Musson walks

Gaume, this beautiful hilly region in southern Belgium, is known for its mild climate. However, I have no idea if the area is popular with hikers... There are hiking markers all along the route. It is possible that you will encounter few or no people.

This very natural route takes you on a journey of discovery through the wooded hills on the border between the Batte (Belgium) and Coulmy (France) valleys.Anyone with even a passing interest in the region's industrial history will also discover its mining and steel-making past, highlighted by the Transfrontier Iron Mines Trail and a number of information panels along the route.The trail passes by some of the iron mines that brought prosperity to the region in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the Musson slag heap, which over time collected all the slag from the mines on the Musson and Halanzy sides. Now cleaned up, it has been turned into a nature reserve managed by the DNF (Nature and Forestry Division).

Start at the Ermitage de Saint-Léger, continue towards the Trou du Pérou and its waterfall, pass by the Étang du Fourneau David, then the Source Pétrifiante, and finish by crossing the Bois de Saint-Léger.

A pleasant walk in Gaume, even in gloomy weather, through countryside and forests.The route begins by climbing up to the plateau overlooking Rachecourt before descending into the depths of the Batte valley.After the small reed pond, the route crosses the country ridge before descending to Battincourt, where the playground offers a few benches and a welcome picnic table.In Battincourt, the walk follows the marked "Les Sept Sources" trail in the opposite direction until just beyond the Battincourt ponds.On the way back, the route passes through a lovely arboretum!Please note that some sections, such as the Bois de Pertot, can be very muddy.

A walk along the Chiers, on a mainly tarmac-surfaced and easily accessible route. This walk takes you close to former industrial and production sites that are now disused. In the tranquillity of the forest, imagine the hum of activity from days gone by still echoing amongst the trees and the remnants of the past.

A pleasant walk passing through Montauban, the Fourneau Marchand fish market and crossing the old railway line. In summer, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace at the Fourneau Marchand!

A beautiful gravel route with varied landscapes and stunning views. It’s a chance to pass by Orval Abbey and perhaps stop off at the Brasserie de La Rulles. This route takes in a variety of surfaces, including roads, farm tracks and forest paths. Please note: the route is quite challenging, with some steep climbs along the way.

Lasauvage and Fond-de-Gras are must-see sites for understanding the mining history of this cross-border region.The railway line between Fond-de-Gras and Pétange was built in the 19th century to facilitate the transport of iron ore from the hills to the steelworks and foundries located on the plain.The narrow-gauge network, which can be seen in both Lasauvage and Fond-de-Gras, was used to transport the ore from the underground mine galleries to the transfer points.Fond-de-Gras, formerly known as the Lamadelaine industrial station, has now become a living museum of the region’s mining and industrial past and houses magnificent relics from days gone by. It is also the home of the ‘Train 1900’ and ‘Minièresbunn’ (underground) tourist trains, which operate mainly at weekends and on public holidays from May to September.

The mines, the mines of yesterday, the iron mines... this is the main theme of this hike.Fond-de-Gras is the most informative site on this subject: it was the station where narrow-gauge trains converged to unload iron ore into standard-gauge wagons bound for the steelworks and blast furnaces of Pétange, Differdange and others in Belgium and Germany.

A gentle walk through a forest with a variety of habitats and landscapes. Ideal for a half-day of exploration!

Circular in the Anlier forest starting from Habay-la-Neuve, discovering the various ponds used for the forges.

This walk is simply intended as a chance to recharge your batteries in the forest, in this case the Neufchâteau forest. Passing through the Forges de Mellier and the Étang du Cul de l'Oie.

A route through woods and meadows, from Koerich Castle to Saint-Celse Chapel in Bour, via Septfontaines Castle.

Chapels to discover in the villages of Parette and Nothomb, a state-owned reserve in the Nothomb valley to cross, border marker 151 to find in the middle of the woods: this is what's on offer on this circular starting from the village of Nothomb.

We are on the Ardennes plateau, the terrain is not steep, and we can admire the beautiful Ardennes countryside. Basically, we are circling around the relay antenna used to broadcast television programmes. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity. We did it in ideal weather conditions, but you should expect the harsh, windy climate of the Ardennes, where we often have snow in winter.