La Thiérache – Rocroi Plateau – Sormonne Valley - Office de ...

Map
L ocated to the north of the Champagne-Ardenne region,
North-West Ardennes is 90 minutes from Brussels, 2
hours from Luxembourg, 2½ hours from Paris and 1 hour
from Reims by main roads.
Tourist
Guide
North-West Ardennes
Thiérache ▼ Rocroi Plateau ▼ Sormonne Valley

Contents
■■ A hint of heritage 2
■■ A dash of discovery 16
■■ A nugget of nature 19
■■ A fullness of fun 23
■■ Arts & crafts 26
■■ Local produce 26
■■ Markets and fairs 27
■■ Restaurants 28
■■ Accommodation 29
■■ Practical information 36
Office
deTourisme deRocroy
et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais
(tourist office)
The tourist office can provide all the information you
need when planning your stay in North-West Ardennes.
Get in touch with us! We look forward to seeing you soon
in North-West Ardennes!
North-West Ardennes tourist centre
14, place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel./Fax. +33 (0) 324 542 006
Email: info@otrocroi.com - www.otrocroi.com
◆ Information bureau
2, Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33 (0) 324 535 544
Brochure published by the Syndicat Intercommunautaire du Nord-Ouest Ardennais (SINOA)
6, rue de Montmorency - BP 41 - 08230 ROCROI.
Director of Publication: Jean-François Thiery, Chairman of SINOA.
Project coordination: SINOA.
Texts: SINOA.
Translation: STT - 66 avenue Pierre Goubet F-55840 Thierville sur Meuse, SINOA.
Graphic design: 5pointcom - 127, avenue de Paris - 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne.
Photographic credits: Jean-Marie Lecomte - 8, place Hippolyte Noiret - 08390 Louvergny,
Danielle Champion, Jean Seris, Maison de la Thiérache, Ardennes Terre d’Aventures, Centre
aquatique du Nord-Ouest Ardennais, Office de Tourisme de Rocroi et du Nord-Ouest
Ardennais, Fotolia, Phovoir, Goodshoot, Photodisc.
Cartography: Jean-François Destrée - 1571, La Croix de Fer - 08230 ROCROI.
Printing: Le Réveil de la Marne - 4 Rue Henri Dunant - 51200 Epernay.
Information obtained at end of November 2010.
Magazine cannot be sold.
Despite all the care taken with this publication, errors or omissions are still possible. Changes
may also have occurred, for which SINOA cannot be held responsible. Thank you in advance
for your understanding.

Tourism office of Rocroy
and North-West Ardennes
+33(0)324.54.20.06
info@otrocroi.com
www.otrocroi.com
Opening hours :
October to March : Tourism office is
open every day (not Monday)
from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
And 2.00pm to 5.00 pm
April to September : Tourism office is
open every day
from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm
to 6.00 pm
UPDATE 28/2/2013
P21 Neuville lez Beaulieu : Poney club (closed)
P21 Signy le Petit : Horse Drawn Carriage (closed)
P 27 Lonny : Sale of local produces (closed)
P 29 Rouvroy/Audry : Le Rimbaud (closed)
P29 Rimogne : Le St Jacques replaced by La Pyrite.
P29 Renwez : Hôtel des Voyageurs (closed) only
restaurant
P30 Aubigny les Pothées is not “ Clévacances”
P31 Blanchefosse-et-Bay : Gîte owned by Ms Hardy
(not Ms Duboys de Lavigerie)
P31 Brognon : Gîte n°150 capacity: 14 people
P32 Lonny : Gîtes (closed)
P32 Logny Bogny: Gîte (closed)
P33 Prez: Gîte (closed)
P34 Tarzy: Le Gîte (closed)
New
Rocroi : Hotel & Restaurant, Les Sabots d’Hélène
03 24 37 34 08
Lonny : B & B CV, 2 rooms, Ms Heurion
03 24 59 04 13- 06 71 59 10 46
Lonny : B & B CV, 2 rooms, Ms Miluy
03 24 59 29 07
Rocroi : 1 Gîte 9 people GF 03 24 56 89 65
Maubert Fontaine : 1 Gîte 5 people GF
06 18 09 22 90
Antheny: 1 Gîte 6 people GF 03 24 56 89 65
Liart: 1 Gîte 15 people GF 03 24 56 89 65
Rimogne : Museum of Slate, open from May to
September 03 24 35 13 14
Vaux Villaine : Donkey Ride : Un Ane en Ardennes
06 19 09 29 97
Lonny : Gallery and restaurant, Le Chat à 2 têtes
03 24 54 77 99

Discover
theRecipe
to North-West Ardennes!
Carpeted with forests, crisscrossed by rivers and broken
up by fortifications that are a reminder of an eventful
past, North-West Ardennes is a land of great diversity.
Relax in the enchanting natural environment, drink in our
beautiful scenery, take a stroll along the many footpaths,
learn about the history of our people and buildings, have
fun at our many leisure and entertainment venues and
savour our mouth-watering specialities.
In the pages of this tourist guide, we’ll reveal the recipe for
this unspoilt area. The maps in the centre fold will help you
get around.
Welcome to North-West Ardennes and have a great holiday!
1

Hint ofHeritage
◆ Rocroi, a star-shaped walled town - A3
From above, the town of Rocroi is a stone
star nestling in lush green surroundings.
Located at the gateway to France, its history
is synonymous with the wars that
rocked the borders over the centuries and
the town’s story is closely linked to that of
its fortifications. If Rocroi had not had ramparts,
the Great Condé would never have
come here to fight Philip IV’s famous Spanish
Tercios who were laying siege to it.
As the Middle Ages reached a close and
Italy began exporting its architects and
town planners, François I chose Rocroi, set
in the middle of an almost inaccessible marshy plateau, to defend his kingdom.
Artillery developed and guns began firing huge cannonballs. The fortifications lost the need
for verticality and height. The village became a town under constant attack. Its priority slowly
changed from the protection of property and people to the protection of the kingdom.
Vauban did not come on the scene until one hundred and fifty years later. He then strengthened
the walls and gave them the appearance they have today. He also created a double
line of 26 fortresses along the North-Eastern border
known as the Pré Carré. Rocroi was part of it.
Free access to the town walls - To visit Rocroi and
its fortifications, there is a map of the town in the
centrefold. The tourist office can organise guided
tours with advanced booking.
Information:
Office de Tourisme de Rocroi
et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais
14, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI
Tél./Fax. +33(0)324 542 006
Email: info@otrocroi.com
Website: www.otrocroi.com
2
A
S ince the days of the Ancient Gauls, North-West Ardennes has
occupied a much-coveted position on the borders. In fact, its
geographically strategic location created a climate of insecurity and
instability that explains the presence of large numbers of fortified
heritage buildings here, as you can see from the map of fortifications
in the centre of the guide.
◆ The Fortifications Trail
To see the other fortifications in Ardennes, follow the Fortifications Trail. From the Meuse
Valley to the Chiers Valley and across the Rocroi plateau, the fortresses dotted along the
route are reminders of an eventful history. They include the Charlemont Fortress built by
Charles V in Givet, the largest fortress in Europe in Sedan, the star-shaped walled town of
Rocroi and the last fort on the Maginot Line in La Ferté. The destiny of France and Europe was
played out on several occasions in the Ardennes: Rocroi (1643) and Sedan (1870-1940).
Following this Trail is an unforgettable history lesson.
Information:
Vitrine Culturelle et Touristique du département des Ardennes -
Comité Départemental du tourisme des Ardennes
24, place Ducale - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex - Tel. +33(0) 324 560 608
Email: info@ardennes.com – Website: www.ardennes.com
◆ Museum of the Battle of Rocroi
and the Thirty Years’ War - A3
On 19th May 1643, in the middle of the
devastating Thirty Years’ War, the name of
Rocroi entered the history books. It was
then that History, with a capital “H”, shattered
the quiet anonymity of the village
and, for decades, France’s schoolchildren
would study what historians consider to be
one of the ten greatest military victories in
the country’s history. The great philosopher
Voltaire described it in glowing terms, “The respect expressed throughout Europe for the
Spanish Army changed to respect for the French Army, which had not won such a famous battle
for a hundred years… This day was to bring about glory for France and Condé.”
The hostility between the kingdoms of France and Spain dated back to 1519, when François I
failed in his attempt to become the Emperor of Germany and preference was given to Charles
V. After Henri IV’s assassination, the future King Louis XIII married Anne of Austria who was
the daughter of King Philip III of Spain. The Defenestration of Prague on 23rd May 1618
was the incident that started the Thirty Years’ War. Soon the whole of Europe was involved
and the war resulted in huge loss of life. During this time, France was weakened by the
successive deaths of Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIII. Meanwhile the Spaniards, who already
occupied Belgium and the Netherlands, decided to take Rocroi, an essential move if they
were to capture the kingdom as a whole. However, standing in their way, was a daring young
soldier, the Duke d’Enghien, later to be known as the “Great Condé”.
Located on Place du Luxembourg in a 17th-century guardhouse, the Museum of the Battle of
Rocroi illustrates the glorious moments in the battle using a 20-minute animated slide show.
Numerous dioramas with a total of almost fifteen thousand figurines depict the Thirty Years’
War and a superb relief map explains the history of the fortifications.
Musée de la Bataille de Rocroi
et de la Guerre de Trente Ans
Place du Luxembourg - 08230 ROCROI
Information:
Office de Tourisme de Rocroi
et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais
14, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI
Tel./Fax. +33(0) 324 542 006
Email: info@otrocroi.com
Website: www.otrocroi.com
3

