In the Gesves Educational Woodland

The starting point is in the large car park on the edge of the woods at 16 Rue du Haras, Gesves, behind the Gesves Provincial School of Animal Husbandry and Equestrian Studies (EPEEG). The car park is situated between the track and the footpath, as shown on the map. See the practical information regarding the availability of this car park.

(S/E) Leaving the tracks and stables of the stud farm behind you, head to the right. At the far end of the car park, take the path running parallel to the track that runs alongside the woodland, and enter the woodland by following the ‘Sentiers d’Art’ and ‘Bûcheron’ signposts. Staying on this path, a circular loop to the left begins, taking you along the inside of the woodland. At the end of the loop, where the path no longer offers a clear view of the fields, turn right.

(1) The artwork “Intersection” is located in the far reaches of the woodland and is not immediately visible. It is when you turn sharply left that the “log” displaying it comes into view. The little bells have long since disappeared, but the willows have grown tall. Continue along the circular path , passing in particular some hollows and a small pool frequented by wild boars – in other words, ‘bauges’ (dry hollows) and a ‘souille’ (a hollow filled with water).

(2) Keeping roughly straight ahead, you’ll then reach a huge picnic table with a green roof. This is a work designed by an artist and built by a special needs school. A truly beautiful creation, both artistically and technically. It’s the ideal spot for a short break. Continue along the lovely path until you reach a stork’s nest.

(3) From here, head as far to the right as possible, following the ‘Sentiers d’Art’ signposts (Red Rectangle with directions). This will take you to the edge of the woods: turn left, following the signposts.

(4) You’ll arrive at ‘l’Allium’, a work by Mario Bocolini, installed in 2026. It depicts two flowering chive heads. As the sun sets, this artwork takes on yet another colour! After this stop, continue along the path until you come to a wide track suitable for vehicles. The ‘Sentiers d’Art’ signpost branches off to the right here, but turn left instead.

(5) After a few dozen metres, take the path on the right. (If you wish to shorten the walk (around 2.5 km in total), carry on straight ahead along the track, which will take you back to the car park.) Keeping as far to the left as possible, you’ll come to a wide road.

(6) Just before this road, turn left to walk alongside it, then almost immediately turn left onto a lovely path to head back into the woods.

(7) A few hundred metres further on, a beach hut on wheels looks as though it’s about to take the tree for a walk. Carry on along the path and ignore the various streets and paths on the right. This will take you back to the car park (S/E).

There are sometimes major competitions and gatherings at the École Provinciale d’Elevage et d’Équitation de Gesves (EPEEG), but it is rare not to find a space in this car park. The noise dies down quite quickly just before you reach the point (1) and only reappears much later. However, in that case, you’ll probably have the pleasure of meeting plenty of riders – who are generally considerate – taking their horses for a walk in preparation for competitions. This often provides an opportunity for lovely chats and moments of shared enjoyment.

At (5), you can head straight on, staying on the path, to return to the starting point in under 2.5 km. This shortcut has been tested by a person with reduced mobility in a wheelchair. It can be a bit of a challenge at times, but it’s manageable.

Route completed as part of the “Balades du Mardi” series, with the support of Sentiers d’Art en Condroz-Famenne.

• The artworks mentioned in the description.
• The Gesves Provincial School of Animal Husbandry and Horse Riding (EPEEG).
• The numerous information boards on flora and fauna.