Ardennes is a department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It takes its name from the Ardennes, a forested range of hills and mountains that runs on into Belgium and Luxembourg, so a visit here is also a way of seeing the wider landscape that crosses the borders.
The landscape
The department is known for its dense forests and rolling countryside. Much of the scenery is green and quiet, with woodland paths, open hills and small villages set among the trees. For visitors who enjoy walking, cycling or simply being outdoors away from busy towns, the terrain offers plenty of room to explore at an easy pace.
A place of history
Ardennes played a significant part in the major conflicts of the twentieth century. The area was the site of the German offensive through the Ardennes in 1940, and of the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 during the Second World War. Those events shaped the region deeply, and anyone interested in military history will find that the department's past is part of what makes it worth a visit.
Planning a visit
Ardennes suits travellers who want countryside, forest and a sense of history rather than a city break. It works well as a base for a slower trip, with time set aside for the outdoors and for learning about the wars that passed through the area. Because the forests and villages are spread out, it helps to plan routes in advance and to arrange transport in advance, since public links between smaller places can be limited.
- Best for walking, cycling and forest scenery
- Of interest to visitors drawn to twentieth-century military history
- Close to the Belgian and Luxembourg borders, useful for a wider regional trip
