The Ardennes and the Meuse by bike
- From 879 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From mid-April to end of October
- Level: moderate
- Average dist.: 53 km/day
- Electric bicycles available
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights :
- The wild landscapes of the Ardennes, both Belgian and French
- The journey along small deserted roads, followed by a beautiful greenway along the Meuse
- The fortresses, castles, and citadels, witnesses to the region's turbulent history
- Bouillon and Sedan, medieval towns with their impressive fortresses
- Dinant, the capital of the saxophone, nestled between a rocky spur and the Meuse
- The Han caves, one of the most beautiful underground networks in Europe
Highlights :
- the wild landscapes of the Belgian and French Ardennes
- the ride through secluded roads, followed by a beautiful greenway along the Meuse
- the fortresses, castles, and citadels, witnesses to the region’s turbulent history
- Dinant, capital of the saxophone, nestled between a rocky cliff and the Meuse River
- the Han caves, one of the most beautiful underground networks in Europe
- Bouillon and Sedan, medieval towns with their impressive fortresses
From 879 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From mid-April to end of October
- Level: moderate
- Average dist.: 50 km / day
- Electric bicycles available
- Luggage transfer included
THE ARDENNES
This tour will take you to the heart of the Belgian and French Ardennes, a land that still seems deeply wild despite modern times. The hills through which you wind by bike are still covered with dense forests that appear almost impenetrable. This region, which since Carolingian times has stood at the crossroads between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire, was nonetheless a true battlefield over the centuries, passing from one empire to another. Numerous fortresses, castles and citadels now stand as living witnesses to that bygone age.
Today, the region has become a paradise for green tourism: visitors come from afar to admire its splendid scenery. The Meuse, the true backbone of the Ardennes, unfurls its majestic meanders beneath steep cliffs and characterful villages. At times hemmed in by wooded slopes, at others more open and bright, it will offer you, for more than two days, a striking contrast between the rugged surrounding relief and the gentleness of its towpaths.
YOUR ITINERARY
From the small town of Dinant – the capital of the saxophone, stretched out between a rocky spur and the Meuse river – you first head into the Condroz and its pastoral landscapes. Several fairy-tale castles – notably those of Walzin and Vêves – punctuate the route, as do the Caves of Han, among the finest in Europe.
A greenway through the heart of the forest then takes you onto the Ardennes plateau, where the scenery alternates between beautiful forests, small stone villages and pastures where a few cows graze, as charming as they are impassive.
After the medieval town of Bouillon, you cross the French border and reach Sedan, home to the largest fortress in Europe. From here, you follow the lively course of the Meuse back to Dinant, along one of the most renowned riverside cycle routes: the Trans-Ardennes Greenway. It is through the most enclosed section of the river valley that this cycle route threads its way, offering magnificent scenery despite almost no climbing, as the greenway follows directly beside the water. We should also mention the town of Charleville-Mézières, whose prestigious and vast Place Ducale will give you the impression of visiting a royal city.
Have a great trip!
💡This 5-day cycling loop can start in Dinant or Rochefort, but departure is also possible from Charleville-Mézières – more easily reached by train from Paris, Lille or Thionville – if you already have your own bikes.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Dinant
By train or by car, make your way to the charming riverside town of Dinant. Often featured on tourist brochures promoting Wallonia, Dinant nestles in an impressive natural setting, wedged onto a narrow strip of land between the Meuse and towering rock faces.
Destroyed many times over, Dinant has nevertheless retained a certain old-world charm, with the iconic onion-domed bell tower of its collegiate church, its citadel perched atop the cliff, its local slate roofs, and its relaxed atmosphere, almost untouched by time. Yet Dinant is also famous today as the capital of the saxophone, as it was here that Adolphe Sax, inventor of the famous instrument, grew up.
Day 2: Dinant - Rochefort
42 km | 
+580 m | ⏱︎ 3h07
Today’s goal: Rochefort! What better motivation than heading towards one of the world’s finest beers? If that does not make you thirsty, rest assured that Rochefort is above all a small rural town set amidst bucolic surroundings.
The route first takes you to Walzin Castle, perched in eagle’s-nest fashion above the Lesse, and nicknamed the “Belgian Neuschwanstein”! You then ride across the Condroz plateau, a lovely rural region where you pass through several magnificent stone villages such as Furfooz and Celles. Around a bend, you will also catch sight of Vêves Castle, proudly standing above its rocky outcrop. Its four angular pencil-shaped towers give it a highly romantic style.
