Best attractions and places to see around Les Mazures include a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities within the Ardennes department of France. The village is situated in the heart of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park, offering unspoiled nature. Visitors can explore its landscapes, including the prominent Lac des Vieilles Forges, and engage in various outdoor activities. The area provides a diverse range of natural features and cultural landmarks.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Les Mazures.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The section of the cycle path along the Meuse in the narrow valley of the Ardennes is beautiful.
0
0
The Roche Bayart is a striking rock formation in the French Ardennes, closely linked to the legend of the Four Sons of Aymon. According to the medieval story, the magical horse Bayard, carrying the four brothers on his back, leaped over the rock, creating a cleft in the stone with a single hoofstroke. The rock is located near the monument to the Four Sons of Aymon and, together with the surrounding peaks, forms a symbolic tribute to these heroes of Carolingian epic. The area is accessible via a hiking trail that leads visitors past the rocks and through the forest, offering panoramic views of the Meuse Valley.
10
2
The legend of the Quatre Fils Aymon is deeply intertwined with the landscape and identity of Bogny-sur-Meuse, where four rocks rise majestically from the Ardennes forest—each symbolizing one of the four brothers: Renaud, Allard, Guichard, and Richard. According to the medieval chanson de geste, the story originates in the 15th century and revolves around the rebellion of Duke Aymon's four sons against Emperor Charlemagne. The conflict begins when Renaud kills Charlemagne's nephew during a game of chess. The brothers flee on their magical horse, Bayard, which can carry the four of them at once, and seek refuge in the Ardennes forests, where they build the castle Montessor—later known as Château-Regnault, a name that lives on in Bogny today. In Bogny-sur-Meuse, this legend is tangible: on the hilltop stands a monument depicting the four brothers and their horse, Bayard, overlooking the Meuse valley. The rock formations and surrounding path provide a living backdrop to this age-old story, which is still told and celebrated today.
11
1
The legendary site of one of the most famous legends of the Ardennes. The site of Dames de Meuse has inspired many artists with its magnificent landscapes. George Sand, Théophile Gauthier and Michelet were all impressed in their descriptions by the dark forest that covers most of the site. According to legend, this place is the grandiose testimony to the punished adultery of the Dames de Meuse.
3
0
It's very beautiful... but the second half is a lot of climbing and scrambling, quite tough.
4
0
The Meuse is very different from our Liège Meuse
2
0
The region offers several stunning viewpoints. You can visit Seven O'Clock Rock, which provides a beautiful panorama of the Meuse river's bends and the surrounding mountains, especially when the sun illuminates it at 7 o'clock. Another impressive spot is Roche Bayart, a natural monument offering excellent views of the Meuse and the village of Monthermé. Don't miss Les Dames de Meuse, a set of three cliffs steeped in an Ardennes legend, offering magnificent landscapes.
Yes, Les Mazures has a rich history. The village is home to a 12th-century church, partly rebuilt in the 18th century. You can also find the remains of Notre-Dame-de-Consolation, a 13th-century religious building with a spring known for its therapeutic virtues. A stele commemorates the Jewish deportees from Antwerp at the former Judenlager des Mazures, now a football stadium. Additionally, the Monument to the Four Sons of Aymon near Monthermé is a significant cultural landmark linked to a medieval legend.
The area around Les Mazures, especially within the Ardennes Regional Natural Park, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Lac des Vieilles Forges offers activities like fishing, rowing, canoeing, and Segway hiking. For specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Les Mazures, Hiking around Les Mazures, and Cycling around Les Mazures guides.
Absolutely! Les Mazures is an excellent base for hiking. You can find trails around Lac des Vieilles Forges, or more challenging routes leading to viewpoints like Seven O'Clock Rock and Les Dames de Meuse. The Ardennes Regional Natural Park offers a setting of unspoiled nature for various hiking experiences. Check out the Hiking around Les Mazures guide for detailed routes.
Yes, the region caters to various cycling abilities. The Voie verte Trans-Ardennes between Montcy-Notre-Dame and Nouzonville is a quiet, traffic-free bike path suitable for a relaxing experience. For more challenging rides, there are numerous routes through the Ardennes forests and along the Meuse river. You can find a selection of routes in the Cycling around Les Mazures guide.
Lac des Vieilles Forges is a fantastic spot for families, offering a leisure center and activities like rowing, canoeing, and an acrobatic park. The tranquil environment of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park is also ideal for family walks and picnics. Easy cycling on the Voie verte Trans-Ardennes is another great option for families with children.
Les Mazures is situated right within the heart of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park, offering immediate access to its unspoiled nature. You can explore the forests and meadows surrounding Lac des Vieilles Forges, hike to viewpoints like Seven O'Clock Rock and Roche Bayart for panoramic views of the Meuse valley, or discover the legendary cliffs of Les Dames de Meuse.
Lac des Vieilles Forges is a prominent artificial lake and a popular spot for recreation. It covers approximately 150 hectares with nearly 12 km of shoreline, surrounded by forests and meadows. Visitors can enjoy fishing, rowing, canoeing, and Segway hiking. There's also a leisure center and a sailing club, making it ideal for various water and land-based activities.
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities at Lac des Vieilles Forges. While some activities are available year-round, checking local weather forecasts is always recommended for specific planning.
While many trails in the Ardennes Regional Natural Park can be rugged, the Voie verte Trans-Ardennes offers a flat, paved surface suitable for a wider range of mobility. For specific accessibility information on other trails or viewpoints, it is advisable to check with local tourist information centers.
Many natural areas and trails in the Ardennes Regional Natural Park are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. This includes hiking trails around Lac des Vieilles Forges and viewpoints like Seven O'Clock Rock. Always ensure to clean up after your pet to preserve the natural environment.
The Voie verte Trans-Ardennes is a greenway, part of EuroVélo 19, that offers a quiet bike path along the water, away from traffic. The section between Montcy-Notre-Dame and Nouzonville is particularly popular. It's an ideal spot for relaxing cycling, walking, or jogging, allowing you to enjoy nature along the Meuse river.
While a car offers the most flexibility, some attractions are accessible via local transport or can be reached by cycling. Les Mazures itself has some local bus routes. For specific routes to Lac des Vieilles Forges or other key sites, it's best to consult local public transport schedules or consider renting a bicycle to explore the greenways and nearby villages.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: