, open from May to 

September 03 24 35 13 14 

Vaux Villaine : Donkey Ride : Un Ane en Ardennes 

06 19 09 29 97 

Lonny : Gallery and restaurant, Le Chat à 2 têtes 

03 24 54 77 99

Discover 

theRecipe 

to North-West Ardennes! 

Carpeted with forests, crisscrossed by rivers and broken 

up by fortifications that are a reminder of an eventful 

past, North-West Ardennes is a land of great diversity. 

Relax in the enchanting natural environment, drink in our 

beautiful scenery, take a stroll along the many footpaths, 

learn about the history of our people and buildings, have 

fun at our many leisure and entertainment venues and 

savour our mouth-watering specialities. 

In the pages of this tourist guide, we’ll reveal the recipe for 

this unspoilt area. The maps in the centre fold will help you 

get around. 

Welcome to North-West Ardennes and have a great holiday! 

1

Hint ofHeritage 

◆ Rocroi, a star-shaped walled town - A3 

From above, the town of Rocroi is a stone 

star nestling in lush green surroundings. 

Located at the gateway to France, its history 

is synonymous with the wars that 

rocked the borders over the centuries and 

the town’s story is closely linked to that of 

its fortifications. If Rocroi had not had ramparts, 

the Great Condé would never have 

come here to fight Philip IV’s famous Spanish 

Tercios who were laying siege to it. 

As the Middle Ages reached a close and 

Italy began exporting its architects and 

town planners, François I chose Rocroi, set 

in the middle of an almost inaccessible marshy plateau, to defend his kingdom. 

Artillery developed and guns began firing huge cannonballs. The fortifications lost the need 

for verticality and height. The village became a town under constant attack. Its priority slowly 

changed from the protection of property and people to the protection of the kingdom. 

Vauban did not come on the scene until one hundred and fifty years later. He then strengthened 

the walls and gave them the appearance they have today. He also created a double 

line of 26 fortresses along the North-Eastern border 

known as the Pré Carré. Rocroi was part of it. 

Free access to the town walls - To visit Rocroi and 

its fortifications, there is a map of the town in the 

centrefold. The tourist office can organise guided 

tours with advanced booking. 

Information: 

Office de Tourisme de Rocroi 


14, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI 

Tél./Fax. +33(0)324 542 006 

Email: info@otrocroi.com 

Website: www.otrocroi.com 

2 

A 

S ince the days of the Ancient Gauls, North-West Ardennes has 

occupied a much-coveted position on the borders. In fact, its 

geographically strategic location created a climate of insecurity and 

instability that explains the presence of large numbers of fortified 

heritage buildings here, as you can see from the map of fortifications 

in the centre of the guide. 

◆ The Fortifications Trail 

To see the other fortifications in Ardennes, follow the Fortifications Trail. From the Meuse 

Valley to the Chiers Valley and across the Rocroi plateau, the fortresses dotted along the 

route are reminders of an eventful history. They include the Charlemont Fortress built by 

Charles V in Givet, the largest fortress in Europe in Sedan, the star-shaped walled town of 

Rocroi and the last fort on the Maginot Line in La Ferté. The destiny of France and Europe was 

played out on several occasions in the Ardennes: Rocroi (1643) and Sedan (1870-1940). 

Following this Trail is an unforgettable history lesson. 

Information: 

Vitrine Culturelle et Touristique du département des Ardennes - 

Comité Départemental du tourisme des Ardennes 

24, place Ducale - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex - Tel. +33(0) 324 560 608 

Email: info@ardennes.com – Website: www.ardennes.com 

◆ Museum of the Battle of Rocroi 

and the Thirty Years’ War - A3 

On 19th May 1643, in the middle of the 

devastating Thirty Years’ War, the name of 

Rocroi entered the history books. It was 

then that History, with a capital “H”, shattered 

the quiet anonymity of the village 

and, for decades, France’s schoolchildren 

would study what historians consider to be 

one of the ten greatest military victories in 

the country’s history. The great philosopher 

Voltaire described it in glowing terms, “The respect expressed throughout Europe for the 

Spanish Army changed to respect for the French Army, which had not won such a famous battle 

for a hundred years… This day was to bring about glory for France and Condé.” 

The hostility between the kingdoms of France and Spain dated back to 1519, when François I 

failed in his attempt to become the Emperor of Germany and preference was given to Charles 

V. After Henri IV’s assassination, the future King Louis XIII married Anne of Austria who was 

the daughter of King Philip III of Spain. The Defenestration of Prague on 23rd May 1618 

was the incident that started the Thirty Years’ War. Soon the whole of Europe was involved 

and the war resulted in huge loss of life. During this time, France was weakened by the 

successive deaths of Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIII. Meanwhile the Spaniards, who already 

occupied Belgium and the Netherlands, decided to take Rocroi, an essential move if they 

were to capture the kingdom as a whole. However, standing in their way, was a daring young 

soldier, the Duke d’Enghien, later to be known as the “Great Condé”. 

Located on Place du Luxembourg in a 17th-century guardhouse, the Museum of the Battle of 

Rocroi illustrates the glorious moments in the battle using a 20-minute animated slide show. 

Numerous dioramas with a total of almost fifteen thousand figurines depict the Thirty Years’ 

War and a superb relief map explains the history of the fortifications. 

Musée de la Bataille de Rocroi 

et de la Guerre de Trente Ans 

Place du Luxembourg - 08230 ROCROI 

Information: 

Office de Tourisme de Rocroi 


14, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI 

Tel./Fax. +33(0) 324 542 006 

Email: info@otrocroi.com 

Website: www.otrocroi.com 

3

◆ Montcornet Feudal Castle in Ardennes - C4 

Montcornet Castle is one of the largest remaining 

sections of the mediaeval fortifications in Ardennes. 

The historian Michelet described it as a 

“veritable feudal coliseum” and it has been a listed 

building since 1926. Mont Cornu, or “spur of 

rock”, was predestined to be topped by a defensive 

fortress because of its amazing location opposite 

the Sormonne Valley. 

At the end of the 10th century, the Archbishops of 

Reims and Counts of Champagne wanted to ensure 

the security of the Porcien area from German 

attack. They appointed Hugues as first Lord of 

Montcornet. He obtained income from the slate 

quarries in Rimogne and the toll levied at Deville 

on boats travelling along the Meuse. The last of the Montcornet dynasty, Jeanne de Rumigny, 

wife of Miles de Noyers, Constable of France, founded the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen 

downhill from the castle in 1303. It has recently been restored. Little remains of the castle that 

belonged to the Montcornet and Noyers families after the Hundred Years’ War, the factional 

conflict between Armagnacs and Burgundians and attack by wandering gangs of erstwhile 

mercenaries in the 16th century (known as “the Flayers”). 

Purchased in 1446 by Antoine de Croy, the Duke of Burgundy’s chamberlain, a great soldier and 

wily diplomat, the castle was adapted to withstand artillery fire in general and iron cannonballs 

in particular. 

It is these remains that are open to the public today - the barbican protecting the castle entrance, 

the bastion that provided greater protection for the walls, the encased towers and 

the slit windows placed to allow for maximum firepower. After the Croys, the castle belonged 

to Charles de Gonzague, then to the Duke de Mazarin, the famous Cardinal’s nephew. Subsequent 

owners were the Duke d’Aiguillon, a descendent of Cardinal Richelieu, the Marquis 

de Châtillon and Father Lussigny, who brought the old fortress back 

to life after 200 years of neglect. Today, a small museum displays 

the items found during clearance work - pottery, coins, weapons, 

pipes, glasses, jewellery etc. 

