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Fumay

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City
—°495
Fumay (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Fumay

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Rent a bike or walk along the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes for the best views of the Meuse river loop.
  • The slate history is visible everywhere; look closely at the roofs and facades while strolling through the historic center.
  • Parking is generally available near the river banks, which is a great starting point for exploring the town.
  • Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to hike up to the surrounding viewpoints in the Ardennes forest for panoramic shots.

🍽 Food

🍽
Boudin Blanc

Try this regional specialty at a traditional brasserie near the town square.

🍽
Ardennes Ham (Jambon sec)

Look for local charcuteries offering this dry-cured classic.

🍽
Local Cider & Craft Beer

First-rate to enjoy at a riverside café after a long hike in the surrounding nature.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Markets

Visit the weekly market for fresh regional produce and local cheeses.

🛍
Slate Souvenirs

You might find small artisanal items or decorations reflecting the town's slate mining heritage.

🧘
Ardennes Forest Trails

While the area provides adventure parks, the deep forest trails provide absolute tranquility.

🧘
The Meuse Riverbanks

Find a quiet bench along the water to watch the riverboats pass by.

Highlights of 2026

4

Set in the heavily wooded Meuse valley, the small town of Fumay in the French Ardennes gives a strong natural setting combined with a distinct artisanal history. Often referred to as the 'Capital of Slate' (Cité de l'Ardoise), the mining of this dark stone shaped the local economy and the physical appearance of the town for centuries. Strolling through the streets, visitors will notice the consistent blue-black slate-covered roofs and facades of the houses, which give the town an authentic, unified character. Its location on a prominent loop of the Meuse River makes Fumay a highly practical base for outdoor activities. Cyclists frequent the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, a paved greenway running along the riverbank that provides continuous views of the water and forested hills. For active groups, the nearby Terraltitude adventure park features a long zip line that crosses high above the valley floor. Within the town, the Église Saint-Georges is a notable religious site, and the river promenade has a quiet place to sit. The dense surrounding forests of the Ardennes invite visitors on extended hikes where the regional flora and fauna remain largely undisturbed. Fumay is a destination that maintains its slate-mining heritage amidst deep woodlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125913161817141062
Rain mm827168497071738054707893

Geography

Population
4,650
Coordinates
49.99360, 4.70690

Facts

  • Population of 6,426 (2021)
  • Land area of 20.13 square kilometers
  • Postal code 08170
  • The last slate quarry closed in 1971
  • Saint-Georges church is 62 meters long
  • Commune rises to an altitude of 400 meters

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Fumay (9)

Saint-Georges Church⛪ religious

A massive Neo-Gothic church known for its grand scale and its importance to the town's spiritual life.

Fumay Marina🎡 recreation

A welcoming river port on the Meuse, excellent for boating enthusiasts and scenic walks along the water.

Musée de l’ardoise Michel Paradon🏛 museum

Musée de l'ardoise Michel Paradon is a museum dedicated to the slate industry in Fumay.

🕒 Mo-Fr 14:30-18:30; Sa 10:00-12:00

Château des Comtes-de-Bryas (Ancien)🏰 castle

Château des Comtes-de-Bryas is an ancient historic castle located in Fumay.

Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse⛪ religious

Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse is a small and peaceful place of worship in Fumay.

Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul⛪ religious

Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul is a historic parish church serving the town of Fumay.

Diversmonts, dit du Relais🌿 nature

Diversmonts, dit du Relais, is a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas in Fumay.

La Platale🌿 nature

La Platale is a notable viewpoint providing beautiful scenic views of Fumay.

Roche de l'Uf🌿 nature

Roche de l'Uf is an impressive viewpoint showcasing the natural landscapes around Fumay.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Fumay historically important?
For centuries, Fumay was the center of slate (ardoise) production in the Ardennes.
What is “Terraltitude”?
It is an adventure park featuring a spectacular zipline over the Meuse river.
What dish should you try in Fumay?
“Cacasse à cul nu,” a traditional Ardennes potato dish, is a local specialty.
Where is the best view of the Meuse loop?
From the “Roche de l'Urbure” viewpoint, you have a fantastic panorama of the town and the river loop.
How best to explore the Meuse river?
Either by boat or on the “Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes” cycling path that runs directly along the riverbank.
Fumay: where is it located?
Fumay is located in Grand Est, France.
Fumay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Georges Church, Fumay Marina, Musée de l’ardoise Michel Paradon.
Fumay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fumay: why is it worth visiting?
Set in the heavily wooded Meuse valley, the small town of Fumay in the French Ardennes gives a strong natural setting combined with a distinct artisanal history.
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