You then arrive in the Famenne, a natural depression with gentle terrain for cyclists, making you wonder for a moment whether Belgium’s nickname of the flat country is not deserved after all.
Day 3: Rochefort - Bouillon
64 km | +730 m | ⏱︎ 4h56
You leave the Famenne by crossing the Calestienne, a narrow limestone strip that has given rise to impressive underground caverns. Among them, the finest of all, the Caves of Han, will surely tempt you, as the route passes right beside them!
A gently sloping greenway then carries you onto the Ardennes plateau, where vast forests and green pastures alternate pleasantly. Then, a great fault suddenly cuts deeply into the landscape: the Semois Valley, from which you will enjoy superb views.
Once below, you reach the medieval town of Bouillon, whose famous fortress rises majestically atop a rocky ridge in the middle of a meander. It was here that the famous Godfrey of Bouillon lived, who led the First Crusade towards Jerusalem.
Day 4: Bouillon - Charleville-Mézières
49 km |
+320 m | ⏱︎ 3h30
You leave the Semois Valley to join that of the Meuse around twenty kilometres further on, in France. The first town you reach is Sedan, on the banks of the Meuse. Its attractive town centre is an excellent place to stop for lunch. But Sedan is above all known for its fortress, officially the largest in Europe today.
You then follow the Meuse to Charleville-Mézières along a bucolic greenway. You spend the night here, where the town will welcome you properly with its grand Place Ducale. Charleville is also the town of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, whose museum and former residence can be visited.
Day 5: Charleville-Mézières - Haybes
55 km | +40 m | ⏱︎ 3h45
The Trans-Ardennes Greenway gradually leads you into the narrowest and most impressive part of the Meuse Valley, almost worthy of being called gorges. The surrounding hills, too steep ever to be tamed, are covered only by dense forests that seem impenetrable. A few sleepy villages nestled along the riverbanks nonetheless provide a faint touch of civilisation.
At the end of the day, you reach the village of Haybes, home to many Art Deco houses from the 1920s, rebuilt after the destruction of the First World War.
Day 6: Haybes - Dinant
55 km | +70 m | ⏱︎ 3h54
The banks of the Meuse become less steep as you continue downstream. The scenery remains just as enchanting, and pretty riverside towns such as Chooz and Givet brighten the route along the way. Givet is also home to the Fort de Charlemont, which you may explore. After Givet, you cross back into Belgium and follow the river to Dinant. Huge limestone cliffs line the waterway. You will also pass through the village of Freÿr, whose castle, with its French gardens, is nicknamed the “Belgian Versailles”.
Day 7: End of the trip
End of your Ardennes and Meuse odyssey after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort range you choose, we favour authentic and human-scale accommodation, offering comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also make every effort to ensure they are well located: easy to reach by bike, and as close as possible to amenities and places of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2/3 ★ hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple yet welcoming accommodation, chosen for their hospitality and location.
3/4 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
Photos shown as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Well-chosen location
BIKE CHOICE
Whether you choose a rental bike or travel with your own bikes, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and to your own needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages are hillier or exceed 50 km.
Trekking bikes
Versatile bikes from Scott, Sub Sport model, equipped with disc brakes and 24 gears, allowing you to tackle climbs without too much effort.
Electric bikes (E-bikes)
Victoria bikes, Tresalo 6 model, fitted with a 545 Wh Bosch Performance motor. You can count on a range of at least 70 kilometres with plenty of comfort.
Child trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for hire. They can carry up to 2 young children.
Children’s bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult size, it is possible to hire children’s bikes. Various sizes are available.
Tag-alongs
If your child no longer fits in a trailer, it is possible to attach a “third wheel” to the rear of an adult bike.
Photos for guidance only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU TRAVEL WITH YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from everything in the event of a mechanical problem!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking / Touring bike
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- Road bike
- E-bike with good range.
- City bike
💡 The route is hilly in places, so a sufficient number of gears is needed to climb comfortably. City bikes are therefore not suitable.
LEVEL: MODERATE
➡️ The stages are moderately long (around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5).
This pace suits most people: it combines the pleasure of cycling with discoveries along the way.
➡️ The route features moderate elevation gain, alternating between hillier and gentler sections, especially when you follow the Meuse for more than two days. Most climbs are gradual. A few slightly longer ascents should be expected, such as after Bouillon where the climb out of the Semois Valley reaches around 200 m.
⚡ To make the most of the route, even when it climbs a little, you may wish to opt for an electric bike.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION GAIN:
TYPE OF SURFACES:
The route alternates between cycle paths and small country roads with little or no traffic. Nearly 98% of the route is paved. A few short sections are on compact gravel tracks. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary.
