Kotas Esprit Nordique

With so many excellent spots around the Ardennes, where should you set your aim? Charleville-Mézières (20 minutes' drive) is a natural first choice, given its famed Place Ducale has been hosting a puppet festival for more than 50 years. Strolling past buildings of Italian baroque style, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the patisseries with sugar tart, a local speciality. Sedan (half an hour’s drive) has what’s thought to be one of Europe’s biggest fortresses. Along the river Meuse, wandering through Sedan’s shops and restaurants is a lovely activity in itself. In Reims (55 minutes), pick up speed to fit in a glass of Champagne in one of the Champagne houses or wander through the grand cathedral. There are plenty more fine spots within driving distance of the kotas, of course. Mouzon (40 minutes), near the border, has medieval streets with a 12th-century tower, an abbey and the Wool Felt Museum. Rocroi (half an hour), too, is interesting to look at, laid out in the shape of a pentagon with two city gates, a town hall and a village pump.