Tour de Wallonie

This walking tour of Wallonia, which includes the German-speaking part of Belgium, is a circular route that generally follows the borders as closely as possible, whether linguistic or territorial. This sometimes involves forays into neighbouring territories – France, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Flemish Region. Occasionally, the route also deviates from this due to accommodation requirements or because suitable accommodation could not be found close to the borders, whilst still adhering to various constraints.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Tour de Wallonie Stage 1 Braine-l'Alleud - Braine-le-Comte

   16.34 mi 2,425 ft 2,549 ft

   Starting from the 1815 site, this first stage of my tour of Wallonia connects two towns named Braine – Braine-l’Alleud and Braine-le-Comte – whilst prioritising routes away from towns and villages as much as possible. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are farm tracks or footpaths. Where possible, yes; otherwise, mostly small country roads.

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2. 2
   

   Braine-le-Comte – Meslin-l’Evèque

   16.43 mi 230 ft 417 ft

   The second stage of the Tour de Wallonie takes us today from the town of Braine-le-Comte to Meslin-l’Evèque, a small village in the municipality of Ath to the north-east. We will mainly be walking along small country lanes as we cross this beautiful, gently rolling Hainaut countryside, passing through a few small villages and other hamlets such as Horrues. A short detour of a few metres to view Thoricourt Castle from behind its gates before crossing part of the infamous Ghislenghien industrial estate.

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3. 3
   

   Ghislenghien - Coqueréaumont

   16.24 mi 430 ft 374 ft

   This third stage links two small villages in northern Hainaut: Ghislenghien and Coqueréaumont. It passes through Ath, where there are sports shops. This walk allows you to discover the two Dendre rivers, the eastern one flowing into the western one within the town, and to walk along the Way of St James. The route then heads back into the countryside, which is very hilly, heading westwards.

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4. 4

   Coqueréaumont – Pecq

   14.89 mi 686 ft 801 ft

   With this fourth stage, it’s time to tackle the westernmost part of the Tour de Wallonie as you head towards the Scheldt, but not before climbing the area’s toughest hill, Mont-Saint-Aubert.

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5. 5
   

   Pecq – Tournai

   7.19 mi 115 ft 30 ft

   The fifth stage is short and straightforward to describe. Starting from Pecq, it runs to Tournai, following the Scheldt. It is by no means monotonous, however, as the river lies on one side, whilst the scenery on the other side is ever-changing. And the centre of Tournai is well worth a visit.

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6. 6
   

   Tournai – Wiers

   14.22 mi 171 ft 226 ft

   Setting off to explore the Pierre Brunehaut, an imposing menhir in the Hollain area, requires a detour; but for enthusiasts of megalithic sites, it is a detour well worth taking. To reach it, the walk follows the old Tournai–Cambrai Roman road, then crosses a small section of French territory to reach Belgium at Wiers.

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7. 7
   

   Wiers – Belœil

   10.17 mi 325 ft 151 ft

   Starting from the random point given at the end of the previous stage, we will explore the Belgian-French border region in southern Hainaut, moving back and forth between France and Belgium, including the curious town of Bon-Secours with its cathedral situated right on the border. This stage ends in the municipality of Belœil at a holiday let booked for the occasion.

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8. 8
   

   Belœil – Hyon

   14.45 mi 207 ft 279 ft

   This eighth stage is certainly not the most pleasant part of this tour of Wallonia, as it passes through a heavily built-up area. Nevertheless, it is interesting to explore the Borinage not only through its countryside but also through its towns. You’ll find both aspects here. Accommodation with a local host.

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9. 9
   

   Ciply – Erquelinnes

   14.22 mi 443 ft 243 ft

   Here is a ninth stage that is the complete opposite of the previous one: lots of small roads and, above all, country lanes far from the hustle and bustle and noise. The finish point is flexible. The walk starts in Ciply and ends in Erquelinnes.

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10. 10
    

    Erquelines – Soumoy

    20.24 mi 1,178 ft 886 ft

    Here is a stage whose first section may put some people off. It covers the 12 kilometres along the N40 to Beaumont. The scenery along the route changes gradually as you approach the Eau d’Heure lakes. The slopes become steeper as you get closer to your destination, the little village of Soumoy. The arrival point – and the starting point for the following day – is chosen at random.

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11. 11
    

    Soumoy – Olloy-sur-Viroin

    15.31 mi 1,020 ft 1,220 ft

    Here is the eleventh stage in a very beautiful region combining woods, fields and meadows. Steep ascents and descents, spectacular farmhouses and stunning landscapes form the backdrop to this walk.

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12. 12
    

    Olloy-sur-Viroin – Fumay

    11.37 mi 1,184 ft 1,224 ft

    From the Viroin to the Meuse, this twelfth stage takes place almost entirely in the forest, with a steep climb at the start and a descent at the finish. Accommodation is in the town of Fumay in France.

