Monthermé: Cycling Routes, Views and History

When choosing a hotel in Monthermé, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: cycling along the Meuse and Semoy, views of rivers and cliffs, or historic sites. The specific information below helps you connect these interests with named routes, viewpoints and historical references.

Cycling routes along the Meuse and Semoy

Meuse by Bike – EuroVelo 19 passes through Monthermé on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route. The Monthermé–Haybes stage also follows this Green Route, here along the Meuse. The route was created on a former towpath. This section therefore focuses on the river, while the Trans-Semoy tourist trail runs along the Semoy.

The Trans-Semoy tourist trail is a 20 km cycle route from Monthermé to Hautes-Rivières. It runs along the banks of the Semoy and along the former route of the Semoy narrow-gauge railway. Along the way, 18 information panels explain the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Signage and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

You can rent bicycles and Rosalies in Monthermé to explore the greenway. Another point of reference is the Trans-Semoysienne: near the hamlet of La Racine, there is a footbridge where you can cross the Semoy. Alongside the cycling routes described above, this gives you a specific place to cross the river and a rental option to help plan your trip.

Cliffs, views and nature

Roc la Tour consists of two distinctive rock formations overlooking the Semoy valley, with a viewpoint offering expansive views. It is also a climbing area. Climbers have free access, provided they respect the site, which is classified as a natural site, and other climbers. Local access conditions may change; check them before your visit.

The La roche aux 7 villages viewpoint is in the forest and has an orientation table. The Boucle de la Meuse in Monthermé is known for its distinctive landscape and impressive panoramas from a viewpoint above the town. These viewpoints offer different ways to identify the surrounding landscape by their names and locations.

Historical reference points

The history of Laval Dieu Abbey begins at a site then known as “la Bouche de Semoy,” with a chapel. Archbishop Hincmar had it built in 867, and it was dedicated to Saint Rémy. In June 1128, twelve Premonstratensian canons arrived at a site also then known as “la Bouche de Semoy.”

A later historical reference is the Church of Saint-Léger: it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1452 by Jean Juvenal des Ursins, Archbishop of Reims. The dates mark different events: the construction of the chapel, the arrival of the canons and the consecration of the rebuilt church. This helps distinguish the events chronologically without conflating them into a single event.

Getting your bearings in Monthermé

The Vallées et Plateau d'Ardenne Tourist Office is located on Place Jean-Baptiste Clément in Monthermé. Along with the named routes, viewpoints and historic sites, this specific location gives you another point of reference when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Puilly-Et-Charbeaux, Montcy-Notre-Dame, Machault, Hargnies, Herbeuval, Ham-Sur-Meuse, Canton of Signy-L'abbaye, Liart

For the broader travel overview: Ardennes.