The charm of the south of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region lies in its varied landscapes, shaped by the interaction between human history and natural dynamics. The secret behind this unique palette of emotions? A complex geology and traditions that have stood the test of time.
Discovering living landscapes...
Our landscapes are much more than just a backdrop, they are books that tell the story of the interactions between human beings and their environment. This history continues to live on through pastoral grazing, restoration of sites, enhancement of viewpoints, transmission of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, as well as folklore, crafts, local products, botanical knowledge and practices of past and present...
Some emblematic sites and landscapes:
- The famous Fondry des Chiens, created by former iron mining activities.
- Emblematic rivers – Eau Noire, Eau Blanche and Viroin – which structure the territory and tell its story.
- The calcareous grasslands and their wild orchids, inherited from centuries of sheep grazing and a warm, dry microclimate.
- The ancient, deep forests of the Ardennes, a place of untamed nature and intense resourcing.
- The bocage landscape of the Fagne, dotted with hedges, ponds and reed beds, whose humid grasslands and hay meadows attract a precious biodiversity.
- And much more to discover on site!
Remarkable viewpoints
The National Park champions its landscapes
Alongside restoring and protecting natural habitats, we run projects that reconnect residents and visitors with the landscapes and their origin story.
- Landscape Observatory: a participatory photography project to document the evolution of our landscapes.
- Interactive citizen actions: identification of light pollution; identification of old street furniture and information panels.
- Reopening and enhancement of viewpoints.
- Creation of a Landscape Interpretation Centre (in partnership with the Écomusée du Viroin).
- Support for the roll-out of the Landscape Charter among authorities and regional actors (in partnership with the Parc naturel Viroin-Hermeton).
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