◆ Montcornet Feudal Castle in Ardennes - C4
Montcornet Castle is one of the largest remaining
sections of the mediaeval fortifications in Ardennes.
The historian Michelet described it as a
“veritable feudal coliseum” and it has been a listed
building since 1926. Mont Cornu, or “spur of
rock”, was predestined to be topped by a defensive
fortress because of its amazing location opposite
the Sormonne Valley.
At the end of the 10th century, the Archbishops of
Reims and Counts of Champagne wanted to ensure
the security of the Porcien area from German
attack. They appointed Hugues as first Lord of
Montcornet. He obtained income from the slate
quarries in Rimogne and the toll levied at Deville
on boats travelling along the Meuse. The last of the Montcornet dynasty, Jeanne de Rumigny,
wife of Miles de Noyers, Constable of France, founded the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen
downhill from the castle in 1303. It has recently been restored. Little remains of the castle that
belonged to the Montcornet and Noyers families after the Hundred Years’ War, the factional
conflict between Armagnacs and Burgundians and attack by wandering gangs of erstwhile
mercenaries in the 16th century (known as “the Flayers”).
Purchased in 1446 by Antoine de Croy, the Duke of Burgundy’s chamberlain, a great soldier and
wily diplomat, the castle was adapted to withstand artillery fire in general and iron cannonballs
in particular.
It is these remains that are open to the public today - the barbican protecting the castle entrance,
the bastion that provided greater protection for the walls, the encased towers and
the slit windows placed to allow for maximum firepower. After the Croys, the castle belonged
to Charles de Gonzague, then to the Duke de Mazarin, the famous Cardinal’s nephew. Subsequent
owners were the Duke d’Aiguillon, a descendent of Cardinal Richelieu, the Marquis
de Châtillon and Father Lussigny, who brought the old fortress back
to life after 200 years of neglect. Today, a small museum displays
the items found during clearance work - pottery, coins, weapons,
pipes, glasses, jewellery etc.
Château de Montcornet en Ardenne
08090 MONTCORNET (on the D22 road, 2km from Renwez).
Information:
Association Les Amis du Château de Montcornet
Tel. +33(0) 324 549 348
4
◆ Fortified churches and houses
in Thiérache
In the Thiérache area of Ardennes, lookout towers,
corner towers, machicolations, and slit windows are
terms usually used in connection with fortresses.
However, these terms, with their violent rather than
peaceful connotations, are also used in reference to
the largest “house” in the village - the church.
During the uprisings of the 16th and 17th centuries,
villagers in the border region of Thiérache would take
refuge in the church, having added elements of
fortification copied from mediaeval systems of
defence for greater protection. In addition to
religious buildings, a number of farms and houses
were also fortified.
On the map of fortifications in the centre of this guide, you’ll see that many buildings in
North-West Ardennes have retained traces of their fortifications, silent witnesses to a tumultuous
history.
◆ The Thiérache Fortified Churches Trail
From Charleville-Mézières on the edge of Aisne, the signposted Thiérache Fortified Churches
Trail forms a 150-kilometre loop that winds its way through a landscape of hills, hedgerows
and meadows between the forests of Signy-le-Petit and Signy-l’Abbaye. This is an area of
outstandingly rich architectural heritage. In addition to the abbeys, castle and fortified houses,
the fifteen fortified churches serve as impressive reminders of the past with their corner
towers, keeps, slit windows and lookouts.
Information:
Vitrine Culturelle et Touristique du département des Ardennes -
Comité Départemental du tourisme des Ardennes
24, place Ducale - 08107 Charleville-Mézières Cedex
Tel. +33(0) 324 560 608 - Email: info@ardennes.com
Website: www.ardennes.com
◆ Arts Centre at the fortified
church in Servion - C3
This fortified church in Thiérache is no longer used
for services; instead, it is a small rural arts centre. Its
westwork with casemates, Gallo-Roman memorial,
spiral staircase, remains of old doors and windows
and countless slit windows attract visitors every year
- and they always go away, enthralled.
A botany trail (3 kms) completes the visit to Servion
(within the boundaries of Rouvroy-sur-Audry). Simply
lift up the botany information panels to check the
answer to the question asked.
Centre Culturel de l’Église Fortifiée de Servion
08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY
Information:
Association des Compagnons de Saint-Etienne
Email: contact@servion.fr - Website: www.servion.fr
5

◆ Fortified church in Aouste - C2
St. Remy’s Church in Aouste is one of the strangest and best-known of the fortified white
stone churches of the Ardennes. It is a listed building, having been constructed in the 15th and
17th centuries. A Gothic column kept during a later construction period proves that an older
church once stood on this spot.
The exterior is robust. The Flamboyant
Gothic/Renaissance West door is topped
by a bartizan. The square tower, a sort of
belfry, is older than the church itself. The
walls are one metre thick and are topped
by crenelations and arrow slits. A spiral
staircase in the cant-walled tower leads up
to the top. This is where local people
would seek refuge in times of invasion in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the tower was
connected with the top of the vaulting in the nave, people could stay there, store their
furniture there and even bring their animals there. On the site of the font, in the bakehouse
adjacent to the tower are a well (now walled up) and a vast fireplace, enabling people to
isolate themselves here for some considerable time.
The interior is elegant in its simplicity - a four-span nave flanked
by side aisles closed off by a five-sided chancel containing a
marble high altar with six Corinthian columns beneath a canopy.
All the stained glass dates from the 19th century.
Église Saint-Rémi d’Aouste - 08290 AOUSTE
Information:
Association Socioculturelle d’Aouste
Tel. +33(0) 324 544 032
◆ Fortified buildings in Antheny - C2
The village of Antheny en Thiérache in the Ton Valley is unusual because it boasts two significant
fortified buildings - a 16th-century fortified church with a 13th-century bell tower and
a 17th-century fortified private house in the hamlet of Fontenelle. It is a remarkable village
with origins far back in the mists of time. Its houses, however, were razed to the ground in
the 17th century, watched by the villagers who had sought refuge in the fortified church.
Amazingly, villages were allowed to build fortified houses at that time. This is why, if you
look carefully at the housefronts in the village,
you will still see traces of fortifications.
Église fortifiée d’Antheny
08260 ANTHENY
Maison fortifiée -
Hamlet of Fontenelle
08260 ANTHENY
(Private property, not open to the public).
6
◆ St. Martin’s fortified church in Bossus-les-Rumigny - C1
The fortified church in Bossus-les-
Rumigny seems to date from the 17th
century. Built in several stages, the
keystone above the altar dates from
1575. It is a rectangular church with a
crenelated tower and turrets. The
chancel includes a shelter, part of
which is on the first floor. Its windows
form a system of defence.
The village of Bossus-les-Rumigny
is typical of the Thiérache area. It
includes an octagonal stone dovecote, an old watermill (now restored) and an old
wash-house.
Église fortifiée Saint-Martin de Bossus-les-Rumigny
08290 BOSSUS-LES-RUMIGNY
◆ Fortified church in Chilly - C3
According to Albert Meyrac, the fortified church in Chilly dates from the late 15th century.
Its chancel and sanctuary are remarkable for the ogival arches and lancets. In days gone by,
villagers would take shelter in the tall church tower during a siege, to defend the village. In
fact, you can still see traces of crenelations and machicolations.
Église fortifiée de Chilly
08260 CHILLY
7

