Along the Meuse from Maastricht to Sedan
8 days,  
€ 796.5

Introduction

The International Meuse Route is a bicycle route along the meandering River Meuse (or Maas as it is known in Dutch) between Maastricht in the Netherlands and the French town of Sedan which boasts Europe’s largest castle. The route is over 280 km long and incorporates the RAVeL in Belgium and the in France. It is a promise of four days of highly enjoyable cycling through the valley of the River Meuse, past castles, forts and pretty villages, surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty. On our bicycle holiday you will cycle the entire International Meuse Route, staying the night in Liège Namur and Dinant in Belgium and in the picturesque village of Haybes, Charleville-Mézières and Sedan in France.

In cooperation with:


Day to Day

Day 1   Arrival in Maastricht
 

Make your own way to Maastricht, the oldest town in the Netherlands. 

  
Day 2   from Maastricht (NL) to Liege (B)
 

When you’re ready, set off on the first leg of your bike tour: from Maastricht to Liège, aka the “fiery city”. On the way to Belgium you will follow the River Jeker (which flows into the River Meuse at Maastricht) to the picturesque village of Kanne. Shortly after, take a look at the boats going through the locks at Ternaaien/ Lanaye, 225 m long and 25 m wide. From here, follow the RAVeL trail, via the friendly town of Visé, to Liège (or Luik, as it is called in Dutch). The last kilometres take you past tall cranes, rusty boats and old but busy industrial zones.

  
Day 3   from Liege (B) to Namur (B)
 

Taking you right through the centre of Liège, the safe cycling path along the Meuse is very pleasant. Next, follow the John Cockerill railway to make your way out of the built-up area of Liège. Follow the signs for RAVeL . Seen up close, the blast furnaces of Seraing are awe-inspiring. If you like decorative glass, opt to stop off at the Val St. Lambert crystal factory shop. Next, ride your bike on quiet back-roads, past typical Walloon villages, never far from the river, towards Huy. Just before Huy, briefly switch to the bike track along the Meuse where the Tihange nuclear reactor is another very striking industrial complex. The Grande Place in Huy is the ideal spot for a lunch break. On the route along the Meuse to Namur, nature gradually prevails over industry. 

  
Day 4   from Namur (B) to Dinant
 

Follow RAVeL to Dinant. You will pass the village of Wépion, famous for strawberries; and the Gardens of Annevoie, well worth a visit. In Dinant take your time to enjoy the town and riverside cafes.

  
Day 5   from Dinant to Haybes
 

Quickly after Dinant, you will reach the lovely Chateau Freyr. Then continue on for several kilometres on the former railway from Hastière to Mariembourg. Cross the border into France and the first town you’ll encounter is Givet with its imposing Charlemont citadel. After visiting Givet, set off on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes and follow it to Haybes.

  
Day 6   from Haybes (F) to Charleville-Mézières (F)
 

Continue all day on Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, along the Meuse River. One of the day’s highlights is a visit to the charming town of Monthermé. Your destination is slightly after Charleville-Mézières, known for its lovely historical town centre.

  
Day 7   from Charleville-Mézières (F) to Sedan (B)
 

In September 2015, an extension of the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes was opened. It now stretches along the Meuse till past the town of Sedan in northern France. Through a picturesque landscape you will cycle to Sedan, famous for its castle, the largest in Europe.

  
Day 8   Bustransfer from Sedan to Maastricht
 

First enjoy your breakfast and take some time to enjoy Sedan. If booked, you will have a transfer by touringcar (incl. bike and luggage) to Maastricht where your holiday ends.

If you go home by plane, we recommend to book an extra night in Maastricht at the end. You will arrive in Maastricht somewhere between 17.00 hrs and 19.00 hrs. 

  
Prices, Data, Booking

Starting dates:

Mondays 

05, 19 May
02, 16, 30 June
14, 28 July
11, 25 August 
08 September

Accommodation

The hotels or B&Bs on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the hotels we work with appears below. If a certain accommodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a comparable alternative. 

When selecting the accomodation, we try to take into account as much as possible a safe and closed bicycle shed. However, we cannot do this with all of them guarantee and this partly depends on the number of bicycles of other guests.


Maastricht - Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt****

Liège - Mercure Liège City Centre

Namur -Ibis Namur Centre

Dinant - Ibis Dinant***

Haybes - Le Clos Joli**

Charleville Mezières - Kyriad Hotel***

Sedan -  Hôtel le Chateau****

Practical Info

7 Nights included

2/3/4 Star Hotels

Breakfast included

Detailed roadbooks with maps and tourist information

The possibility of renting our bikes

7-days a week service-hotline

Luggage transport to your next hotel

Maastricht. For more information:

ns.nl/reisplannen

Parking possibilities at the hotel

Any ferry crossings are not included