Bourg-Fidèle: Trails and Industrial Heritage

Bourg-Fidèle can be explored through two interests: trails on foot or by bike, and the history of ironworking. The Écomusée Au Sable de Forge is located in a former foundry in the village; several hiking and cycling routes are the other main attraction. This gives you both outdoor activities and a cultural and historical theme to consider when planning your trip.

Hiking and Cycling in Bourg-Fidèle

The Route des Fortifications, one of the major tourist routes in the Ardennes, passes through Bourg-Fidèle. The GR 12 long-distance trail also runs through the commune. In addition, three hiking and mountain biking loops have been established in Bourg-Fidèle. For planning purposes, the route format is a practical distinction: the GR 12 is a long-distance trail, while the three loops offer local options for hiking and mountain biking.

For the named cycling routes, the distances provide a concrete comparison. The 85 km “Circuit cyclotourisme voie verte Trans-Ardennes – Rocroi et Charleville” passes through Rocroi and then follows the D22 to Bourg-Fidèle. The 85 km refers to the length of the entire loop; the section through Bourg-Fidèle is part of the route described. The 30 km “Circuit vélo Vieilles Forges” also passes through Bourg-Fidèle and highlights its hilly panorama. The first route is 55 km longer, so you can choose between two different total distances.

The “Circuit cyclotourisme en Thiérache” includes Bourg-Fidèle, Lac des Vieilles-Forges and Grand-Hongréau. Nearby, there is an 11 km loop at Lac des Vieilles-Forges for hiking or cycling. At 11 km, it is shorter than the two cycling routes of 30 and 85 km, and complements them with a loop that can also be used on foot. The road from Bourg-Fidèle towards Lac des Vieilles-Forges is winding and runs through the forest in the shade of large trees. This offers a different landscape from the hilly panorama highlighted on the 30 km cycling route.

The Écomusée and Local History

The Écomusée Au Sable de Forge is located in a former foundry in Bourg-Fidèle. It focuses on the traditional trades of ironworking and displays numerous tools, objects and machines. The former foundry and the museum’s focus go hand in hand: the building and the exhibits connect the village with its former ironworking traditions. Visits are available by reservation.

Bourg-Fidèle is considered a Huguenot village, founded in the 16th century by Antoine de Croÿ. This local history adds a second perspective to a visit to the museum: while the Écomusée focuses on traditional ironworking trades, the village’s history centers on its Huguenot character and its founding by Antoine de Croÿ.

Discover more destinations: Rancennes, Nouart, Cornay, Signy-Montlibert, Rocquigny, Hargnies, Hagnicourt, Saint-Étienne-à-Arnes

For the broader travel overview: Ardennes.