Circular Daffodil Walk to Edmond d’Hoffschmidt’s hermitage

A delightful mix of sights to discover throughout these 8 km: some lovely viewpoints, including Rocher à Pic and the La Lesse quarry, the Ellinchamps Forest Reserve, the bread oven and the Belvaux Chapel, as well as the Herdal Resurgence on the way back.

Based on sections of Grande Randonnée trails and marked walks, in particular the new 'Par Monts et par Vaulx' circulars inaugurated in 2025 by the Wellin Tourist Office, the walk takes place mainly in magnificent deciduous forests where beech and oak trees reign supreme.

A visit to the Caves of Han is a must. At least once in your life, you must go there to admire the natural beauty shaped by water in the Boine limestone massif over millions of years! Of course, the walk suggested here does not go inside, but takes a wide loop around the forest estate, which has been privately owned and fenced off since the 1960s to preserve its condition. As a result, whilst you can still see the Lesse resurgence, it is unfortunately no longer possible to see beyond the top of the rock at the point where it disappears into the Gouffre de Belvaux. That said, this walk also offers the chance to discover the Ry d’Ave, the Rocher d’Hérimont, the limestone hill on the north side, the viewpoint at the Rocher de Griffaloux on the east side, the village of Belvaux, the old Lesse quarry, Resteigne Castle, the Tiennes and Pairées nature reserves, the juniper-covered meadows, and the undergrowth carpeted with daffodils, lilies of the valley and other flowers depending on the season.

The route takes turns along the GR® Monts d'Ardenne trail and the Wellin circular, via Monts and Vaulx.The Sourd d'Ave is a resurgence of the Ry d'Ave located opposite the N835, between the E411 and the N94. There are better places, but there is no choice. The route is equipped with stairs and ropes, making it safe and secure. You can admire the work of the beavers there!The stone Jeumont Cross dated from the late 19th century. It fell during a storm in 1984 (remains can be seen on the site), and a wooden version was erected by the Fraternité de Tibériade in 2022. The site is part of the Natura 2000 network and the chapel at the top of the hill is listed as protected heritage in Wallonia.In addition to opening up onto rolling countryside landscapes, the trail comes quite close to two gigantic quarries, Fond des Vaulx and Les Limites. Both are worth a closer look where possible!

An easy hike accessible via the E411 motorway. Just 5 km from the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, come and discover the charming village of Ave-et-Auffe, the village of my childhood. Formed by a merger in 1820, it stretches on either side of the Ry d’Ave, on the border with the province of Luxembourg but still within the province of Namur. Beautiful views over the Famenne and the foothills of the Ardennes. Breeding of Ardennes horses and alpacas. In March and April, daffodils, flowerbeds and hawthorns will delight you.

A walk starting from Tellin to discover the villages of Resteigne and Belvaux via the La Lesse valley and the Bois de Niau (woodland) where a hermit lived. There are still ruins of the hermitage of this former officer of Napoleon and heir to the Château de Resteigne (castle). On the way go past the Rocher à Pic viewpoint, the Belvaux chapel, the Hermitage, the Mill, the Castle and the old Resteigne quarry.

UNESCO created the Geopark label to promote geological heritage. On this walk, you will discover part of Belgium's first Geopark, Famenne-Ardenne. On the agenda: caves, clay pits and resurgences.

Welcome to Han-sur-Lesse, where nature and mystery meet. Between rivers and ponds, the Lesse winds its way between limestone cliffs and dry hills with rare flora, contrasting with the damp valleys. Underground, a fascinating world: rocks sculpted by water, caves, sinkholes and cavities bear witness to millions of years of erosion. In woods such as the Banalbois or the Griffaloux, the atmosphere becomes wilder. Ancient hermitages remind us of the presence of recluses in search of peace. A walk amidst rock, water and forest, rich in history and sensations.