◆ Flaignes-Havys:
The fortified churches dedicated to St. Lawrence
in Flaignes les Oliviers and St. Géry in Havys - C2
In 1982, the villages of Flaignes les Oliviers and Havys merged to become the village of
Flaignes-Havys. The two ancient villages each had its own fortified church.
St. Lawrence’s in Flaignes les Oliviers is said to date, at least in part, from the 11th century but
most of it was rebuilt in the early 17th
century after various exactions imposed
by the Burgundians and Spaniards. The
first two spans in the nave (there are no
side aisles) and the bell tower topping
the West Front date from circa 1660. The
next three spans date from 1580 and the
chancel at the end may be from the
same period, if it is true that the
crocheted capitals and brackets with
palmettes were 13th-century features
that were re-used. Two chapels flank the
nave and the entrance to the chancel.
The chapel on the north side dates from
1480; the one on the south side from
1666. One of them contains some interesting tombstones. The entire eastern side of the
church was designed as a system of defence. The walls were built with loopholes and a
raised loft provided a place of refuge
accessed from a tower on the north side.
In Havys, the fortified church dedicated
to St. Géry is more modest, although it
also has a tower. It is said to date from
the 16th century.
Église fortifiée
Saint-Laurent de Flaignes
Flaignes - 08260 FLAIGNES-HAVYS
Église fortifiée
Saint Géry de Havys
Havys- 08260 FLAIGNES-HAVYS
◆ St. Stephen’s fortified church in Fligny - B1
In common with many others in the region of Thierache, the church in Fligny suffered at the
hands of the military, regular army and mercenaries, who scoured this land right through
from the Hundred Year’s War to the troubled times of the 16th and 17th centuries. Destroyed
in 1340, put to the torch by the imperial army in 1521 and again, by the prince of Orange in 1555,
it was rebuilt in 1570 thanks to the generosity of François de Lorraine. The chancel is flanked
by a round access tower and has a raised garret for taking refuge, with numerous arrow slits
in the walls.
Église Saint-Etienne de Fligny
08380 FLIGNY
8
◆ St. Stephen’s fortified church in Laval-Morency - C3
St. Stephen’s Church in Laval Morency was burnt down in 1622. Later, it was rebuilt in the
Gothic style. At present, the church has a Cross-shaped layout with a nave but no side aisles.
The church has ribbed vaulting except for the rounded chancel which has a ceiling. The loft
is reached by a spiral staircase in one of the round towers dotted with loopholes, flanking the
south arm of the transept. The loopholes were designed for defensive purposes. On the walls
of the arms of the transept are corbels for a bartizan. The fortified church in Laval-Morency
has been listed in the Additional Inventory of Historic Monuments.
Église fortifiée Saint-Etienne de Laval-Morency
08150 LAVAL-MORENCY
◆ Notre-Dame fortified church in Liart - D2
It is said that, in the 11th century, a statue of the Virgin Mary was
found in a wood at the confluence of the Glandu and Deuline
rivers. The statue was wrapped in ivy, hence the name of the village
of Liart (ivy = lierre in France). The wooden statue, found
almost 1,000 years ago, gave Liart a patron saint, Our Lady of Liart,
who protected its parishioners in the superb fortified building.
Notre-Dame Church was fortified in the 15th century and resembles
a castle. Its impressive rectangular westwork looks like a
two-storey keep. A bartizan and countless slit windows defended
the narrow west door. The two turrets lead to an attic in which people could shelter. The
stained-glass window in the chancel is a reminder of the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Joy to pray
to its black Virgin Mary.
When you come to Liart, you can also visit an orchard-conservatorium set up by Liart
Council, and the future Ardennes regional country park.
Église Notre-Dame de Liart - 08230 LIART
9

◆ St. Martin’s fortified church
in Prez - C2
St. Martin’s fortified church in Prez consists of a nave
leading into a chancel with a raised loft designed as a
place of refuge and defence. The defensive nature of
the building is further accentuated by the presence of
a flanked round tower dotted with slit windows on
the south side. Two apsidal chapels projecting beyond
the line of the building on the outside open onto the
entrance of the chancel, forming something like a transept.
The entire church was built in the 16th century.
The ribs on the vaulting penetrate into the pillars.
Église fortifiée Saint-Martin de Prez
08290 PREZ
◆ The fortified church in Remilly-les-Pothées - D3
The fortified church in Remilly-les-Pothées dates from the 14th century. The ogival-styled
church is fully vaulted and perfectly preserved; it has undergone no alteration whatsoever.
It consists of a nave and side aisles, a transept and an apse.
Église fortifiée de Remilly-les-Pothées
08150 REMILLY-LES-POTHEES
◆ St. Nicholas fortified church in Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2
The church in Signy-le-Petit was built in the 17th century after the previous chapel was burnt
down in 1636 by the Spaniards.
Construction took 6 years to complete between 1680 and 1686, as is evident from the dates
engraved in the front of the tower (1680) and on the outside above a machicolation (1686).
The church forms a Latin cross 36 metres long, 10.66 metres wide in the nave and 12 metres
high up to the vaulting. The spire on the bell
tower rises to a height of 30 metres above
the ground.
The walls, 3 metres thick at the base of the
tower, were built of quartzite schist. The
westwork, flanked by two watch turrets with
pepperpot roofs, leads into the nave which
has brick vaulting over ribs built of yellow
stone.
Église fortifiée de Signy-le-Petit
08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT
10
◆ The fortified church in Tarzy - B2
Tarzy, a village typical of Thiérache, has a fortified
church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Built to a rectangular layout with a defensive
tower in the north-east corner and interior vaulting,
it has withstood numerous sieges during the
various periods of invasion. Its nave has a ceiling
and the chancel with its ribbed vaulting
dates from 1570. There
is a shelter above the
chancel, where the
roof is higher than in
the nave. Countless defensive openings can be seen right round
the building.
Église fortifiée de Tarzy - 08380 TARZY
◆ Fortified house in Rumigny,
la Cour des Prés - C1
This fortified house was built in 1546 for the Provost of
Rumigny, Louis Martin, in answer to a call from King François
I to fortify the region and provide better protection
for the population against invasion by Charles V’s imperial
troops. It was in the old castle in Rumigny, in 1643, that
the Great Condé decided to fight the famous Battle of
Rocroi. Jean-Baptiste Piette, a descendent of Louis Martin,
had to demolish the keep and drawbridge during the
Reign of Terror.
When the Directoire took over government, he restored his house and added a tower on
the south side. Edouard Piette, his grandson, was one of the “founding fathers” of the science
of prehistory. He brought all the items he uncovered during digs to Rumigny, later bequeathing
them to the museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. La Cour des Prés, which has often been
passed on down the female line, has always remained in the same family and each owner has left
something of his/her own period of history.
Evening functions with candlelit dinners are held in the Renaissance rooms of the historic Cour
des Prés during the summer season. Part of the house has been made into B&B accommodation.
La Cour des Prés - 1 rue Louis Martin (Champlin road) - 08290 RUMIGNY
Information, guided tours and special events:
Tel. +33(0) 324 355 266 - Email: la-cour-des-pres@laposte.net
11

