Revin is a town unlike any other. It is a town that the Meuse, in its winding course, has decided to embrace not one, but twice, thus creating two spectacular peninsulas. This unique topography gave birth to a “city in two”: the city centre on one side, and the historic Saint-Joseph district on the other, linked by bridges and a tunnel.
Dominated by the iconic Mount Despite Everything – a name made famous by the writer George Sand – Revin is a town with a strong character, forged by centuries of metallurgy and foundry work. Its blast furnaces were its pride and its history, leaving an authentic industrial heritage that today blends with the omnipresent natural surroundings.
Essential step of the GreenwayWith its lively marina, Revin is the symbol of the transformation of the Ardennes Valley: a place where intense industrial history meets green tourism and adventure.
Why visit Revin?
- For its spectacular meanders: A unique geography in Europe, to be admired from the many viewpoints.
- For Mont Malgré-Tout: Climb this legendary hill for a 360° panorama.
- For the Spanish House: Discover the city's architectural gem, a testament to its Hispanic past.
- For its “post-industrial” atmosphere: To feel the soul of a city proud of its working-class past and looking towards the future.
- A key step on the Green Way: A major service hub for cyclists and boaters (train station, port, restaurants).
Revin in brief: The essentials you need to know
Before exploring the two “cities” or climbing to the heights, here are the key landmarks.
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: 46,29 km²
Kind: The people of Revin and the women of Revin
Postal code : 08500
Reference point: Located in the heart of a double loop, between Fumay (to the north) and Anchamps (to the south).
A glimpse into History
Revin's identity was built on three pillars: its geography, its industry, and a famous visitor.
The Heart of Metallurgy
From the 16th century onwards, Revin became a key center for metallurgy. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town was a stronghold of French industry: foundries, small tool factories (Faure), and later, household appliance factories (Electrolux). This "foundry civilization" shaped the town, its urban planning, and its proud and hardworking character.
George Sand and the “Despite Everything”
In 1870, the writer George Sand She stays in Revin. Fascinated by the wild beauty of the place, and in particular by the hill overlooking the town, she decides to name her next novel after it. “Despite Everything” in her honor. She thus gave Revin its most romantic emblem.
What to see and do in Revin? The must-sees
From historic alleyways to breathtaking panoramas, Revin offers several levels of exploration.
Mount Malgré-Tout and its Panorama
That's the number one objective.
The Belvedere: A road (and hiking trails) leads you to the top of this legendary hill. From there, the panorama over the double loop of the Meuse River and the town of Revin is one of the most famous in the entire valley. It is le photo spot.
The Spanish House
This is Revin's heritage jewel. Located in the historic Saint-Joseph district (the “Old Revin”), this magnificent house... timber framing and stone It dates from the 16th century. Its name recalls the time when the city was part of the Spanish Netherlands.
Old Revin Museum: Today it houses the local museum, which traces the history of the town, its industrial past and its traditions.
The “Old Revin” (Saint-Joseph district)
Take the time to stroll through this historic district, the first "peninsula" of Revin. Admire theChurch of St. Joseph, with its cathedral-like appearance of brick and stone, and stroll along the tranquil quays.
The Church of Our Lady
In the city centre (the second “peninsula”), the Notre-Dame Church (19th century) impresses with its size and its typically Ardennes bulbous bell tower.
The Tunnel and the Dam
For cyclists on the Green Way, the passage through Revin is unique: the path goes through directly into a tunnel Dug under the rock to cut through one of the meanders! It's an experience in itself. The Revin Dam (or “de Bouverie”) is also an impressive work to observe.
Outdoor activities and nature
Revin's topography makes it a paradise for outdoor sports.
The Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19)
Track EuroVelo 19 crosses Revin right in the heart of it.
The perfect “Base Camp”: With its regional train station, marina and shops, Revin is an ideal logistical stopover.
Heading North: Pedal towards Fumay (TerrAltitude) and Haybes.
Heading South: This is where the most important part begins wild and spectacular from the Green Way, towards Anchamps, Laifour and the Ladies of Meuse.
The Marina (Nautical Stopover)
La Revin nautical stopover It is one of the most important in the sector. It is a lively port in the summer, where boaters, cyclists and walkers mingle.
Hiking and Trail Running
The Tour of Mont Malgré-Tout: The hike you absolutely must do.
La Roche at 7 a.m.: Another superb loop that offers views of the other part of the city.
The Belvedere Circuit: Challenging trails connect the various viewpoints overlooking the city.
Water activities
The Meuse, wide and calm at this point, is ideal for the canoe Kayak, the pedal boat or the paddleboard.
Around Revin: Our suggestions
By staying in Revin, you are ideally located to explore the southern Ardennes Valley.
Anchamps (5 min away): Your immediate neighbor, a peaceful village on the Green Way.
The Ladies of the Meuse (10 min away): Just south of Revin (near Laifour), discover this legendary panorama, one of the most famous in the Ardennes.
Fumay (10 min away): The industrial “sister city”. Visit TERRALTITUDE for a full dose of sensations (FantastiCable).
Revin: Practical Information
🍽️ Where to eat in Revin?
Revin offers a full range of dining options: traditional brasseries on the quays, restaurants, pizzerias and chip shops. You'll find something to satisfy every appetite.
🛌 Where to stay in Revin?
The offer is wide: numerous cottages, bed and breakfasts and a campsite (“Camping Les Bateaux”) located on the banks of the Meuse.
To find your accommodation, consult our page Accommodation.
🚗 How to get here and park?
By train : That's a major advantage! Revin Station is very well 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 Charleville-Mézières.
By bike : The village is a central stop on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19).
parking: Large car parks are available, especially near the marina (Tourist Office) and in the city centre.
ℹ️ Information point
THEVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office has a reception office in Vireux-Wallerand, about fifteen minutes by car from Revin.