TOURIST ACTIVITIES
Discover many tourist activities near Boult-aux-Bois and explore the wonders of the region with emblematic sites located near the estate (listed in order of proximity to your gîte).
Paid tourist activities are indicated by the logo: [€]
The times indicated correspond to a journey by car (with the exception of the ""artistic route"", located inside the village, and the ""Boult-aux-bois forest"" which begins at the edge of the village, and which are therefore accessible on foot).
PLEASE NOTE: Not all of these tourist sites are open all year round, at all times!
It is your responsibility to check the opening days and times prior to your visit, by consulting their websites, the addresses of which we have provided to you (below).
1. ARTISTIC TRAIL [FREE] ( 5 min walk )
► Located in the heart of BOULT-AUX-BOIS, along a path that connects the two parts of the village, spanning the stream ( Le Barosset ) that separates them, the Parcours Artistique is an invitation to a walk where art and nature meet harmoniously. This unique route takes you to discover original works of art, installed outdoors in the preserved landscapes of the Ardennes.
At the end of this route, at the entrance to the second part of the village, by turning left you can easily reach the cow path which will open the doors to the vast forest of Boult-aux-Bois.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ESrHN9duXu8M6R97 (starting point of the artistic route)
Contrary to appearances, this is not a private road but a public road!
2. BOULT-AUX-BOIS STATE FOREST [FREE] ( 10 min walk )
► Immerse yourself in nature – with friends, family or even solo –by exploring (on foot or by mountain bike) the vast forest of Boult-aux-Bois (3,300 hectares, or 33 km², of freely accessible state forest!), discovering its history and its well-kept secrets (the markers of the Templars, the traces of the charcoal burners, and the site of the majestic "Gros chêne" which disappeared on November 27, 2023 after having lived almost 500 years), the beauty of its many wooded trails, its charming pond of "la Linette" (GPS point indicated in the link below) where you can stop for a picnic while listening to the birds singing and breathing pure air.
Bring walking shoes and a bottle of water.
You can get there on foot from the Chemin des vaches (GPS coordinates below) or by car from the many paths and trails accessible from the national road towards Vouziers (including the Chemin du Gros Chêne and the Route du Mariage, whose GPS coordinates you will find below).
Finally, you may also want to explore nature a little without straying too far from the village, in which case the walks on the Chemin de la prairie and the Chemin des bons prés are made for you (GPS coordinates of the access points, below).
https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-de-boult-aux-bois-a-la-croix-aux-bois-en
https://www.ardennes.com/randonnee/sentier-de-la-linette
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rcYHXSSXL6xvdsAa8 (location of Chemin des vaches: entrance to the forest towards the Gros Chêne site)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCyAp2ddJRz9K4Jj8 (location of the Etang de la Linette, free parking nearby)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Yyp5Nny6Hm1WUCY9 (location of the Gros chêne site, now on land)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tUyzRrc7VMS3L6vy7 (Prairie Road)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsfDGEakdg8Gzinn9 (Path of the good meadows)
3. ARGONNE DISCOVERY ANIMAL PARK [ € ] (accessible in 10 min )
► Also visit the Argonne Découverte Park in OLIZY-PRIMAT (08250) 946 Rd Bois de Roucy where, in a unique adventure in the heart of nature, you can observe up close the majestic pack of European gray wolves and the curious raccoons, among many other animals (arctic wolves, bats, Ouessant sheep, Shetland ponies, Ardennes red turkey, etc.), you will attend demonstrations of nocturnal and diurnal birds of prey, and where you can take part in captivating educational activities.
Between two activities and a walk, the park also offers picnic areas, a restaurant and great outdoor games. We challenge you to resist the new bouncing hammock which is now equipped with many play areas, a zip line, a tree house and slides that reach 15 meters high.
Something to delight young and old alike!
https://www.parc-argonne-decouverte.fr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7qHP7HeMxA&t=1s (short presentation video)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QtmenYXYg4ZagoeNA (location of free parking)
4. LA SAMARITAINE POND [FREE] (accessible in 10 min )
► Come and enjoy a day of relaxation and nature at the Samaritaine pond in BUZANCY (08240) 3 allée des Etangs , where you can park in a car park (free) at the GPS point whose link you will find below.
In its green setting, this 700m long body of water is equipped with a pontoon. Swimming is permitted, it is supervised by lifeguards every afternoon in the summer season.
