WALKER’S GUIDE TO WALLONIA T H E B E L G I A N A R D E N N E S 20 PAGES OF GREAT WALKS & PLACES TO VISIT! AMAZING PLACES GREAT FOOD & CULTURE WONDERFUL WALKING Great walks, amazing events and places to visit in southern Belgium WALKER’SWALKER’S GUIDEGUIDE TOTO WALLONIA WelcomeWelcome F YOU WERE to draw a straight line on an atlas northward from the Massif SFRAHAN Central in France to the North Pole, the only area of high ground the line The idyllic village of Frahan is bordered by crosses is the Ardennes, shared between Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany the Semois river and I surrounded by dense – but mainly belonging to Wallonia, the southern part of Belgium. Not quite a mountain range (the highest point is less than 700 metres above sea level) the forest habitat. Ardennes consists of wild high plains, spectacular rock formations, plunging ©WBT-J.P. REMY valleys, dense forests and fast-flowing rivers and streams. These stunning FRONT COVER landscapes, combined with history, culture and distinctive cuisine, make Cover images show the the Ardennes an ideal destination for walkers of every age and ability. stupendous view from Chateau de Walzin, Further west, the landscapes of Wallonia are set in a relatively lightly which features in one populated region characterised by green, wide open spaces and undulating of the shorter walks, as does the river- trails linking attractive, historic villages and towns. Some of the most hugging village of La interesting rambles are described in these pages, along with two long-distance Roche-en-Ardenne, paths designed for seasoned hikers that take several days to complete. the book village of Redu and beautiful, For these reasons – and many more – Wallonia is one of Western Europe’s ancient Lompret. undiscovered treasures. Dig out your walking boots and waterproofs – MAIN COVER IMAGE: ©WBT-DOMINIK KETZ and come and discover it for yourself. COVER INSETS: ©WBT-DOMINIK KETZ; ©WBT-DAVID SAMYN; Bonne Marche! ©WBT-BRUNO DALIMONTE 2 WALKER’SWALKER’S GUIDEGUIDE TOTO WALLONIAWALLONIA “These stunning landscapes, combined with history, culture and distinctive cuisine, make the Ardennes an ideal destination for walkers of every age and ability.” CONTENTS 4 MAP OF WALLONIA 8 FABULOUS VIEWS 12 FOREST AND LAKES 16 LA TRANSARDENNAISE Learn about the history, IN THE ARDENNES This family-friendly Discover the best of the culture and wonder of Shadow the meanders amble whisks you away Ardennes on this highly- Wallonia, visualise your of the Semois in this from noise and bustle via varied 150km long- routes and plan your trip. magnificent route. the Forest of Blaimont. distance path. 6 THE HIGHEST POINT 10 TWO CASTLES 14 THROUGH HILLS 18 ABBEY TO ABBEY, IN BELGIUM STEEPED IN HISTORY AND VALLEYS BREW TO BREW Immerse yourself in the Marvel at two grand Take a step back in time Journey through varied landscapes of the chateaux on a charming and find intrigue in the a region famous for High Fens. and picturesque walk. history of Wallonia. its Trappist ales. BelgianBelgian TouristTourist OfficeOffice – WalloniaWallonia andand itsits partnerspartners cannotcannot bebe heldheld responsible for any changes in the content since publication WALKER’S GUIDE TO WALLONIA 3 WALKER’SWALKER’S GUIDEGUIDE TOTO WALLONIA Welcome to Wallonia With varied landscapes, intriguing culture and a rich heritage Wallonia offers something for everyone. Brussels BELGBELGIU Tournai VER HEARD OF Wallonia? It’s okay, you’re forgiven if you haven’t. It’s the southern half of Belgium, and as far 5 E as walkers are concerned, the more exciting half. Expect grand castles, Waterloo pretty rivers, idyllic towns and dense forests. Mons Also awaiting are the famous Trappist beers, delicious potato tartiflette and lots of chips and mayonnaise – the Belgian fast food of choice. © CHIMAY GESTION © CHIMAY Visit between June and September for the best of the weather. If you’re a The famous Trappist beer of the region risk-taker October is worth a gamble as the whole can be sampled at Chimay brewery mid- region transforms into a leafy golden spectacle, though walk. p12 there is a higher chance of rain. If you’re after a last- minute excursion, Brussels is only a short hop across the Channel with Eurostar or a cheap flight away. From the Belgian capital, you could be walking in ChimayChimay wonderful Ardennes valleys or forests within hours. © WANDERMAGAZIN, N. GLATTER FRANCE 4 mprise TheThe HHighigh FFensens ccompriseo apes anan arrayarray ooff llandscapesandsc SHORTER WALKS and habitats. p6 THE HIGHEST POINT 1 IN BELGIUM PAGE 6 © WBT-DOMINIK KETZ Fine castles The Walk: Starting at the Baraque are a feature of Michel, this 13km route encompasses the region. p10 exquisite landscapes that are part of one of the country’s oldest nature reserves and simply demand exploring. What to see: Discover the Hautes Fagnes, or High Fens, of Wallonia that feature gloriously varied habitats of peat bogs, river valleys, oak forests and wetlands brimming with nature. FABULOUS VIEWS IN 2THE ARDENNES PAGE 8 The Walk: This wonderfully varied walk follows the meanders of the peaceful River Semois and offers some spectacular viewpoints along the way. What to see: Look out for Le Tombeau du Geant, or Tomb of the Giant, that sits in a curve of the Semois. Explore the FLEMAL WBT-JL © town of Frahan and the villages La Roche-en-Ardenne and Poupehan too. The Semois valley offers great views for walkers. 