From the anniversary of an enigmatic French poet to a new megalithic

monument: Whats New for The French Ardennes in 2016

This year marks the 125 th anniversary of the death of one of the worlds most
influential and enigmatic poets, Arthur Rimbaud.
As part of the celebrations, The Rimbaud Museum re-opened its doors to the public
in Charleville-Mzires in The French Ardennes last autumn, following a major
refurbishment scheme. The Museum is housed within a striking building on a small
island on the River Meuse, which not simply tells the story of the life and times of
Arthur Rimbaud, but also features an island garden where visitors can soak up a
reflective atmosphere.
Visitors to The French Ardennes - which draws most of its fame in France for its
association with the enigmatic poet - can now follow in his footsteps in many
different ways, from staying hotels that are named in honour of him (Hotel Dormeur
du Val in Charleville), to driving through the surrounding countryside on a wellmarked car trail (La Route Rimbaud-Verlaine).
A similar scheme to completely transform another of the regions major attractions
has also gained pace to the point where it is hoped it will re-open to the public in
2016. Dedicated to the battles of The Franco-Prussian war, the First World War,
and The Second World War - all of which had such a devastating effect on The
French Ardennes - The War and Peace Museum features a collection of 14,000
artefects which is now being rehoused in a huge new building. The new look
museum will contain an interpretation of the impact of all three conflicts on the
region, as well as show the effects on day-to-day life for civilians and soldiers alike.
Elsewhere, a new Wellness Village - Kotas Nordic Spirit (http://www.kotasespritnordique.fr/en/) - has opened in time for the 2016 season in an unspoilt valley
within The French Ardennes, close to the village of Ferme de Flamanville. Featuring
four comfortable and well-appointed log cabins of Nordic origin, the village is
located next to a small lake and will now host wellness breaks for anyone visiting
this secluded part of northern France. Each one of the four Finnish kotas also has
its own pontoon by the lake for fishing and relaxation. Llama, donkeys and other
animals add to the charm of the place. Open all year, prices start from 95 for 2
people per night, including breakfast.
Another newcomer for 2016 helps to tell a very important part of the French
Ardennes heritage. Slate is the black gold of The French Ardennes, and has been

shipped and used in all corners of the globe. A new, interactive trail (also in English)
will be launched in 2016 at the Slate Museum in Rimogne, where family groups can
visit a slate village and the hugely impressive winding tower.
Last, but by no means least, look out too for the arrival in The French Ardennes of a
new megalithic monument, located at an altitude of 400m, in the heart of a forest
setting which will make the most of the regions special places, local legends and
preserved sites. Overlooking La Croix Scaille, the highest point in The French
Ardennes, the monument created using upright stones by Philippe Boudart form a
chariot facing the sunrise. It will be a part of a new fantasy world which Boudart
intends to open up to visitors in 2016.
Further details are featured in the new, 2016 edition of the Discovery Guide to The
French Ardennes which can be ordered by emailing info@ardennes.com, or by
telephoning +33 324 56 06 08.
And for further information, visit http://gb.ardennes.com .
Ends
For press information, contact:
Djamila Daoud
T: +33 3 24 56 67 77
E: daoud@ardennes.com