Château de Montcornet en Ardenne 

08090 MONTCORNET (on the D22 road, 2km from Renwez). 

Information: 

Association Les Amis du Château de Montcornet 

Tel. +33(0) 324 549 348 

4 

◆ Fortified churches and houses 

in Thiérache 

In the Thiérache area of Ardennes, lookout towers, 

corner towers, machicolations, and slit windows are 

terms usually used in connection with fortresses. 

However, these terms, with their violent rather than 

peaceful connotations, are also used in reference to 

the largest “house” in the village - the church. 

During the uprisings of the 16th and 17th centuries, 

villagers in the border region of Thiérache would take 

refuge in the church, having added elements of 

fortification copied from mediaeval systems of 

defence for greater protection. In addition to 

religious buildings, a number of farms and houses 

were also fortified. 

On the map of fortifications in the centre of this guide, you’ll see that many buildings in 

North-West Ardennes have retained traces of their fortifications, silent witnesses to a tumultuous 

history. 

◆ The Thiérache Fortified Churches Trail 

From Charleville-Mézières on the edge of Aisne, the signposted Thiérache Fortified Churches 

Trail forms a 150-kilometre loop that winds its way through a landscape of hills, hedgerows 

and meadows between the forests of Signy-le-Petit and Signy-l’Abbaye. This is an area of 

outstandingly rich architectural heritage. In addition to the abbeys, castle and fortified houses, 

the fifteen fortified churches serve as impressive reminders of the past with their corner 

towers, keeps, slit windows and lookouts. 

Information: 

Vitrine Culturelle et Touristique du département des Ardennes - 

Comité Départemental du tourisme des Ardennes 

24, place Ducale - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex 

Tel. +33(0) 324 560 608 - Email: info@ardennes.com 

Website: www.ardennes.com 

◆ Arts Centre at the fortified 

church in Servion - C3 

This fortified church in Thiérache is no longer used 

for services; instead, it is a small rural arts centre. Its 

westwork with casemates, Gallo-Roman memorial, 

spiral staircase, remains of old doors and windows 

and countless slit windows attract visitors every year 

- and they always go away, enthralled. 

A botany trail (3 kms) completes the visit to Servion 

(within the boundaries of Rouvroy-sur-Audry). Simply 

lift up the botany information panels to check the 

answer to the question asked. 

Centre Culturel de l’Église Fortifiée de Servion 

08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY 

Information: 

Association des Compagnons de Saint-Etienne 

Email: contact@servion.fr - Website: www.servion.fr 

5

◆ Fortified church in Aouste - C2 

St. Remy’s Church in Aouste is one of the strangest and best-known of the fortified white 

stone churches of the Ardennes. It is a listed building, having been constructed in the 15th and 

17th centuries. A Gothic column kept during a later construction period proves that an older 

church once stood on this spot. 

The exterior is robust. The Flamboyant 

Gothic/Renaissance West door is topped 

by a bartizan. The square tower, a sort of 

belfry, is older than the church itself. The 

walls are one metre thick and are topped 

by crenelations and arrow slits. A spiral 

staircase in the cant-walled tower leads up 

to the top. This is where local people 

would seek refuge in times of invasion in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the tower was 

connected with the top of the vaulting in the nave, people could stay there, store their 

furniture there and even bring their animals there. On the site of the font, in the bakehouse 

adjacent to the tower are a well (now walled up) and a vast fireplace, enabling people to 

isolate themselves here for some considerable time. 

The interior is elegant in its simplicity - a four-span nave flanked 

by side aisles closed off by a five-sided chancel containing a 

marble high altar with six Corinthian columns beneath a canopy. 

All the stained glass dates from the 19th century. 

Église Saint-Rémi d’Aouste - 08290 AOUSTE 

Information: 

Association Socioculturelle d’Aouste 

Tel. +33(0) 324 544 032 

◆ Fortified buildings in Antheny - C2 

The village of Antheny en Thiérache in the Ton Valley is unusual because it boasts two significant 

fortified buildings - a 16th-century fortified church with a 13th-century bell tower and 

a 17th-century fortified private house in the hamlet of Fontenelle. It is a remarkable village 

with origins far back in the mists of time. Its houses, however, were razed to the ground in 

the 17th century, watched by the villagers who had sought refuge in the fortified church. 

Amazingly, villages were allowed to build fortified houses at that time. This is why, if you 

look carefully at the housefronts in the village, 

you will still see traces of fortifications. 

Église fortifiée d’Antheny 

08260 ANTHENY 

Maison fortifiée - 

Hamlet of Fontenelle 

08260 ANTHENY 

(Private property, not open to the public). 

6 

◆ St. Martin’s fortified church in Bossus-les-Rumigny - C1 

The fortified church in Bossus-les- 

Rumigny seems to date from the 17th 

century. Built in several stages, the 

keystone above the altar dates from 

1575. It is a rectangular church with a 

crenelated tower and turrets. The 

chancel includes a shelter, part of 

which is on the first floor. Its windows 

form a system of defence. 

The village of Bossus-les-Rumigny 

is typical of the Thiérache area. It 

includes an octagonal stone dovecote, an old watermill (now restored) and an old 

wash-house. 

Église fortifiée Saint-Martin de Bossus-les-Rumigny 

08290 BOSSUS-LES-RUMIGNY 

◆ Fortified church in Chilly - C3 

According to Albert Meyrac, the fortified church in Chilly dates from the late 15th century. 

Its chancel and sanctuary are remarkable for the ogival arches and lancets. In days gone by, 

villagers would take shelter in the tall church tower during a siege, to defend the village. In 

fact, you can still see traces of crenelations and machicolations. 

Église fortifiée de Chilly 

08260 CHILLY 

7

◆ Flaignes-Havys: 

The fortified churches dedicated to St. Lawrence 

in Flaignes les Oliviers and St. Géry in Havys - C2 

In 1982, the villages of Flaignes les Oliviers and Havys merged to become the village of 

Flaignes-Havys. The two ancient villages each had its own fortified church. 

St. Lawrence’s in Flaignes les Oliviers is said to date, at least in part, from the 11th century but 

most of it was rebuilt in the early 17th 

century after various exactions imposed 

by the Burgundians and Spaniards. The 

first two spans in the nave (there are no 

side aisles) and the bell tower topping 

the West Front date from circa 1660. The 

next three spans date from 1580 and the 

chancel at the end may be from the 

same period, if it is true that the 

crocheted capitals and brackets with 

palmettes were 13th-century features 

that were re-used. Two chapels flank the 

nave and the entrance to the chancel. 

The chapel on the north side dates from 

1480; the one on the south side from 

1666. One of them contains some interesting tombstones. The entire eastern side of the 

church was designed as a system of defence. The walls were built with loopholes and a 

raised loft provided a place of refuge 

accessed from a tower on the north side. 

In Havys, the fortified church dedicated 

to St. Géry is more modest, although it 

also has a tower. It is said to date from 

the 16th century. 

Église fortifiée 

Saint-Laurent de Flaignes 

Flaignes - 08260 FLAIGNES-HAVYS 

Église fortifiée 

Saint Géry de Havys 

Havys- 08260 FLAIGNES-HAVYS 

◆ St. Stephen’s fortified church in Fligny - B1 

In common with many others in the region of Thierache, the church in Fligny suffered at the 

hands of the military, regular army and mercenaries, who scoured this land right through 

from the Hundred Year’s War to the troubled times of the 16th and 17th centuries. Destroyed 

in 1340, put to the torch by the imperial army in 1521 and again, by the prince of Orange in 1555, 

it was rebuilt in 1570 thanks to the generosity of François de Lorraine. The chancel is flanked 

by a round access tower and has a raised garret for taking refuge, with numerous arrow slits 

in the walls. 

Église Saint-Etienne de Fligny 

08380 FLIGNY 

8 

◆ St. Stephen’s fortified church in Laval-Morency - C3 

St. Stephen’s Church in Laval Morency was burnt down in 1622. Later, it was rebuilt in the 

Gothic style. At present, the church has a Cross-shaped layout with a nave but no side aisles. 