◆ Le Maipas fortified farm - C2
This fortified house set at the end of a vast courtyard is dazzlingly white in the sunshine.
Initially, only its roof emerges from the floor of the valley. There are four corner towers
flanking the main house, topped by a carved stone cornice.
In 1650, Louys de Brodard was Lord of Boulan, La Loge Rosette and Le Maipas, in the
community of Antheny, within the barony of Rumigny. The Brodard house was in the
Rocroi area after the imperial Spanish troops had passed through and in the days when the
metalworking industry was revived on the River Eau Noire.
In the second half of the 17th century, in 1657 to be precise, the family’s descendent, Lord de
Maipas, was standing in front of the great fireplace, warming himself in the house hidden
in the valley. It was the time of the Thirty Years’ War. He did not have to suffer like the
villagers in Prez whose houses were set alight by the enemy. Was he saved by his stone house
or by its isolated location?
Ferme fortifiée du Maipas
08290 PREZ
(Private property, not open to the public).
◆ Fortified house in Wartigny - C3
In the hamlet of Wartigny, which lies within the boundaries of Murtin-Bogny, is another
fortified building, once a fortified house and now a farm. It is said to have been Antoine de
Croy who had the house in Wartigny fortified to provide protection against the gangs of
unemployed soldiers who were ravaging the area in 1450. After the French Revolution, like
most aristocratic residences, Wartigny Castle was partially demolished. The only reminder
of the past still visible today is a turret with black brick bonding.
Maison forte de Wartigny -
Hameau de Wartigny
08150 MURTIN-BOGNY
(Private property, not open to the public).
12
In addition to its fortified houses and churches,
North-West Ardennes has much, much more
to offer tourists.
◆ Rimogne, the Slate Town - C3
The slate-bearing schists of the primary Ardennes were formed during
the hercynian folding of the Cambrian uplands. Rimogne
was one of the main slate-quarrying locations in addition to
those in the Meuse Valley. For centuries, the town gained its
income from the slate that has left its mark on the surrounding
landscape. Slate quarrying began in 1158 when
Pierre de Montcornet granted the monks of Signy the right
to search for slate within the boundaries of Rimogne and Le
Châtelet and extract what they considered to be a “reasonable”
amount. From the 13th century onwards, licences were granted in
increasing numbers and slate quarrying reached its peak in the mid 19th
century. After the euphoria that followed the First World War came the economic slump.
Then, despite a few attempts at modernisation after the Second World War, the slate
quarries closed down.
Rimogne slate can be blue or green. It is a luxurious building
material that owes its reputation to its many properties. It is
waterproof, flexible, incombustible, resistant to acid and
shockproof. It can also last for more than 150 years. In fact, Rimogne
slate has often been used for historic buildings.
Although slate quarrying has now ceased, slate is still to be
seen in the village of Rimogne. It clads the edge of the
St. Quentin well, there are 19th-century slate graves in the
cemetery, the stained-glass windows in the church were
donated by slate quarriers and the tradition of St. Barbara,
patron saint of slate quarriers, is still alive and well.
Information:
Website on Rimogne‘s past - www.surlesentierdupasse.fr
13

◆ Bonnefontaine Abbey - D1
The old Cistercian abbey of Bonnefontaine, in the
town of Blanchefosse-et-Bay, is now private property.
From Rue du Moulin, you can see the gable on
the right arm of the transept in the abbey church,
with its rose window. Founded in 1175 by Nicolas III of
Rumigny, the abbey flourished despite successive
waves of pillaging. Its printworks were famous for
many years. Its monks, originally from Signy-l’Abbaye,
built a Gothic church in the 13th century. The church
was connected to the monastery by a cloister. The
abbot’s palace dates from the 17th century. As the
monks accumulated wealth, they became lazy and
gradually relaxed the rules that they found too arduous. By the time of the French Revolution,
there were only eight monks
left in Bonnefontaine. The abbey
became national property and was
sold in 1792.
Abbaye de Bonnefontaine
08290 BLANCHEFOSSE-ET-BAY
(Private property, not open
to the public).
◆ Church of St. John the Baptist, Hannappes - C1
The Church of St. John the Baptist in Hannappes
deserves to be much better-known than it is. It is
a beautiful building of outstanding interest (it is a
listed building). Built with ribbed lancet arching
and laid out in the form of a Latin Cross, the
church has nevertheless retained the squat, solid
appearance of Romanesque churches. The crocheted
capitals on the entrance were also of Romanesque
inspiration. Yet the chancel, transept
and chapels are fine examples of Early Gothic with
their pointed arches supported by colonnettes
(entrance) and ribbed vaulting elsewhere. Although
not fortified, the church was often used as
a refuge and used to contain a well.
Église Saint Jean-Baptiste de Hannappes
08290 HANNAPPES
14
◆ Château de l’Echelle - C3
Located on the hilltops near "Grant Mont", bounded
by the Sormonne Valley to the north and Audry Valley
to the south, the village of Echelle is undoubtedly
one of the most typical Ardennes villages in the region.
The 16th-century castle opposite the church is
still an impressive sight. It is laid out as a square, flanked
by massive towers. In the village of L’Echelle, you
will also find a school museum (musée de l’École d’Hier),
church, old wash-house and arboretum.
Le Château de l’Echelle - 08150 L’ECHELLE
◆ La Ganguille barrow (Saint-Marcel) - D3
The Ganguille barrow in Giraumont dates
from some 2,000 years B.C. It is approximately
5 metres long and consists of three slabs
of sandstone weighing up to 10 tonnes covering
two chambers and supported by walls of
dressed stone. A Gallic grave was randomly
added to the side at a later date.
Dolmen de la Ganguille
Giraumont - 08460 SAINT-MARCEL
◆ The Daudece Tower - C3
Nestling in the Sormonne Valley, the village
of Le Châtelet-sur-Sormonne is watched
over by a tower high above the river.
This is the Daudece Tower, a reminder of
the old fortified house (extensively altered).
It is said to have been erected on a
very old site. In 1792, when it was partially
demolished, Roman coins were found
here.
La Tour Daudece - Le Chatelet Bas -
08150 LE CHATELET SUR SORMONNE
◆ Blombay Mill - C2/C3
In the village of Blombay, at an altitude of 300
metres, is a fully-restored windmill.
Le Moulin de Blombay
08260 BLOMBAY
(Private property, not open to the public).
15

D iscover farm life
16
A
Dash ofDiscovery
◆ The teaching farm in Liart - D2
In an old farmhouse built in typical style, the Maison de la
Thiérache visitors’ centre set up a teaching farm almost 15
years ago. It is the starting point for a range of activities -
theme afternoons, walks with a pack donkey and "kids’
mornings".
Information:
Maison de la Thiérache - 08290 LIART
Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833
Website: www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr
◆ In the depths of the countryside - A2
Claudie Boulet-Pierquin has opened a family holiday centre in Regniowez that has been accredited
by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. During the school holidays, Claudie, a retired teacher,
organises holiday camps for children between the ages of 6 and 11 and offers customised
hospitality throughout the year to suit people of all ages. With her husband, Bernard Boulet,
a dairy farmer, Claudie and her staff teach people about a dairy farmer’s life and the
world of farming in general through tours of the farm, nature rambles, snacks with farm produce
and scientific activities on sustainable development adapted for visitors of all ages.
Claudie and Bernard’s teaching garden grows the vegetables used to make real “Au Cœur des
Champs” soup for adults and children. Evening meals with the farmer are a great opportunity
to share and discuss experiences.
“Au cœur des Champs” is a member of the national "Accueil Paysan” and “Ecole et Nature”
networks.
Disabled access.
Information:
“Au Cœur des Champs” - 2, La Songière - 08230 Regniowez - Tel. +33(0) 324 294 302
Email: aucoeurdeschamps@west-telecom.com - Website: www.aucoeurdeschamps.com
◆ Bienvenue à la Ferme - La Ferme de Girondelle - C2
In the village of Girondelle, in the depths of a lush valley in the Thiérache area of Ardennes,
Pascal and Pierrette Brosse welcome you to their farm with their "Bienvenue à la
ferme" rooms and table d’hôte meals.
Enjoy a snack and discover the taste of real farm produce. The snack is made up of local
specialities and includes a drink.
With advanced booking:
Tour of the farm, light meals, farm snack, birthday “tea”.
Information and bookings:
Mr. and Mrs. Pascal and Pierrette Brosse
4-6, Grand’rue - 08260 GIRONDELLE
Tel. +33(0) 324 543 132 - Email: pierrette.brosse287@orange.fr
Website: girondelle.free.fr
◆ Renwez Forest Museum - C3
Renwez, across the border in Ardennes itself, is famous for
its forest museum.
The timber reception building on stilts houses 7 electronic
museography rooms on various subjects using models,
puppets, a cinema, information on the planting of conifer
forests, flora and fauna etc.
Outside, using an audioguide in 4 languages: museum, walks
in the 11 hectares of forest, 35 worksites including wooden
figures illustrating the various types of work carried out in
the forest.
A collection of more than 4,000 tools and machines.
Several unmissable events such as the two wood chopping
competitions and the mushroom exhibition.
Souvenir shop, refreshments. Meals available with advanced
booking. Conference or meeting room. Disabled
access. A very instructive, cultural and
interesting place.
Musée de la Forêt “Janine and Henri Vastine”
Route de Sécheval - 08150 RENWEZ
Information:
Tel. +33(0) 324 548 266
Fax: +33(0) 324 548 120
Email: musee-de-la-foret@wanadoo.fr
Website: www.renwez.fr
17

