The best city hikes and walks in the Ardennes
4.5
(92018)
423,705
hikers
69
hikes
Urban hiking trails in the Ardennes traverse a region characterized by hilly forest areas, deep valleys, and meandering rivers. The landscape offers a dynamic environment for exploring towns and their surrounding natural features. Many routes incorporate historical sites and picturesque villages, providing varied scenery for urban walkers. This diverse topography ensures a range of experiences, from riverside paths to routes with elevated viewpoints.
Best urban hiking trails in the Ardennes
- The most popular urban hiking route is Charleville-Mézières City and Meuse River Loop, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 54 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the city of Charleville-Mézières alongside the Meuse River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mont Olympe Footbridge – Belvedere over Charleville loop from Charleville-Mézières, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This route offers views from a belvedere overlooking Charleville-Mézières.
- Local hikers also love the Upper Castle of Sedan – Torcy Viaduct loop from Sedan, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail leading through historical areas and past a viaduct, often completed in about 1 hour 19 minutes.
- Hiking in the Ardennes is defined by its blend of urban exploration, riverside paths, and historical landmarks. The extensive network offers options for easy to moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Ardennes are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 87,000 reviews. More than 413,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Ardennes's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.3
(8)
27
hikers
7.42km
01:54
30m
30m
Explore Charleville-Mézières on this easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) loop, featuring historic architecture, the Place Ducale, and riverside views.
4.4
(12)
79
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.8
(10)
52
hikers
5.13km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
It's a shame to leave this beautiful building abandoned, the city of Sedan is really not proud of its heritage ☹️
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The city of Sedan at a glance
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Near the moat of the Château de Sedan is the Dauphine Fountain. The current fountain, dating from 1787, replaces a first, the original, built in honor of the Grand Dauphin, son of Louis XIV. Water from the fountain comes out through the mouth of a male face. It is made of stone and is topped with a rather neutral pediment. According to the anecdote, on the day of the inauguration, wine was served to the people there instead of water. Source: https://www.monnuage.fr/point-d-interet/fontaine-du-dauphin-a123651
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On this bridge the Meuse flows under your feet. Explanation of the course of the river: The Meuse is a river that rises in France on the Plateau of Langres near Pouilly-en-Bassigny, and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands. The river is 950 kilometers long. On the French part of the Meuse, it is canalized, and is called the Canal de la Meuse (Canal de la Meuse, and before 2003 it was called Canal de l'est branche Nord.) It mainly runs as a lateral canal along the Meuse. From Sedan the Meuse itself is navigable. At Givet and Heer Agimont the Meuse enters Belgium. The Meuse in Belgium is canalized with 13 locks and weirs. The Meuse flows over 126.6 kilometers over Belgian territory. South of Maastricht, at Eijsden the Meuse enters the Netherlands. In the Netherlands there are another 7 weirs and 6 locks. The Maas is navigable from the Sluis van Klein Ternaaien to the Borgharen weir. After the weir, the Maas forms the Grensmaas. The Grensmaas is not navigable until Maaseik. After that, the rest of the Maas can be navigated. After 's Hertogenbosch, the Maas changes into the Bergse Maas. A dug canal to disconnect the Maas from the Waal. Source: https://binnenvaartinbeeld.com/nl/maas/maas
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Saint Martin has remarkable architecture, the light is particularly well highlighted thanks to the magnificent stained glass windows. The building is particularly large and is located on the edge of a small square which is very pleasant in summer. You can discover magnificent statues there. The entrance is particularly remarkable with its forecourt.
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The original stained glass windows disappeared during bombings in 1815, 1870 and 1918. Today the basilica has an exceptional collection of contemporary stained glass windows, created between 1954 and 1979 by René Dürrbach, a friend of Picasso. Over 25 years, this artist has created a colossal set of 68 stained glass windows, unique in Europe, which honor the former 'Black Virgin' and the 'Virgin of Light' by referring to the universal symbols of colors, shapes and numbers, inspired through his collaboration with Henri Giriat. Since 2018, the former sacristy of the church has housed the Trésor d'art sacré des Ardennes, which contains around fifty masterpieces (ancient statues, precious relics, etc.) that were previously inaccessible to the public.
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This artwork is a result of a number of organisations working together, and was revealed in October 2011. Michel Goulet, the sculptor from Québec, made these eighteen 'chair-poems' in stainless steel as a link between the Musée Arthur Rimbaud and the Maison d'Ailleurs. Here, there are eighteen extracts from Rimbaud's works, each one followed by an unpublished poem by a contemproary Francophone writer. Vandaag staan deze stoelen er niet meer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in the Ardennes?
There are over 60 urban hiking trails in the Ardennes, catering to various preferences. Most of these routes are rated as easy, making them accessible for many hikers.
Are there family-friendly urban hikes in the Ardennes?
Yes, the Ardennes offers many urban trails suitable for families. Most of the 65 available routes are rated as easy, providing pleasant walks through towns and along rivers. For example, the Charleville-Mézières City and Meuse River Loop is an easy option that combines city exploration with riverside paths.
What kind of landmarks and attractions can I see on urban hikes in the Ardennes?
Urban hikes in the Ardennes often lead you through charming towns and past historical sites. You can explore places like the Upper Castle of Sedan, as seen on the Upper Castle of Sedan – Torcy Viaduct loop from Sedan, or visit the Arthur Rimbaud Museum. The region is also known for its picturesque towns like Dinant and La Roche-en-Ardenne, offering cultural insights and amenities.
Are there circular urban hiking routes in the Ardennes?
Yes, many urban hikes in the Ardennes are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Mont Olympe Footbridge – Belvedere over Charleville loop from Charleville-Mézières and the Saint Martin's Church of Arlon – Saint Donat Belvedere (Arlon) loop from Arlon, which offer convenient exploration without needing to retrace your steps.
What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in the Ardennes?
The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in the Ardennes, with an average score of 4.49 stars. Hikers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, which blend historical towns with scenic river valleys and accessible paths, making for enjoyable and varied urban explorations.
What is the typical length and duration of urban trails in the Ardennes?
Urban trails in the Ardennes vary in length, but many are designed for shorter, more accessible walks. For instance, the Arthur Rimbaud Museum – Mont Olympe Footbridge loop from Charleville-Mézières is about 4.3 km long and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Other routes, like the Charleville-Mézières City and Meuse River Loop, are slightly longer at 7.4 km, taking approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Are there urban hikes in the Ardennes with good viewpoints?
Absolutely. Many urban trails in the Ardennes offer excellent viewpoints, often overlooking rivers or historic townscapes. The Mont Olympe Footbridge – Belvedere over Charleville loop, for example, provides scenic vistas over Charleville-Mézières. Additionally, the region is known for natural viewpoints like Le Hérou and the Rock of Omalius, which offer panoramic views of green valleys, often accessible from nearby towns.
What is the best time of year for urban hiking in the Ardennes?
The Ardennes is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for urban hiking. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Even in winter, urban walks can be charming, especially in towns.
Can I access urban hiking trailheads in the Ardennes using public transport?
Many towns in the Ardennes, such as Charleville-Mézières, Sedan, and Arlon, are well-connected by public transport. This often allows for easy access to urban trailheads directly within or on the outskirts of these towns. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for specific starting points.
What should I wear for urban hiking in the Ardennes?
For urban hiking in the Ardennes, comfortable walking shoes are essential. While many paths are paved or well-maintained, some sections might be unpaved or slightly uneven. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a light rain jacket is always a good idea, as the Ardennes weather can be unpredictable.
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