Haybes walks

A hike in the woods on the heights of Haybes and Fumay.

This hike is quite physically demanding (distance and elevation), but it will allow you to discover a magnificent 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...

The Thiérache is a fragmented region, spread across two countries, three French departments (Nord, Aisne and Ardennes) and two Belgian provinces (Hainaut and Namur). As you wander through the forest, discover the Namur part of the Thiérache, with the Ry d’Alyse forming the border with France, the remains of the now-abandoned slate quarries, and also the site of the Centre of Europe from the time when there were only 15 of us and the United Kingdom was still part of it.

This route is an ideal walk for appreciating the topographical and geological differences between the Calestienne and the Ardennes.

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 is an easy, short hike that allows you to discover the Calestienne region and the Ardennes, with the added bonus of a view of the splendid Château des Comtes de Hamal in Vierves.

A lovely circular walk in the land of Toine Culot, the mayor of Trignolles (Treignes). A chance to discover Arthur Masson’s fictionalised version of the Toinade at the Espace Arthur Masson. An international hike… as it ventures about 400 metres into French territory.

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

It’s hard to know where to begin with this walk, where everything is just as beautiful and interesting as the rest!!!

The route climbs through the forest, then along the rocky slope, to the Belvédère des Dames de Meuse, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley.

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.

A walk through the countryside between Matagne-la-Petite and Niverlée, passing through Saint-Hilaire. Easy, with little elevation gain, it consists solely of footpaths and farm tracks. It is a walk that forms a circular route.

After climbing the 234 steps of the Millennium Tower to enjoy a 360° panorama of the Ardennes forest, set off on a walk towards the Fange de l'Abîme, a state-owned nature reserve, finishing at the Ferme Jacob.

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.

Walk around Fondry des Chiens. The walk starts in Nismes, then passes in front of the town cemetery before setting off on a route that alternates between wooded sections and more open areas. The walk passes by Roche aux Faucons.

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.

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.

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.

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?

A two-part trail. The first section, through woodland, leads to an extraordinary jumble of rocks. The second takes you through a coniferous forest before offering a succession of magnificent panoramic views and vantage points over Monthermé and the Meuse valley.

This hike will take you in the footsteps of the Cerceaux quarry workers and the inhabitants of the "Hauts" who once lived off livestock farming, crop cultivation and forestry. You can stroll along these varied paths, perhaps once trodden by pilgrims from Saint-Antoine des Hauts Buttés. On the way back, you will enjoy an easy descent along the Pilette stream.

Majestic view of the Meuse valley from the Dames de Meuse viewpoint, after passing through a wild boar park and crossing Laifour and Anchamps.

From the river port, climb the Ardennes ridges overlooking Monthermé and Bogny-sur-Meuse. Pass by the viewpoints of La Roche à Sept Heures, La Roche Bayard, Les Quatre Frères Aymon and La Roche aux Sept Villages. _++_Warning_++_: Very important in case of rain or frost, the passage between points (7) and (8) may be difficult for novices Follow the alternative route signposted from the station at point (7) to reach the Quatre Fils Aymon.

A lovely walk for the whole family. Numerous viewpoints over the Meuse and a wide variety of landscapes.Early spring is the perfect time to enjoy a clearer view of the Monthermé loop. We were inspired by the guidebook "Les Ardennes à pieds" for this hike.

Forest walk starting from Linchamps in the commune of Hautes Rivières. A mountainous start, a stop at La Neuville aux Haies, a forest path running along the edge above the Ravin de l'Ours, a marked descent to rejoin... the Ravin de l'Ours and a peaceful finish. See suggested alternative in the section: Places to see The use of a GPS is recommended; do not rely on the old dot-marking system, which remains in place in some areas

Three stunning spots and a viewpoint over the Semoy Valley are on the itinerary for this forest walk.

Forest route starting from Roc la Tour to the Six Chênons clearing. Alternating between marked paths and more secluded trails.

There is a lot of forest and surprising terrain around this long village on the right bank of the Saint-Jean stream.

A circular route lasting a good two hours through the forest on a forest track.

With a fairly challenging first section through the forest and a more leisurely second section along the Meuse and Semoy rivers, this route has two main destinations: - the Roc la Tour site, a vast quartzite massif, - and La Roche à Sept Heures, located at the top of rocky spurs overlooking the Meuse. The viewpoint at this site offers a very picturesque panorama of the meander, considered to be the most spectacular in France, on the convex side of which Monthermé was built.

