Vireux-Molhain is much more than just a village; it's an open-air history book, the living memory of the Ardennes Valley. Forming, with its neighbor Vireux-Wallerand, the "Pays de Vireux" (or "Viroquois"), this municipality located on the left bank of the Meuse is a must-see destination for anyone interested in heritage and the great sites of the Ardennes.
Two treasures are preserved there. The first overlooks the valley: the Mont Vireux site (known as “Roman Camp”), oppidum strategic location that has seen the succession of Gauls, Romans, and Merovingians. The second is nestled in the heart of the village: the Saint-Ermel Collegiate Church, an architectural gem founded, according to legend, during the time of Pepin the Short.
Crossed by the Trans-Ardennes Greenway and by the river “Le Viroin”, Vireux-Molhain is the perfect stop for a day combining gentle adventure, exceptional panoramas and major cultural discoveries.
Why visit Vireux-Molhain?
- For the Mont Vireux site: A major archaeological site, bearing witness to Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, offering an incredible panorama.
- For the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ermel: A jewel of religious architecture, famous for its Romanesque crypt.
- A key stage of the Green Way: The village is on the route (EuroVelo 19), making it a perfect stop.
- Regarding its accessibility: The village has a regional train station, making it easily accessible without a car.
Vireux-Molhain in brief: The essentials you need to know
Here is the business card of this town with a rich past, located at the confluence of the Meuse and the Viroin.
Village 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 2022)
Area: 8,29 km²
Kind: The Viroquois and the Viroquoises
Postal code : 08320
Reference point: Located on the Left Bank of the Meuse, at the confluence of the Viroin, 13 km south of Givet.
A bit of history: The “Missing Link” of the Ardennes
Vireux-Molhain is considered by historians as a “missing link” that illustrates the transition between Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Mont Vireux: The Sentinel
The rocky spur overlooking the confluence of the Meuse and Viroin rivers has always been a strategic location. Occupied by the Gauls, it was fortified by the Romans at the end of the 3rd century to become a castle (small fort) protecting the Empire from barbarian invasions. Exceptionally, life continued after the fall of Rome: the site became a Merovingian stronghold (6th-8th centuries) with its dwellings, church and necropolis, before finally being abandoned.
The Collegiate Church: The Religious Center
According to legend, the Saint-Ermel Collegiate Church was supposedly founded in 752 by Lady Ada, a cousin of Pepin the Short (father of Charlemagne), to house the relics of Saint Ermel. It became the seat of a chapter of canons, an important religious and intellectual center for the whole region.
What to see and do in Vireux-Molhain? The must-sees
Two major sites capture attention and alone justify the visit.
The Mont Vireux Site (known as “Roman Camp”)
It's the main attraction.
Visit : The site is in free access All year round. A pleasant hike (approximately 30-45 minutes uphill) takes you to the summit.
The archaeological site: Educational panels and unearthed remains (enclosure walls, tower bases, foundations of the Merovingian church, bread oven) allow you to understand 1000 years of occupation.
The Panorama: The reward! The viewpoint offers an absolutely spectacular 180° view of the Meuse, the Viroin, the village of Vireux-Wallerand below, and in the distance, the medieval village of Hierges.
Saint-Ermel Collegiate Church
Located in the historic district of Molhain, this church, listed as a Historical Monument, is a gem.
The Roman Crypt: This is the church's treasure. This pre-Romanesque or Romanesque crypt, rare in the region, was intended to house relics.
Architecture: Admire the mix of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, the furniture, the polychrome wooden statues and the tombstones.
Practical information : The church is not always open. Contact the Tourist Office (in Vireux-Wallerand) for keys or guided tours.
The Customs Officers' Wall
While strolling through Molhain, you will come across this strange wall pierced with niches. It is a remnant of the old border post (when the Viroin marked the border) where customs officers monitored the passage.
Outdoor activities and nature
Vireux-Molhain is an ideal base for nature activities, at the crossroads of valleys.
The Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19)
The cycle path EuroVelo 19 passes a stone's throw from the heart of Vireux-Molhain, running alongside the Meuse.
Flat and secure: It's an ideal stopping and starting point.
Heading North: Pedal towards aubrives, chooz, Ham sur Meuse et Given.
Heading South: Join Haybes et Fumay (TerrAltitude).
Hiking
The ascent to Mont Vireux: This is the must-do hike in the area.
The Viroin Valley: Explore the banks of this charming river which comes from Belgium (via the Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park).
Fishing and Nautical Stopover
At the confluence of the Meuse and the Viroin rivers, Vireux is a fishing spot very popular. A nautical stopover (located in Vireux-Wallerand) allows boaters to moor.
Around Vireux-Molhain: Our suggestions
By staying in Vireux-Molhain, you are in the heart of a dense tourist area.
Vireux-Wallerand (the “twin”): Discover the other side of Vireux, its town centre, its Saint-Georges church and its castle (town hall). This is where the Tourist Office is located.
Yesterday (at 5 min): Cross the bridge and travel back in time. medieval village of Hierges is an absolute must-see, not to be missed under any circumstances.
Aubrives (5 min away): Just outside Hierges, admire the stunning fortified church of Saint-Maurice.
Givet (20 min away): In the north, visit the Fort of CharlemontEnjoy the RIVÉA aquatic centre and the docks.
Vireux-Molhain: Practical Information
🍽️ Where to eat in Vireux-Molhain?
The two Vireux (Molhain and Wallerand) offer a full range of dining options: traditional restaurants, brasseries, pizzerias, and chip shops. You'll easily find something to eat.
🛌 Where to stay in Vireux-Molhain?
Accommodation options are varied: guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels are available in both towns of Vireux. It's an excellent base for exploring the Ardennes Valley.
To find your accommodation, consult our page Accommodation.
🚗 How to get here and park?
By train : That's a major advantage! Vireux-Molhain 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 direct stop on the Trans-Ardennes Green Route (EuroVelo 19).
parking: Parking is available near the train station, the collegiate church and at the foot of Mont Vireux (starting point of the hike).
ℹ️ Information point
THEVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office has its main office just on the other side of the Viroin, in Vireux Wallerand (Place du Château), to provide you with maps, keys to the collegiate church and advice.