Randonnées Troisvierges

Set off to explore the north of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and, in particular, Clervaux Abbey. Please note: this hike is not circular and is based on the concept of walks from station to station. We chose to leave our vehicle at the free P+R car park at Drauffelt station, from where the train takes hikers to Troisvierges free of charge (1 train per hour on track 1).

Follow in the footsteps of fugitives and resistance fighters who used the forest paths, trails and little-used country roads along this route. A few information panels and, above all, the Kléngelbaach stream, a key point of passage between the two countries, await you along the way.

From Troisvierges station, set off to explore the Cinqfontaines convent, an iconic site of the Second World War in Luxembourg. Continue this pleasant circular route towards Maulesmillen, taking in the panoramic views of the Luxembourg countryside.

You’ll cover almost 18 kilometres and will also come across two other very different types of boundary markers: two stone ones marking the former Belgian-Prussian border and two metal ones, still very much in use, between Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.The Eastern Ourthe, meanwhile, is not very prominent, but towards the end of the route you’ll walk alongside a beautiful nature reserve on the banks of its tributary, known as the Fooschtbaach in the Grand Duchy and the Pihon in Belgium.

From Gouvy to Vielsalm, skirting Courtil and Provèdroux, the route is quintessentially Ardennes and serene. It alternates between peaceful forest stretches and open countryside, with gently rolling hills. The terrain becomes more undulating as you approach Vielsalm. The walk through the hamlet of La Comté, followed by the climb over the next ridge with its magnificent views, is a real treat. This is followed by the typical descent towards Vielsalm, where you’ll find it all: schist, the Bonalfa forest, blueberry bushes… and the ‘macralles’ (witches)!

The route passes through the Ourthe Orientale nature reserve. Here, in particular, you can admire the typical flora and fauna.Steinbach is a charming Ardennes village with an agricultural heritage, featuring numerous farms and small farmhouses built of schist stone and roofed with slate (cherbins = local slate). Its historical past is evident in the presence of castle-like farms and enclosed farmsteads dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, which have been carefully restored.

A long walk in the heart of the Eifel countryside, passing through three European countries: Belgium, Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You will discover the memorial dedicated to the founding of the Europe of Six.In addition to the landscapes of the Our valley and some of its tributaries, you will discover the incomparable Welchenhausen museum and its "sculpture trail".

Crossed by the Ourthe Orientale, Gouvy boasts magnificent landscapes to discover as you follow the river, with countryside and forests alternating between deciduous and coniferous trees. In autumn, it is of course the deciduous trees that leave the greatest impression!

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.

A climb from Clervaux to a superb view of the abbey bell tower and the valley, then a route mainly through forest, finally returning along the Irbich river on country roads or dirt tracks. You can shorten the walk by continuing from (6) to Drauffelt station (6 km in total) and returning by train (free on the GDL).

This is a reposing walk between the fields and along small rivers. Recommend for people who love the country and nature.

Typical of the Ardennes, alternating between countryside (fields and pastures) and woodland (deciduous and coniferous), this circular walk through the valley and across the hills of the eastern Ourthe, to the east of Houffalize, is a wonderful experience to be enjoyed in all seasons.

Although I’m not a big fan of tarmac roads on my walks, they are soon forgotten as magnificent landscapes unfold once you reach the ridge. We then reach the banks of the Irmisch, the river that forms the border with Germany. Finally, we return to the ridge on the other side, where a remarkable shelter for walkers and a final descent take us back to the imposing fortress of Burg-Reuland.

The Bernistap Canal is a section of the canal that the Dutch had planned to build to link the Rhine to the Meuse via the Moselle and the Ourthe. Begun in 1827 during the reign of WilliamI, King of the Netherlands, work was suspended in 1830 during the Belgian revolution and finally abandoned when the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg gained independence. This canal has an underground section, the entrance to which on the Belgian side is still visible at km 1, if you are feeling adventurous. A few information panels are located along the canal between km 1 and km 2, as well as on the Luxembourg side (except for the section leading to the village of Hoffelt).

As a resident of the pretty little village of Montleban, I’d like to suggest a route to my fellow walkers and/or joggers that consists of 90% wooded paths and 10% quiet, unpaved roads. Throughout the walk, you may be lucky enough to encounter a family of wild boars or deer.

Discover the landscapes and history of the people who shaped the Salm region. A lovely walk with very little road, mainly forest paths. Beautiful views at Bec du Corbeau, where history and nature come together on this walk.

In the Grand-Bois forest in Vielsalm, starting from the Bêchefa clearing, the walk takes you through the Jardin sauvage and three arboretums. The two most recent are around thirty years old; the third, over a century old, is home to trees of impressive size. This walk largely follows a route marked in red by the forestry services. However, the marked route does not pass through the "Jardin sauvage".

A 12 km journey that can be done by mountain bike as well as on foot. The route passes through Commanster, a village nestled in the heart of the forest. This walk offers an opportunity to discover what ‘abissage’ is.

This walk takes you on a journey of discovery through the arkose and schist quarries of the Pays de Salm, the gold prospectors of La Rougerie, the Celts and their fortified settlement at the Celtic Camp, and the Quatre-Vents nature reserves.

Wide forest paths and country roads take you to Farnières Castle and its chapel. Return via wide forest paths and finish along Vielsalm Lake.

This Ardennes walk stretches across the heights of the left bank of the Salm. Set mainly in woodland, it offers magnificent views of the region. Relatively far from road traffic, it is a walk that rejuvenates body and mind through its tranquillity and the fresh air that is ever-present. The charming village of Goronne, the tranquillity of the Domaine de Farnières and the hamlet of Bergeval are much-loved stops along the way.

La Salm Valley, known as Le Glain This stage ofthe GRP®571starts in Vielsalm in the Pays des Macralles, crosses the river at Salmchâteau and enters the Deux Ourthes Nature Park, heading towards the Ardennes plateau and Gouvy.

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.

A lovely walk around Rencheux, suitable for families, not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Can be done in all seasons. Wear good walking shoes. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a lead. Mainly forest paths.