Blockhaus Trail – La Neuville-aux-Joûte

The blockhouse trail loop winds along the Maginot line passing through the village of La Neuville-aux-Joûtes. It is a rural hike in the heart of the Ardennes forests, not far from Belgium which will delight history buffs thanks to the information panels which adjoin the route.

This twelve-kilometer hike winds through the municipal forest of La Neuville-aux-Joûtes which is home to the Maginot line. This defense system built by France in the 1930s to prevent a German invasion stretched along the country's northeastern border, from Belgium to Switzerland. The section located in the communal forest of La Neuville-aux-Joûtes is part of this vast line of fortifications and you will come across numerous casemates along the way. These underground or semi-buried fortified structures were once used to protect troops or military equipment from enemy attacks.

The route first goes north-west before turning due south along the national forest of Saint-Michel en Thiérache. Then comes the crossing of La Neuville-aux-Joûtes. This charming village is home to a beautiful brick and stone church as well as a chapel worthy of interest.

Finally, the route goes deeper into the municipal forest to meet the blockhouses. Some are accessible, take the opportunity to explore these imposing concrete masses in the middle of nature.