You can also enjoy a beach volleyball area and a playground that will delight the little ones, as well as good fast food (in summer) at the nearby campsite refreshment bar!
https://www.ardennes.com/patrimoine-naturel/plan-deau-letang-de-la-samaritaine
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndxoCCUqmqUy1Cd56 (location of free parking)
5. BEAVER TRAIL [FREE] (accessible in 8 to 10 min )
► Explore the beaver trail who walks around the gravel pits of Bar-lès-Buzancy in Harricourt , where you can park in a car park (free) at the GPS point whose link you will find below, very recent bodies of water (created from the extraction of sand and gravel) whose purpose is now to safeguard animal and plant species linked to wetlands: Birds, insects, amphibians and mammals find ideal biological conditions here, like the newcomer beaver, emblematic of the sandpits.
Be careful of ticks though (especially when the grass on the path has not been recently cut)!
Departure/Arrival: N 49.427503° / E 4.939349°
https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-sentier-des-castors-autour-des-gravie
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTny4K8c8UAiWUHQ9 (location of free parking, from Harricourt)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndxoCCUqmqUy1Cd56 (location of free parking, from Bar-lès-Buzancy)
6. TRANS-ARDENNES GREENWAY [FREE] (accessible in 13 min )
► Escape, on foot or by bike, on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route from VOUZIERS (08240), rue Taine , where you can park (at the start indicated on GPS point , the link to which you will find below), a network of exceptional 130 km cycle paths along the banks of the Meuse. Ideal for cycling, hiking or family outings, this greenway offers breathtaking landscapes, between lush forests and picturesque villages. Discover the beauty of the Ardennes at your own pace, in a safe and peaceful setting. An unforgettable adventure awaits you on this emblematic route, ideal for relaxation and natural discoveries.
https://www.cd08.fr/les-ardennes/les-ardennes-touristiques/la-voie-verte-trans-ardennes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLy3UofbABA (official video presentation of the greenway)
https://sig.cd08.fr/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e14968c6f3da4a7287654e8ccc7e3ecc
( interactive map of the entire Trans-Ardennes Greenway network)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmfM6wJXq9B5MHpG7 (location of the starting point of the Greenway from VOUZIERS)
7. CINEMA & CULTURAL CENTER ""LES TOURELLES"" [ € ] (accessible in 15 min )
► Come and relax at the ""Les Tourelles"" Cultural Center, located in VOUZIERS (08240) 6, rue Henrionnet , where you can enjoy a varied program, including cinema screenings, live shows and cultural events for all ages.
On the program:
A modern cinema: Enjoy recent films, previews and special screenings, in a comfortable room equipped with the latest technology.
Live shows: Theater, dance, concerts and comedy punctuate the cultural season, highlighting local, national and international artists.
Events for everyone: Workshops, conferences, exhibitions and festivals, to feed your curiosity and share moments with family or friends.
https://www.lestourellesvouziers.com
https://www.lestourellesvouziers.com/cinema (films showing)
8. ARGONA WATER COMPLEX [ € ] (accessible in 17 min )
► The ARGONA Aquatic Center, in VOUZIERS (08240) 11 rue Charles Devendeville, Chemin de Syrienne , invites you to enjoy a modern and friendly swimming area. With its large 25-meter pool with 5 lanes, swimming enthusiasts can swim lengths, while the paddling pool welcomes young and old for moments of play or learning with the family.
On the relaxation side, the wellness area promises a relaxing break with its sauna, hammam and whirlpool bath.
The more athletic among you will be able to enjoy a 100 m² cardio-training area, perfect for working out and taking on new challenges.
An ideal place to combine sport, relaxation and family leisure!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzeTvrojPHX7diL2A (GPS coordinates of the parking lot)
9. LAC DE BAIRON [FREE] (accessible in 17 min )
► Treat yourself to a relaxing day by the sparkling waters of Lake Bairon , on the D 312 (with a large free car park whose GPS coordinates are given to you via the link below), a natural gem where wild nature blends with tranquility.
Swimming, water activities (for a fee), hiking trails along the two lakes (the new and the old) and family picnics (lots of games for children): everything is there for an unforgettable moment!
https://www.cd08.fr/lac-de-bairon
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nJxgjEvVBAbpe5E26 (location of free parking)
10. MUSEUM OF THE 2 WORLD WARS [ € ] (accessible in 20 min )
► IN CHAGNY (08430) Haut de Chagny (at the location whose GPS coordinates are indicated to you by the link below), Mr. Warnnesson, passionate and collector since his youngest age, welcomes you to his Museum of the Two World Wars to present its collection of private objects relating to the two world wars, from Algeria and Indochina.
From military vehicles to uniforms and everyday objects of soldiers, you will discover the usefulness of these objects but also the daily history of soldiers in addition to the history of these wars which occupied Ardennes soil for several months.
It is a collection of more than 50,000 objects that awaits you.