◆ School Museum - C3
Housed in the old classroom in the village of L’Echelle is a school museum that recreates the
atmosphere of a good old country school with equipment from bygone days to show visitors
what schools were like in the last century – blackboard, abaci, teacher’s desk, school
desks with their porcelain inkwells, glass-fronted cupboards etc.
Visitors can flick through old exercise books, school books etc.
In this setting, certain people wanted to relive or discover the atmosphere of the famous
"qualifying examination". On several occasions, other visitors nostalgically wrote with dip pens
and purple ink on "school" paper.
In addition to visits, other initiatives allow visitors to think back to the old days and appreciate
the changes made between then and now.
Musée de l’École d’Hier
1st floor of the castle - 08150 L’ECHELLE
Information:
Tel. +33(0) 324 330 299 or +33(0) 324 358 022
Email: musecoledhier@orange.fr
◆ Priory workshops - A2
A small museum illustrating the life and work
of Father Bonaventure Fieuillien.
Exhibition of the Father’s work.
Les Ateliers du Prieuré
24, rue de l’Europe - 08230 REGNIOWEZ
Information:
Tel. +33(0) 324 541 478
18
A
Nugget ofNature
North-West Ardennes is a land of contrasts, unusual for the three
geomorphological units for which the Ardennes are famous -
the Pre-Ardennes peaks (Thiérache), the Pre-Ardennes depression
(Sormonne Valley) and Ardenne (Rocroi Plateau).
The Rocroi Plateau
To the north-east of the area is the vast Rocroi Plateau carpeted with
woodland and dotted with clearings large and small in which villages
and hamlets have been built. It covers an area stretching from the
Belgian border to a line between Signy-le-Petit and Renwez. The average
altitude is approximately 350 metres but is much lower to the
south and west. The geological nature of the subsoil makes crop
growing difficult. The Rocroi Plateau has various ecological locations
including the “rièzes”, peat bogs with particularly interesting flora and
fauna.
Thiérache Ardennaise
To the south-west of the area is the eastern edge of the vast natural
region of "Thiérache” which stretches over the départements of Aisne,
Nord and Ardennes and juts into Belgium. This is an area of rolling
hills and dales. The highest point is the Butte de Marlemont (292
metres). Thiérache Ardennaise is nicknamed "Little Normandy"
because of its hedgerows, pastures and stock breeding. Numerous
rivers rise in this area e.g. the Audry, Aube and Serre.
Sormonne Valley
The Sormonne Valley is a corridor filled with meadows and fields of
crops. It lies between the Pre-Ardennes peaks in the south and the
uplands of Ardennes in the north. In fact, it corresponds to the
Pre-Ardennes depression. It is wide upstream from Laval-Morency and
downstream from Sormonne, but becomes narrower and rugged
around the town of Chatelet-sur-Sormonne. The River Sormonne
flows diagonally through the area in a north-west to south-east
direction before joining the River Meuse in Charleville-Mézières.
19

Map
ofRocroi
Map
ofFortifications

Map
of North-West
Ardennes

Walking
◆ Walkers’ guide - « Randonnées
sur le Plateau de Rocroi
et en Thiérache Ardennaise »
To the west of the picturesque Meuse Valley, the uplands
of Ardennes include a high plateau overlooking the
meadows and hills of Thiérache, amid forests, marshes and
lakes. This is a border area, protected by fortified buildings,
fortresses and fortified churches. History and locality reveal
their innermost nature on the 38 signposted walks comprising
loopback routes of 3 to 20 km. They’re ideal for relaxation and
they run through some of the best beauty spots in the area.
The guide is on sale at the tourist office (Office de Tourisme
de Rocroi et du Nord-Ouest Ardennais).
◆ La Boulette botany trail - C3
The Boulette botany trail is a 3.5 kilometre walk from the fortified church in Servion across
the hillside above.
Panels with information on back and front give the characteristics and properties of the
various types of tree, shrub and plant.
The walk includes two superb views:
◆ L'Echelle, its castle and the surrounding countryside;
◆ The Sonru Valley and the bell tower in Neufmaison.
Wild orchids peek out from the undergrowth from springtime onwards
(N.B. Protected species! Do not pick them!).
A document about the walk is available free of charge at the Arts Centre (“centre culturel”)
in Servion church.
ENJOY YOUR WALK!
Centre Culturel de l’Église Fortifiée de Servion
08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY
Information:
Association des Compagnons de Saint-Etienne
Email: contact@servion.fr - Website: www.servion.fr
◆ Walkers’ guide -
« Les Ardennes à pied »
Ardennes is less than three hours from Paris, Lille, Nancy or
Dijon, on the border with Belgium. It is a fabulous area that is
well worth a visit.
It is famous for nature at its most triumphant, for its woodlands
and bucolic, gently-rolling hills and for the simple life
led by people who are deeply attached to their area and their
traditions.
In the guide, "Les Ardennes à pied", 47 walks (PR®) are graded by level of difficulty (loopback
routes taking 2 hrs to 6 hrs). Each of them is accompanied by an IGN colour map. There are
also numerous informative texts and photos accompanying the descriptions of the walk to
give a full idea of the diversity of the countryside and the local culture.
The guide is on sale in bookshops.
20
◆ Santiago de Compostella
Throughout the Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostella was the most important destination
for countless pilgrims from all over Europe. Today, you can walk in their footsteps by following
the path between Namur and Vézelay via Reims. It takes you across the Rocroi Plateau
and Thiérache area.
Information:
www.randonneurs-pelerins.fr
◆ Long-distance waymarked footpath: the GR 12
The long-distance GR12 footpath runs from Amsterdam through Belgium to Paris. From
Gué-d’Hossus to Vaux-Villaine, the GR12 crosses north-west Ardennes.
Information:
http://www.gr-infos.com/gr12a.htm
R iding
◆ Eteignières - Les Écuries du Taillis - B2
Children’s courses for beginners or more advanced riders (+4 years). Trekking available.
State-qualified instructor.
Route de Rocroi
08260 ETEIGNIERES
Tel. +33(0) 324 543 534 - Email: assolesecuriesdutaillis@yahoo.fr
www.assolesecuriesdutaillis.e-monsite.com
◆ La Neuville-lez-Beaulieu
Pony Club de Beaulieu - B2
Rides and beginners’ lessons for all ages.
Main Beaulieu road
08380 LA NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU
Tel. +33(0) 324 575 909 - Email: www.poney-club-beaulieu.ffe.com
◆ Signy-le-Petit - Horse rides - B1/B2
1 to 2-hour rides for beginners or advanced riders. From 8 years. Carriage rides through the
streets of the village.
Croix Colas - 08380 SIGNY LE PETIT
Tel. +33(0) 324 531 125 - www.baladeachevalcroixcolas.com
Cycle and mountain bike hire.
H ire of bikes
◆ BMX, all-terrain and
mountain bikes - B1/B2
Mrs. Myriam VIGNIER - Croix Colas
08380 SIGNY LE PETIT
Tel. +33 (0) 324 531 125
www.baladeachevalcroixcolas.com
21