The church has ribbed vaulting except for the rounded chancel which has a ceiling. The loft 

is reached by a spiral staircase in one of the round towers dotted with loopholes, flanking the 

south arm of the transept. The loopholes were designed for defensive purposes. On the walls 

of the arms of the transept are corbels for a bartizan. The fortified church in Laval-Morency 

has been listed in the Additional Inventory of Historic Monuments. 

Église fortifiée Saint-Etienne de Laval-Morency 

08150 LAVAL-MORENCY 

◆ Notre-Dame fortified church in Liart - D2 

It is said that, in the 11th century, a statue of the Virgin Mary was 

found in a wood at the confluence of the Glandu and Deuline 

rivers. The statue was wrapped in ivy, hence the name of the village 

of Liart (ivy = lierre in France). The wooden statue, found 

almost 1,000 years ago, gave Liart a patron saint, Our Lady of Liart, 

who protected its parishioners in the superb fortified building. 

Notre-Dame Church was fortified in the 15th century and resembles 

a castle. Its impressive rectangular westwork looks like a 

two-storey keep. A bartizan and countless slit windows defended 

the narrow west door. The two turrets lead to an attic in which people could shelter. The 

stained-glass window in the chancel is a reminder of the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Joy to pray 

to its black Virgin Mary. 

When you come to Liart, you can also visit an orchard-conservatorium set up by Liart 

Council, and the future Ardennes regional country park. 

Église Notre-Dame de Liart - 08230 LIART 

9

◆ St. Martin’s fortified church 

in Prez - C2 

St. Martin’s fortified church in Prez consists of a nave 

leading into a chancel with a raised loft designed as a 

place of refuge and defence. The defensive nature of 

the building is further accentuated by the presence of 

a flanked round tower dotted with slit windows on 

the south side. Two apsidal chapels projecting beyond 

the line of the building on the outside open onto the 

entrance of the chancel, forming something like a transept. 

The entire church was built in the 16th century. 

The ribs on the vaulting penetrate into the pillars. 

Église fortifiée Saint-Martin de Prez 

08290 PREZ 

◆ The fortified church in Remilly-les-Pothées - D3 

The fortified church in Remilly-les-Pothées dates from the 14th century. The ogival-styled 

church is fully vaulted and perfectly preserved; it has undergone no alteration whatsoever. 

It consists of a nave and side aisles, a transept and an apse. 

Église fortifiée de Remilly-les-Pothées 

08150 REMILLY-LES-POTHEES 

◆ St. Nicholas fortified church in Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2 

The church in Signy-le-Petit was built in the 17th century after the previous chapel was burnt 

down in 1636 by the Spaniards. 

Construction took 6 years to complete between 1680 and 1686, as is evident from the dates 

engraved in the front of the tower (1680) and on the outside above a machicolation (1686). 

The church forms a Latin cross 36 metres long, 10.66 metres wide in the nave and 12 metres 

high up to the vaulting. The spire on the bell 

tower rises to a height of 30 metres above 

the ground. 

The walls, 3 metres thick at the base of the 

tower, were built of quartzite schist. The 

westwork, flanked by two watch turrets with 

pepperpot roofs, leads into the nave which 

has brick vaulting over ribs built of yellow 

stone. 

Église fortifiée de Signy-le-Petit 

08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT 

10 

◆ The fortified church in Tarzy - B2 

Tarzy, a village typical of Thiérache, has a fortified 

church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

Built to a rectangular layout with a defensive 

tower in the north-east corner and interior vaulting, 

it has withstood numerous sieges during the 

various periods of invasion. Its nave has a ceiling 

and the chancel with its ribbed vaulting 

dates from 1570. There 

is a shelter above the 

chancel, where the 

roof is higher than in 

the nave. Countless defensive openings can be seen right round 

the building. 

Église fortifiée de Tarzy - 08380 TARZY 

◆ Fortified house in Rumigny, 

la Cour des Prés - C1 

This fortified house was built in 1546 for the Provost of 

Rumigny, Louis Martin, in answer to a call from King François 

I to fortify the region and provide better protection 

for the population against invasion by Charles V’s imperial 

troops. It was in the old castle in Rumigny, in 1643, that 

the Great Condé decided to fight the famous Battle of 

Rocroi. Jean-Baptiste Piette, a descendent of Louis Martin, 

had to demolish the keep and drawbridge during the 

Reign of Terror. 

When the Directoire took over government, he restored his house and added a tower on 

the south side. Edouard Piette, his grandson, was one of the “founding fathers” of the science 

of prehistory. He brought all the items he uncovered during digs to Rumigny, later bequeathing 

them to the museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. La Cour des Prés, which has often been 

passed on down the female line, has always remained in the same family and each owner has left 

something of his/her own period of history. 

Evening functions with candlelit dinners are held in the Renaissance rooms of the historic Cour 

des Prés during the summer season. Part of the house has been made into B&B accommodation. 

La Cour des Prés - 1 rue Louis Martin (Champlin road) - 08290 RUMIGNY 

Information, guided tours and special events: 

Tel. +33(0) 324 355 266 - Email: la-cour-des-pres@laposte.net 

11

◆ Le Maipas fortified farm - C2 

This fortified house set at the end of a vast courtyard is dazzlingly white in the sunshine. 

Initially, only its roof emerges from the floor of the valley. There are four corner towers 

flanking the main house, topped by a carved stone cornice. 

In 1650, Louys de Brodard was Lord of Boulan, La Loge Rosette and Le Maipas, in the 

community of Antheny, within the barony of Rumigny. The Brodard house was in the 

Rocroi area after the imperial Spanish troops had passed through and in the days when the 

metalworking industry was revived on the River Eau Noire. 

In the second half of the 17th century, in 1657 to be precise, the family’s descendent, Lord de 

Maipas, was standing in front of the great fireplace, warming himself in the house hidden 

in the valley. It was the time of the Thirty Years’ War. He did not have to suffer like the 

villagers in Prez whose houses were set alight by the enemy. Was he saved by his stone house 

or by its isolated location? 

Ferme fortifiée du Maipas 

08290 PREZ 


◆ Fortified house in Wartigny - C3 

In the hamlet of Wartigny, which lies within the boundaries of Murtin-Bogny, is another 

fortified building, once a fortified house and now a farm. It is said to have been Antoine de 

Croy who had the house in Wartigny fortified to provide protection against the gangs of 

unemployed soldiers who were ravaging the area in 1450. After the French Revolution, like 

most aristocratic residences, Wartigny Castle was partially demolished. The only reminder 

of the past still visible today is a turret with black brick bonding. 

Maison forte de Wartigny - 

Hameau de Wartigny 

08150 MURTIN-BOGNY 


12 

In addition to its fortified houses and churches, 

North-West Ardennes has much, much more 

to offer tourists. 

◆ Rimogne, the Slate Town - C3 

The slate-bearing schists of the primary Ardennes were formed during 

the hercynian folding of the Cambrian uplands. Rimogne 

was one of the main slate-quarrying locations in addition to 

those in the Meuse Valley. For centuries, the town gained its 

income from the slate that has left its mark on the surrounding 

landscape. Slate quarrying began in 1158 when 

Pierre de Montcornet granted the monks of Signy the right 

to search for slate within the boundaries of Rimogne and Le 

Châtelet and extract what they considered to be a “reasonable” 

amount. From the 13th century onwards, licences were granted in 

increasing numbers and slate quarrying reached its peak in the mid 19th 

century. After the euphoria that followed the First World War came the economic slump. 

Then, despite a few attempts at modernisation after the Second World War, the slate 

quarries closed down. 

