May 26, 2024 - At 1,050km, the Meuse Cycle Route is one of the shortest members of the EuroVelo family. It’s also one of the newest routes, joining the network in 2019. Following one of the most important rivers in Europe through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, this attractive EuroVelo 19 cycling adventure, featuring three UNESCO World Heritage sites, has quickly become one of the top five most popular routes.
Welcoming cyclists of all levels, your journey begins at the source of the Meuse River on the Langres Plateau in the village of Pouilly-en-Bassigny in Haute-Marne. Ride to Neufchâteau, an area that boasts rich architectural heritage, and then head through Joan of Arc territory as you pass numerous fortifications, to the Verdun Memorial.
As you exit Verdun, try the Vélo Rail in Forges-sur-Meuse and make a stop at the European Museum of Beer in Stenay.
Then it’s on to Le Chateau Fort de Sedan to take in the largest fortified castle in Europe before reaching Charleville- Mézières, the gateway to the Ardennes.
The Meuse has cut its path between Monthermé to Givet, as the route takes you through the wildest part of the French Ardennes with remarkable viewpoints and rock formations.
As you enter Belgium en route to the imposing fortifications of the Namur Citadel, explore Hierges with its medieval château and Givet dominated by the Fort Charlemont. Take time to visit Namur, the region’s largest city and the capital of Wallonia, as you head to Liège.
Along the way, don’t miss the Ramioul Prehistomuseum, one of the largest museums of prehistory in Europe. In Liège, an impressive new cycle-pedestrian bridge connects the Guillemins district to the recently opened “La Boverie” Museum.
The Dutch part of the Meuse Cycle route features ferries that allow you to cycle from the Netherlands to Belgium and back in an afternoon — an absolute must. Then it’s on to the historical city centre of Roermond across Northern Limburg, as you pass the dragon’s village of Beesel where, every seven years, the legend of St. George and the dragon is acted out.
At Den Bosch, known as a magnificent fortress city that hosts many nationally renowned cultural events, explore the many cozy restaurants and cafés. From Den Bosch, head to the fortified town of Woudrichem before continuing on through the Biesbosch National Park.
Visit the island of Dordrecht, and then cycle on top of dykes through the Hoeksche Waard National Landscape and view ships along the New Waterway known as the “Gateway to Rotterdam” as you reach the end of this stellar cycling adventure. Rotterdam is part of a cycling junction network with more than 600km of bike paths to explore.
For more information on EuroVelo click here.
This article first appeared in our eBikes Spring 2024 edition here.