Free entry, all year round, reservation by email or telephone.
https://www.ardennes.com/cultural-heritage/the-museum-of-the-two-world-wars
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ZE7fqmYqUDGmfoR9 (location of the museum of the two world wars)
11. HOUSE OF THE BATTLE OF STONNE [ € ] (accessible in 21 min )
►The Maison de la bataille de Stonne, located in the emblematic village of STONNE (08390), in the center of the village , near a B1 bis tank , invites you to discover a space dedicated to the memory of the Battle of Stonne, a key moment of the Second World War.
Sometimes referred to as the "Verdun of 1940", this battle which pitted Germans against French from May 15, 1940 to May 27, 1940, was one of the most important battles of the Western Campaign. These clashes to gain control of the village caused heavy human losses.
Immerse yourself in the story of this significant battle of May 1940, through immersive exhibitions that retrace the strategic and human events of this battle, the memory of the soldiers and local inhabitants caught up in the turmoil of war.
An animated map, created specifically for this museum with the invaluable help of historians, traces the course of the battle in detail and allows us to fully understand the issues at stake.
You will also discover authentic objects (uniforms, weapons, etc.), poignant testimonies and photographs that tell the story.
A unique place of remembrance, to visit with family, friends, or school groups.
https://www.ardennes.com/patrimoine-culturel/maison-de-la-bataille-de-stonne/#tarifs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cEJJCCqP6rGdSG4c6 (GPS location)
12. GOLF [ € ] (accessible in 28 min )
► Want to play golf in an exceptional natural setting?
Discover the Poursaudes Golf Course, located in VILLERS LE TILLEUL (08430) Villers-le-Tilleul, Les Poursaudes, Route d'omont , a place where sport, relaxation and conviviality meet, in a green and peaceful environment in the heart of the Ardennes. Technical, varied and perfectly maintained, the 18-hole, par 72, 5879-meter course, whose quality fairways and speed of greens you will appreciate, takes remarkable advantage of the slopes, woods and plains as well as natural water hazards and offers a challenge suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Modern facilities: Practice, putting green, training area and warm clubhouse to relax after your game. Golf lessons and courses: With our experienced teachers, progress at your own pace. Events and competitions: Take part in our tournaments and experience unique moments with other enthusiasts. Rental and shop: Equip yourself on site with quality equipment.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8LKPsNrQEmdDJLFK8 (location of the Poursaudes Golf Course)
13. BEER MUSEUM [ € ] (accessible in 28 min )
► Immerse yourself in the history and secrets of beer making by visiting the famous Stenay Beer Museum, located in STENAY (55700) 17 rue du Moulin , between Sedan and the Verdun memorial sites. A unique experience, which you can enjoy through an educational and fun tour that stimulates sight, taste, smell, touch and hearing.
On the program: discovery of the history of the building; complete immersion in the brewing world by discovering ancient brewing techniques, interactive exhibitions and anecdotes on the evolution of beer through the ages (more than 55,000 objects to discover).
The highlight of the museum, the room dedicated to advertising and posters, reveals how advertising art was put to the service of brewers.
The visit will end at the tavern, with a tasting of local beers in a warm setting (with a choice of 70 craft and industrial beers, to take away or consume on site), all in moderation!
https://museedelabiere.com/taverne-du-musee/nos-bieres
https://musees-meuse.fr/musees/musee-de-la-biere-stenay
14. DOMAINE DE VENDRESSE [ € ] (accessible in 30 min )
► Come and discover the Domaine de Vendresse in VENDRESSE (08160) 11 rue du Haut-Fourneau, with a large free car park whose contact details are given to you in the link below, its green and enchanting park where history and nature meet, with its magnificent gardens, its pond and its impressive old foundry transformed into a tourist site, whose sound and light show will allow you to rediscover the fascinating history!
Children will be amazed by the playgrounds and the fascinating aquarium, while adults will enjoy the shaded paths and the peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for an outing with family or friends.
https://www.domaine-de-vendresse.fr
https://www.facebook.com/DomaineDeVendresse?fref=ts
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8rdVcyFzbVHBUGGA (location of free parking)
15. FORT DE LA FERTÉ (MAGINOT LINE) [ € ] (accessible in 39 min)
► Visit the Fort de la Ferté (Villy-La Ferté site), near La Ferté-sur-Chiers (08370) , at the location indicated by the GPS point (below), a place steeped in history located in the heart of the Ardennes, near the Franco-Belgian border.
This emblematic site, an integral part of the famous Maginot Line, bears witness to the heroic battles of May 1940.
Through an immersive journey, with the exploration of underground galleries, casemates and military installations – faithfully preserved or restored – you will relive, with great emotion, the poignant story of the battles of the 107 French soldiers who heroically resisted enemy attacks, before falling to defend France.
Passionate guides will accompany you to help you relive this significant chapter in French military history.
A complete exhibition awaits you at the entrance to the site, where you will discover historical objects (weapons, uniforms, dishes, utensils and various equipment found in the fort), as well as authentic testimonies to better understand the daily life of the soldiers.