Rimogne slate can be blue or green. It is a luxurious building 

material that owes its reputation to its many properties. It is 

waterproof, flexible, incombustible, resistant to acid and 

shockproof. It can also last for more than 150 years. In fact, Rimogne 

slate has often been used for historic buildings. 

Although slate quarrying has now ceased, slate is still to be 

seen in the village of Rimogne. It clads the edge of the 

St. Quentin well, there are 19th-century slate graves in the 

cemetery, the stained-glass windows in the church were 

donated by slate quarriers and the tradition of St. Barbara, 

patron saint of slate quarriers, is still alive and well. 

Information: 

Website on Rimogne‘s past - www.surlesentierdupasse.fr 

13

◆ Bonnefontaine Abbey - D1 

The old Cistercian abbey of Bonnefontaine, in the 

town of Blanchefosse-et-Bay, is now private property. 

From Rue du Moulin, you can see the gable on 

the right arm of the transept in the abbey church, 

with its rose window. Founded in 1175 by Nicolas III of 

Rumigny, the abbey flourished despite successive 

waves of pillaging. Its printworks were famous for 

many years. Its monks, originally from Signy-l’Abbaye, 

built a Gothic church in the 13th century. The church 

was connected to the monastery by a cloister. The 

abbot’s palace dates from the 17th century. As the 

monks accumulated wealth, they became lazy and 

gradually relaxed the rules that they found too arduous. By the time of the French Revolution, 

there were only eight monks 

left in Bonnefontaine. The abbey 

became national property and was 

sold in 1792. 

Abbaye de Bonnefontaine 

08290 BLANCHEFOSSE-ET-BAY 

(Private property, not open 

to the public). 

◆ Church of St. John the Baptist, Hannappes - C1 

The Church of St. John the Baptist in Hannappes 

deserves to be much better-known than it is. It is 

a beautiful building of outstanding interest (it is a 

listed building). Built with ribbed lancet arching 

and laid out in the form of a Latin Cross, the 

church has nevertheless retained the squat, solid 

appearance of Romanesque churches. The crocheted 

capitals on the entrance were also of Romanesque 

inspiration. Yet the chancel, transept 

and chapels are fine examples of Early Gothic with 

their pointed arches supported by colonnettes 

(entrance) and ribbed vaulting elsewhere. Although 

not fortified, the church was often used as 

a refuge and used to contain a well. 

Église Saint Jean-Baptiste de Hannappes 

08290 HANNAPPES 

14 

◆ Château de l’Echelle - C3 

Located on the hilltops near "Grant Mont", bounded 

by the Sormonne Valley to the north and Audry Valley 

to the south, the village of Echelle is undoubtedly 

one of the most typical Ardennes villages in the region. 

The 16th-century castle opposite the church is 

still an impressive sight. It is laid out as a square, flanked 

by massive towers. In the village of L’Echelle, you 

will also find a school museum (musée de l’École d’Hier), 

church, old wash-house and arboretum. 

Le Château de l’Echelle - 08150 L’ECHELLE 

◆ La Ganguille barrow (Saint-Marcel) - D3 

The Ganguille barrow in Giraumont dates 

from some 2,000 years B.C. It is approximately 

5 metres long and consists of three slabs 

of sandstone weighing up to 10 tonnes covering 

two chambers and supported by walls of 

dressed stone. A Gallic grave was randomly 

added to the side at a later date. 

Dolmen de la Ganguille 

Giraumont - 08460 SAINT-MARCEL 

◆ The Daudece Tower - C3 

Nestling in the Sormonne Valley, the village 

of Le Châtelet-sur-Sormonne is watched 

over by a tower high above the river. 

This is the Daudece Tower, a reminder of 

the old fortified house (extensively altered). 

It is said to have been erected on a 

very old site. In 1792, when it was partially 

demolished, Roman coins were found 

here. 

La Tour Daudece - Le Chatelet Bas - 

08150 LE CHATELET SUR SORMONNE 

◆ Blombay Mill - C2/C3 

In the village of Blombay, at an altitude of 300 

metres, is a fully-restored windmill. 

Le Moulin de Blombay 

08260 BLOMBAY 


15

D iscover farm life 

16 

A 

Dash ofDiscovery 

◆ The teaching farm in Liart - D2 

In an old farmhouse built in typical style, the Maison de la 

Thiérache visitors’ centre set up a teaching farm almost 15 

years ago. It is the starting point for a range of activities - 

theme afternoons, walks with a pack donkey and "kids’ 

mornings". 

Information: 

Maison de la Thiérache - 08290 LIART 

Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833 

Website: www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr 

◆ In the depths of the countryside - A2 

Claudie Boulet-Pierquin has opened a family holiday centre in Regniowez that has been accredited 

by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. During the school holidays, Claudie, a retired teacher, 

organises holiday camps for children between the ages of 6 and 11 and offers customised 

hospitality throughout the year to suit people of all ages. With her husband, Bernard Boulet, 

a dairy farmer, Claudie and her staff teach people about a dairy farmer’s life and the 

world of farming in general through tours of the farm, nature rambles, snacks with farm produce 

and scientific activities on sustainable development adapted for visitors of all ages. 

Claudie and Bernard’s teaching garden grows the vegetables used to make real “Au Cœur des 

Champs” soup for adults and children. Evening meals with the farmer are a great opportunity 

to share and discuss experiences. 

“Au cœur des Champs” is a member of the national "Accueil Paysan” and “Ecole et Nature” 

networks. 

Disabled access. 

Information: 

“Au Cœur des Champs” - 2, La Songière - 08230 Regniowez - Tel. +33(0) 324 294 302 

Email: aucoeurdeschamps@west-telecom.com - Website: www.aucoeurdeschamps.com 

◆ Bienvenue à la Ferme - La Ferme de Girondelle - C2 

In the village of Girondelle, in the depths of a lush valley in the Thiérache area of Ardennes, 

Pascal and Pierrette Brosse welcome you to their farm with their "Bienvenue à la 

ferme" rooms and table d’hôte meals. 

Enjoy a snack and discover the taste of real farm produce. The snack is made up of local 

specialities and includes a drink. 

With advanced booking: 

Tour of the farm, light meals, farm snack, birthday “tea”. 

Information and bookings: 

Mr. and Mrs. Pascal and Pierrette Brosse 

4-6, Grand’rue - 08260 GIRONDELLE 

Tel. +33(0) 324 543 132 - Email: pierrette.brosse287@orange.fr 

Website: girondelle.free.fr 

◆ Renwez Forest Museum - C3 

Renwez, across the border in Ardennes itself, is famous for 

its forest museum. 

The timber reception building on stilts houses 7 electronic 

museography rooms on various subjects using models, 

puppets, a cinema, information on the planting of conifer 

forests, flora and fauna etc. 

Outside, using an audioguide in 4 languages: museum, walks 

in the 11 hectares of forest, 35 worksites including wooden 

figures illustrating the various types of work carried out in 

the forest. 

A collection of more than 4,000 tools and machines. 

Several unmissable events such as the two wood chopping 

competitions and the mushroom exhibition. 

Souvenir shop, refreshments. Meals available with advanced 

booking. Conference or meeting room. Disabled 

access. A very instructive, cultural and 

interesting place. 

Musée de la Forêt “Janine and Henri Vastine” 

Route de Sécheval - 08150 RENWEZ 

Information: 

Tel. +33(0) 324 548 266 

Fax: +33(0) 324 548 120 

Email: musee-de-la-foret@wanadoo.fr 

Website: www.renwez.fr 

17

◆ School Museum - C3 

Housed in the old classroom in the village of L’Echelle is a school museum that recreates the 

atmosphere of a good old country school with equipment from bygone days to show visitors 

what schools were like in the last century – blackboard, abaci, teacher’s desk, school 

desks with their porcelain inkwells, glass-fronted cupboards etc. 