D onkey rides
◆ “Rando Anes” at the Liart teaching farm - D2
Saunter along at the speed of Cabriole, Réglisse etc., the donkeys from the teaching farm and
tour the Thiérache countryside with your family. Guided treks and donkey hire for outings on
your own, lasting from a half-day to 3 days.
Information: Maison de la Thiérache - 08290 LIART
Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833 - Website: www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr
Aouting with a SEGWAY® personal transporter
◆ Nearby, Segway personal transporters -
Ardenne Terre d’Aventures
Vome and try a Segway personal transporter on the shores of Les
Vieilles Forges Lake in the heart of the Ardennes Forest! Bitumen, dirt
tracks, undergrowth and sand all make for an unforgettable outing!!
Our Segway-certified guide will take charge of you for 1 hour during
which you will learn the basics of riding a Segway PT and discover the
skills you need to ride over rough ground on a Segway X2, an allterrain
machine.
Information:
Ardennes terre d’Aventures - rue du Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES
Tel. +33(0) 324 531 843 - Email: terreaventures@hotmail.fr
Website: www.ardennes-terre-aventures.com
A ngling
Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et la Protection
du Milieu Aquatique (Ardennes Angling and Aquatic
Environment Protection Federation)
Parc d’Activité Ardennes Emeraude - 08090 Tournes
Tel. +33(0) 324 564 132 - Fax. +33(0)324 593 111
Email: fedepecheardennes@wanadoo.fr - Website: www.federationpeche.fr/08
◆ “Angling in Ardennes” map
The Ardennes are well-known for their majestic, well-stocked forests but they also have a
wide variety of aquatic environments. Peat bogs, mountain streams, fast-flowing rivers and
coastal waterways are home to 42 species of fish.
Ardennes tourist board has joined forces with the Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et
la Protection du Milieu Aquatique to produce an angling map that covers the département
of Ardennes. Called “Angling in Ardennes”, the map is available in tourist offices or from the
Ardennes tourist board (Comité Départemental du Tourisme des Ardennes). You can also
download it on www.ardennes.com
◆ Info Pêche Ardennes
The Fédération des Ardennes pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique publishes
a magazine every year. It is particularly well-designed, with plenty of practical tips for people
wanting to enjoy the sport in Ardennes. The magazine also contains feature articles on
local environmental problems. Get your free copy from outlets selling angling permits, from
tourist offices or from the Ardennes tourist board (comité départemental du tourisme des
Ardennes). You can also download it on the Federation’s website: www.federationpeche.frl08.
22
A
F ulness ofF un
◆ North-West Ardennes water complex - A3
The North-West Ardennes water complex close to
the Belgian border offers a range of sports activities,
fun and relaxation thanks to its flume, sauna,
jacuzzi, water aerobics, seniors’ club, courses and
swimming lessons.
The cafeteria has an extensive menu of refreshments,
ices and salads.
Centre Aquatique du Nord-Ouest Ardennais
16, avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI
Information:
Tel. +33(0) 324 526 412 - Email: centre-aquatique-rocroi@wanadoo.fr
◆ Lake La Motte - B1/B2
La Motte is a small lake with a sandy beach in
wooded surroundings in Signy-le-Petit. There is
a lifeguard in attendance in July and August.
Nearby are numerous picnic areas on the edge
of the woods.
NO ADMISSION CHARGE.
Étang de la Motte - Route de la Motte
08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT
Information:
Communauté de Communes de la Région
de Signy-le-Petit
Tel. +33(0) 324 535 101
◆ Nearby,
Les Vieilles Forges lake
On the shores of Les Vieilles Forges Lake, Ardennes “County Council” has laid out a vast tourist
complex. The 150-hectare lake is ideal for a range of water sports (swimming, windsurfing,
sailing etc.) and has banks specially designed for fishing. Lifeguard services are available on the
specially designed sandy beach that, like the toilet blocks, are open for 3 months every year.
Playgrounds, picnic areas and a fitness course complete the leisure amenities provided for the
pleasure of holidaymakers.
NO ADMISSION CHARGE.
Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES
Information:
Base départementale - Tel. +33(0) 324 401 720 - Website: www.cg08.fr
23

◆ Aerial leisure park
Nearby, Ardennes Terre d’Aventures
Want to rise above things? Want to get those lungs pumping?
Prepare for some real fresh air, thrills and excitement!
Rugged hillsides, 70 year old spruce forests and a 150-hectare
lake make the park look like a picture from a Canadian
travel book but this is the Ardennes Forest and the Ardennes
Terre d’Aventures staff give visitors a very warm welcome.
This is certainly a chance to forget your everyday life
with a 2-kilometre walk in the treetops, more than 70 activity
platforms, 10 flying foxes etc.
There’s no excuse. Whether you’re athletic or not, children
and/or adults can come here on their own, with their family
or in groups and experience a unique aerial adventure
close to the treetops.
There are flying foxes, monkey bridges, climbing nets, Dogon ladders, climbing wall, midway
cycling etc. Travel safely from tree to tree using a range of specific equipment (lifelines, safety
harness, snap links, leads and pulleys). Our qualified staff (they hold a vocational qualification
for operators of aerial acrobatic courses and a first aid certificate) will help you don
the gear, give you some safety recommendations and advise you on the use of the equipment.
Now it’s all up to you! There are 5 routes of increasing difficulty: Adventure - Family - Discovery
- Adrenalin Rush – Vertigo.
Information:
Ardennes terre d’Aventures - rue du Lac des Vieilles Forges - 08500 LES MAZURES
Tel. +33(0) 324 531 843 - Email: terreaventures@hotmail.fr
Website: www.ardennes-terre-aventures.com
◆ Go-karting in Lonny - C3
An accredited 600-metre track for adults, the over 12s and
children aged over 7 years. The equipment consists of
twelve go-karts with 200 c.c. 4-stroke engines and seven
children’s go-karts with 100 c.c. engines.
Also available on site: snack bar, cafeteria and bar with a
panoramic view of the track and an outdoor stand (100
seats) with a view of the track.
There is a baby park for under 6 year olds.
The kart track in Lonny has been famous over the last few
years as the "largest track in Ardennes". It offers quality,
cleanliness and maximum safety. And while on the subject
of safety - there are rules in go-karting, which we will teach you on information panels and
through a short briefing session before you hit the track.
See you soon at the go-kart track in Lonny!
Information:
Karting de Lonny
20 rue de la Gare - 08150 LONNY
Tel. +33(0) 324 549 982
Email: info@karting-lonny.fr
Website: www.karting-lonny.fr
24
Crazy-golf
◆ Lonny - C3
The go-kart track in Lonny also has a 12-hole crazy golf course set amid flowers and shrubs.
Information:
Karting de Lonny
20 rue de la Gare - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 982
Email: info@karting-lonny.fr - Website: www.karting-lonny.fr
◆ Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2
At the Domaine de la Motte, there is an 18-hole crazy golf course for family fun.
Information:
Domaine de la Motte - Base de loisirs
08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473 - Email: contact@domainedelamotte.eu
Website: www.domainedelamotte.eu
C inema close by
◆ Le Métropolis
Rue Longueville - 08000 CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES
Tel. +33(0) 324 332 208 - Email: metropolis@cinemet.fr - www.cinemet.fr
D isco
◆ La Chaumière - A1
Rue Pisselotte - 08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES
Tel. +33(0) 324 535 699 - www.chaumiere.free.fr
Annual events
◆ May - June
Serv’image Festival organised by the Arts Centre
at the fortified church in Servion - C3
◆ June
Feast of St. John firework display in Montcornet - C4
◆ July - August
Wood chopping competition at the Renwez
Forest Museum - C3
◆ August
Street Drama Festival in Houldizy,
3rd Sunday in August - C4
25

26 26
Arts &Crafts
◆ Maubert Fontaine - B2
Water colourist - ATELIER AQUARELLIA
15, Rue du Château - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 632
www.paysagesdardenne.skyrock.com and www.paysagesdardenne.vpweb.fr
Topiary - ESPACES TOPIAIRES
9, Lotissement Jardin Bidois - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE
Tel. +33 (0) 324 326 097 or +33 (0) 642 325 138 - www.espace-topiaires.cabanova.fr
Manufacture of hunting knives - COUTELLERIE
6, Place de la Mairie - 08260 MAUBERT FONTAINE
Tel. +33 (0) 324 352 297- www.jean-tanazack.com
◆ Rocroi - A3
Figurine maker - Denis HURE
2269, Chemin Bidot - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 542 394 - www.jemep.be/figurines
LocalProduce
◆ Auge - B1
Apples and apple juice - Mr. Jean-Yves CHEVANNE
6, Grande Rue - 08380 AUGE - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 762
◆ Auvillers-les-Forges - B2
Honey and spiced honey bread - Mr. Pascal BOSSU
16, rue des Alouettes - 08260 AUVILLERS-LES-FORGES - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 079
◆ Etalle - C2
Organic production of beef, veal and lamb -
minced steak, spicy sausages and beef sausages - Mr. René GILLET
Rogischamps - 08260 ETALLE - Tél. : +33(0)3 24 35 00 46
◆ Flaignes-Havys - C2
Orchard fruit jam - Mrs. Joëlle LHEUTRE
Havys - 08260 FLAIGNES HAVYS - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 318
◆ Laval Morency - C3
Goats’ cheese - Mrs. Françoise GOSSELIN
Lotissement Le Chéneau - 08150 LAVAL MORENCY - Tel. +33(0) 324 528 241
◆ Liart - D2
Processing and sale of nettle-based products - wild plants and old-fashioned
vegetables - Ortie et compagnie - Mr. Nicolas POTDEVIN
Bois des Haies - 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 528 241
◆ La Neuville aux Joutes - A1
Meat producer - Mr. Francis GATHON
08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 221
◆ Lonny - C3
Sale of local produce - LES DELICES DU MOULIN - “Le vieux Moulin”
23, rue du Moulin - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 371 740
www.lesdelicesdumoulin.over-blog.com
◆ Prez - C2
Sale of pork and deli products - GAEC DEMORGNY
8, rue de la Salivette - 08260 PREZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 085
◆ Remilly-les-Pothées - D3
Organic meat production - Mr. Frederick FOULON
1, rue du Château - 08150 REMILLY-LES-POTHEES - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 305
◆ Rouvroy-sur-Audry - C3
Organic dairy products - GAEC DU MONT FOSSE
Route de Remilly-les-Pothées - Servion - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY
Tel. +33(0) 324 376 307 - http://gaecdumontfosse.pagesperso-orange.fr
Markets andFairs
◆ Blanchefosse-et-Bay - D1
Country Fair, 4th Sunday in August.
◆ Bourg-Fidèle - B3
Fruit and vegetable market, Monday afternoons.
◆ Eteignières - B2
Occasional country markets. Contact the Town Hall in Eteignières for information.
Tel. +33(0) 324 543 008
◆ La Neuville-aux-Joutes - A1
Foodlovers’ Feast (stands at which to taste, and buy, local produce and products).
Last weekend in August.
27
27

