Sedan (The land of epics )

The Ardennes massif gives way to a vast plain across which the Meuse river flows peacefully. This is border country, once at the crossroads of invasions. The towns were fortified and the castles were made impregnable: the mark of history is particularly strong in this region. In the south, the landscape softens to form a succession of gentle hillsides, contrasting sharply with the battles that were fought here in 1870, 1914 and 1940.

À Sedan

A - Information and services for walkers


The starting point: the fortified castle (from the Porte des Princes car park)

Sedan is a town set in the countryside... You realise this immediately as, with joy, you climb the last few steps of the ramparts surrounding this formidable fortress. After a few metres poppies can be seen, red dots in the pastoral landscape. The view is magnificent. Vast swathes of fields giving way in the distance to the slopes of the Ardennes which we will be joining as we go down towards the little valley where Givonne lies snuggled up...

À Sedan

B - The castle


When visitors arrive at the foot of the castle, the huge wall merges with the sky, releasing immense power! Europe’s biggest fortified castle hasn’t aged at all. Built in the 14th century by a quarrelsome princely family, it has evolved constantly. Those who have dared cross swords with it have come to a sticky end, whether emperors or kings. The visit is imposing: this formidable fortress has retained an austere splendour.



2.9€


Promenoir des prêtres
08200 Sedan
Tel : 0033(0)3 24 29 98 80
Web : http://www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr

Did you know?

The castle represents the power of the La Marck family, which had established a state of its own in this border zone: the principality of Sedan. Following the brand-new circuit, with an audio guide, you will learn about the unusual fate of this State, which became part of France in 1642.

Tip

Leave your car at the base of the fortress so as to experience the full magnificence of the place. Enter through the moat ticket office.

Sleep and sense


A night in the castle

Take the place of a prince for a night, by sleeping in Sedan castle itself. This hotel has been established within the thick castle walls: every room has its very own fortification.

Events


The medieval festival

Chivalry tournament (during the season)

Night visits, themed visits to the castle

À Sedan

C - The city of cloth

While Sedan is mainly known for its feats of arms, with the fate of France being decided there on three occasions, the city can also boast of being one of Europe’s main cloth production centres from the 16th to the late 19th century. The workshops here produced ‘Sedan’, the famous black, hard-wearing woollen cloth known throughout the world.

Tip

The most beautiful way into the old city is through the ‘Traversant’ gate, home to the tourist office. At the same time, you will be able to discover local products such as the legendary Turenne chocolate or ‘Sedane’ beer.

Walking

City of art and history

Laissez-vous conter’ (Let us tell you) is a circuit that leads you through the modern, contemporary city. This guide is available from the tourist office.

Walking


The Botanical Garden

Designed in 1880 by René Richer, the city’s landscape architect, the botanical garden takes its inspiration from Art Nouveau.

Meet and savour


‘La Tour d’Auvergne’ restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at the heart of Europe’s biggest fortified castle …

Meet and savour


Brasserie and castle boutique

 

À Sedan

D - Reception and tourist information site

L'office du Tourisme du Pays Sedanais

35 rue du Ménil

08200 Sedan

Tél. : +33 (0)3 24 27 73 73

www.tourisme-sedan.fr

À Sedan

E - Meet and savour


‘La Tour d’Auvergne’ restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at the heart of Europe’s biggest fortified castle …



Porte des Princes
08200 Sedan
Tel : 0033(0)3 24 26 11 00
Web : http://www.chateaufort-sedan.fr

Brasserie and castle boutique