Fort de la Ferté awaits you for a unique visit, between emotion and discovery.
https://fr-fr.facebook.com/travaildelaferte
https://maps.app.goo.gl/F1mQmcByTZraeoZs8 (location of Fort de la Ferté)
16. SEDAN FORTIFIED CASTLE [ € ] (accessible in 42 min )
► Immerse yourself in history by visiting the majestic Sedan fortified castle, in SEDAN (08200) Place du Château , which has the rare privilege of being both the largest fortified castle in Europe and the favorite monument of the French!
Wander through its grandiose halls, explore its ramparts and let yourself be transported by centuries of adventures and legends.
Discover captivating reconstructions and exhibitions that will thrill young and old alike.
Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized there (like those, at the end of 2023, on the theme of Harry Potter and Narnia): don't hesitate to find out more!
A unique experience in the heart of the Ardennes, where past and wonder meet.
https://www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRd6F6UMLJvPLse77 (location of the free parking lot at Place du Chateau)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJTMSYPwmJWuBEfW7 (location of the free parking lot at Place d'Alsace-Lorraine)
17. WAR AND PEACE MUSEUM [ € ] (accessible in 44 min )
► Located in Novion-Porcien (08270) 2 Impasse du Musée, the War and Peace Museum in the Ardennes offers you an absolutely captivating journey through the history of conflicts in the Ardennes, an essential stop for all history enthusiasts, which will take you on a journey through the history that shaped contemporary Europe, through the key moments of the three major conflicts that marked the Ardennes (the Ardennes were entirely occupied on three occasions): 1870, 1914-1918, and 1939-1945.
You can admire an exceptional collection of uniforms, weapons, vehicles, photographs, and objects from the daily lives of soldiers and civilians.
You will also discover realistic reconstructions and modern multimedia supports for a captivating and educational experience.
All audiences. Not to be missed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoIDt46YnKk&t=10s (short presentation video)
18. LAC DES VIEILLES FORGES [ € ] (accessible in 44 min )
► Nestled in the heart of a 1,000-hectare forest, the immense Vieilles-Forges lake (150 hectares), LES MASURES (08500) Route départementale 40e ( 1 hour ), is the ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries, or to try out a wide variety of water sports (for a fee): swimming, pedal boats, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, etc.
The site is also ideal for all nature lovers who will be able to discover the richness of the local biodiversity.
Around the beach, picnic and barbecue areas, snack bars and ice cream parlors invite you to eat.
19. REIMS CATHEDRAL [FREE] (accessible in 1H10 )
► REIMS, the only French city classified among the ""destinations worth the detour"".
Beyond Paris, the city of Reims is increasingly establishing itself as a leading tourist destination. A craze confirmed by the Horizons report which reveals the trends for the year 2025. According to research carried out around the world, the capital of the Marne is among the new trendy places, alongside seaside resorts in Mexico or Thailand!
Visit the majestic Reims Cathedral : a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its incredible stained glass windows (with modern creations by Marc Chagall alongside medieval works) and detailed sculptures across its entire façade, and a treasure of French history: this exceptional monument was the scene of the coronation of 33 kings of France!
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all lovers of history, art and spirituality.
In summer, don't miss the ""Rêve de Couleurs"" night show, which enhances the cathedral!
20. CHAMPAGNE CELLARS [ €]
► CHAMPAGNE G.-H. MUMM & CIE , in REIMS (51100) 34, rue du Champ de Mars (accessible in 1 hour 15 minutes ):
Stretching over nearly 25 km beneath the city of Reims, the cellars of Maison Mumm contain nearly two centuries of history, know-how and passion. In 1876, Georges Hermann Mumm, a bold visionary, decided to adorn his Brut cuvée with the famous red ribbon, a symbol of excellence. Since then, the House has tirelessly perfected its art, enhancing its signature grape variety, Pinot Noir, to offer exceptional champagnes. This unique heritage is revealed through an unforgettable guided tour, rich in discoveries and emotions (visit and tastings).
► CHAMPAGNE MERCIER , in EPERNAY (51200) 68-70 avenue de champagne (accessible in 1H30 ):
Board a small train to explore part of the 18 km of caves, before returning to the surface thanks to a panoramic elevator.
After the audio-guided tour, it's time for tasting!
Depending on the formula chosen, you will have the opportunity to savor several emblematic vintages from their range: Mercier Brut, Brut Rosé, Blanc de Noirs, Réserve, as well as their 2002, 2006 and 2010 vintages.
A sparkling and friendly experience to enjoy with the family – because in Champagne, there is no age limit for being amazed and learning!
For more information or to book your stay, do not hesitate to contact us.
Come and discover the magic of Boult-aux-Bois and create unforgettable moments in the heart of nature!