Viroinval walks

This route is an ideal walk for appreciating the topographical and geological differences between the Calestienne and the Ardennes.

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.

The Thiérache is a fragmented region, spread across two countries, three French departments (Nord, Aisne and Ardennes) and two Belgian provinces (Hainaut and Namur). As you wander through the forest, discover the Namur part of the Thiérache, with the Ry d’Alyse forming the border with France, the remains of the now-abandoned slate quarries, and also the site of the Centre of Europe from the time when there were only 15 of us and the United Kingdom was still part of it.

Set off to explore the region, from castles to rocky outcrops.

This hike is quite physically demanding (distance and elevation), but it will allow you to discover a magnificent yet little-known region... The French Meuse with its landscapes where stone, tortured by water but also by man, emerges here and there from the Ardennes forest to offer you sublime views...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

A hike in the woods on the heights of Haybes and Fumay.

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.

A lovely circular walk in the land of Toine Culot, the mayor of Trignolles (Treignes). A chance to discover Arthur Masson’s fictionalised version of the Toinade at the Espace Arthur Masson. An international hike… as it ventures about 400 metres into French territory.

A walk through the countryside between Matagne-la-Petite and Niverlée, passing through Saint-Hilaire. Easy, with little elevation gain, it consists solely of footpaths and farm tracks. It is a walk that forms a circular route.

It’s hard to know where to begin with this walk, where everything is just as beautiful and interesting as the rest!!!

Set off on a journey of discovery through wooded countryside and Switzerland to the beautiful villages of Roly, Villers-en-Fagne and Sautour.