This walk first goes to the Castle of Walzin, which is situated high above the river. The limestone rocks along the Lesse offer a pleasant contrast with the gray slate of the Ardennes. From the Castle of Walzin the route rises to the rocks of Chaleux, which are very popular with climbers, to the old village of Furfooz and then returns through the fields via the fairy-tale castle of Vêves.
Distance: 15 km.
Time: 4h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 248 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Yellow and blue triangle - white-red from the GR.
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The rocks of Chaleux.
This walk starts at Gendron station. At first you walk to the castle of Walzin. Then you pass the village of Furfooz on your way to the Castle of Vêves. From the castle it goes back to Gendron. The Valley of the Lesse has a lot of beautiful landscapes to offer: limestone rocks, gray slate of the Ardennes, forests and paths, castles and a typical mill.
Download PDf for route description.
The forests around the Castle of Walzin are privately owned. So please stay on the marked trails.
Sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear and picnic are recommended.
POI 1 - Castle of Walzin.
The castle of Walzin is located in Dréhance, now a part of Dinant. This neo-gothic castle stands on a steep rock above the right bank of the Lesse, before it flows into the Maas. At this strategic point on the Lesse, a ford, there was already a spur of the height in the 11th and 12th centuries. This eagle's nest was destroyed from the land up to four times. Only the 11th-century tower has been preserved. The ruins of this military stronghold mainly consist of that tower with a remnant of around 13m of walls that is 1.70m to 3.30m thick. The first written notes of the Ruins of Cavrenne date back to 1235. In 1489 the order for destruction of the castle came from the then principality of Liège.
Maison du Tourisme Haute-Meuse Dinantaise.
www.exploremeuse.be.
POI 2 - Castle of Vêves.
The 15th-century Vêves Castle, perched on a grassy hill, resembles a fairytale castle with its heavy walls, five pointed towers and high windows. Half-timbered balconies overlook a completely enclosed courtyard. Parts of the interior, such as the huge medieval kitchens, are robust, but the family rooms appear softer due to 18th-century refinements. The lords of Celles, who owned a castle on this site in the 12th century, were related to the Beaufort family, and their descendants still use the castle as a home.
Castle of Vêves.
www.chateau-veves.be.
