Sedan & Charleville
Sedan, your base for this tour, is home to the largest fortified castle in Europe dating back to medieval times with a colourful history of involvement in major conflicts including the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and World War II. The fort boasts a museum detailing its history and also houses an atmospheric hotel - where the tour is based for 5 nights. Nearby Charleville-Méziers was originally two towns on the River Meuse. Today its sights include the Gothic Notre-Dame de l'Esperance and the Place Ducale, a model example of Louis XIII urban planning along the lines of Place des Vosges in Paris. The poet Rimbaud was born here in 1854 and there is a small museum devoted to him.
Namur
An en-route visit from Brussels to Sedan will be made in Namur, a riverside town with an impressive 15th century citadel and a great place for a leisurely stroll and lunch (train times permitting).
Vallée de la Meuse & Rocroi
The Vallée de la Meuse meanders through the Ardennes amongst spectacular scenery of wild gorges, woods and warped rock formations with attractive riverside towns and villages punctuating the landscape. Set on the Ardennes plateau, the star-shaoed citadel of Rocroi was originally built in 1555 whose main attraction is the "sentier touristique" walk along its ramparts.
Reims
Reims is famous for two things - its magnificent Cathedral and Champagne - and a full day here allows you to experience both. The Cathedral dates back to 1201 and was the scene of coronations until 1825 including that of Charles VII attended by Joan of Arc. Highlights include its Great Rose Window, Gallery of the Kings on its western façade, superb statuary including the "Smiling Angel" and Chagall window. A host of renowned champagne houses occupy the city including Pommery where you will enjoy a visit and tasting. Elsewhere in the city, other sights include the Musee des Beaux Arts, Basilique St-Remi and Ancien College des Jusuites, a hospice from 1606 until 1976.
Bouillon and the Vallée de la Semois
A scenic and historic day into Belgium today to Bouillon and the glorious scenery of the Vallée de la Semois. The riverside town of Bouillon is famed for its castle which dates back to medieval times, and is Belgium's largest example of medieval military architecture. The Semois is a tributary of the Meuse and offers beautiful vistas of it gorges as it winds from Bohan to Bouillon and onwards to Chiny, with attractive riverside towns and villages en-route.
Brussels
Before our return train back to the UK, time will be allowed for a brief visit to Belgium's capital, Brussels. Key sights include the magnificent Grand Place and the cheeky Mannekin Pis. Other sights include the Atomium, excellent Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique and a host of galleries and museums such as the Art-Nouveau Musee Horta.