Visitors can flick through old exercise books, school books etc. 

In this setting, certain people wanted to relive or discover the atmosphere of the famous 

"qualifying examination". On several occasions, other visitors nostalgically wrote with dip pens 

and purple ink on "school" paper. 

In addition to visits, other initiatives allow visitors to think back to the old days and appreciate 

the changes made between then and now. 

Musée de l’École d’Hier 

1st floor of the castle - 08150 L’ECHELLE 

Information: 

Tel. +33(0) 324 330 299 or +33(0) 324 358 022 

Email: musecoledhier@orange.fr 

◆ Priory workshops - A2 

A small museum illustrating the life and work 

of Father Bonaventure Fieuillien. 

Exhibition of the Father’s work. 

Les Ateliers du Prieuré 

24, rue de l’Europe - 08230 REGNIOWEZ 

Information: 

Tel. +33(0) 324 541 478 

18 

A 

Nugget ofNature 

North-West Ardennes is a land of contrasts, unusual for the three 

geomorphological units for which the Ardennes are famous - 

the Pre-Ardennes peaks (Thiérache), the Pre-Ardennes depression 

(Sormonne Valley) and Ardenne (Rocroi Plateau). 

The Rocroi Plateau 

To the north-east of the area is the vast Rocroi Plateau carpeted with 

woodland and dotted with clearings large and small in which villages 

and hamlets have been built. It covers an area stretching from the 

Belgian border to a line between Signy-le-Petit and Renwez. The average 

altitude is approximately 350 metres but is much lower to the 

south and west. The geological nature of the subsoil makes crop 

growing difficult. The Rocroi Plateau has various ecological locations 

including the “rièzes”, peat bogs with particularly interesting flora and 

fauna. 

Thiérache Ardennaise 

To the south-west of the area is the eastern edge of the vast natural 

region of "Thiérache” which stretches over the départements of Aisne, 

Nord and Ardennes and juts into Belgium. This is an area of rolling 

hills and dales. The highest point is the Butte de Marlemont (292 

metres). Thiérache Ardennaise is nicknamed "Little Normandy" 

because of its hedgerows, pastures and stock breeding. Numerous 

rivers rise in this area e.g. the Audry, Aube and Serre. 

Sormonne Valley 

The Sormonne Valley is a corridor filled with meadows and fields of 

crops. It lies between the Pre-Ardennes peaks in the south and the 

uplands of Ardennes in the north. In fact, it corresponds to the 

Pre-Ardennes depression. It is wide upstream from Laval-Morency and 

downstream from Sormonne, but becomes narrower and rugged 

around the town of Chatelet-sur-Sormonne. The River Sormonne 

flows diagonally through the area in a north-west to south-east 

direction before joining the River Meuse in Charleville-Mézières. 

19

Map 

ofRocroi 

Map 

ofFortifications

Map 

of North-West 

Ardennes

Walking 

◆ Walkers’ guide - « Randonnées 

sur le Plateau de Rocroi 

et en Thiérache Ardennaise » 

To the west of the picturesque Meuse Valley, the uplands 

of Ardennes include a high plateau overlooking the 

meadows and hills of Thiérache, amid forests, marshes and 

lakes. This is a border area, protected by fortified buildings, 

fortresses and fortified churches. History and locality reveal 

their innermost nature on the 38 signposted walks comprising 

loopback routes of 3 to 20 km. They’re ideal for relaxation and 

they run through some of the best beauty spots in the area. 

The guide is on sale at the tourist office (Office de Tourisme 

de Rocroi et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais). 

◆ La Boulette botany trail - C3 

The Boulette botany trail is a 3.5 kilometre walk from the fortified church in Servion across 

the hillside above. 

Panels with information on back and front give the characteristics and properties of the 

various types of tree, shrub and plant. 

The walk includes two superb views: 

◆ L'Echelle, its castle and the surrounding countryside; 

◆ The Sonru Valley and the bell tower in Neufmaison. 

Wild orchids peek out from the undergrowth from springtime onwards 

(N.B. Protected species! Do not pick them!). 

A document about the walk is available free of charge at the Arts Centre (“centre culturel”) 

in Servion church. 

ENJOY YOUR WALK! 

Centre Culturel de l’Église Fortifiée de Servion 

08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY 

Information: 

Association des Compagnons de Saint-Etienne 

Email: contact@servion.fr - Website: www.servion.fr 

◆ Walkers’ guide - 

« Les Ardennes à pied » 

Ardennes is less than three hours from Paris, Lille, Nancy or 

Dijon, on the border with Belgium. It is a fabulous area that is 

well worth a visit. 

It is famous for nature at its most triumphant, for its woodlands 

and bucolic, gently-rolling hills and for the simple life 

led by people who are deeply attached to their area and their 

traditions. 

In the guide, "Les Ardennes à pied", 47 walks (PR®) are graded by level of difficulty (loopback 

routes taking 2 hrs to 6 hrs). Each of them is accompanied by an IGN colour map. There are 

also numerous informative texts and photos accompanying the descriptions of the walk to 

give a full idea of the diversity of the countryside and the local culture. 

The guide is on sale in bookshops. 

20 

◆ Santiago de Compostella 

Throughout the Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostella was the most important destination 

for countless pilgrims from all over Europe. Today, you can walk in their footsteps by following 

the path between Namur and Vézelay via Reims. It takes you across the Rocroi Plateau 

and Thiérache area. 

Information: 

www.randonneurs-pelerins.fr 

◆ Long-distance waymarked footpath: the GR 12 

The long-distance GR12 footpath runs from Amsterdam through Belgium to Paris. From 

Gué-d’Hossus to Vaux-Villaine, the GR12 crosses north-west Ardennes. 

Information: 

http://www.gr-infos.com/gr12a.htm 

R iding 

◆ Eteignières - Les Écuries du Taillis - B2 

Children’s courses for beginners or more advanced riders (+4 years). Trekking available. 

State-qualified instructor. 

Route de Rocroi 

08260 ETEIGNIERES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 543 534 - Email: assolesecuriesdutaillis@yahoo.fr 

www.assolesecuriesdutaillis.e-monsite.com 

◆ La Neuville-lez-Beaulieu 

Pony Club de Beaulieu - B2 

Rides and beginners’ lessons for all ages. 

Main Beaulieu road 

08380 LA NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU 

Tel. +33(0) 324 575 909 - Email: www.poney-club-beaulieu.ffe.com 

◆ Signy-le-Petit - Horse rides - B1/B2 

1 to 2-hour rides for beginners or advanced riders. From 8 years. Carriage rides through the 

streets of the village. 

Croix Colas - 08380 SIGNY LE PETIT 

Tel. +33(0) 324 531 125 - www.baladeachevalcroixcolas.com 

Cycle and mountain bike hire. 

H ire of bikes 

◆ BMX, all-terrain and 

mountain bikes - B1/B2 

Mrs. Myriam VIGNIER - Croix Colas 

08380 SIGNY LE PETIT 

Tel. +33 (0) 324 531 125 

www.baladeachevalcroixcolas.com 

21

D onkey rides 

◆ “Rando Anes” at the Liart teaching farm - D2 

Saunter along at the speed of Cabriole, Réglisse etc., the donkeys from the teaching farm and 

tour the Thiérache countryside with your family. Guided treks and donkey hire for outings on 

your own, lasting from a half-day to 3 days. 

Information: Maison de la Thiérache - 08290 LIART 

Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833 - Website: www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr 

Aouting with a SEGWAY® personal transporter 

◆ Nearby, Segway personal transporters - 

Ardenne Terre d’Aventures 

Vome and try a Segway personal transporter on the shores of Les 

Vieilles Forges Lake in the heart of the Ardennes Forest! Bitumen, dirt 

tracks, undergrowth and sand all make for an unforgettable outing!! 

