From this discovery point, cycle through the National Park or go hiking in the Ardennes forest. Around Macon, the variety of landscapes reveals the importance of ecological connectivity.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Château-Ferme de Macon
The Château Ferme de Macon is an architectural gem and a place steeped in history, located in the heart of the village. Being the starting point for many hikes, this characterful tourist accommodation offers a delightful immersion in the peaceful bocage landscapes. The team provides information about the National Park, routes and nearby points of interest.
Address: Place Yvon Paul 9, 6591 Macon (Momignies). Info and contact: https://www.chateaufermemacon.be/en/ - Opening hours: on weekdays and during events.
ACCESSIBILITY
Bus: TEC 156a, E109. Stop: Macon Église
RAVeL 156 – Bike rental: book via chateaumacon@skynet.be or +32 60 45 90 90.
YOUR ACTIVITIES
WALKS
Embark on a great journey
Two long-distance adventures await you... Using the nearby RAVeL, cycle across the Fagne plains, following the river valley Eau Blanche to Mariembourg (train station). Further south, set off on a long hike through the hilly Ardennes, passing by the Scourmont Abbey and the discovery points ‘Wild river Eau Noire’, ‘River valley Viroin’ and ‘Village of the Calestienne’ (last station of the tourist steam railway).
Cycling: RAVeL 156. Hiking: GR footpaths - Grande traversée de la Forêt du Pays de Chimay. Level: demanding.
OUR PROJECT
Ecological network and dark infrastructure
The National Park ESEM is working to improve the ecological network by planting hedges and orchards (green infrastructure), digging ponds and reed beds (blue infrastructure) and creating areas of nocturnal darkness (dark infrastructure). Various fragile species benefit from this, such as the greater horseshoe bat, the great crested newt and the red-backed shrike.
In 2041, people will enjoy travelling without their personal car.
DID YOU KNOW?
95% of butterfly species are nocturnal
This figure reveals the hidden side of our planet: many animal and plant species depend on the darkness of night to feed, reproduce or move around. These species are affected by light pollution, which has invaded the sky. For example, fireflies can no longer find a mate because their ‘lanterns’ can no longer pierce that wall of artificial light.
LIFE & HABITATS
You may encounter
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The northern crested newt ©K. Gillebert -
The greater horseshoe bat ©A. Robiquet -
The three-hundred-year-old lime tree ©C. Delahaye -
A sculpture on RAVeL 156
Nearby
Along RAVeL 156
This RAVeL path, built on a former railway line, surprises with a wide variety of facilities along the route that are beneficial to biodiversity. Sculptures by Jean-Claude Dresse stand alongside ponds that attract a variety of wildlife, orchards, insect hotels, educational panels and more. In 2026, a panoramic tower dedicated to sky observation will be erected along this RAVeL.
The three-hundred-year-old lime tree
The lime tree in Macon is listed as part of the exceptional heritage of the Walloon Region. This remarkable tree stands in the heart of the village and has witnessed the entire history of modern times. It was under its branches that the assemblies of justice officers were held during the ancien régime.
©C. Delahaye
The stars
The night sky is a landscape of its own, with its millions of sparkling gems that move along with our Earth's cosmic journey. Admiring the dark night sky is an incomparable pleasure, but one that is becoming increasingly rare. In the region, the National Park and its partners offer astronomical observation activities.
©JP. Frippiat