◆ Liart - D2
Commercial fair, 2nd weekend in March.
◆ Renwez - C3
Market every Thursday morning.
Country market, last Friday of the month, 3.30pm - 8pm.
Apple Fair, second last Sunday of October.
◆ Rimogne - C3
Commercial Fair, Ascension Thursday.
◆ Rocroi - A3
Tuesday mornings for weekly markets. Also first Mondays of the month, monthly fair,
afternoons only.
◆ Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2
Market, Thursday morning, 9am to 11am.
Restaurants
◆ Au Repos du Lièvre - B2
La Cense Gobron- 08260 MAUBERT-FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 165
◆ Aux Chandeliers - C3
261, Grande Rue - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 559
www.auxchandeliers.com
◆ Cafétéria du Centre Aquatique - A3
13, Avenue du Général-Moreau - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 526 412
◆ Chez Jean - D2
Aux Quatre Routes- 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 014
◆ Chez Mère Grand - B2
13, Route de Rocroi- 08260 ETEIGNIERES - Tel. +33(0) 324 540 707
◆ Hôtel des Voyageurs - C3
11, rue des Martyrs de la résistance - 08150 RENWEZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 326
◆ Hôtel du Commerce - A3
Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 115 - www.voltolini.fr
◆ La Hulotte Au Lion d’Or - B1/B2
Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 176 - www.lahulotte-auliondor.fr
◆ La Murée - B3
35, rue Catherine de Clèves - 08230 BOURG-FIDELE - Tel. +33(0) 324 542 445
www.campingdelamuree.com
28 28
◆ La Table de Condé - A3
4, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 532 365
◆ Le Cristal - B2
24, Route Nationale - 08260 MAUBERT-FONTAINE - Tel. +33(0) 324 354 599
◆ L’Entracte - B1/B2
Le Pré Hugon - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473- www.domainedelamotte.eu
◆ Le Filippi - C3
4, rue principale - 08090 HAM-LES-MOINES - Tel. +33(0) 324 536 098
◆ Le Rimbaud - C3
Grande rue - 08150 ROUVROY-SUR-AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 322 719
◆ Le Saint-Jacques - C3
35, place de la République - 08150 RIMOGNE - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 464
◆ Les Remparts - A3
10, rue des Remparts - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 183
◆ Mon Idée - B2
24, Route Nationale - 08260 AUVILLERS-LES-FORGES - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 277
◆ Motel Dubois - B2
43, Route Nationale - 08280 NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 255
◆ Relais du Piquet - C3
Le Piquet - 08150 TREMBLOIS-LES-ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 386
Accommodation
Hotels
◆ Hôtel des Voyageurs - C3
11, rue des Martyrs de la Résistance - 08150 RENWEZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 549 326
◆ Hôtel du Commerce - A3
5, Place d’Armes - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 115 - www.voltolini.fr
◆ Hôtel du Lion d’Or - B1/B2
Place de l’Église - 08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT - Tel. +33(0) 324 535 176 - www.lahulotte-auliondor.fr
◆ Motel Dubois - B2
43, Route Nationale - 08380 NEUVILLE-LEZ-BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 255
29
29