Our Segway-certified guide will take charge of you for 1 hour during 

which you will learn the basics of riding a Segway PT and discover the 

skills you need to ride over rough ground on a Segway X2, an allterrain 

machine. 

Information: 

Ardennes terre d’Aventures - rue du Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 531 843 - Email: terreaventures@hotmail.fr 

Website: www.ardennes-terre-aventures.com 

A ngling 

Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et la Protection 

du Milieu Aquatique (Ardennes Angling and Aquatic 

Environment Protection Federation) 

Parc d’Activité Ardennes Emeraude - 08090 Tournes 

Tel. +33(0) 324 564 132 - Fax. +33(0)324 593 111 

Email: fedepecheardennes@wanadoo.fr - Website: www.federationpeche.fr/08 

◆ “Angling in Ardennes” map 

The Ardennes are well-known for their majestic, well-stocked forests but they also have a 

wide variety of aquatic environments. Peat bogs, mountain streams, fast-flowing rivers and 

coastal waterways are home to 42 species of fish. 

Ardennes tourist board has joined forces with the Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et 

la Protection du Milieu Aquatique to produce an angling map that covers the département 

of Ardennes. Called “Angling in Ardennes”, the map is available in tourist offices or from the 

Ardennes tourist board (Comité Départemental du Tourisme des Ardennes). You can also 

download it on www.ardennes.com 

◆ Info Pêche Ardennes 

The Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique publishes 

a magazine every year. It is particularly well-designed, with plenty of practical tips for people 

wanting to enjoy the sport in Ardennes. The magazine also contains feature articles on 

local environmental problems. Get your free copy from outlets selling angling permits, from 

tourist offices or from the Ardennes tourist board (comité départemental du tourisme des 

Ardennes). You can also download it on the Federation’s website: www.federationpeche.frl08. 

22 

A 

F ulness ofF un 

◆ North-West Ardennes water complex - A3 

The North-West Ardennes water complex close to 

the Belgian border offers a range of sports activities, 

fun and relaxation thanks to its flume, sauna, 

jacuzzi, water aerobics, seniors’ club, courses and 

swimming lessons. 

The cafeteria has an extensive menu of refreshments, 

ices and salads. 

Centre Aquatique du Nord-Ouest Ardennais 

16, avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI 

Information: 

Tel. +33(0) 324 526 412 - Email: centre-aquatique-rocroi@wanadoo.fr 

◆ Lake La Motte - B1/B2 

La Motte is a small lake with a sandy beach in 

wooded surroundings in Signy-le-Petit. There is 

a lifeguard in attendance in July and August. 

Nearby are numerous picnic areas on the edge 

of the woods. 

NO ADMISSION CHARGE. 

Étang de la Motte - Route de la Motte 


Information: 

Communauté de Communes de la Région 

de Signy-le-Petit 

Tel. +33(0) 324 535 101 

◆ Nearby, 

Les Vieilles Forges lake 

On the shores of Les Vieilles Forges Lake, Ardennes “County Council” has laid out a vast tourist 

complex. The 150-hectare lake is ideal for a range of water sports (swimming, windsurfing, 

sailing etc.) and has banks specially designed for fishing. Lifeguard services are available on the 

specially designed sandy beach that, like the toilet blocks, are open for 3 months every year. 

Playgrounds, picnic areas and a fitness course complete the leisure amenities provided for the 

pleasure of holidaymakers. 

NO ADMISSION CHARGE. 

Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES 

Information: 

Base départementale - Tel. +33(0) 324 401 720 - Website: www.cg08.fr 

23

◆ Aerial leisure park 

Nearby, Ardennes Terre d’Aventures 

Want to rise above things? Want to get those lungs pumping? 

Prepare for some real fresh air, thrills and excitement! 

Rugged hillsides, 70 year old spruce forests and a 150-hectare 

lake make the park look like a picture from a Canadian 

travel book but this is the Ardennes Forest and the Ardennes 

Terre d’Aventures staff give visitors a very warm welcome. 

This is certainly a chance to forget your everyday life 

with a 2-kilometre walk in the treetops, more than 70 activity 

platforms, 10 flying foxes etc. 

There’s no excuse. Whether you’re athletic or not, children 

and/or adults can come here on their own, with their family 

or in groups and experience a unique aerial adventure 

close to the treetops. 

There are flying foxes, monkey bridges, climbing nets, Dogon ladders, climbing wall, midway 

cycling etc. Travel safely from tree to tree using a range of specific equipment (lifelines, safety 

harness, snap links, leads and pulleys). Our qualified staff (they hold a vocational qualification 

for operators of aerial acrobatic courses and a first aid certificate) will help you don 

the gear, give you some safety recommendations and advise you on the use of the equipment. 

Now it’s all up to you! There are 5 routes of increasing difficulty: Adventure - Family - Discovery 

- Adrenalin Rush – Vertigo. 

Information: 

Ardennes terre d’Aventures - rue du Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 531 843 - Email: terreaventures@hotmail.fr 

Website: www.ardennes-terre-aventures.com 

◆ Go-karting in Lonny - C3 

An accredited 600-metre track for adults, the over 12s and 

children aged over 7 years. The equipment consists of 

twelve go-karts with 200 c.c. 4-stroke engines and seven 

children’s go-karts with 100 c.c. engines. 

Also available on site: snack bar, cafeteria and bar with a 

panoramic view of the track and an outdoor stand (100 

seats) with a view of the track. 

There is a baby park for under 6 year olds. 

The kart track in Lonny has been famous over the last few 

years as the "largest track in Ardennes". It offers quality, 

cleanliness and maximum safety. And while on the subject 

of safety - there are rules in go-karting, which we will teach you on information panels and 

through a short briefing session before you hit the track. 

See you soon at the go-kart track in Lonny! 

Information: 

Karting de Lonny 

20 rue de la Gare - 08150 LONNY 

Tel. +33(0) 324 549 982 

Email: info@karting-lonny.fr 

Website: www.karting-lonny.fr 

24 

Crazy-golf 

◆ Lonny - C3 

The go-kart track in Lonny also has a 12-hole crazy golf course set amid flowers and shrubs. 

Information: 

Karting de Lonny 

20 rue de la Gare - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 982 

Email: info@karting-lonny.fr - Website: www.karting-lonny.fr 

◆ Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2 

At the Domaine de la Motte, there is an 18-hole crazy golf course for family fun. 

Information: 

Domaine de la Motte - Base de loisirs 

08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473 - Email: contact@domainedelamotte.eu 

Website: www.domainedelamotte.eu 

C inema close by 

◆ Le Métropolis 

Rue Longueville - 08000 CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 332 208 - Email: metropolis@cinemet.fr - www.cinemet.fr 

D isco 

◆ La Chaumière - A1 

Rue Pisselotte - 08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 535 699 - www.chaumiere.free.fr 

Annual events 

◆ May - June 

Serv’image Festival organised by the Arts Centre 

at the fortified church in Servion - C3 

◆ June 

Feast of St. John firework display in Montcornet - C4 

◆ July - August 

Wood chopping competition at the Renwez 

Forest Museum - C3 

◆ August 

Street Drama Festival in Houldizy, 

3rd Sunday in August - C4 

25

26 26 

Arts &Crafts 

◆ Maubert Fontaine - B2 

Water colourist - ATELIER AQUARELLIA 

15, Rue du Château - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 632 

www.paysagesdardenne.skyrock.com and www.paysagesdardenne.vpweb.fr 

Topiary - ESPACES TOPIAIRES 

9, Lotissement Jardin Bidois - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE 

Tel. +33 (0) 324 326 097 or +33 (0) 642 325 138 - www.espace-topiaires.cabanova.fr 

