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Givet

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City
—°357
Givet (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Givet

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Fort de Charlemont sits high above the town; the walk up is steep but has the best panoramic views of the Meuse valley.
  • As a border town, many shops accept both French and Belgian customs, but keep in mind that Sunday trading hours may differ from the rest of France.
  • The riverside promenade along the Meuse is flat and good for an evening stroll, often less crowded after 6 PM.
  • Free parking can usually be found near the riverbanks, slightly away from the historic center.

🍽 Food

🍽
Flamiche (Leek Tart)

A regional specialty from the Ardennes, best enjoyed at a traditional brasserie near the central square.

🍽
Belgian Beers

Given its location, local pubs offer an excellent selection of Belgian-style beers alongside French wines.

🍽
Ardennes Ham

Look for local charcuteries offering this dry-cured ham, well-suited for a picnic by the river.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Charcuterie Shops

Find traditional Ardennes sausages and pâtés in independent butcher shops along the main streets.

🛍
Border Town Markets

Check the local square on market days for a mix of French cheeses and Belgian delicacies.

🧘
Meuse River Banks

Walk along the towpaths of the Meuse river for a peaceful escape from the town center.

🧘
Parc de la Tour Victoire

A quiet green space near the historic Victoire Tower, well-suited for resting and reading a book.

Highlights of 2026

3

Situated at the outer edge of the French Ardennes, where the Meuse River cuts into Belgian territory, lies the town of Givet. This border town in the Ardennes department is notable for its geographic position on the 'Pointe de Givet' and its substantial military heritage. Overlooking the town is the Citadelle de Charlemont, a massive fortification complex originally established in the 16th century by Emperor Charles V and heavily modified later by the engineer Vauban. The elevated position of the citadel provides a broad view of the Meuse valley and the dense border forests. Down in the old town, the narrow streets, the historic town hall, and the stout defensive towers known as Tour Victoire and Tour Grégoire highlight the area's history of border conflicts. The riverside promenade serves as a focal point for town life and features a row of local dining establishments. Given the immediate proximity to the Belgian border, the local food scene naturally mixes French dishes with Belgian brewing traditions. For cyclists, Givet acts as an excellent northern starting point for the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, offering miles of flat riding directly adjacent to the water. The surrounding Ardennes hills also contain a network of unpaved trails for hiking.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C115912161818141052
Rain mm837167517273748356697792

Geography

Population
7,448
Coordinates
50.13810, 4.82420

Facts

  • Elevation: approximately 103 meters above sea level.
  • Fort Charlemont covers an extensive area of 15 hectares.
  • The town became part of France in 1678 via the Treaty of Nijmegen.
  • The spire of Saint-Hilaire church was built according to Vauban's designs.
  • Givet is famous for its traditional annual Onion Fair (Foire aux Oignons).
  • The Givet railway station is the terminus of the line from Soissons.

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Givet (5)

Fort Charlemont🛡️ fortress

A massive citadel built by Charles V on a rocky outcrop, offering strategic control over the Meuse river valley.

Victory Tower🏺 historical

A 14th-century vestige of the city's ancient walls, formerly used as a lookout point and a secure prison.

Saint-Hilaire Church⛪ religious

A beautiful church located by the river, rebuilt in a classic style with a distinctive Ardennes limestone facade.

Récollectines Convent🎭 culture

A well-preserved 17th-century former convent building that now serves as a library and exhibition space.

Porte de France🏺 historical

A historical fortified gateway that was part of the Vauban-style defenses protecting the town's southern access.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Charlemont Fortress?
A massive fortress built by Emperor Charles V, overlooking the town of Givet and the Meuse river.
Where is Givet located geographically?
At the northernmost tip of the Ardennes, almost entirely surrounded by the Belgian border.
What activities are there on the Meuse river?
River cruises, walks along the quays, and cycling on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes.
Are there local specialties in Givet?
Try Givet ham and Ardennes specialties in the local restaurants.
What is the Tour Victoire?
A historical defense tower from the 14th century that was part of the old city fortifications.
Givet: where is it located?
Givet is located in Grand Est, France.
Givet: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Charlemont, Victory Tower, Saint-Hilaire Church.
Givet: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Givet: why is it worth visiting?
Situated at the outer edge of the French Ardennes, where the Meuse River cuts into Belgian territory, lies the town of Givet.
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