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13. 13
    

    Fumay – Vresse-sur-Semois

    20.55 mi 1,867 ft 1,657 ft

    From the French Meuse at Fumay to the Belgian Semois at Vresse-sur-Semois, this is a stage featuring significant elevation changes, both uphill and downhill. The paths are very varied, ranging from tarmac roads to well-marked farm tracks, forest tracks generally in good condition, and footpaths that are more or less well marked. It is a long stage, tiring due to its steep climbs followed by equally steep descents, and takes place mainly through woodland. The arrival point and end of the stage are not fixed, as I am staying with a local resident.

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14. 14
    

    Rochehaut – Bouillon

    7.89 mi 1,168 ft 1,270 ft

    The starting point, the Rochehaut viewpoint, is one of the region’s most beautiful spots, offering a bird’s-eye view of a circular bend in the River Semois and the little village of Frahant. As for the finishing point, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with its superb fortified castle perched above the town. In between, along the way, there are forests, steep ascents and descents, and magnificent scenery. Accommodation at the Youth Hostel.

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15. 15
    

    Bouillon – Florenville

    16.41 mi 1,529 ft 1,470 ft

    Leaving Bouillon and its castle to reach Florenville means linking the two ends of the Semois by crossing the plateau and its forests rather than following the river’s course and meanders; it is therefore a long climb followed by a gradual descent; it also means leaving a town on tarmac, travelling along stony paths and dirt tracks, crossing two fords, and returning to tarmac to reach the town again. And it’s a long walk of over 26 kilometres. The accommodation I’ve chosen in Florenville is the campsite.

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16. 16

    Florenville – Meix-devant-Virton

    12.75 mi 719 ft 896 ft

    From Florenville to Meix-devant-Virton, our path will take us along a succession of forest tracks and paths and gravel roads. It also means leaving the gentle riverbank behind to venture deep into the steeply wooded massif on the southern slope of the Semois.

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17. 17
    

    Meix-devant-Virton – Halanzy

    15.11 mi 889 ft 814 ft

    Leaving Meix-devant-Virton via roads with light to moderate traffic and arriving in Halanzy via similar roads does not mean the entire route is like this. No, there are quiet country lanes with beautiful views, farm tracks that turn into woodland paths, and a steep downhill stretch through a neighbourhood of holiday homes. And then there’s the River Ton, which sets the tone in its valley, along with more unexpected and unlikely paths and tracks. As I’m staying with a local, my stopping point is open to chance.

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18. 18
    

    Halanzy – Habay-la-Neuve

    14.09 mi 991 ft 568 ft

    As the weather is set to be rainy with thunderstorms all day, I’m sticking to the main roads – even the major routes – to get to my destination for the day, Habay-la-Neuve, as quickly as possible. I’m staying in a hotel in the town. The stop (E) is therefore at my discretion.

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19. 19
    

    Habay-la-Neuve – Tintange

    13.79 mi 1,204 ft 1,073 ft

    After reaching the Château du Pont d’Oye, the walk begins with a pleasant route through the woodland, skirting the ponds before moving away from them to join a secondary gravel road. This takes us over hill and dale through the forest up to the heights of Martelange, a border town between Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

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20. 20
    

    Tintange – Benonchamps

    12.12 mi 1,339 ft 1,394 ft

    Today, I’m inviting you on a short trip through the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, travelling from one Belgian village to another. The route takes in roads, paths and forest trails, and, if you’re lucky, you might spot roe deer or fallow deer in the undergrowth.

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21. 21
    

    Benonchamps – Sterpigny

    15.60 mi 1,020 ft 1,040 ft

    This route takes us through wide open landscapes alternating with paths and tracks through the woodland. The surfaces are either tarmac or dirt, and the paths are often still overgrown with grass given the time of year and the fact that they are probably not used very often. That’s the charm of these moments spent in direct contact with nature.

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22. 22
    

    Sterpigny – Rodt Sankt-Vith

    14.25 mi 840 ft 587 ft

    Here we are in the Eastern Cantons. This region isn’t part of Wallonia, but I’ve included it in my ‘Parkin’son tour of Wallonia’ all the same. Through a succession of climbs, some of which are quite steep, as are the descents, we gradually make our way towards the highest altitudes in Belgium. Mainly via paths, tracks and back roads, we link up the various villages and small towns situated between Sterpigny and Rodt, namely Gouvy, Aldringen, Maldingen and Crombach.

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23. 23
    

    Rodt Sank Vith – Losheimergraben

    16.19 mi 994 ft 459 ft

    On this twenty-third stage, we’ll head to the German border – the easternmost point of my tour of Wallonia – as the village of Losheimergraben lies on the border. In reality, it isn’t really a village but rather a hamlet that’s ideal as a starting point for hikes or cross-country skiing trips. So you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to stay there. The lowest point on the route is at an altitude of 500 m, and the highest at 682 m. We are therefore in the highest region of Belgium, to some extent. The first third of the day is spent in the countryside, and the rest in the woods.

