French Ardennes: experience nature!
The sheer cliffs of the Pointe de Givet, the looping valleys of the Meuse and the Semoy, forests, marshlands and wetlands - French Ardennes region is full of unspoilt nature, where quiet replaces activity, at the pace you desire.
With all these advantages, tourism currently constitutes an important part large of the region's economic activity representing 3% of GDP, with economic benefits of €75 million and more than 1,400 tourism-related jobs in 2019. Although direct revenues (€39 million) have fallen slightly relative to 2019, the number of visitors - particularly to organised events (museums, monuments, activities) - has risen by around 5%. In 2019, there were 940,600 overnight stays in commercial accommodation, 29% of which were in Ardenne Métropole (Charleville-Mézières/Sedan). But other parts of the Ardennes also present strong results. For example, more than 167,000 overnight stays, or around 18% of visitors in 2019 were in Ardenne Rives de Meuse.
In 2020, far from being discouraged by the current challenges relating to the public health crisis, members of French Ardennes tourism industry are taking action to adapt to the new conditions and capitalise on their strengths. Since last week, a TV advert has been broadcast on the initiative of the A.D.T. and an advertising campaign on French Ardennes as a holiday destination is in the process of being finalised. Furthermore, until 31 October 2020, the Ardennes departmental council will refund up to 50% of accommodation costs up to a maximum of €100. This offer is valid for residents of French Ardennes and tourists providing proof of a minimum of two nights' accommodation in the region and who used a service in a restaurant, park, museum or even a basket of local produce on www.mescoursesenardennes.fr.
With family or friends, the people of French Ardennes offer a wide range of services: unusual or environmentally-friendly places to stay, exciting activities, leisure or cultural sites...
By Ardennes Développement, the Ardennes economic development agency - ardennes-developpement.com
©Bruno Gouhoury