Gesves walks

"La Fête de Mai in Gesves is a wonderful artistic and human adventure in a rural setting. In 2001, nature and art lovers came up with a bold project: to invite artists from all over the world to create works of art in natural materials in the countryside. The May Festival is now 25 years old! In 25 years, our landscape has been enriched, in Gesves alone, by 136 works of land art. Some have returned to nature, while others still stand proudly for the enjoyment of hikers."Quote from Christian Beelaert, president of Vagabond'art asbl. All these works of art are linked by hiking trails that are accessible all year round.

This beautiful walk in the northern hills of the Meuse starts at the car park of the Sclaigneaux Nature Reserve.At the start, there is a lovely view of the Meuse valley, limestone grasslands, orchids in season, old quarries and sand pits.Skirting the Bois des Douze Bonniers, the trail begins at km 3 on a steep path leading up to the agricultural plateau of Landenne. Caution: very slippery in wet weather.A short detour on the way back allows you to admire the Château-Ferme du Chant d'Oiseaux, where you can buy a few local products on a self-service basis.

In May, the driveway to Château de Ramezée is even more beautiful than usual thanks to the impressive array of colours of the many majestic rhododendrons in bloom.It's a magical place that you never tire of!

Starting from Modave Castle, this walk takes you through the southern part of the Modave nature reserve and the Hoyoux valley. You will also discover the hamlet of Tibiémont, the Val ford, the site of the former Survillers castle and its beautiful viewpoint. A beautiful forest path (the wooded lane) will take you gently back to the castle. This walk is recognised by the Wallonia Tourist Board (Belgium).

Not familiar with Onhaye? Here's a little preview!Don't worry, there aren't only bell towers in the region, but you will come across a few along the way.And not just those of churches and chapels... there are also one or two castles with turrets similar to the usual bell towers of our villages.

Starting from the hamlet of Les Bruyères, this walk first takes you to Wagnée before introducing you to the Tournibus forest and the surrounding countryside on the borders of Biesme (Mettet), Fromiée (Gerpinnes) and Hanzinelle (Florennes).Superb forest and countryside landscapes, peaceful and sheltered from the hustle and bustle of modern life.A real delight of trees, crops and flowers in tune with the seasons.A unique discovery between the GR® 129 Renaix-Dinant and the GRP® 125 Tour de l'Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse.You can also start at Place d'Hanzinelle (easy parking) if you are coming from Florennes or Gerpinnes.

The deforested hillsides in the Waharday, Chéoux and Hodister areas have been replanted with various species of shrubs, including broom, which has taken root there in their thousands.When they flower in May, they light up the whole area with their characteristic magnificent yellow colour.The icing on the cake is that the numerous meadows are also illuminated in yellow by buttercups.A real treat for the eyes.

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.

The Calestienne is a geological limestone band just a few kilometres wide, stretching from east to west like a snake between Theux (Belgium) and Trélon (France), separating the schistose Fagne-Famenne in the north from the Ardennes in the south. It offers very different and more varied landscapes than the two regions it separates, making it particularly attractive for walkers.This cross-border hike is half in Belgium and half in France, with some pretty wooded sections and others in the countryside, an ascent of the Montagne de la Carrière nature reserve at Vaucelles, a fine view of the village of Hierges in general and its castle in particular, and a few sections through the limestone meadows and their eco-pastures.In season, the flowers will brighten up the route, particularly the few species of orchid on the Montagne de la Carrière.

This hike is quite physically demanding (distance and elevation), but you will discover a magnificent and yet little-known region... The French Meuse with its landscapes where stone, tortured by water but also by man, emerges here and there from the Ardennes forest to offer you sublime views...