Nestled in a spectacular bend of the Meuse River, Chooz is a village of national renown and unique landscape. Here, nature and industry have forged a most impressive alliance. On one side, a peaceful village stretches its houses along the river, a charming stop on the Trans-Ardennes GreenwayOn the other hand, the imposing silhouette of the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), with its two domes and cooling towers, which shapes the landscape and economy of the entire Pointe de Givet.
Visiting Chooz means discovering this striking contrast. It means understanding the history of energy in France while enjoying a preserved natural setting, ideal for a bike ride or a fishing trip. It also means looking up at the opposite cliff, where the village-viewpoint of Charnois observes, like a guardian, this giant of the valley.
Why visit Chooz?
- For its unique industrial site: Discover the Nuclear Power Plant, a pillar of energy production in France.
- For the educational visit: The Public Information Centre (CIP) at the power plant is a must-see for curious visitors.
- For its natural setting: The Meuse loop offers a magnificent landscape, particularly appreciated from the Green Way.
- As a stage on the EuroVelo 19 route: The village is crossed by the cycle path, making for an easy and interesting stop.
Chooz in brief: The essentials you need to know
Here are the key landmarks to understand this village at the heart of a strategic meander.
Village identity card
Region: Grand East
Department : Ardennes (08)
Territory: Val d'Ardenne
Intermunicipal cooperation: CC Ardenne, Rives de Meuse
Population: 758 inhabitants (INSEE census 2021)
Area: 13,08 km²
Kind: The Choozians and the Choozians
Postal code : 08600
Reference point: Located in a bend of the Meuse, 7 km south of Givet, just opposite the village of Charnois.
A bit of history: From Fishing Hamlet to Energy Giant
Chooz's story is one of radical transformation.
The Hamlet of the Loop
Before the 1960s, Chooz was a small, isolated village, living off fishing, agriculture and forestry. Nestled in its bend, the village lived at the slow pace of the river.
The Energy Adventure
Everything changed with the decision to build the first Franco-Belgian nuclear power plant (Chooz A) in 1960. This first reactor, now being decommissioned (a unique undertaking in itself), was a pioneer of nuclear energy in Europe. In the 1990s, a new generation (Chooz B), with its two current reactors, was built, making Chooz a leading electricity production site. This industry has profoundly shaped the village, its economy, and its population.
What to see and do in Chooz? The must-sees
The visit to Chooz revolves around its two major assets: industry and the river.
The Chooz Nuclear Power Plant (CNPE)
You can't miss it. The power station is the village's "monument". While the facilities themselves can only be visited under very strict conditions (long advance booking, ID required), the site is open to the public in another way.
The Public Information Centre (CIP)
This is the true tourist gateway to the power plant.
An educational visit: The CIP is a modern and interactive museum space of 600m². It allows you to understand, in a fun way, how a power plant works, the challenges of energy, radioactivity and safety measures.
Who is concerned? This is an ideal visit for families, school groups and all curious people.
Practical information : Access to the CIP is free. It is strongly advised to check opening hours before your visit. Conferences and guided tours of the site (booking required!) are also organized there.
Saint-Rémi Church
In the heart of "old" Chooz, the Church of Saint-Rémi, dating mainly from the 18th century, bears witness to village life before the nuclear age. It is a beautiful building made of local stone and is worth a look for its simple charm and its typical bell tower.
The Chooz Dam and Lock
Like many villages along the Meuse, Chooz has its own lock and dam. It's a perfect spot to watch the barges and pleasure boats navigating the waterway.
Outdoor activities and nature
The Chooz meander offers an exceptional playground for gentle activities.
The Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19)
The cycle path EuroVelo 19 crosses the heart of the village, running alongside the river.
An easy walk: This is one of the quietest sections.
Heading North: Pedal towards Ham sur Meuse and Given (approximately 7-8 km).
Heading South: Join aubrives et Vireux Wallerand.
The perfect loop: Walking around the meander is a walk in itself!
Fishing and Nautical Stopover
The Chooz loop forms a vast body of water that is very popular with fishermenThe village also has a nautical stopover to accommodate the pleasure boaters who sail on the Meuse.
Hiking and Viewpoints
The best viewpoint: To truly admire Chooz, you need to gain some altitude! The best view is right opposite, from the viewpoint of the village of CharnoisThe climb by car or on foot (for the sporty) is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the loop, the village and the power station.
The Bigne Mountain: On the opposite bank (municipality of Ham-sur-Meuse), the Montagne de la Bigne Nature Reserve offers hiking trails in the forest.
Around Chooz: Our suggestions
By staying in Chooz, you are in the centre of the Pointe de Givet.
Charnois (5 min away): The unmissable “twin village” perched on its cliff. The view of your accommodation from there is breathtaking.
Givet (10 min away): Visit the Fort of CharlemontEnjoy the RIVÉA aquatic center, restaurants and marina.
Yesterday (at 10-15 min): The medieval jewel of Yesterday is an absolute must-see, with its castle and cobbled streets.
Fromelennes (15 min away): Explore the underground world of the Cave of Nichet and its legends of Nutons.
Chooz: Practical Information
🍽️ Where to eat in Chooz?
The village has local amenities (bakery, chip shop, bar-restaurant) that meet the needs of residents and the many workers at the power plant. For a wider range of culinary options, the town of Given, 10 minutes away, is the recommended destination.
🛌 Where to stay in Chooz?
Chooz offers several furnished cottages These rentals, often used by traveling staff, are perfectly suited to tourists. It's a very quiet accommodation option, ideal for cyclists or anglers.
To find your accommodation, consult our page Accommodation.
🚗 How to get here and park?
By car : Access is very simple via the D8051 (the “Valley Road”) which connects Givet to Revin.
By bike : The village is a direct stop on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19).
By train : The nearest train station is Givet (terminus of the TER Givet – Charleville-Mézières line).
parking: Parking is very easy and free in the village.
ℹ️ Information point
Le EDF Power Plant Public Information Centre (CIP) is the main information point in the village. For broader tourist information about the Ardennes Valley, the team at theTourist Office – Givet Branch (Quai des Fours) is at your disposal.