The ”Nocturnia” centre in Olizy-Primat, in Argonne Ardennaise, invites you to experience by day what goes on in the forests at night. The innovative centre replicates a night-time forest setting, with added special effects and interactive features. At the Musée de la Forêt (the forest museum), you can learn about the Ardennes forests, their history, myths and legends, as well as current economic activities in an era when the forest covers more than a third of the region.
The forests are home to wild boar, the Ardennes mascot, which you can get to know better at the information centre in Territoire du Sanglier. These animals can also be observed roaming on the six hectares of Domaine de Vendresse, which also features a freshwater aquarium.
For those with a real thirst for adventure, there are now new attractions in the Ardennes, ones that surpass the usual tourist activities. This year sees the opening of adventure parks in Fumay, at Lac des Vieilles Forges, and in Signy-l’Abbaye, each with its own speciality.
In Fumay, you can feel as if you are flying across the Meuse Valley thanks to a gigantic cable-slide, open from 30 June 2007.
The only one of its kind in north-eastern France, it provides a fantastic view of the magnificent scenery and the winding River Meuse, whizzing by at a speed of 100 km per hour. Starting off at a height of 250 metres and climbing 110 metres, the 1,200-metre cable ride is sure to be a summer hit. When you once more set foot on earth, you can have fun climbing the trees on the five-hectare site at the foot of the slide.
In Signy l’Abbaye you can challenge yourself on no fewer than five acrobatic treetop climbs, one of which consists of six cableways, one after another. You can also enjoy a nature walk, where you will be supplied with a compass, binoculars and all the other equipment necessary for going on a voyage of discovery in the wild. There is even the chance to spend the night in a treetop cabin, complete with all mod cons.
Everybody who is wild about fun leisure sports in natural surroundings has something to look forward to, because this year a third climbing park is set to open in the Ardennes. Close to the Vieilles Forges lake it leads into the heart of a forest of 70-year-old fir trees, with four different routes at different levels.
All the necessary tourist information about the Ardennes (general information, accommodation, sights) is available from the local tourist office: 22 place Ducale BP 419, F-08107, Charleville-Mézières cedex, Tel.: +33 324 56 06 08, Fax +33 324 33 60 97.