Attractions and Places To See around Lonny - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Lonny include a mix of historical sites, architectural landmarks, and natural features. The region features significant historical architecture, such as a grand ducal square and a medieval castle. Natural landscapes include a large lake surrounded by forests and meadows. These diverse attractions offer opportunities for exploration and leisure.
Best attractions and places to see around Lonny
- The most popular attractions is Place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières, a historical site that is the central square of Charleville-Mézières, known for its architecture similar to Paris's Place des Vosges. It features pavilions and arcades, serving as a gathering point with cafes and restaurants.
- Another must-see spot is Montcornet Castle, a historical site and medieval fortress that has retained its original appearance. The ruins, known as the "Colisée Feudal de Montcornet", include underground passages used for exhibitions.
- Visitors also love Vieilles-Forges Lake, a lake surrounded by forests and meadows. It offers views of water and wildlife, and is part of a hydroelectric system.
- Lonny is known for its historical sites, castles, and natural lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from urban squares to medieval ruins and serene natural environments.
- The attractions around Lonny are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and 180 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières
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Montcornet Castle
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Charles de Gonzague Fountain and Statue, Charleville-Mézières
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Vieilles-Forges Lake
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Belvedere over Charleville
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Tips from the Community
For those who enjoy mountain biking and exploring beautiful passages, this hike is a great option. You'll cross beautiful trails and a medieval site (Château de Moncornet) (cover photo). There are some technical points, but they're not insurmountable.
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Beautiful and varied walk between fields and meadows and through forest. On the way you pass through a few villages, go around a walled castle and pass the well-preserved ruins of an old fortress in Monthermé.
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The bright colors of the local materials can be seen on the facades that were previously painted: yellow for the natural stone from Dom-le-Mesnil, red for the bricks and purple-white for the Ardennes slate. The whole falls under monument protection.
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Place Ducale is the central and historic main square of Charleville, the northern part of Charleville-Mézières. The square is a copy of the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. The only big difference is that the square in Paris was designed by Louis Métezeau and that of Charleville by Clément Métezeau, so brothers. The square is a feast for the eyes with 28 monumental buildings, built in the same Baroque style. In the center of the square there is a fountain and a classic merry-go-round. The Place Ducale became the beating heart of the city and still is. The symmetrical lines, the chessboard pattern, the arcades and the facades in red and yellow stone now regularly form the backdrop to events for which the city is known. The square was founded by its ambitious founder, the Italian prince Charles de Gonzague, who had a completely new city built in the 17th century. The square is 126 by 90 meters and the current buildings on the edge of the square all date from the 17th century.
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The statue of Carlo Gonzaga is the work of Alphonse Colle, from Charleville, who also created the monuments to the fallen of Charleville and Mézières. The fountain was first built on Place Ducale in 1899 at the initiative of a wealthy patron of the Industrial Revolution and then moved to its current location in 1999.
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Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières is the nerve center of the city. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, this square has a decor similar to the Place des Vosges in Paris. In fact, it was two architect brothers, Louis and Clément Métezeau, who designed these places with their unique charms. Surrounded by pavilions and arcades, the square today brings together tourists and locals to café terraces.
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The spacious square with similar architecture, the surrounding arcades with shops and cafés provide a high quality of stay.
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Lac des Vieilles Forges is surrounded by forests and meadows. You can enjoy views of the water and wildlife while circling the lake. The lake is also part of a hydroelectric system that pumps water to and from two reservoirs to generate electricity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Lonny?
The Lonny region offers a diverse range of attractions, including significant historical architecture, such as the grand Place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières, and the medieval Montcornet Castle. You can also explore natural landscapes like Vieilles-Forges Lake, surrounded by forests and meadows.
What historical sites are prominent in the Lonny area?
The Lonny area is rich in history. Key historical sites include the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, known for its 17th-century architecture similar to Paris's Place des Vosges. Another significant site is Montcornet Castle, a medieval fortress with preserved ruins and underground passages. You can also see the Charles de Gonzague Fountain and Statue, commemorating the founder of Charleville.
Are there any notable natural attractions near Lonny?
Yes, the region features beautiful natural spots. The most prominent is Vieilles-Forges Lake, a large lake set within 1000 hectares of forest, offering views of water and wildlife. Additionally, the Belvedere over Charleville provides panoramic views of the city and the Meuse river from Mont Olympe.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Lonny?
Many attractions around Lonny are suitable for families. Place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières, with its cafes and open space, is a great gathering point. Vieilles-Forges Lake is also considered family-friendly, offering opportunities for relaxation and leisure in a natural setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near Lonny's attractions?
The Lonny area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For example, there are several cycling loops around Lac des Vieilles Forges, and running trails like the 'Montcornet loop from Renwez'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Cycling around Lonny, Running Trails around Lonny, and Hiking around Lonny.
Are there good hiking opportunities around Lonny?
Yes, the region offers various hiking trails. You can enjoy easy walks like the 'Montcornet Castle loop from Montcornet' (7.15 km) or more challenging routes such as the 'Lac des Vieilles Forges loop from Montcornet' (20.65 km). These trails often pass by historical sites and natural beauty spots. Find more details on the Hiking around Lonny guide page.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Lonny?
Visitors frequently praise the architectural beauty and historical significance of sites like Place Ducale, often highlighting its resemblance to Paris's Place des Vosges and its vibrant atmosphere with cafes. The serene natural setting of Vieilles-Forges Lake, with its surrounding forests and opportunities for relaxation, is also highly appreciated.
Are there any wheelchair accessible paths or attractions?
Yes, some attractions in the Lonny area are noted for being wheelchair accessible. Both the Place Ducale, Charleville-Mézières, and the Charles de Gonzague Fountain and Statue are categorized as wheelchair accessible, allowing for easier exploration of these historical and cultural sites.
What is the best time to visit Lonny attractions?
While specific seasonal advice isn't provided for all attractions, the region's natural beauty, especially around Vieilles-Forges Lake, is particularly enjoyable during warmer months for outdoor activities. Historical sites like Place Ducale can be visited year-round, with cafes and restaurants offering a pleasant experience in any season.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the main attractions?
Yes, particularly around Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, you'll find a wide selection of cafes and restaurants. This central square is known as a gathering point where both tourists and locals enjoy the terraces and dining options.
Are there any hidden gems for outdoor activities around Lonny?
Beyond the well-known spots, exploring the extensive forest complex surrounding Vieilles-Forges Lake can reveal quieter paths and viewpoints. The Belvedere over Charleville, accessible via a scenic hike, offers a unique historical perspective and stunning vistas that might be considered a hidden gem for those seeking both history and nature.
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