In the Ardennes, Montcornet, Signy-le-Petit and Bogny-sur-Meuse combine history, nature and innovation. Discover these villages where each path tells a part of the past!
A walk in the Ardennes to discover medieval history, nature and innovative community projects.
Walk in Montcornet: a journey through time
Let's go and discover Montcornetin the heart of the Ardennes natural park. A few minutes from Lac des Vieilles-Forges, this village of 350 inhabitants, rich in its medieval and Gallo-Roman history, offers a unique natural setting. Forests and plains alternate, offering hikers a diversity of landscapes to explore. On its 1,200 hectares, including 800 devoted to forests, numerous hikes are organized by local associations. The latter also offer gourmet walks and discovery walks in the forest, a great way to immerse yourself in local nature.
The appeal of Montcornet is not limited to its natural environment, the town has also modernized thanks to the arrival of businesses which have improved the quality of local life. With a population increasing from 150 to 350 inhabitants, Montcornet has grown while preserving its warm, rural character. An emblematic project of the commune is the restoration of the medieval castle dating from the year 1000. This fortress inspired the creation of reconstituted villages representing different historical eras, from Gaul to the Merovingians, including the Carolingians and the Middle Ages. This project, led by volunteers and passionate archaeologists, attracts many visitors each year.
Signy-le-Petit: dynamic and traditional at the same time
Signy-le-Petit seduces with its perfect balance between tradition and modernity. This village of 1,200 inhabitants is a true jewel of the Ardennes, offering an exceptional quality of life. Surrounded by 300 hectares of forests and two ponds, Signy-le-Petit is an ideal place for lovers of nature and tranquility. The town also offers numerous local infrastructures such as a health center, a library and even a performing arts school. Residents can lead a complete life without leaving the village, a rarity in rural areas.
The town's projects don't stop there: a skatepark, pétanque courts and a rescue center complete the offering. The dynamism of the town is also fueled by its commercial sector, with numerous local shops. A leisure center, Domaine de la Meute, also offers accommodation and entertainment options for families, with mobile homes, a swimming pool and mini-golf. This place attracts visitors, thus contributing to local economic vitality.
Fabrice Morvan
The Metallurgy Museum and the brewery: witnesses of local heritage
The Ardennes bras'seris museum in Signy-le-Petit pays homage to the region's brewing heritage. Through exhibitions and an estaminet corner, it allows you to relive the time when the brewery was a local economic pillar. It is a fine example of how these Ardennes villages preserve and enhance their past to enrich their present and attract visitors.
During our walk, we also explored emblematic places, such as the Ardennes metallurgy museum has Bogny-sur-Meuse. This museum, housed in a former factory from 1884, traces the history of iron working, from the medieval era until today. Visitors discover ancient blacksmithing techniques, but also innovations such as 3D printing. Exhibitions and conferences are organized throughout the year, providing a place of culture and education for young and old.
