Nestled between Givet and Chooz, Ham-sur-Meuse is the perfect embodiment of the valley's "street village". Stretching its stone and slate houses along a peaceful bend of the Meuse, this village is an ode to tranquility and the "sweet life" by the water.
Unlike the hilltop villages of the plateau, Ham-sur-Meuse has its feet in the water. Its life has always been dictated by the river, the river of fishermen and boatmen. Today, it has become a essential step for modern travelers: cyclists of the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19) which crosses it from one end to the other, and the pleasure boaters who dock at its nautical stopover.
For a stay, it is the ideal “base camp” for those who want direct access to the river and the cycle path, while enjoying absolute calm and preserved authenticity.
Why visit Ham-sur-Meuse?
- A “Zero Stress” stop on the Green Way: The village is on the route (EuroVelo 19), making it a perfect stop for cycle tourists.
- For its Nautical Stopover: It is a popular anchorage for boaters sailing on the Meuse.
- Peace and quiet by the water: Ideal for fishermen, those who enjoy contemplation, and lovers of river landscapes.
- Its central position: Just a few pedal strokes from Chooz and a few minutes from Givet and Hierges.
Ham-sur-Meuse in brief: The essential information
Here is the business card of this discreet village, but perfectly connected to nature.
Village identity card
Region: Grand East
Department : Ardennes (08)
Territory: Val d'Ardenne
Intermunicipal cooperation: CC Ardenne, Rives de Meuse
Population: 227 inhabitants (INSEE census 2021)
Area: 3,12 km²
Kind: The men and women of Hamois
Postal code : 08600
Reference point: Located on the banks of the Meuse, on the D8051, between Chooz and Aubrives.
A bit of history: Life along the water
The history of Ham-sur-Meuse is the history of its geography. This small territory has always lived off the river. It was a village of fishermen, smugglers (before the bridges) and families of boatmenThe river was both the main resource and the means of communication.
The village has retained its linear structure, dictated by the topography: a main street (Rue de la Meuse) squeezed between the river and the hill. Its heritage is simple and rural, bearing witness to a life of hard work oriented towards the water and the forest (located just on the other side of the Meuse).
What to see and do in Ham-sur-Meuse?
The appeal of Ham-sur-Meuse lies in its atmosphere and setting, more than in its monuments.
Saint-Rémi Church
In the heart of the village, the Church of Saint-Rémi is a fine example of religious architecture from the valley. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it is constructed of local stone, including the blue stone from Givet. It marks the center of community life in the village.
The Nautical Stopover and the Quays
It's the real hub of activity in the village during the summer. Ham-sur-Meuse river stop It is a well-equipped pontoon that allows pleasure boats to take a break. It is the ideal place for:
Observe the boats: Watching the barges and pleasure boats go by.
Picnic: Areas are set up for a lunch break by the water.
Strolling: The quays, although modest, offer a very pleasant walk.
The Village-Street
Take the time to walk along Rue de la Meuse. You will discover pretty traditional stone houses, huddled close together, reflecting the typical architecture of the valley.
Outdoor activities and nature
This is Ham-sur-Meuse's number one asset. The village is a direct entry point to the nature activities of the Ardennes Valley.
The Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19)
Ham-sur-Meuse is a prime stop on theEuroVelo 19 (The Meuse by Bike)The cycle path, perfectly flat and safe, runs through the village.
Heading North: You are just a few minutes away from chooz and about 10 km from Given and its Fort of Charlemont.
Heading South: You can join aubrives, Vireux-Molhain (and its Roman camp) or push on to Haybes et Fumay (TerrAltitude).
Ideal for families: The village is a perfect starting point for an easy one or two hour round trip.
Fishing in the Meuse
Ham-sur-Meuse is a renowned fishing spotThe calm and accessible banks make it a prime spot for anglers targeting predatory fish (pike, zander) or coarse fish. (Don't forget your fishing license!).
Hiking
Although the village itself is in the valley, it is surrounded by forests.
Bigne Mountain: Just opposite, on the other bank, is the Montagne de la Bigne Nature Reserve (shared with Chooz), a Natura 2000 site offering superb trails.
GR 654: The long-distance hiking trail (Way of St. James, Namur route) passes over the heights, offering views of the village.
Around Ham-sur-Meuse: Our suggestions
By staying in Ham-sur-Meuse, you are ideally located to explore the Pointe de Givet.
Chooz (5 minutes by bike): Discover the neighboring village, its Meuse loop, and visit (by reservation) the information center of the Nuclear plant for an educational visit.
Givet (15 min by bike / 10 min by car): The essential one. The Fort of Charlemont, the RIVÉA aquatic centre, restaurants and the marina.
Hierges (10-15 min by car): Don't miss the medieval gem of Yesterday, one of the most beautiful villages in the region, with its castle and cobbled streets.
Aubrives (5 minutes by bike): The “twin” village just to the south, also located on the Green Way, with its fortified church.
Ham-sur-Meuse: Practical Information
🍽️ Where to eat in Ham-sur-Meuse?
Ham-sur-Meuse is a residential village with few, if any, permanent restaurants (check seasonally for the possible opening of a small restaurant near the marina). For a wider range of options, the towns of Given (to the north) and Vireux Wallerand (to the south) offer a wide choice of restaurants, brasseries and chip shops.
🛌 Where to stay in Ham-sur-Meuse?
It's the perfect destination for the lodges and guest roomsThis area is particularly appealing to cyclists and boaters. You'll find quality accommodations, often with bicycle storage or easy access to the docks. The atmosphere is calm and authentic.
To find your ideal accommodation, check out 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).
On a boat : Via the nautical stopover of the village.
By train : The nearest train station is Givet (terminus of the TER Givet – Charleville-Mézières line).
parking: Parking is easy along the main street.
ℹ️ Information point
For any further information, please contact the team atVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office – Givet Branch (Quai des Fours) is available approximately 10 minutes away by car.