Manufacture of hunting knives - COUTELLERIE 

6, Place de la Mairie - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE 

Tel. +33 (0) 324 352 297- www.jean-tanazack.com 

◆ Rocroi - A3 

Figurine maker - Denis HURE 

2269, Chemin Bidot - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 542 394 - www.jemep.be/figurines 

LocalProduce 

◆ Auge - B1 

Apples and apple juice - Mr. Jean-Yves CHEVANNE 

6, Grande Rue - 08380 AUGE - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 762 

◆ Auvillers-les-Forges - B2 

Honey and spiced honey bread - Mr. Pascal BOSSU 

16, rue des Alouettes - 08260 AUVILLERS-LES-FORGES - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 079 

◆ Etalle - C2 

Organic production of beef, veal and lamb - 

minced steak, spicy sausages and beef sausages - Mr. René GILLET 

Rogischamps - 08260 ETALLE - Tél. : +33(0)3 24 35 00 46 

◆ Flaignes-Havys - C2 

Orchard fruit jam - Mrs. Joëlle LHEUTRE 

Havys - 08260 FLAIGNES HAVYS - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 318 

◆ Laval Morency - C3 

Goats’ cheese - Mrs. Françoise GOSSELIN 

Lotissement Le Chéneau - 08150 LAVAL MORENCY - Tel. +33(0) 324 528 241 

◆ Liart - D2 

Processing and sale of nettle-based products - wild plants and old-fashioned 

vegetables - Ortie et compagnie - Mr. Nicolas POTDEVIN 

Bois des Haies - 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 528 241 

◆ La Neuville aux Joutes - A1 

Meat producer - Mr. Francis GATHON 

08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 221 


Sale of local produce - LES DELICES DU MOULIN - “Le vieux Moulin” 

23, rue du Moulin - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 371 740 

www.lesdelicesdumoulin.over-blog.com 

◆ Prez - C2 

Sale of pork and deli products - GAEC DEMORGNY 

8, rue de la Salivette - 08260 PREZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 085 

◆ Remilly-les-Pothées - D3 

Organic meat production - Mr. Frederick FOULON 

1, rue du Château - 08150 REMILLY-LES-POTHEES - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 305 

◆ Rouvroy-sur-Audry - C3 

Organic dairy products - GAEC DU MONT FOSSE 

Route de Remilly-les-Pothées - Servion - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY 

Tel. +33(0) 324 376 307 - http://gaecdumontfosse.pagesperso-orange.fr 

Markets andFairs 

◆ Blanchefosse-et-Bay - D1 

Country Fair, 4th Sunday in August. 

◆ Bourg-Fidèle - B3 

Fruit and vegetable market, Monday afternoons. 

◆ Eteignières - B2 

Occasional country markets. Contact the Town Hall in Eteignières for information. 

Tel. +33(0) 324 543 008 

◆ La Neuville-aux-Joutes - A1 

Foodlovers’ Feast (stands at which to taste, and buy, local produce and products). 

Last weekend in August. 

27 

27


Commercial fair, 2nd weekend in March. 

◆ Renwez - C3 

Market every Thursday morning. 

Country market, last Friday of the month, 3.30pm - 8pm. 

Apple Fair, second last Sunday of October. 

◆ Rimogne - C3 

Commercial Fair, Ascension Thursday. 


Tuesday mornings for weekly markets. Also first Mondays of the month, monthly fair, 

afternoons only. 


Market, Thursday morning, 9am to 11am. 

Restaurants 

◆ Au Repos du Lièvre - B2 

La Cense Gobron- 08260 MAUBERT-FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 165 

◆ Aux Chandeliers - C3 

261, Grande Rue - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 559 

www.auxchandeliers.com 

◆ Cafétéria du Centre Aquatique - A3 

13, Avenue du Général-Moreau - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 526 412 

◆ Chez Jean - D2 

Aux Quatre Routes- 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 014 

◆ Chez Mère Grand - B2 

13, Route de Rocroi- 08260 ETEIGNIERES - Tel. +33(0) 324 540 707 

◆ Hôtel des Voyageurs - C3 

11, rue des Martyrs de la résistance - 08150 RENWEZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 326 

◆ Hôtel du Commerce - A3 

Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 115 - www.voltolini.fr 

◆ La Hulotte Au Lion d’Or - B1/B2 

Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 176 - www.lahulotte-auliondor.fr 

◆ La Murée - B3 

35, rue Catherine de Clèves - 08230 BOURG-FIDELE - Tel. +33(0) 324 542 445 

www.campingdelamuree.com 

28 28 

◆ La Table de Condé - A3 

4, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 532 365 

◆ Le Cristal - B2 

24, Route Nationale - 08260 MAUBERT-FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 354 599 

◆ L’Entracte - B1/B2 

Le Pré Hugon - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473- www.domainedelamotte.eu 

◆ Le Filippi - C3 

4, rue principale - 08090 HAM-LES-MOINES - Tel. +33(0) 324 536 098 

◆ Le Rimbaud - C3 

Grande rue - 08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 322 719 

◆ Le Saint-Jacques - C3 

35, place de la République - 08150 RIMOGNE - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 464 

◆ Les Remparts - A3 

10, rue des Remparts - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 183 

◆ Mon Idée - B2 

24, Route Nationale - 08260 AUVILLERS-LES-FORGES - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 277 

◆ Motel Dubois - B2 

43, Route Nationale - 08280 NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 255 

◆ Relais du Piquet - C3 

Le Piquet - 08150 TREMBLOIS-LES-ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 386 

Accommodation 

Hotels 

◆ Hôtel des Voyageurs - C3 

11, rue des Martyrs de la Résistance - 08150 RENWEZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 326 

◆ Hôtel du Commerce - A3 

5, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 115 - www.voltolini.fr 

◆ Hôtel du Lion d’Or - B1/B2 

Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 176 - www.lahulotte-auliondor.fr 

◆ Motel Dubois - B2 

43, Route Nationale - 08380 NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 255 

29 

29

GroupAccommodation 

◆ Au cœur des Champs - A2 

Located in the main house, "Au coeur des champs", which is part of the Accueil Paysan 

network, can cater for a group of 12 children and leaders or a group of adults (16 max.) in 

dormitories. 

Upstairs: 3 dormitories, 2 double rooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 WC are available for groups. One 

bedroom and one bathroom with disabled access are available on the ground floor. 

"Accueil Paysan" can provide evening meals for a maximum of 20 people. Short all-in breaks 

can be arranged with organisers. The vast patio provides the ideal spot from which to enjoy 

the tranquillity of the countryside and the beautiful sunsets. 

Au Cœur des Champs 

2, La Songière - 08230 Regniowez - Tel. +33(0) 324 294 302 

Email: aucoeurdeschamps@west-telecom.com 

www.aucoeurdeschamps.com 

◆ Maison de la Thiérache - 

Teaching farm in Liart - D2 

Maison de la Thiérache has 37 beds suitable for all 

groups, especially from schools and holiday centres 

looking for overnight stays. 

Description of the 11 rooms: 

◆ 3 double rooms, 4 triple rooms, 1 room 

sleeping 4 and 3 rooms sleeping 5 people. 

Single beds with fitted sheet, bolster with 

cover, mattress cover, blanket and bed 

cover. One cupboard per bed. 

◆ 2 toilet blocks: 5 showers, 5 toilets. 

◆ Meals available on site: family cooking. 

◆ Activity rooms - library - audiovisual equipment. 

Enclosed courtyard available to groups using accommodation 

End 2011: 15 additional beds near the teaching farm, with 4 rooms (6 people) for disabled 

visitors and 4 rooms (9 people) on an upper floor. 

Maison de la Thiérache - Place de la Mairie - 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833 

Email: maison.thierache.08@wanadoo.fr 

www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr 

G îtes andHolidayLets 

◆ Aouste - C2 

No. 336 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 8 people. 

