Circular Viroquoise route via Nismes and Fondry

Set off to explore the pretty town of Nismes with its beautiful stone houses and unspoilt nature. Follow the Eau Noire river upstream to Petigny, climb its wooded hills and discover the Fondry des Chiens via less frequented paths, ending your hike with a visit to the Jardin d'O.

Set off to explore the Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park, with its unspoilt natural surroundings, limestone sinkholes and calcareous meadows. From Nismes, follow the right bank of the Eau Noire, which further on joins the Eau Blanche to form the Viroin. It is precisely the Viroin, as it flows through Belgium, that serves as the central theme of this walk. Marvel at the vast landscapes that unfold before you as you follow footpaths and forest tracks, and enjoy the villages with their beautiful stone houses. The walk will also allow you to discover a rich history, with the excavations of a protohistoric fortification near Olloy-sur-Viroin, a Roman villa in Treignes, a glimpse of the ruins of the medieval Château de la Haute Roche in Dourbes, the fortified cemetery and the ruins of the Château du Pont d’Avignon, which has no connection to the other bridge, in Nismes. Nismes is 40 km from Charleroi and 46 km from Charleville-Mézières. Warning: highly addictive.

This is one of the must-do walks in the Calestienne region. The limestone grasslands, the Fondry des Chiens site, the Dourbes Nature Reserve, Haute-Roche and the ruins of its medieval castle, and the protohistoric site of Les Walleux are all highlights of a walk that offers a pleasant way to discover the region traversed by the River Viroin and the 3 Vallées Steam Railway (Mariembourg – Treignes) during the season.Whilst the suggested walk bypasses the Fondry des Chiens fault, it is possible to descend into it, admire its splendour from below and climb back up the opposite side without too much difficulty.Don’t hesitate to explore the other beautiful villages in the Viroin Valley either.

Over millions of years, the action of water has carved huge chasms up to 20 metres deep into the limestone. These natural chasms are called "Fondrys". In Belgium, they are only found in the Viroin region. Discover geological curiosities and viewpoints. Explore beautiful landscapes combining rocks, rivers and limestone grasslands where numerous orchids appear in spring.

Standing on a rock, you look out over the natural chasm of Fondry des Chiens. The limestone soil of the region gives this place an otherworldly feel and takes you on a journey without leaving the country. Who said you had to go far away to get a change of scenery?

In the land of old clog factories and sawmills, explore this region rich in historical sites and remarkable, unspoilt nature. Set off on your adventure and your efforts will be rewarded with sumptuous landscapes and you will fall under the spell of the beautiful villages of Dourbes and Nismes. The Eau Blanche takes its name from the chalky mud it carries, while the Eau Noire comes directly from the woods and is therefore crystal clear. The two rivers meet to form the Viroin.

This route takes you up to the Croix de la Roche in Lomme, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Nismes. This limestone peak topped with a cross offers a unique view of the Viroin valley. La Roche à Lomme is known beyond its borders for its great biological value. The rocky slope to the south-east is covered with Mediterranean-style flora, enhanced by the abundant presence of boxwood.

Set off to explore the region, from castles to rocky outcrops.