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24. 24
    

    Losheimergraben – Nidrum

    10.42 mi 456 ft 814 ft

    This24th stage takes us from the tranquillity of the forests of the Eastern Cantons to the livelier atmosphere of the shores of Lake Bütgenbach, before returning to the countryside in Nidrum. For your feet, it means switching from forest paths with ‘natural’ surfaces to the tarmac of small country roads, town streets and the Ravel. A complete change of scenery is guaranteed.

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25. 25
    

    Nidrum – Eupen

    18.26 mi 869 ft 1,732 ft

    Here is another remarkable stage. It begins in the meadows of the Belgian highlands and then ‘flirts’ with Belgium’s highest elevations in the Hautes Fagnes, reaching a peak of 638 m; from there, the path descends steadily to Eupen and the Vesdre at an altitude of 263 m. It’s a route that also has a few surprises in store, particularly along the stretch beside the River Helle (Hill in German), where the path zigzags between wooden duckboards and muddy, mostly rocky ground – an environment it seeks to avoid by veering off upwards to… well, I’ll let you discover that for yourselves. A bit of suspense never hurt anyone.

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26. 26
    

    Eupen – Remersdael

    15.97 mi 1,079 ft 1,243 ft

    This route takes you from the German-speaking region of the Eastern Cantons in Eupen to the Flemish region of the Voer in Remerdael, following a mainly rural route with plenty of paths and tracks that sometimes hold a few surprises in store. I’ll leave you to discover them for yourselves as you explore these paths that I’ve enjoyed so much.

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27. 27
    

    Remersdael – Mortroux

    6.76 mi 456 ft 948 ft

    A short walk for this27th stage, but one packed with beautiful sights: buildings, panoramic views and landscapes. A stage where you really get a feel for what a steep climb or descent is like. They aren’t long, but your quadriceps will certainly feel the strain. It’s also a stage that gives pride of place to country lanes and footpaths.

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28. 28
    

    Mortroux - Oupeye

    7.34 mi 367 ft 299 ft

    The28th stage will surprise many, myself included. Due to bridge repairs, I had to head for Visé rather than take the direct route. It turned out to be a good decision, as I discovered a multitude of paths and trails, which made the journey into town take a little longer. The same was true at the end of the route.

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29. 29
    

    Oupeye – Haneffe

    18.89 mi 272 ft 210 ft

    Travelling from Oupeye, in the north of the Liège region, to Haneffe and its farmland is no easy feat, given the city’s expansion, the numerous motorways and their tangled junctions, not to mention Bierset Airport. And yes, this29th stage takes this route – or rather, these detours – to offer a journey mainly through the countryside along small country roads. A magical ride not to be missed.

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30. 30
    

    Hanneffe – Avin – Hannut

    12.39 mi 282 ft 308 ft

    The route winds its way from village to village along narrow country lanes; large Hesbaye farms dot the landscape here and there, drawing the eye and inviting you to pause for a moment’s contemplation. And when the sun is shining, how can one resist the scenery that unfolds before our eyes? And for those who find inspiration in small villages, with their old houses sitting alongside newer homes – sometimes more harmoniously than others – this thirtieth stage has everything to make them happy.

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31. 31
    

    Avin Hannut – Thorembais-Saint-Trond

    15.36 mi 148 ft 148 ft

    This31st stage is a gentle stroll through the countryside, with distance being the only real challenge. No significant elevation gain, no meadows to cross. Small country lanes with very little traffic, apart from a long climb over old cobblestones – just enough to rouse the walker from any lethargy. And the scenery is as beautiful as ever for those who love the countryside – though, of course, this depends on the season and the weather. Once again, I prefer the countryside to the city, and there are very few villages along the way.

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32. 32
    

    Thorembais-Saint-Trond – Louvain-la-Neuve

    9.44 mi 138 ft 246 ft

    A point of transition. Moving from the tranquillity of the countryside to the bustling life of a university town, from buildings that are sometimes very old to the modernity of a city built in the20th century. From quiet country lanes with little traffic to the approach to one of the region’s busiest motorways, and then on to the pedestrianised centre of the university campus – some will miss the former, whilst others will revel in the atmosphere of the new town.

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33. E
    

    Louvain-la-Neuve – Braine-l’Alleud

    12.22 mi 581 ft 535 ft

    From town to town, this final stage takes us from Louvain-la-Neuve to Braine-l’Alleud, once again favouring country roads and lanes as well as the little-known paths of Walloon Brabant. A thoroughly enjoyable and surprising final stage that is an absolute must-see.

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