The source of the Meuse lies in Pouilly-en-Bassigny, a village in the French département of Haute-Marne. This is also the start of the International Meuse Cycle Route. The route initially passes through the foothills of the Vosges region where you can visit the birthplace of Joan of Arc, the French national heroine. Further downstream is Verdun, famous for the Battle of Verdun during the First World War. Moving further north, the Meuse flows into the French Ardennes. Here, you pass through Sedan which has the largest mediaeval castle in Europe; Charleville-Mézières with its 17th-century Place Ducale square; and, on the border with Belgium, Givet with its Fort of Charlemont.
Download here the full GPS tracks of EuroVelo 19 - Meuse Cycle Route in France and start planning your next cycling holidays!
Public transport and bicycles in France
You can reach “La Meuse à Vélo” by train from the stations of the main towns: Langres, Neufchâteau, Verdun, Sedan, Charleville-Mézières or Givet. Bicycle transport is free and without reservation within the limits of available places in the TER. Intercity or TGV national trains are submitted to different conditions, so be sure to check this possibility beforehand.
“La Meuse à Vélo” is not served by a single line. You’ll need to organise connections for journeys between the stations of the towns you’re travelling through. Prepare your journey on: www.fluo.eu or www.sncf.com.
Countries
National & Regional Information
France Vélo Tourisme
National EuroVelo Coordination Centre
France Vélo Tourisme is the French national website for promoting long distance cycle routes. The website has specific pages for all the 'ready-to-cycle' EuroVelo routes with maps, points of interest and other useful information.
European cycle route, La Meuse à Vélo (Meuse by bike) crosses the French county (or département) of Ardennes using the greenway called the Trans-Ardennes. Running along the towpath beside the Meuse River from Remilly-Aillicourt to Givet, this cycle route was voted Véloroute de l'année (Cycle Route of the Year) in 2011. This website provides detailed information on the itinerary in France.
With over one hectare of forest per inhabitant, the Haute-Marne is a rambler’s paradise. On foot, horseback or mountain bike, head deep into the heart of the forests, follow the canal or go round lakes to discover the wildlife. But you can also learn about the history of the region, and taste some of the many local products: cheeses, truffles, game, wine and, of course, champagne!
With its network of quiet little country roads running through forests and past fields and meadows, cycling through Meuse is a delight. This website provides a lot of useful information to help you prepare for your trip.
When we mention the Ardennes, thoughts obviously turn to the poet Rimbaud, to puppets and the world famous festival held at Charleville-Mézières and to the Meuse river which passes through the Ardennes mountains, the magnificent green tracks which run alongside it and the view points that are dotted along its length. What's more, in this region the food is very good and fun is always just around the corner… Discover the unmissable sights and events of the Ardennes !