Pretty village at the tip of the Ardennes, Vireux-Molhain sits proudly on the left bank of the Meuse, at the confluence of the Viroin and dominated by Mont Vireux. Thanks to this very special location, at the heart of a unique natural setting, Vireux-Molhain has become an important city, where the cultural and natural riches of the Ardennes territory mingle. Discover Vireux-Molhain with the Tourist Office.
The history of Vireux-Molhain
The Tourist Office located near Vireux-Molhain invites you to discover the historical heritage of the region.
The history of Vireux-Molhain began in the 3rd century with the fortification of a Roman military camp, on a rocky spur overlooking the valley. It was certainly built to protect an important metallurgical activity on the banks of the Meuse. It was only much later, in the Middle Ages, that this military camp was fortified. Three hamlets were then formed: Molhain and Vireux-Saint-Martin at the foot of the fortifications, and Vireux-le-Wallerand on the opposite bank of the Meuse.
Over the centuries, Vireux-Molhain has been the scene of numerous conflicts between France and neighboring kingdoms, due to its strategic border position. In the 19th century, the village experienced significant industrialization thanks to coal mining and metallurgy. These activities transformed the local economy with the arrival of many workers, giving it a unique character and historical importance in the region, still visible today.
Vireux-Molhain: A preserved natural setting
Between the steep cliffs, the meandering rivers and the majestic forest ofArdennes, discover the exceptional natural setting with the Tourist Office near Vireux-Molhain.
In the heart of these preserved landscapes, nature lovers can enjoy a multitude of sports and outdoor activities. With family, friends or alone, the Val d'Ardenne is a promise of a getaway in the heart of nature to recharge your batteries, take your time, encounter wild nature and live experiences in a timeless green setting.
Tourism in Vireux-Molhain: discover the heritage
The exceptional natural setting, at the confluence of two rivers, has influenced the history of Vireux-Molhain over the centuries. The town has three essential sites to visit during your stay in Val d'Ardenne :
The Roman camp
During the 3rd century, the first invasions of Germanic peoples threatened the Roman Empire, prompting the strengthening of borders and cities. A fortress is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Meuse. This Roman camp served both as a defensive base for the empire and as a refuge for the population.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the fortress was transformed into a medieval castle. Remains show the presence of a fortified village surrounded by a masonry enclosure and adjoining habitats.
Today, there are still some vestiges that can be visited: religious buildings, the two corner towers of the enclosure, a bread oven, feudal dwellings and a cemetery. On site, you will discover explanatory panels as well as a superb view of the Viroquois and the Meuse valley. Of the Vireux-Molhain tourist guides and the Roman camp are also available at the Tourist Office.
The collegiate church of Vireux-Molhain
The Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Ermel collegiate church holds an important place in the history of the churches of the Bulge. In fact, it is one of the only ones to have a Roman crypt. It is a crypt made of blue stone columns from Givet, in the pre-Romanesque style and dating from the 8th century. It allowed the faithful to go there in procession, thanks to its two access points which are still visible.
According to legend, the collegiate church was founded in 752 by Lady Ada, cousin of Pepin the Short and father of the future Charlemagne, who had just been crowned king of the Franks. The collegiate church was intended to house the relics of Saint Ermel, a Breton saint linked to Arthurian legend. The relics were the object of worship until 1563, when the Protestants ravaged the village and burned the church. Of the initial building, only the crypt remains. The current church above the crypt dates from the XNUMXth century.
Visit the Saint-Ermel collegiate church with the Tourist Office located near Vireux-Molhain : ask for the keys at the Vireux-Wallerand Tourist Office reception point.
The Vireux-Molhain national nature reserve
This nature reserve, with an area of 1,82 hectares, is a remarkable geological and paleontological site. It is internationally known for the quantity of fossils, the diversity of species found there and the finesse of their conservation. The site notably contains fossils of “trilobites”, marine arthropods that disappeared 250 million years ago. At that time, a shallow sea covered the Bulge and numerous remains of organisms were buried under layers of sediment, undergoing a process of mineralization and thus becoming valuable clues to the past of our territory.
The Vireux-Molhain nature reserve is also called “Le Mur des Douaniers” because of its proximity to the Franco-Belgian border guard post. Managed by the ONF, the site was classified as a national nature reserve in 1991 in order to ensure its control, conservation and study these ancient forms of life, witnesses of a vanished world.
Are you traveling in a group? Discover the region with a guideTourist office near Vireux-Molhain.
Tourism equipment in Vireux-Molhain
- The mountain bike relay : the mountain bike relay, labeled “Clévacances”, offers three bedrooms with showers and WC, a living room with television. On-site catering available, free parking, mountain bike rental and picnic area.
- The motorhome area : 23 pitches ideally located on the banks of the Meuse, with barbecue area, free electricity terminal, emptying and filling of the water tank.
- The Trans-Ardennes Greenway : 130 km of cycle paths from Givet to Mouzon. On the old towpath, this greenway allows you to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Val d'Ardenne.
- THETourist office near Vireux-Molhain welcomes you and provides you with information at its reception point open all year round – Place du Château in Vireux-Wallerand. Brochures and Vireux-Wallerand tourist guides available at reception.
The best restaurants in Vireux-Molhain
Here is a selection of the best restaurants in Vireux-Molhain:
- Le Grain de Sel: typical French cuisine in a friendly setting – 28-29 Av. Roger Posty – €20-30 per person – Closed Friday.
- La Vie en Rose: traditional French and Italian cuisine – 51 Av. Roger Posty – €20-30 per person – Closed on Wednesday.
- Friterie Viroquoise: chip shop on the banks of the Meuse – Av. Roger Posty – €10-15 per person – Closed on Wednesday.
Accommodation Tips
Discover Viroquois hospitality by sleeping in one of our hotel accommodations:
- Camp Paradis guest house – 3 rue de la Chapelle – from €65 per night.
- Gîte le Confluent – 2 Place de la Jussière – from €80 per night.
- La Folle Parenthese holiday home – 38 Rue de la Jussière – from €170 per night (for 6 people).
Find all the accommodation available atVireux-Molhain tourist office and check out our Vireux-Molhain tourist guides to find the best addresses.
How to get to Vireux-Molhain
Our advice for getting to Vireux-Molhain:
By car: Vireux-Molhain is accessible by car by road and motorway (A34 via Reims, E42 / E19 / E44 via Lille and E411 / E19 via Brussels).
By train: the Vireux-Molhain SNCF station is served by a TER Grand Est line. You can take a train from many towns in the region, including Charleville-Mézières, connected to Paris by TGV.
By bike: the Trans-Ardennes Greenway (EuroVélo 19) crosses the town of Vireux-Molhain.
By plane: the closest airport is Charleroi Brussels-South in Belgium.
