Meuse Cycle Route: Maastricht to Sedan

Make your own way to S-Gravenvoeren or Maastricht, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

When you’re ready, begin the first stage of your cycling holiday, travelling from Maastricht to Liège, also known as the “Fiery City”. As you cross into Belgium, follow the River Jeker – which joins the River Meuse in Maastricht – to the charming village of Kanne. Shortly afterwards, you’ll reach Ternaaien/Lanaye, where you can watch boats navigating the impressive locks measuring 225 metres long and 25 metres wide.

From here, continue along the RAVeL cycling trail through the welcoming town of Visé, before reaching Liège (Luik in Dutch). The final stretch of your ride leads you past tall cranes, weathered boats and historic yet bustling industrial zones, offering a fascinating contrast to the natural beauty of the Meuse Valley.

Cycling right through the heart of Liège, you’ll enjoy a safe and scenic cycle path following the River Meuse. As you leave the city, follow the John Cockerill railway line to exit the built-up area, keeping an eye out for the RAVeL signs. Up close, the blast furnaces of Seraing are truly impressive – a striking reminder of the region’s industrial heritage.

If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, take a short detour to visit the Val Saint-Lambert crystal factory shop, renowned for its exquisite glassware. Continuing your cycling holiday, you’ll pedal along quiet country roads and through typical Walloon villages, always staying close to the Meuse, as you head towards Huy.

Just before reaching Huy, switch briefly to the riverside bike path, where the Tihange nuclear power station forms another fascinating landmark of industrial architecture. Once in Huy, the Grand-Place is the perfect spot to pause for lunch and soak up the lively atmosphere.

As you continue your cycling route along the Meuse towards Namur, the landscape gradually transforms – with nature reclaiming the scenery from the remnants of industry, offering a tranquil and picturesque ride. (Approx. 70 km)

Continue following the RAVeL cycle route towards Dinant, a journey filled with scenic beauty and cultural highlights. Along the way, you’ll pass through the village of Wépion, renowned for its delicious strawberries, and the magnificent Gardens of Annevoie, which are well worth a visit for their elegant fountains and landscaped charm.

On arrival in Dinant, take your time to explore this picturesque riverside town. Relax at one of the cafés along the River Meuse, admire the dramatic cliffs and citadel, and soak up the unique atmosphere that makes Dinant a highlight of any cycling holiday in Belgium.

Shortly after leaving Dinant, you’ll come to the beautiful Château de Freÿr, an elegant riverside castle surrounded by terraced gardens. From here, continue for several kilometres along the former railway line between Hastière and Mariembourg, now a peaceful cycling path offering gentle gradients and scenic views.

Cross the border into France, where the first town you’ll encounter is Givet, dominated by the impressive Charlemont Citadel. Take some time to explore this historic town before continuing your cycling holiday on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, a renowned greenway that follows the River Meuse. Enjoy a relaxed and picturesque ride through tranquil countryside as you make your way to the charming village of Haybes.

Spend the day cycling along the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, a beautifully maintained greenway that follows the gentle curves of the River Meuse. This stage of your cycling holiday offers peaceful scenery, lush forests and riverside views that capture the charm of the French Ardennes.

One of today’s highlights is a stop in the picturesque town of Monthermé, where the Meuse winds dramatically between wooded hills – a perfect spot for a rest or a leisurely coffee break.

Your journey ends in Charleville-Mézières, renowned for its elegant historic town centre, lively squares and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to relax and reflect on another memorable day of cycling through the Meuse Valley.

In September 2015, the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes was extended, and it now runs along the River Meuse beyond the town of Sedan in northern France. This final stretch of your cycling holiday takes you through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, riverside meadows and peaceful villages.

Your destination is Sedan, renowned for its impressive castle – the largest in Europe. Take time to explore this remarkable fortress and the surrounding old town, a fitting finale to your cycling adventure along the International Meuse Route.

If you prefer a slightly shorter ride today, an alternative cycling route of 27 kilometres is also available.

Departure from Sedan or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding area. You can book a coach transfer back to Maastricht for 50 euros per person.

Arrival: Maastricht

Departure: Sedan

Nearest Arrival airport: Amsterdam Schiphol, Cologne-Bonn or Eindhoven

Nearest Departure airport: Brussels Charleroi or Luxembourg

We also recommend travelling by train to all cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Maastricht by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.