Armelle Schaefer - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 

Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/336.html 

◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - D2 

No. 08MS004 - 3 Clévacances keys - 5 people. 

Mr. and Mrs. Launoy - 2, Rue du bois du Loup - 08150 AUBIGNY LES POTHEES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 334 172 - Fax. +33(0) 324 334 172 - Email: marie-josee.launoy@orange.fr 

30 

◆ Blanchefosse-et-Bay - D1 


Edith Duboys de Lavigerie - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965- Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


No. 08MS076 - 3 Clévacances keys - 11 people 

Mr. and Mrs. Laval - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 009 

◆ Bossus-les-Rumigny - C1 


Sylvie & François Breton - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 

Email: contact@gitardennes.com 

Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/295.html 



Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 





Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Bourg-Fidèle - B3 


The Mayor of Bourg Fidèle - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 



Mr. and Mrs. Thys - 69, Rue Georges Sand - 08500 REVIN 

Tel. +33(0) 324 402 643 or +33(0) 613 144 201 - Email: drinidrine4@hotmail.fr 

◆ Brognon - A2 


Bernard Robin- Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 



Bernard & Eric Robin - Tel. +33(0) 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Cernion - C2 


Jeanine & Christian Bara - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Chilly - C3 


Patrick & Béatrice Felot - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Etalle - C2 


Franck & Valérie Coleau - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


31

◆ Eteignières - B2 


Michel Dardenne - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 




Michel Dardenne - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 



◆ Flaignes-Havys - C2 


Mr. and Mrs. Roussel - 30, Avenue Galois - 92340 BOURG LA REINE 

Tel. +33 (0) 146 612 064 or +33(0) 670 874 006 - Email: delphine.roussel@libertysurf.fr 

◆ Harcy - C3 

No. 08MS022 - 2 Clévacances keys - 3+2 people. 

Mr. Beaurain - 19, Rue Albert Poulain - 08150 HARCY - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 091 

or +33(0) 611 758 650 

◆ La Neuville-aux-Joutes - A1 

No. 335 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn 

16 people. 

Pierre-M & Nadine Molinet 

Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


Website: 

www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/335.html 


No. 365 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn 

5 people. 

Jacques Dupuich - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Logny-Bogny - D2 


Mrs. Gilles - 41, Rue du 8 mai - 08320 VIREUX WALLERAND - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 732 

or +33(0) 670 345 870 - Email: christian-gilles@wanadoo.fr 



Mr. Jenouvrier - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799 

or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033 - Email: cathgay@hotmail.com 


Mr. Jenouvrier - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799 

or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033 - Email: cathgay@hotmail.com 

32 

◆ Maubert-Fontaine - B2 


Nicole Gosselin - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Murtin-Bogny - C3 


Bruno & Sylvie Paris - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Prez - C2 


Mrs. Duchenois Werner - 1, Rue de l’église - 08290 PREZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 100 (home) 

or Tel. +33(0) 324 578 300 (office) or Tel. +33(0) 681 956 794 

Email: wernerpa@wanadoo.fr 

◆ Regniowez - A2 


Michelle Henon - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Remilly-les-Pothées - D3 

No. 267 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 4 people 

Patrick Paquay - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 



Frédérick & Corinne Foulon - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


◆ Renwez - C3 


Mayor of Renwez - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 




Mayor of Renwez - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 - Email: contact@gitardennes.com 


33

◆ Rimogne - C3 No. 08MS070 - 3 Clévacances keys - 5 people. 

Mr. & Mrs. Tirtaine - Les Tilleuls - 486 Rue Pasteur - 08150 RIMOGNE 

Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208 

Email: lestilleuls.rimogne@orange.fr - Website: www.gitesardennes.fr 



Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208 




Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208 



No. 163 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 

12 people. 

Bernard Bouvart - 11, rue des Jonquilles 

08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 883 

or +33(0) 668 555 815 - Fax. +33(0) 324 541 883 



Christine Henriquet - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 




Christiane Pernelet Jaschinski 

7, avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI 

Tel. +33(0) 964 349 559 or +33(0) 621 722 707 

Fax. +33(0) 324 541 156 





Diarmuid Brittain - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 



Mrs. Myriam Vignier - 15, Rue Nicolas de Rumigny - 08380 SIGNY LE PETIT 

Tel. +33(0) 324 531 125 

◆ Tarzy - B2 

No. 272 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 

8 people. 

Albert & Jeanine Chappe - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 

Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 


Website: 

www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/272.html 

34 

B &B 

◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - C2 


Marie-Hélène & José Lagard - Grand’Rue - 08150 AUBIGNY LES POTHEES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 323 287 or +33(0) 670 246 398 - Fax. +33(0) 324 323 287 

Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9951.html 

◆ Girondelle - C2 

No. 08CH017 - 3 Clévacances keys - 9 people. 

Mrs. BROSSE - 6, Grand’Rue 08260 GIRONDELLE - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 132 or +33(0) 685 499 806 

Email: pierrette.brosse287@orange.fr - Website: http://girondelle.free.fr/ 



Mr. Jenouvrier - Le Petit Château - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY 

Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799 or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033 

Email: cathgay@hotmail.com 

◆ Neuville-lez-Beaulieu - B2 


Mrs. Debret - Pont d’Any - 08380 NEUVILLE LEZ BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 503 

Email: bon.accueil.clevacances@orange.fr 

Website: http://pagesperso-orange.fr/bonaccueil/ 



Françoise Dumonceau - 5, Rue d’Hersigny - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 538 637 

Fax. +33(0) 324 538 637 - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9938.html 


Christiane Pernelet Jaschinski - 7, Avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI 

Tel. +33(0) 964 349 559 or 0621 722 770 - Fax. +33(0) 324 541 156 

Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9952.html 

Campsites andHolidayV illages 

◆ Camping de la Murée - B3 

Camping de la Murée - 33, rue Catherine de Clèves - 08230 BOURG-FIDELE 

Information: Tel. +33(0) 324 542 445 Website: www.campingdelamuree.com 

◆ Camping du Pavillon - A1 

Camping du Pavillon - 08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES 

Information: Tel: +33(0) 324 535 387 - Email: gerard.beaudoux@la poste.net 

Website: www.campingdupavillon.fr 

◆ Domaine de la Motte - B1/B2 

Domaine de la Motte - Base de loisirs 


Information: Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473 

Email: contact@domainedelamotte.eu 

Website: www.domainedelamotte.eu 

35

UnusualAccommodation 

◆ "Les Merisiers" gypsy caravan - B2 

Sophie & Romain Bourdon - 8, La Fosse aux Chevaux - 08260 ETEIGNIERES 

Tel. +33(0) 324 532 776 - +33(0) 685 792 143 (Sophie) - +33(0) 677 722 412 (Romain) 

Email: soleil24h@yahoo.com 

PracticalInformation 

PostO ffices 

◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - D2 - 8, rue du Moulin - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 358 306 

◆ Liart - D2 - 4, Place de la Mairie - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 544 047 

◆ Maubert-Fontaine - B2 - Route de Rocroi - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 563 284 

◆ Renwez - C3 - 3, rue Charles de Gaulle - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 549 349 

◆ Rimogne - C3 - 41, Place de la République - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 328 887 

◆ Rocroi - A3 - 9, rue de Montmorency - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 542 530 

Emergency 

◆ Paramedics : 15 

(FREEPHONE) 

◆ Police : 17 

(FREEPHONE) 

◆ Fire brigade /emergency 

ambulance : 18 

(FREEPHONE) 

36 36 

◆ European 

emergency call : 112 

◆ Anti-Poison Centre : 

+ 33 (0) 383 323 636

La Thiérache – Rocroi Plateau – Sormonne Valley - Office de ...

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