GroupAccommodation
◆ Au cœur des Champs - A2
Located in the main house, "Au coeur des champs", which is part of the Accueil Paysan
network, can cater for a group of 12 children and leaders or a group of adults (16 max.) in
dormitories.
Upstairs: 3 dormitories, 2 double rooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 WC are available for groups. One
bedroom and one bathroom with disabled access are available on the ground floor.
"Accueil Paysan" can provide evening meals for a maximum of 20 people. Short all-in breaks
can be arranged with organisers. The vast patio provides the ideal spot from which to enjoy
the tranquillity of the countryside and the beautiful sunsets.
Au Cœur des Champs
2, La Songière - 08230 Regniowez - Tel. +33(0) 324 294 302
Email: aucoeurdeschamps@west-telecom.com
www.aucoeurdeschamps.com
◆ Maison de la Thiérache -
Teaching farm in Liart - D2
Maison de la Thiérache has 37 beds suitable for all
groups, especially from schools and holiday centres
looking for overnight stays.
Description of the 11 rooms:
◆ 3 double rooms, 4 triple rooms, 1 room
sleeping 4 and 3 rooms sleeping 5 people.
Single beds with fitted sheet, bolster with
cover, mattress cover, blanket and bed
cover. One cupboard per bed.
◆ 2 toilet blocks: 5 showers, 5 toilets.
◆ Meals available on site: family cooking.
◆ Activity rooms - library - audiovisual equipment.
Enclosed courtyard available to groups using accommodation
End 2011: 15 additional beds near the teaching farm, with 4 rooms (6 people) for disabled
visitors and 4 rooms (9 people) on an upper floor.
Maison de la Thiérache - Place de la Mairie - 08290 LIART - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 833
Email: maison.thierache.08@wanadoo.fr
www.fermepedagogiqueliart.fr
G îtes andHolidayLets
◆ Aouste - C2
No. 336 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 8 people.
Armelle Schaefer - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/336.html
◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - D2
No. 08MS004 - 3 Clévacances keys - 5 people.
Mr. and Mrs. Launoy - 2, Rue du bois du Loup - 08150 AUBIGNY LES POTHEES
Tel. +33(0) 324 334 172 - Fax. +33(0) 324 334 172 - Email: marie-josee.launoy@orange.fr
30
◆ Blanchefosse-et-Bay - D1
No. 280 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 7 people.
Edith Duboys de Lavigerie - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965- Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/280.html
No. 08MS076 - 3 Clévacances keys - 11 people
Mr. and Mrs. Laval - 08150 ROUVROY SUR AUDRY - Tel. +33(0) 324 358 009
◆ Bossus-les-Rumigny - C1
No. 295 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 6 people.
Sylvie & François Breton - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/295.html
No. 301 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 4 people.
Sylvie & François Breton - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/301.html
No. 316 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 10 people.
Sylvie & François Breton - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/316.html
◆ Bourg-Fidèle - B3
No. 782 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 8 people.
The Mayor of Bourg Fidèle - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/782.html
No. 08MS085 - 3 Clévacances keys - 6 people.
Mr. and Mrs. Thys - 69, Rue Georges Sand - 08500 REVIN
Tel. +33(0) 324 402 643 or +33(0) 613 144 201 - Email: drinidrine4@hotmail.fr
◆ Brognon - A2
No. 225 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 9 people.
Bernard Robin- Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/225.html
No. 150 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 19 people.
Bernard & Eric Robin - Tel. +33(0) 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/150.html
◆ Cernion - C2
No. 228 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 6 people.
Jeanine & Christian Bara - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/228.html
◆ Chilly - C3
No. 275 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 5 people.
Patrick & Béatrice Felot - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/275.html
◆ Etalle - C2
No. 348 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 6 people.
Franck & Valérie Coleau - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/348.html
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◆ Eteignières - B2
No. 115 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 5 people.
Michel Dardenne - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/115.html
No. 376 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 5 people.
Michel Dardenne - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/376.html
◆ Flaignes-Havys - C2
No. 08MS014 - 3 Clévacances keys - 8 people.
Mr. and Mrs. Roussel - 30, Avenue Galois - 92340 BOURG LA REINE
Tel. +33 (0) 146 612 064 or +33(0) 670 874 006 - Email: delphine.roussel@libertysurf.fr
◆ Harcy - C3
No. 08MS022 - 2 Clévacances keys - 3+2 people.
Mr. Beaurain - 19, Rue Albert Poulain - 08150 HARCY - Tel. +33(0) 324 351 091
or +33(0) 611 758 650
◆ La Neuville-aux-Joutes - A1
No. 335 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn
16 people.
Pierre-M & Nadine Molinet
Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website:
www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/335.html
◆ Liart - D2
No. 365 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn
5 people.
Jacques Dupuich - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/365.html
◆ Logny-Bogny - D2
No. 08MS119 - 3 Clévacances keys - 8 people.
Mrs. Gilles - 41, Rue du 8 mai - 08320 VIREUX WALLERAND - Tel. +33(0) 324 352 732
or +33(0) 670 345 870 - Email: christian-gilles@wanadoo.fr
◆ Lonny - C3
No. 08MS121 - 2 Clévacances keys - 4 people.
Mr. Jenouvrier - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799
or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033 - Email: cathgay@hotmail.com
No. 08MS122 - 2 Clévacances keys - 4 people.
Mr. Jenouvrier - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY - Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799
or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033 - Email: cathgay@hotmail.com
32
◆ Maubert-Fontaine - B2
No. 350 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 6 people.
Nicole Gosselin - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/350.html
◆ Murtin-Bogny - C3
No. 303 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 9 people.
Bruno & Sylvie Paris - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/303.html
◆ Prez - C2
No. 08MS007 - 3 Clévacances keys - 7 people.
Mrs. Duchenois Werner - 1, Rue de l’église - 08290 PREZ - Tel. +33(0) 324 544 100 (home)
or Tel. +33(0) 324 578 300 (office) or Tel. +33(0) 681 956 794
Email: wernerpa@wanadoo.fr
◆ Regniowez - A2
No. 362 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 3 people.
Michelle Henon - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/362.html
◆ Remilly-les-Pothées - D3
No. 267 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 4 people
Patrick Paquay - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/267.html
No. 276 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 6 people.
Frédérick & Corinne Foulon - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/276.html
◆ Renwez - C3
No. 269 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 4 people.
Mayor of Renwez - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/269.html
No. 270 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 2 people.
Mayor of Renwez - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966 - Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/270.html
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◆ Rimogne - C3 No. 08MS070 - 3 Clévacances keys - 5 people.
Mr. & Mrs. Tirtaine - Les Tilleuls - 486 Rue Pasteur - 08150 RIMOGNE
Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208
Email: lestilleuls.rimogne@orange.fr - Website: www.gitesardennes.fr
No. 08MS071 - 3 Clévacances keys - 3 people.
Mr. & Mrs. Tirtaine - Les Tilleuls - 486 Rue Pasteur - 08150 RIMOGNE
Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208
Email: lestilleuls.rimogne@orange.fr - Website: www.gitesardennes.fr
No. 08MS106 - 2 Clévacances keys - 4 people.
Mr. & Mrs. Tirtaine - Les Tilleuls - 486 Rue Pasteur - 08150 RIMOGNE
Tel. +33(0) 324 549 816 or +33(0) 699 786 208
Email: lestilleuls.rimogne@orange.fr - Website: www.gitesardennes.fr
◆ Rocroi - A3
No. 163 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn -
12 people.
Bernard Bouvart - 11, rue des Jonquilles
08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 541 883
or +33(0) 668 555 815 - Fax. +33(0) 324 541 883
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/163.html
No. 328 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 5 people.
Christine Henriquet - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/328.html
No. 347 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 4 people.
Christiane Pernelet Jaschinski
7, avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI
Tel. +33(0) 964 349 559 or +33(0) 621 722 707
Fax. +33(0) 324 541 156
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/347.html
◆ Signy-le-Petit - B1/B2
No. 367 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 8 people.
Diarmuid Brittain - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965 - Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/367.html
No. 08MS038 - 3 Clévacances keys - 6 people.
Mrs. Myriam Vignier - 15, Rue Nicolas de Rumigny - 08380 SIGNY LE PETIT
Tel. +33(0) 324 531 125
◆ Tarzy - B2
No. 272 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn -
8 people.
Albert & Jeanine Chappe - Tel. +33(0) 324 568 965
Fax. +33(0) 324 568 966
Email: contact@gitardennes.com
Website:
www.gitardennes.com/fr/gites/272.html
34
B &B
◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - C2
No. 9951 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 14 people.
Marie-Hélène & José Lagard - Grand’Rue - 08150 AUBIGNY LES POTHEES
Tel. +33(0) 324 323 287 or +33(0) 670 246 398 - Fax. +33(0) 324 323 287
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9951.html
◆ Girondelle - C2
No. 08CH017 - 3 Clévacances keys - 9 people.
Mrs. BROSSE - 6, Grand’Rue 08260 GIRONDELLE - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 132 or +33(0) 685 499 806
Email: pierrette.brosse287@orange.fr - Website: http://girondelle.free.fr/
◆ Lonny - C3
No. 08CH029 - 3 Clévacances keys - 6 people.
Mr. Jenouvrier - Le Petit Château - 14, Rue de Laon - 08150 LONNY
Tel. +33(0) 324 547 799 or +33(0) 613 082 411 or +33(0) 615 812 033
Email: cathgay@hotmail.com
◆ Neuville-lez-Beaulieu - B2
No. 08CH027 - 3 Clévacances keys - 6 people.
Mrs. Debret - Pont d’Any - 08380 NEUVILLE LEZ BEAULIEU - Tel. +33(0) 324 543 503
Email: bon.accueil.clevacances@orange.fr
Website: http://pagesperso-orange.fr/bonaccueil/
◆ Rocroi - A3
No. 9938 - 3 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 9 people.
Françoise Dumonceau - 5, Rue d’Hersigny - 08230 ROCROI - Tel. +33(0) 324 538 637
Fax. +33(0) 324 538 637 - Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9938.html
No. 9952 - 2 Gîtes de France ears of corn - 5 people.
Christiane Pernelet Jaschinski - 7, Avenue du Général Moreau - 08230 ROCROI
Tel. +33(0) 964 349 559 or 0621 722 770 - Fax. +33(0) 324 541 156
Website: www.gitardennes.com/fr/chambres/9952.html
Campsites andHolidayV illages
◆ Camping de la Murée - B3
Camping de la Murée - 33, rue Catherine de Clèves - 08230 BOURG-FIDELE
Information: Tel. +33(0) 324 542 445 Website: www.campingdelamuree.com
◆ Camping du Pavillon - A1
Camping du Pavillon - 08380 LA NEUVILLE AUX JOUTES
Information: Tel: +33(0) 324 535 387 - Email: gerard.beaudoux@la poste.net
Website: www.campingdupavillon.fr
◆ Domaine de la Motte - B1/B2
Domaine de la Motte - Base de loisirs
08380 SIGNY-LE-PETIT
Information: Tel. +33(0) 324 535 473
Email: contact@domainedelamotte.eu
Website: www.domainedelamotte.eu
35

UnusualAccommodation
◆ "Les Merisiers" gypsy caravan - B2
Sophie & Romain Bourdon - 8, La Fosse aux Chevaux - 08260 ETEIGNIERES
Tel. +33(0) 324 532 776 - +33(0) 685 792 143 (Sophie) - +33(0) 677 722 412 (Romain)
Email: soleil24h@yahoo.com
PracticalInformation
PostO ffices
◆ Aubigny-les-Pothées - D2 - 8, rue du Moulin - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 358 306
◆ Liart - D2 - 4, Place de la Mairie - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 544 047
◆ Maubert-Fontaine - B2 - Route de Rocroi - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 563 284
◆ Renwez - C3 - 3, rue Charles de Gaulle - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 549 349
◆ Rimogne - C3 - 41, Place de la République - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 328 887
◆ Rocroi - A3 - 9, rue de Montmorency - Tel. + 33 (0) 324 542 530
Emergency
◆ Paramedics : 15
(FREEPHONE)
◆ Police : 17
(FREEPHONE)
◆ Fire brigade /emergency
ambulance : 18
(FREEPHONE)
36 36
◆ European
emergency call : 112
◆ Anti-Poison Centre :
+ 33 (0) 383 323 636