Tournavaux is a charming and picturesque village located in the Ardennes region of northeastern France. Situated on the banks of the Meuse River, Tournavaux offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a warm and welcoming community.
One of the most striking features of Tournavaux is its location in the heart of the Ardennes Forest. The village is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, cycling, and fishing are all popular activities in the area, and visitors can explore the many trails and paths that wind through the forests and along the river.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tournavaux is also steeped in history. The village dates back to the Middle Ages, and its rich history can be seen in its well-preserved architecture and historic landmarks. One of the most notable landmarks in the village is the Church of Saint-Martin, which dates back to the 16th century and features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.
Another must-see attraction in Tournavaux is the Château de Linchamps, a magnificent castle that dates back to the 13th century. The castle was once a powerful fortress and played an important role in the region’s history. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and corridors, admire the stunning views from its towers, and learn about the fascinating history of the Ardennes region. There are also a couple of rock formations. One of them “Roc la tour”.
The Celtic can be felt in the ardennes. Legends say that these quartzite rocks may be the remains of a huge, ruined castle. Although this chaotic rock formation is perfectly natural, from prehistoric times it served as a bivouac. These days it is above all one of the loveliest spots in the region.
Walking here, you can smell the sulfur.
A diabolical pact is said to have been made between a lord greedy for power and the devil himself. The former was to obtain a huge castle, the latter the soul of the lord, if the lord managed to complete the castle before the cock crowed.
Just as he was setting the last stone of the building, the cock crowed, signalling the dawn. Too late! Out of fury, Satan destroyed the castle he had just built, sending huge blocks of stone hurtling down the mountainside to the bed of the Semoy river.
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Since sulfur is connected with hell it’s most likely that this fueled the legend. Since the cold temperature I could not smell anything special. But there should be a smell of sulfur in the region. I did however pass a lot of mistletoe. With the winter season coming that did give a nice vibe. Beside there being a lot of trailing possibilities. there is also the river and the vilage it self.
for more info you can visit this site https://www.visitardenne.com. or if like me you want to enjoy a good trail you can get some trails on the komoot site. The link leads you to 10 trails.
In short, Tournavaux, France, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Ardennes region. Its natural beauty, rich history, and warm community make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to northeastern France. Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors, soak up some history, or simply relax and enjoy the charm of a small French village, Tournavaux has something to offer everyone.