What is a UNESCO Global Geopark? It’s a geographical area that has a geological heritage of international significance. And we are lucky enough to have one in Belgium: the Famenne-Ardenne Global Geopark!

The Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark attracts science buffs as well as those who simply want to visit this fascinating tourist attraction. It sits on the Calestienne, which groups together the valleys of three rivers (the Lesse, the Lomme and the Ourthe), and covers an area of 915 km2, bringing together the municipalities of Beauraing, Durbuy, Hotton, Marche-en-Famenne, Nassogne, Rochefort, Tellin and Wellin, as well as the Universities of Mons and Namur, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, and many more. This is because the site is a unique blend of caves and exceptional karst sites that is truly one of a kind in Europe!

The work of time

The Geopark reveals the geological history of marine sedimentation which, over time, has formed folds and faults resulting in this particular landscape. The limestone rocks were marked by a hot and humid climate while the Ardennes basement was rising. This is where the caves were created and the rivers began to disappear under the rock, only to re-emerge a few kilometres further down. The main unique feature of the site? Its karstic phenomena which have shaped the aerial and underground landscapes with so many fascinating natural phenomena including dolines, chasms, stalagmites and stalactites. As well as geological discoveries, the region is also full of other unmissable attractions. Visit monuments, sample regional delicacies and experience local life... The Famenne-Ardenne Global Geopark is the starting point for a host of activities and adventures!

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How? Never heard of the Grotte de Lorette-Rochefort? Considered to be the little sister of the famous Han Cave, the Lorette Cave is no less surprising with its descent to a depth of 60 metres!

Put on your walking shoes and embark on this impressive descent into the bowels of the earth. Just as in nearby Han, you’ll discover imposing rooms and galleries full of mystery. Particularly impressive in size are the evocatively-named, Great Hall of the Sabbath and the Cataclysm. Once you reach the bottom of the famous 60-metre drop, watch a hot-air balloon ascend to reveal the full height of the space. Spoiler alert: it’s high! And then? Enjoy an equally awe-inspiring sound and light show.

Tectonic phenomena

Once you’re back in the open air, carry on learning by visiting the Pavilion opposite, where you can dive into the Videokarst: a documentary that explains tectonic phenomena. An enriching visit full of surprises that you can combine with a visit to the Caves of Han and its wildlife park, the Malagne Archaeopark or the Rochefort tourist train (yes, the city is only 300 meters away so take advantage of it!). Let yourself be surprised by the Grotte de Lorette-Rochefort and its fascinating underground journey...

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Would you like to dive into a cave that attracts visitors from all over the world? Follow your guide and set out to conquer its mysteries and immense halls. These caves are shaped by the calm yet powerful waves of the River Lesse, which are constantly rewriting their own history.

Let’s go! Enter into darkness in the heart of a tunnel which gradually gives way to galleries, stalactites and stalagmites, all beautifully lit, making them look even more majestic. You will hear oohs and aahs, see eyes sparkling and find yourself marvelling at this impressive and creative feat of nature. More than just a cave, a world full of mystery awaits you. Behind the caves, the River Lesse continues its journey. Listen carefully and you can hear it rushing along its own path. You will come away from the visit full of newly-learned facts and other discoveries.

A walk on the wild side

Once you have finished your visit to the cave, board the safari bus which will take you on a tour of the wildlife park. As soon as you enter its grounds, there’s a party atmosphere: it is not every day that you see wild boars and their young roaming around. Then come the owls, wolves, European bison and lynx, before descending to the open pasture where herds of deer and Przewalski's horses can be found... and further on, the enclosures of the imposing brown bears. All in all, no fewer than 650 animals share this territory. You can also visit on foot. And on your way back, why not visit PrehistoHan, a museum that brings together 50 years of underwater excavations and takes you through 9,000 years of history!

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Are you ready to be amazed? Come and explore the Hotton Caves, natural jewels of Wallonia located near La Roche-en-Ardenne and Durbuy! You will discover the magnificent work of time and water during the guided tour of this extraordinary site.