Good physical condition is required for this short route, which has a significant elevation gain in its first section. The descent along the Ruisseau du Nantanru is very pretty and presents no difficulty. The return via the Transsemoisienne, the old "little train" route, allows for a leisurely return along the Semoy.

Between Tournavaux and Haulmé, this short but invigorating route follows the ridge between the Meuse and Semoy valleys. Several viewpoints are on the itinerary, as well as a section at the start of the walk through the former Fay-Phades quarry site.

Set in lush green surroundings, this is an easy little route, ideal for getting back into exercise after a period of inactivity.

This hike offers a panoramic view of the heights of Givet, from the Houille River to the Belgian border

A short, mainly woodland route around Thilay and Naux. You will discover the old Moulin de la Gire mill, the former hamlet of Narbruay, and the Maison du Père Labranche. This walk also includes two viewpoints over Nohan, on the ridge of the Château de Linchamps.

After warming up on the Transsemoysienne, you will walk along the Gire stream and the Chaufour and Nantanru paths to reach the Champ Bernard clearing. You will return via Nohan, then along the left bank of the Semoy. This hike offers two viewpoints over the Semoy valley.

For those who enjoy forests and elevation changes, and at the heart of the walk, the Roc la Tour is characterised by its quartzite columns, likely remnants of the Château du Diable. Here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Ardennes forest.

A beautiful route in the Semoy Valley at Thilay and its hamlets, focusing on the heritage of old wash houses and fountains. These 19th- and early 20th-century buildings allowed residents to collect water and wash their clothes. Two types of wash house can be seen on this route: vaulted structures resting on the rock on the hillside, or those built from schist slabs in the village.

This hike offers a variety of routes, allowing you to visit Roc la Tour and perhaps even meet the Ladies of Semoy. Changes to the route between (9) and (11) made on 27/7/2025 due to the closure of the Naux footbridge.

This hike will take you along forest paths to a spectacular geological site hidden in the heart of the Château-Regnault National Forest.

This walk takes you around Lac des Vieilles Forges in the Ardennes.This is a very accessible route, mainly through forest, but you can add more sections along the lake if you wish. It was a little muddy after the previous day's rain (wear appropriate footwear).

This hike along varied trails takes you to the sites of La Dauphinée and Linchamps Castle, as well as two remarkable viewpoints overlooking the industrious village of Les Hautes-Rivières.

An easy walk, mainly through woodland between Villers-en-Fagne, Sautour and Merlemont.

A forest trail starting from a small village in the Semoy Valley. La Roche au Pihü, Les Dames de Semoy and the Robessart viewpoint offer magnificent views of the valley's relief.

Set off on a journey of discovery through wooded countryside and Switzerland to the beautiful villages of Roly, Villers-en-Fagne and Sautour.

Imagine the smuggling of tobacco, alcohol and chocolate sold in shacks on the edge of the Franco-Belgian border, marked by the Ruisseau du Bois Jean and the River Semois. Marvel at the wooden cabins of Les Dolimarts.

This route, located at the beginning of the French Semoy Valley, will give you access to four viewpoints that will allow you to discover Les Hautes Rivières, Nohan and the Crête du Château de Linchamp from different angles. It will give you the opportunity to admire a landscape shaped by the river and its tributaries.

Discover a beautiful walk combining nature and heritage between Bohan and Membre, in the Semois valley. The Kelhan footbridge, suspended above the river, offers direct access to peaceful forest trails with superb views of the meandering Semois. Continuing towards Membre, the route takes you to the old railway tunnel connecting the two villages. Approximately 1.5 km long, this disused, dark and cool tunnel impresses with its unique atmosphere. It is advisable to bring a torch. This easy and original circular route combines Ardennes landscapes, railway heritage and the charm of small villages.

An easy and peaceful route following the meanders of the Semois, mainly on cycle paths (RAVeL) and small, quiet roads. From Bohan, follow the river towards Vresse, Mouzaive and Alle-sur-Semois, with beautiful views of wooded hills, typical villages and picturesque bridges. The perfect route for a family outing or a contemplative stroll, with the option of picnicking by the water.