Set off on a hike through breathtaking nature from one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, a village with a vibrant folkloric heritage. Hike through integral forest reserves and calcareous grasslands dotted with orchids and grazed by the roaming herd of the National Park.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Écosite de la vallée du Viroin
Welcome to the mecca for nature enthusiasts: the headquarters of the Cercles des Naturalistes de Belgique (CNB). Known for its nature guide training courses, the association offers a variety of sensitization and participation activities, as well as a nature shop and a centre for accommodation and training. Located on the edge of an ancient forest and at the foot of impressive calcareous hills with breathtaking views of the valley, the Écosite is the starting point for unforgettable hikes through rugged nature.
Address: Rue de la Chapelle 2,5670 Vierves-sur-Viroin (Viroinval). Info and contact: cercles-naturaliste.be
ACCESSIBILITY
Bus: TEC 60/3. Stop: Vierves Église.
Steam railway: only during the saison, during the school holidays. From Mariembourg (NMBS/SNCB station) – more information: https://cfv3v.eu/en/.
YOUR ACTIVITIES
WALKS
Is your heart torn between the Ardennes and the Calestienne?
Starting from this discovery point, you will experience the most striking contrast. To the south: venture into integral forest reserves (markings: yellow cross), then walk past the site of the future sheepfold of the National Park and take the path on the right (markings: blue diamond) to return to your starting point following the river Viroin. To the north: climb the grasslands grazed by sheep and admire the wild orchids. Every viewpoint is earned with a climb!
Walking: good level. Trail map on sale on site.
OUR PROJECT
Integral forest reserve
The National Park Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is home to 1,800 hectares of forest designated as integral forest reserve. Logging has been stopped here to allow the forest to evolve freely, becoming more resilient and rich in biodiversity. Come and immerse yourself in this wild nature...
By 2041, everyone will be able to escape into forests with a high degree of naturalness.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dendromicrohabitats: a secret of ancient forests...
The secret of integral forest reserves is that they are home to old and dead trees, which tend to disappear from exploited forests. Various dendromicrohabitats (holes, cracks, etc.) are home to countless species, such as woodpeckers and bats, as well as numerous saproxylic insects and fungi. In turn, this biodiversity contributes to the functioning of the forest and makes it more resilient, particularly in the face of droughts.
LIFE & HABITATS
You may encounter
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The European wildcat ©L. Malbrecq -
The black woodpecker ©L. Malbrecq -
The calcareous grassland of Chamousias -
The fire salamander ©T. Kinet -
6705, the leader the herd -
The scarce swallowtail (butterfly) ©O.Dugaillez
Nearby
One of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia
Surrounded by nature, Vierves-sur-Viroin is a picturesque village that will delight you with its authentic charm. Stroll its narrow streets, admire the castle, a mausoleum, an old wash house... and enjoy the remarkable views while respecting the peace of the local residents.
©D. Hubaut
The bonhomme hiver
Vierves bursts with life during its annual authentic and lively carnival. After several days of festivities, the bonhomme hiver, a giant straw figure, is burned in the village square. This public enthusiasm accompanies the passing of the seasons, which once marked the rhythm of life.
Fondry des Chiens (5 km)
The Fondry des Chiens is the region's most iconic site. Created by thousands of years of erosion and ancient iron mining, this spectacular chasm resembles a miniature ‘Grand Canyon’. This site, typical of the geology of the Calestienne, sits atop the heights of Nismes and is accessible via marked trails.
©P. Schillemans
