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MoreSustainable Tourism in the French Ardennes
19 July 2022
Photo credit: Laetis
The Ardennes region is a truly natural sanctuary incorporating the valleys of the Meuse and Semoy rivers, the cliffs of Pointe Givet, the deep forests, woodlands and wetlands, chalky plains and mountains. It is especially important therefore to protect a glorious natural landscape such as this for future generations. There are 54 special zones here renowned for their ecology and fauna, seven Natura 2000 sites and a regional park covering 117,000 hectares which is 22% of the region.
Although being the perfect spot for welcoming visitors wanting to experience a truly amazing holiday, the inhabitants of the Ardennes (which comes from the goddess Arduinna meaning ‘deep forest’) are very enthusiastic about sustainable, ecological methods to protect the environment. There are several initiatives that show this adherence to sustainable methods whilst welcoming the tourists. Many of these are educational programmes trying to ensure locals and visitors understand these green issues.
Photo credit: Laetis
A big plus is that our carbon footprint from the UK is not devastating when visiting the Ardennes as there is no need for long airplane journeys and it is not far from the Channel Ports by car either. Train connections are excellent with the Eurostar via Paris and onward.
For the visitor in 2022 there is a strong accent on eco-tourism and ‘green’ holidays, and not just ‘greenwashing’ but serious eco-friendly initiatives that respect the countryside. It’s not just lip service to a fashionable cause.
ARDENNES ECOTOURISM CLUB
Photo credit: Laetis
As an example, take the new Ardennes Ecotourism Club, bringing together more than a hundred tourism professionals in the Ardennes region who practice sustainable tourism in order to preserve their environment and contribute to the local economy.
Photo credit: Laetis
The objective of the Club is to offer visitors services that are all grounded in sustainability. To this end, the organisers of the Club are on hand to help all participants such as accommodation providers, guides, activity specialists etc, find more ecological ways to present and use their products. Just about to be introduced are a couple of new projects – one to better maintain walking and hiking routes in the area, especially those that cross frontiers and the other I to help restauranteurs and bar owners to better get rid of their waste, with less of an impact on the environment by way of a shorter transition to the point of disposal. In other words, they promote shorter supply chains, car-free holidays, low-carbon transport methods, etc.
ARDENNES REGIONAL NATURE PARK
Photo credit: PNR ARDENNES
The Ardennes Regional Nature Park includes seven different types of habitat and was designated in 2011. There are more than 300 kilometres of marked walking trails, 400 kilometres of mountain biking routes, 100 km of green lanes three climbing sites and eight launch areas for paragliders.
Located in Renwez, the Park Visitor Centre was inaugurated in 2020, close to the forest museum, a premium venue for welcoming tourists. It is built of natural materials like wood and stone, and natural renewable insulating materials. There are guided park visits available from February to November, sharing appreciation of local knowledge and teaching the advantages of biodiversity and respect for the environment.
Photo credit: Laetis
Another great initiative is the Maison de la Nature Visitors Centre located in the former forester’s house in Boult-aux-Bois in the Argonne, whose very reason for existence is to raise awareness of environmental issues within the general community, for locals and visitors alike. The ‘excursions for all’ programme they run is one of the reasons why they were awarded the 2020 national award for sustainable tourism. La Maison de la Nature offers trips into the Domaine de Belval, etc…
MESSING ABOUT ON THE WATER!
Photo credit: Laetis
For those on activity holidays there are constant upgrades to the infrastructures that promote greener methods of enjoying your chosen activity – cycling, walking, water-based activities and so on. Just take a couple of examples.
Photo credit: PNR ARDENNES
‘Ardenn’plage’ at the Bairon Lake: 18 July -20 August 2022 returns to this leisure arena with all sorts of free activities such as processions, concerts, DJ sets, as well as quizzes with many different prizes to win; something for everybody to enjoy, young and old alike. From Monday to Saturday each week. All sorts of participation sports will be available such as handball, boxing, football, tennis, table tennis, laser archery, sailing, beach rugby, basketball, mountain biking, hikes, archery, karate, excursions around the lake …and much more! There is car parking available close by and bars/restaurants as well as shops and other facilities.
Otherwise for a lovely family visit, no activity necessary, try the Parc Argonne Découverte in Olizy-Primat – an animal paradise in the heart of the forest, just ten minutes from Vouziers. It combines some fun activities with nature – so wolves, racoons, eagles, bats, insects, snakes…. It is also a veterinary hospital for animals and one may enrol to be a ‘Keeper for the Day’ to have a unique view behind the scenes.
Where to stay
There is a wide choice of places to stay in the French Ardennes from campsites to chateaux, chambres d’hotes to gites, hotels to apartments.
Many accommodation options have excellent green credentials too. For example, treetop cabins made of untreated wood more than 15 metres high in the heart of the canopy or with spectacular views over wild countryside, are very popular, as are charming cabins at ground level surrounded by lakes, forests, streams and springs. Often these self-catering chalets use candlelight and wood-burning stoves, oil lamps and vintage cookers – all slightly removed from modern life! Otherwise try a houseboat, gypsy caravan, kerterre, Finnish Kotas, Japanese ryokan or Mongolian yurt. These options offer an unforgettable experience to the holidaymaker.
A big bonus for visitors – Evadez vous!
For all visitors, a sum of up to 100 Euros can be reimbursed if staying a minimum of two consecutive nights either in a restaurant or when buying a local activity either sporting or cultural to a minimum amount of 200 Euros. This offer is valid until the end of December 2022.
Travelling to the Ardennes
Photo credits from the top left clockwise: Fantasticable, Anne Frezard,Ardennes, Herve Vidal, Bruno Gouhoury, Ardennes, Terres Adventures, Ardennes
Travelling to the Ardennes: The nearest airport is Belgium South Charleroi, 100km to the north of Charleville-Mézières and there is a direct train connection to Paris Gare de l’Est taking 1 hour 45 minutes. To drive from the ferry and Eurotunnel terminals in and around Calais, take the A26 south to exit 14 (Juvincourt-et-Damary), the D925 east via Roizy, then pick up the A34 to Charleville-Mézières (3.5 hrs).
Note to editors: Lovers of nature, hiking, biking, heritage or local food, the Ardennes region is close at hand and is an invitation to recharge the batteries and enjoy genuine experiences. For further information visit www.ardennes.com or http://gb.ardennes.com
Photo credits from top left clockwise: Ardennes, Eric Corlay, Ardennes, Ardennes, David Truillard, David Truillard, Laetic,Ardennes