The Old Road to France 'Vieille Route de France'
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Bouillon borders France for many kilometers. This forested border area was once a haven for smugglers sneaking across with goods like tobacco or coffee. Smuggling, customs, cross-border tourism, and territorial disputes are all part of local history.
The oldest road from Bouillon to France started near today’s Pont de France, at the former Porte de France city gate. From there, the road climbed steeply—the present-day Vieille Route de France. At the start of this street stands a small white house: a former customs office, visible on old postcards.
This road was mentioned as early as 1773, though there may have been older routes, such as one through “Falize.” Later, new routes to France were added: via Beaubru to Sedan, and—after the tunnel under the castle was dug—via Corbion, which enabled the tram line.
Many customs posts followed: Beaubru, Ban d’Alle, Moulin à Vent, etc.
The road today is paved and bikeable. But in earlier times, it was rough and steep. French poet Paul Verlaine recalled traveling this road by mail coach from 1845 onward, shaken by the bumpy ride en route to Paliseul, where his family lived.
Today, the Côte Vieille Route de France ranks 33rd in the Belgian cotacol cycling climbs—a true challenge for enthusiasts.
