The Beautiful forest of the Ardennes is a nature lover’s dream, teeming with wildlife and just waiting to be explored. A perfect place for families to relax, enjoy all the benefits of open-air holidays and learn about the animals and plants of the forest.
A number of Parks and Domaines have been created which are informative, educational and fun!
Elfy Park
Meet a giant troll in this fun filled amusement park near the lake at Les Vieilles Forges! Over 10 acres of forest to explore and encounter the legends of the Ardennes, with tree-top cabins, a sea of nets, zip wires and giant slides.
A multitude of games combining fun and education can be found amongst the dense enchanted’ forest under the watchful eye of the giant troll – Valdemar the Walker. A truly magical setting complete with secret gardens and a village of elves! www.elfypark.fr
Domaine de Vendresse
Journey between fire and water in this unique amusement park developed on the site of a former steelworks. A representative blast furnace gives an insight into the past golden age of Ardennes ironworks, with visitors able to learn about this once glorious industry. In another area, a range of aquariums and ponds demonstrate the wealth of aquatic life that exists both nearby and further afield. Feed the fish and learn about the wildlife in the rivers of the Ardennes. A butterfly garden, an educational pond full of insects and a themed playground all contribute to a great family day out. www.domaine-de-vendresse.fr
Argonne Discovery Park
Get up close and personal with the animals of the forest with this animal and leisure park in the heart of the forest near Olizy-Primat. A great variety of animals are present in the animal park for visitors to experience close to their natural environment. Families can marvel at the feeding of wolves, the park boasting a pack of European wolves together with another of arctic wolves. Owls, eagles and storks are present alongside many other bird species and a bird show astonishes visitors on a regular basis.
A special area called ‘nocturnia’ gives visitors an insight into the nightlife of the forest, where both adults and children can learn about owls, bats, fireflies and other animals on the move whilst we are asleep. There is also a forest trail, a scavenger hunt and trampolines perched in the trees! A journey of discovery in the midst of nature. www.parc-argonne-decouverte.fr
Mont Cornu Open-air Museum
The small village of Montcornet in the French Ardennes is home to an unusual open-air museum allowing the visitor to travel back in time and discover over 1500 years of history in this region. A fascinating ‘living’ museum has been constructed, with five villages showing life in different historical periods. The village is occupied by history buffs, re-enactment troops and artisans keeping skills that are sometimes millennia old alive. Preparing meals, making clothes, forging, stone cutting or carving… Everything is done according to the traditional habits and customs particular to each time period. Mont-cornu.fr/en