Dive into the 70-metre deep Hotton Caves on a guided tour in French, Dutch or English. Lasting 70 minutes, it’s a great experience for families and friends to learn together while having fun. Discover a multitude of stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. Along this six-kilometre route, you will see how they are formed and the wealth of resources they contain. You will also notice the subtle and discreet lighting that highlights their varied colours and shapes. An amazing natural spectacle!

The most beautiful caves in Belgium

Full of rare crystallisations, the caves are listed as an outstanding natural heritage site in Wallonia. The Hotton Caves are considered the most beautiful in Belgium and have been awarded two stars in the Michelin travel guide. A proud moment for the region! Tip: don't forget to wear a coat on cooler days. After your visit, relax on the beautiful terrace with its panoramic view while the kids play in the playground.

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The Lesse is a creative river… It has playfully dug caves, cavities and pits over time. Its many creations include the Furfooz site. This heritage is both geological and archaeological because humankind has made its home there for millennia.

Although the location was very popular among people from 14,000 BCE, it’s above all the thermal baths dating from the Roman era that attract the curiosity of history buffs. Rebuilt in the 1950s, these thermal baths are a perfect example of the ‘hypocaust’ system that can be considered as a central heating system before its time. The hot air came from a wood fire, and was sent under the building through a multitude of brick conduits. This resulted in hot water baths for a real moment of relaxation. Note that although these thermal baths still work perfectly, their water supply is reserved for certain events. This doesn’t prevent visiting for a fascinating moment of learning.

On the trail of the secret Lesse

Beyond the thermal baths and ruins of the Roman fortress, the walk flits between rocks, limestone and caves - Trou du Frontal or ‘Smoking Hole’... which smokes on very cold days - lawns, the banks of the Lesse, before it disappears underground for a stretch: the Trou des Nutons. Or the Puits des Vaux, where the Lesse hides in the depths and an underground lake at least 40 metres deep lies far from the daylight. You’ve guessed it: in Furfooz Park, the terrain rises and falls, giving you splendid views, like the one from the Trou du Grand Duc. Perhaps you'll admire the flight of the peregrine falcon. And if you feel like quenching your thirst, at ‘La Flobette’ you can taste the region’s craft beers.

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From the top of its 35 metres, with its wonderful diameter of 14 metres at the base and therefore approximately 140 m2 in surface area, Bayard Rock is imposing. Not all towns can boast such an impressive natural protection. More than a rock, it has become a real companion for the town’s inhabitants!

This calls for a short reminder of the legend of Bayard Rock... Close your eyes and just imagine… It all begins with story of the four Aymon sons who, pursued by Charlemagne’s troops, were blocked by rising waters. Forced to get around the needle crag of the Meuse, they climbed the rock on horseback. The horse, taking a run-up to cross the Meuse, gave a final kick that is said to have separated the rocky outcrop from the cliff.  Not bad, don't you think? Above all to set a scene of brave and intrepid knights. The doors of your imagination are opening slowly... but not just that!

Welcome to Dinant!

Standing as a lonely crag, Bayard Rock was also a natural barrier against enemies. Whoever wanted to enter the town had to cross this narrow passage. In fact this passage was created by the troops of Louis XIV in the 17th century and then enlarged. And as it happens, visitors and their vehicles still slip through it. The least one could say is that Bayard Rock continues to create excitement when you pass by its huge peaks. Welcome to Dinant and be warned: the adventure is only just beginning!

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Molignée valley is, without contest, the valley for sports lovers. Best have muscly calves to explore all its splendours. On a railbike or bike, are you ready? Let’s go!

This is an activity that you don’t encounter every day: the Molignée railbikes await you for an extraordinary adventure. Did you say railbikes? Yes, these are the vehicles that circulate on the railway and are generally used to inspect and maintain it. Here, their tourist version is on offer to you: a sort of bike on rails with pedals. And then? Climb on as a group and... reveal the strength of your nice pegs. There are several trails available, for durations between 1 and 2 hours approximately up to a half-day, which will take you to either the ruins of Montaigle Castle or the old Maredsous station, while crossing one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia: Sosoye.