If you happen to have narrow tyres, there is also a paved alternative to avoid the few gravel kilometres on the section between Paliseul and Bouillon.
💡
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over effort.
We therefore aim to adjust the length of each stage according to the terrain, surface type and places of interest, so that every day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to the unexpected.
We also place great importance on avoiding roads with traffic whenever possible, in order to offer, ultimately, a peaceful and safe route.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from mid-April to the end of October
🗺️ TYPE OF TOUR
Circular touring route. At the end of the trip, you return to your starting point.
📍 START AND FINISH POINT
Start and finish point: the loop may begin, as you prefer, in Dinant or Rochefort.
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
The weather is generally favourable from mid-April to the end of October.
At either end of the season, a brief cold spell cannot be ruled out, while in summer a heatwave is always possible. However, heatwaves in the Ardennes are far more bearable than those sometimes experienced in the south of France.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you may eat in local restaurants (you will find suggestions in our roadbook) or enjoy a picnic by stocking up in local shops.
For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel already has one itself!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our service providers. You only carry what you need for the day during the cycling stages. A pannier bag is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in side panniers, you benefit from a discount.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
The stations of Dinant and Rochefort can be reached by direct train from Brussels or Namur.
A regional train also links Lille and Thionville with Charleville-Mézières in 2h30 and 1h40 respectively: if you have your own bikes and are coming from these regions, it can be a good option to start the loop in Charleville-Mézières.
BY CAR
You may park your car free of charge in Dinant or Rochefort for the entire duration of your trip. You will find more information on the various free car parks in the roadbook.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To help you make the most of your adventure, we will provide several practical and easy-to-use resources:
A roadbook (printed A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- A description of the route
- All essential tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to stock up
- Swimming spots
- Cultural facts and anecdotes
- A list of bike repair shops located near the route
A printed map of the route
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be sent just in case)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Customised tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (unguided), with telephone assistance 7 days a week in case of any problem.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation or problems during your trip, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance cover (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder and waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you have hired a bike, they are included (helmet only on request).
For extra comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models have gaiters that also cover the shoes.
Power bank
Useful for charging your phone during the lunch break: navigation uses a lot of battery, even in flight mode. Recommended unless your battery is very efficient.
Allow around €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, choose a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and durable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to double-wall insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside summer, mornings can be cool and you will not regret bringing them!
2026 PRICES
The price is calculated on the basis of two people sharing a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the requested room type.| Package | Standard Range | Comfort Range | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |||
| Double/twin room | 879 € | 969 € | 999 € | 1109 € | ||
| Single room supplement | + 320 € | + 340 € | + 320 € | + 340 € | ||
| Child discounts (sharing the same room as 2 people paying the full fare) |
0-3 years: - 80% | 4-11 years: - 40% | 12-17 years: - 30% | |||||
| Group discounts | 6 - 11 people: - 10% | 12+ people: - 15% | |||||
| Extra nights (optional) | Standard Range | Comfort Range | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Han-sur-Lesse | Double/twin room | 80 € | 80 € | 100 € | 100 € |
| Single room | 135 € | 135 € | 155 € | 155 € | |
| Bouillon | Double/twin room | 80 € | 80 € | 100 € | 100 € |
| Single room | 135 € | 135 € | 155 € | 155 € | |
| Dinant | Double/twin room | 80 € | 80 € | 100 € | 100 € |
| Single room | 130 € | 130 € | 150 € | 150 € | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 16/4 - 25/4 & 11/05 - 14/06 & 16/9 - 31/10
- High season: 26/4 - 10/5 & 15/6 - 15/9
| BIKE HIRE (equipment included) | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 285 € |
| Trekking bike | 180 € |
| Children's bike (-12 years) | 155 € |
| Child trailer | 120 € |
| Tag-along | 100 € |
THE BASIC PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotel or guesthouse in the chosen comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), created by us during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A printed map of the route
- Luggage labels
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Dinant, Rochefort or Bouillon
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to the starting point of the loop and return to your home after the tour
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASIC PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you prefer to carry your luggage on your bike, a discount is applied (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you hire a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistics supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Carlo and Marie, 55 and 58 years old"A superb tour! You travel along peaceful little roads in the heart of the Ardennes, follow the Meuse and discover magnificent scenery. The castles, the fortress of Sedan and the Caves of Han make the route even more enjoyable. Dinant and Charleville-Mézières are charming. Five truly enjoyable days of cycling!" May 2025
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