Francheville: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

La Francheville is home to the Marais de Saint-Ponce, a wetland covering just over 24 hectares on the banks of the Vence. It is the largest natural area in the Vence Valley and is home to rare and diverse wildlife. It comprises a variety of wetland habitats, including reed beds, wet woodland, meadows and ponds.

When staying in La Francheville, you may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Nature

In 2013, vegetation covered approximately 139 hectares within the municipality of La Francheville; around 90 hectares of this belonged to the municipality. La Francheville has three hiking trails totalling approximately 25 km, running along the river or through the municipal forest. Part of La Francheville’s municipal forest is classified as a type 1 ZNIEFF.

Geographical Location

La Francheville can be reached via the A34 motorway in both directions, towards Reims–Charleville and Charleville–Reims.

History

The Saint-Ponce complex initially used a waterfall near the chapel to power a grain mill. In the 17th century, Saint-Ponce was converted into a gunpowder factory. The building known as “Le Château” was constructed in 1708; at “Le Château”, the beginnings of three underground galleries have been preserved, although they no longer lead anywhere.

Construction of the church in La Francheville began in 1839 and was completed at the end of the following year. The church has a main altar dating from the 18th to 19th century, as well as side altars, 19th-century statues and 18th-century pews.

Culture and Activities

The Espace Culturel Gaston Robert offers cultural and leisure activities for all age groups. The media library at the Espace Culturel Gaston Robert is open to everyone; participation in its events, workshops and activities is free of charge.

The “L’Arbre à Jeux” toy library is a place for all generations, welcoming young children, teenagers, adults and seniors. “L’Arbre à Jeux” offers a wide selection of educational, board, strategy, cooperative and wooden games.

Cuisine

Aux Saveurs d’Ardennes welcomes customers every day at its butcher’s shop with charcuterie and a large delicatessen; the brand is known in the region for air-dried ham, wild boar salami and Cacasse à cul nu.

Other places in the same selection: Lançon, Maubert-Fontaine, Étalle, Brécy-Brières, Douzy, Rocroi, Rancennes, Houdilcourt.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ardennes.