Between castles and abbeys

Seasoned cyclists know this: Molignée valley also has some of the most beautiful RAVeL trails! Along the ruins of fortified castles or walls of the Maredsous and Maredret abbeys, they offer landscapes steeped in history. Between the paving stones of narrow streets or the banks of the Meuse river, the Mediaeval past seems to be reborn from the ashes: Crèvecoeur fortress, the ruins of Poilvache and Montaigle, the villages of Sosoye and Falaën - the spectacle is really worth a detour. It’s soon time for a refreshing break... Why not enjoy some delicious cheese and a little mousse?

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A viewpoint listed as ‘exceptional heritage of Wallonia’ since 1947. This is a panorama that’s worth a detour, don’t you think? More than just a detour, the Roche-aux-Faucons will take your breath away with its beauty!

Nestled in the heart of Neaupré municipality, nature lovers will adore one of the most beautiful panoramas in Belgium: the Roche-aux-Faucons culminates at around 230 metres high, giving you a view from a good height. The spectacle before you is magnificent. Perched on this limestone cliff, you’ll see the river running several hundred metres below, at this precise point skirting the Ham plateau, which extends from Esneux to Hony. The result is a splendid loop outlining the landscape.

Multiple hikes

In the distance, you can also make out the terraces of the Ourthe. And the falcons? It’s true, they have their role to play in this story because the Roche-aux-Faucons is named after them. For centuries, the location was a high nesting place for peregrine falcons, which unfortunately disappeared in the last century. But the spectacle is no less impressive. To reach this location, put on your walking shoes and set off on one of the many routes that take you to this site, revealing the interesting nooks in the region. And good news: most of these paths are accessible for pushchairs and dogs are permitted.

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Do you love spectacular palaces and gardens with exceptional charm? It’s time you went to Hastière to admire the Freÿr-sur-Meuse Castle, listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. It’ll be love at first sight!

Bordered by the Meuse river, the impressive Freÿr Castle is comfortably nestled at the heart of rolling hills. Initially a fortified castle, it was destroyed in 1554 to then be rebuilt as a Renaissance-style manor. Its allure changed over the 17th and 18th centuries as it was expanded. It's clear that when you reach Freÿr Castle, you can only be impressed by this huge set of buildings surrounded by a countryside that is just as abundant. In addition to its proud allure, its refined, classical interior also deserves appreciation. The rooms reveal furniture and décor acquired over time by the twenty generations that have occupied the premises.

A sumptuous setting

Beyond the castle itself, there are also ‘French-style’ gardens inspired by the famous gardener Le Nôtre which draw everyone’s attention. Elegant and serene, they have been listed as exceptional Park & Garden heritage in Wallonia. Get lost in its giant maze grown from 30,000 m2 of bower hedge or stroll along its dozens of two-hundred-year-old orange trees and nine pools and don’t hesitate to take a look at its romantic pavilion decorated by the Moretti brothers. And if after this 100% relaxing visit, you want to let off some steam, Freÿr is also renowned for its climbing sites!

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Discovered in 1904, the Dinant cave, known as ‘la Merveilleuse’, is considered to be one of the most beautiful caves in Europe. Shaped by nature and time, it unveils a spectacle of stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls.

Revealed when digging a trench for the country railway linking Dinant to Florennes, it has since been the pride of the region. With its monumental galleries, water that trickles and jumps along the rock, elegant white concretions, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and waterfalls, the ‘Grotte Merveilleuse/Marvellous Cave’ is a very apposite name!

A world of mysteries

And it has many names its bowels: Chamber of Teats, Boers, Small Columns, Waterfalls and Lace, Diane’s Temple, the Precipice, the Glacier, the Rotunda, or even the Great Chamber with its oblique stalactite and Gallery Albert I, a mysterious well where underground water is hidden. When you visit, the ground climbs and descends, because the cave has several hundred steps. There are three levels and quite low ceilings, so sometimes you have to bend down. It’s a small physical effort that’s really worth it because you can easily combine it with another activity in the region: a Dinant-Freÿr cruise, a kayak trip on the Lesse and much more!

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