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All shops and restaurants are in Nismes.
A few benches and picnic tables along the route.
A few challenging climbs, particularly on the way up to the Château de Haute-Roche and after the second crossing of the CFV3V
The Dourbes Nature Reserve and the Fondry des Chiens, starting from Nismes
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.
Details
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 9.77 mi -
Average duration: 5h 10 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 735 ft -
Descent: - 741 ft -
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Highest point: 817 ft -
Lowest point: 472 ft
Photos
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 515 ft - Nismes - Eau Noire (rivière) - Belgique
- 1 : mi 0.14 - alt. 525 ft - Nismes/Viroinval Castle and municipal park
- 2 : mi 1.16 - alt. 515 ft - View of the Roche à Lomme
- 3 : mi 1.59 - alt. 502 ft - North of the CFV3V tunnel - Viroin (rivière) - Belgique
- 4 : mi 3.6 - alt. 666 ft - The medieval Château de Haute-Roche (ruins)
- 5 : mi 3.75 - alt. 725 ft - Haute-Roche viewpoint
- 6 : mi 5.75 - alt. 705 ft - Conservation orchard
- 7 : mi 6.16 - alt. 699 ft - Prosper Quarry
- 8 : mi 6.39 - alt. 702 ft - The Walleux protohistoric site
- 9 : mi 7.07 - alt. 512 ft - The CFV3V’s South Tunnel - Viroin (rivière) - Belgique
- 10 : mi 7.91 - alt. 735 ft - Les Abannets
- 11 : mi 8.49 - alt. 659 ft - Fork in the road
- 12 : mi 8.96 - alt. 699 ft - Le Fondry des Chiens
- 13 : mi 9 - alt. 699 ft - Descent into the gorge or a detour around it
- S/E : mi 9.77 - alt. 515 ft - Nismes - Eau Noire (rivière) - Belgique
Notes
Worth a visit
The Viroin Valley, its villages, museums, landscapes, limestone grasslands, … as well as the adventures of Toine Culot, mayor of Trignolles (well worth seeing, reading and devouring)
The Chemin de Fer des 3 Vallées (CFV3V)
The village of Hierges (FR-08), with its pretty square and castle
Other walks in the area
Nismes and its geological phenomena
Visorando Member
9.78 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,447 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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.
Circular Fondry des Chiens in Nismes
10.06 mi
+1,096 ft
-1,073 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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?
The Jardin d'O, the woods of Nismes and a few geological curiosities
8.12 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,047 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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.
Circular Viroquoise route via Nismes and Fondry
5.37 mi
+512 ft
-509 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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.
Around the Viroin valley from Nismes
7.62 mi
+633 ft
-640 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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.
Montagne aux Buis from Dourbes
6.23 mi
+663 ft
-669 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Viroinval (Province de Namur)
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.
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