The routes of our heritage: 140km starting from Treignes

Treignes, in the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is also, for those who itch for the throttle, the gateway to the French Ardennes and its beautiful winding roads, through the forest or by the water… Is your tank full? We are off…

Our roadbook starts at the church of Treignes: impossible to go wrong! At the exit of the village, after crossing the ancient stone bridge over the Viroin, we climb through the woods, heading towards Le Mesnil, then Oignies-en-Thiérache. Before descending towards the Meuse, in French territory, on impeccable asphalt (once is not customary…), we take a break in a pretty clearing that was once considered the geographic center of Europe, at a time when the European Union had only 15 member countries. Anecdotal, but nice, especially since Toine Culot buried the last Belgian franc there, in early 2002…

Mountain Route

After a hearty stop at the Hostellerie de la Vallée in Fumay, a place still highly recommended for good food lovers, we get back on our bikes to climb via Haybes up to Hargnies and its large tree-lined square, along a road rich in delightful curves. After a few kilometers to the south, on the D989 towards Monthermé, we turn right towards the locality "Les Hauts Buttés." We are now heading west, right in the middle of deep forests. Watch out for wildlife that abounds around here!

The profile of the road resembles fiercely that of a mountain route with various spectacular viewpoints over the Meuse valley. We pass by the impressive monument in memory of the Maquis des Manises, where 106 resistance fighters, most of whom were draft dodgers, lost their lives on June 13, 1944, surrounded then murdered by the SS. After Revin, we follow the course of the Meuse towards Monthermé, the road runs alongside the splendid greenway "Trans-Ardennes" well known to cycling enthusiasts.

Semoy and Semois

After leaving behind the impressive Roches de Laifour, we enter Monthermé, where the river receives the waters of the Semoy (French spelling; it's written Semois in Belgium, as everyone knows…). Multiplying the detours in search of jubilant curves, our itinerary then takes you through Nouzonville, where it crosses the Meuse once again before embarking on a long forest interlude and joining the Semoy at the level of Hautes-Rivières, almost at the Belgian border. Then, it's a steep climb towards Linchamps, where one feels a bit like being at the end of the world, before entering Walloon territory and leaving the forest cover near Louette-Saint-Pierre.

The towns become closer together and the landscapes more open: we pass through Gedinne, Sart-Custinne, Vencimont, and Felenne. After a stop at the friendly Moulin d'Olenne, whose wheel was once powered by coal, we cross the border once again to reach Charnois and Rancennes, with the steam plumes from the Chooz nuclear power plant on our left. A few revs later, and here we are in Givet, where you will have well earned your last drink on one of the many terraces along the Quai des Fours, by the Meuse. Safe travels and always be cautious!