There are cities that rise from their ashes with an incredible life force. Haybes is the finest example. Located in the heart of the Meuse valley, this dynamic little town surprises and charms visitors with its most visible asset: its beautiful colorful facades which run along the quays.
But behind this palette of bright colours lies a poignant story, that of “Haybes la Martyre”, a town almost entirely destroyed in August 1914. Its reconstruction is a symbol of resilience.
Today, “Haybes la Jolie” is one of the liveliest and most gourmet stops on the Trans-Ardennes GreenwayIt is a vibrant destination, a perfect blend of history, nature and the art of living by the water.
Why visit Haybes?
- For its colorful facades: A setting reminiscent of a “little Venice” in the Ardennes, unique in the valley and very “Instagrammable”.
- For its poignant story: Discover the fate of the “Martyr City” of 1914.
- A gourmet stop on the Green Way: Haybes is renowned for its concentration of restaurants and bars.
- Its central position: An ideal base for your stay, with a TER train station, located between Fumay (TerrAltitude) and Vireux (Camp Romain).
Haybes in brief: The essentials you need to know
Here are the key points to understand this resilient and welcoming city.
City identity card
Region: Grand East
Department : Ardennes (08)
Territory: Val d'Ardenne
Intermunicipal cooperation: CC Ardenne, Rives de Meuse
Population: 6,356 inhabitants (INSEE census 2021)
Area: 27,62 km²
Kind: The Haybois and the Hayboises
Postal code : 08170
Reference point: Located on the Left Bank of the Meuse, on the D8051, between Fépin (to the north) and Fumay (to the south).
History: From Haybes “the Martyr” to Haybes “the Beautiful”
Haybes' recent history has shaped its character.
The Tragedy of August 1914
At the very beginning of the First World War, during the German invasion, the town of Haybes experienced a terrible tragedy. In retaliation, imperial troops burned almost the entire town (only a few houses survived) and shot 61 civilians. This tragic event earned it the nickname of “Haybes the Martyr”.
The Reconstruction
The city you see today is the result of a long reconstruction, begun in the 1920s. Successive municipal governments had the idea of revitalizing the city and bringing it to life by encouraging the use of color on building facades, particularly along the waterfront. What was once an act of resilience has now become its defining feature for tourists.
What to see and do in Haybes? The must-sees
A visit to Haybes is a stroll, between memory and visual pleasure.
The Meuse Riverbanks and the Colourful Façades
This is a must-see. Stroll along the Quai de Meuse (where the Voie Verte passes) and admire this unique riverfront. The brightly colored houses (ochre, pink, blue, green) are reflected in the river, offering a magnificent spectacle at any time of day, and particularly at sunset.
Town Hall Square and the 1914 Memorial
In the heart of the city, the Town Hall Square is a place of remembrance. You will find there theHôtel de Ville (a beautiful stone building from the reconstruction) and the Memorial Dedicated to the civilian victims of August 24, 1914, an essential place of reflection to understand the soul of the city.
The Church of Our Lady of Haybes
Destroyed in 1914 (only the bell tower had partially survived), the church was superbly rebuilt in the 1920s. It is the symbol of this rebirth.
A stroll through the “Bottom of the Water”
Leaving the town (towards Fumay), a small path leads you into a cool, shady valley, the “Fond de l'Eau”. There you will discover a charming Chapel and a spring, a peaceful walking spot much appreciated by locals.
Outdoor activities and nature
Haybes is a top destination for lovers of active nature.
The Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19)
The cycle path EuroVelo 19 cross Haybes right in the heart of it, on the quays.
The Gourmet Stage: Haybes is the perfect stop for lunch or a coffee break. Numerous restaurants and bars are accessible directly from the runway.
Heading North: Pedal towards Fepin (calm stage) then Vireux-Molhain/Wallerand (Roman camp, TER train station).
Heading South: You are a 5-10 minute bike ride from Fumay, its marina, and the TerrAltitude park.
Hiking
The town is surrounded by a vast state-owned forest.
The View from the Platform: A hike climbs to the heights (right bank, accessible via the Fumay bridge) and offers an exceptional panorama of Haybes and the valley.
Forest trails: Numerous marked trails start from the town and lead into the forest, ideal for mountain biking and walking.
Fishing and Nautical Stopover
Haybes has a nautical stopover for boaters and its quays are a fishing spot Highly reputable and easily accessible.
Around Haybes: Our suggestions
By staying in Haybes, you are at the heart of the action.
Fumay (5-10 minutes by bike): Your immediate neighbor to the south. Visit the “Slate City” and experience a wealth of sensations! TERRALTITUDE (FantastiCable).
Fépin (5 minutes by bike): Just to the north, discover this small village-refuge for a 100% peaceful break.
Vireux-Molhain & Vireux-Wallerand (15-20 min by bike): Further north, explore the Mont Vireux site (Roman Camp) and Saint-Ermel Collegiate Church.
Montigny-sur-Meuse (10 minutes by car): Take the bridge at Fumay to discover this secret village on the left bank and its fortified church.
Haybes: Practical Information
🍽️ Where to eat in Haybes?
It's the Haybes' strong point The city is renowned for its high density of restaurants. You will find a wide selection: traditional restaurants (try the “Baconnesse”, a local specialty!), pizzerias, brasseries and chip shops, many with terraces on the quays.
🛌 Where to stay in Haybes?
The accommodation options are comprehensive and varied: hotels (“Le Saint-Hubert”), numerous guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and a nearby campsite. It's an excellent base for a multi-day stay.
To find your accommodation, consult our page Accommodation.
🚗 How to get here and park?
By train : That's a major advantage! Haybes Station is served by the TER Givet – Charleville-Mézières line.
By car : Access is very simple via the D8051 (the “Route de la Vallée”, left bank) which connects Givet to Revin.
By bike : The village is a central stop on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19).
parking: Large parking lots are available, particularly on the quays (near the Green Way) and on the Town Hall Square.
ℹ️ Information point
For any further information, please contact the team atVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office has its nearest reception office in Vireux-Wallerand.