4 WALKER’S GUIDE TO WALLONIA p8 © WBT-BRUNO DALIMONTE WBT-BRUNO © © MTPVBW-B.HOGGE Relax in the natural surroundings of Lompret Explore the ruins of and Blaimont Forest. the Cistercian abbey p12 p14 of Villers-la-Ville. FORESTS AND 4LAKES PAGE 12 GIUMIUM Parc naturel Hautes The Walk: Starting from a splendid Fagnes-Eifel nature reserve by Lake Virelles, this is a Liège relatively gentle family-friendly circuit. What to see: Passing through the aesthetic village of Lompret with its Namur 1 grey limestone buildings, this walk also warrants a visit to the nearby Spa Chimay brewery to taste the famous Trappist beer of the region. THROUGH HILLS WALLONIA 5AND VALLEYS PAGE 14 Dinant The Walk: Setting out from the La Roche Cistercian Villers Abbey, this route can be completed in under three hours. What to see: Explore the ancient ruins 3 of the 12th-century Villers abbey, which sit on large open grounds featuring a RochefortRochefort number of beautifully-kept gardens and discover its past grandeur. G R 6 U MULTI-DAY TRAILS BastogneO B LA TRANSARDENNAISE M 6PAGE 16 E The Walk: This X demanding yet stunning 2 7 U See Wallona at its 155km long-distance walk L finest on one of can be split into seven © WBT-J.P. REMY two long-distance manageable days. walks. p16 What to see: Diverse BouillonBouillon Orval terrain of woodland, valleys and open country. Stop at the village of Redu for a meal, explore the Take in many TWO CASTLES abbey breweries Museum of Walloon Life 3STEEPED IN on a long in Saint-Hubert and see HISTORY PAGE 10 walk. p18 herds of Ardennes horses. The Walk: An enjoyable four to five hour walk that takes in two ABBEY TO ABBEY, historic castles of Wallonia. 7BREW TO BREW PAGE 18 What to see: The imposing Chateau de Walzin is unmissable The Walk: This trail measures 290km in in its rocky seat high above the length and links three abbeys famous for their Lesse river, while the striking Trappist ales. Split into two long sections. Chateau de Veves, with its tall What to see: Being the first ‘themed’ long- pointy turrets, looks as though distance path in Wallonia, this is one for beer it could have come straight out FLEMAL WBT-JL © lovers. Abbey breweries that make world class of Hogwarts or Disneyland. Trappist ales are the designated route pitstops. WALKER’S GUIDE TO WALLONIA 5 WALKER’SWALKER’S GUIDEGUIDE TOTO WALLONIA SHORTER WALK The Highest GLATTER N. WANDERMAGAZIN, © Point in Belgium LA BARAQUE MICHEL With seasonal cuisine and the relaxed character of an inn, Around the Auberge this restaurant makes for an ideal start and finish location. ‘La Baraque Michel’ the right for about 300 metres, then fork again to the in the High Fens. right along a small path. This can get very muddy in wet weather and so, in heavy rain take the main road instead. At a junction directly behind a small wooden O Liège Province: 13km/4 hours bridge, the path forks to the left and soon reaches a O Start-Finish: Parking for walkers at point where two large forestry roads cross each other. the traditional Auberge ‘Baraque Michel’. The route through the forest continues straight ahead towards higher ground. At the third crossing, take the path to the right and go through a forest of firs. The HIS ADVENTUROUS WALK starts at the trail crosses the forest path before gently rising to the ‘Baraque Michel’ and offers a rewarding insight left and reaching a crossing next to the ‘Six Hêtres’ (2) Tinto the unique and varied countryside of the rest area. At the next crossing the route swings to the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens). Aside from the characteristic peat bogs, its mysterious oak forests and peaceful river valleys are just waiting to be “Mysterious oak forests and explored. The trail leads from the Fischbach Chapel peaceful river valleys are at the Croix des Fiancés, (Cross of Fiancés), across a newly-built gravel road through the heart of the just waiting be explored.” Walloon Fagne. It was here, in 1871, that a young couple died in a blizzard having left for Xhoffraix to collect the necessary documents for their impending wedding.