Philippeville walks

Here, as elsewhere, take advantage of the beautiful autumn colours to leave behind the deep, dark forests of certain areas of the Ardennes, where spruce trees reign supreme, and explore the countryside and deciduous forests of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region.

Hike through the countryside and the Florennes national forest. It is possible to complete the route in less time. There are about a hundred metres on the main road, but the pavement is wide.

This hike is a shorter version of the Grande Boucle around Lautenne and Surice, southern section, cut off at Omezée, reversed and starting from the Romedenne cemetery. As indicated, the route passes through Soulme, ranked among the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, after descending into the Hermeton valley (home to beavers). Here you will see the old Moulin Bayot mill, which has been beautifully renovated. Partly rural, the circular route follows country and forest paths, a few trails, some local roads with little traffic and crosses a nature reserve shortly before the finish. Of the three villages, Romedenne has the most monumental church. It is also where the annual wheelbarrow festival takes place on the first weekend of August. In Omezée, there is a beautiful view from the cemetery at the entrance to the village of the church and the old castle next to it. There are also two lime trees and a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

A circular that is half countryside, half forest, allowing you to discover the region east of Philippeville between Romedenne, the village where the wheelbarrow festival has been in full swing (with participants and spectators from all walks of life and, above all, a friendly atmosphere and good humour) every first weekend in August for over 40 years, and the southern borders of Rosée (part of Florennes). Surice Castle is easy to spot but rather difficult to photograph (trees, surrounding walls, electric wires, etc.). The castle in Omezée, on the other hand, is clearly visible from the cemetery at the entrance to the village (in the direction of the route) but it is rather neglected. Omezée, the smallest village in Wallonia, has two hundred-year-old lime trees, one next to the church and the other in Champelle at the entrance to the village on the way back, after the northern tip towards Rosée.Don't miss the work of art 'La vie éternelle' (Eternal Life), on display along the main road between Lautenne and Surice, while it is still there.

Partly rural, partly forest, this rather long hike is a circular route to the east of the municipality of Philippeville with detours to Doische (Soulme) and Florennes (Rosée). Beautiful view (behind) of the church and the old castle next to it from the Omezée cemetery. Centuries-old lime trees and a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Omezée. Soulme has been named one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. After Soulme, the hike enters the Hermeton valley, home to one of Wallonia's wildest rivers (with active beavers). You can't miss the imposing church of Romedenne or any of the wheelbarrow decorations. Romedenne has been the scene of a big wheelbarrow festival every first weekend in August for over 40 years. The northern part, which is also partly wooded and partly rural, is usually very quiet... but this calm can be severely disrupted when military aircraft take off from the nearby Florennes air base.

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.

This long circular route alternates harmoniously between countryside and forest, making a complete tour of the Florennes (military) air base via the (almost) shortest possible route on public paths and trails, avoiding busy roads. One difficulty on this route: see the "description" box.

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.

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.

You can start from Florennes Central Station. Head towards Rue Gérard de Cambrai, and when you reach Rue de Corenne, go under the Ravel bridge and continue for about 2 km. You will come to a second bridge, with a sawmill on your right. Take the path on the left after 60 metres, turn right for 1.5 km, turn left at the first crossroads and continue until you cross a large brick bridge. Go down this bridge onto the Ravel on the right, which will take you back to Florennes Central Station. After a beautiful walk in the woods, this hike joins the Ravel line 136A, which can take you to Maredsous or Fosses la Ville.

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?

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.

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.