Discovering La Calestienne – UNESCO Geopark

In the heart of the Famenne, discover the region of “La Calestienne” labeled Geopark by UNESCO. During 3 to 5 days, hike on some of the most beautiful paths of the Famenne starting from the village of Resteigne and enjoy splendid panoramas on this part of the Famenne known for its so particular geology. This stay in the Ardenne-Famenne Geopark is a must for hiking tourism in Wallonia!

The interest of this 3 to 5 days walking tour in Famenne is that it can be realized in star with a departure and an arrival at the same place (village of Resteigne). You will not have to worry about carrying your luggage and you will be able to choose your itinerary according to your desires. This trip is therefore very suitable for people or groups who want to plan shorter hikes (+/- 15km).

Thanks to these different marked trails like the GR Tour de la Famenne, or loops of 15 to 25 km, you have the possibility to discover the wonders of Resteigne, Rochefort, Redu in the heart of the province of Luxembourg. You will travel through the hamlets and villages of the commune and learn about the specificities of the limestone soil that defines La Calestienne. These hikes are also an opportunity to discover the fauna and flora that inhabit the meadows and undergrowth.

Hiking in freedom – Variable duration from 3 to 5 days – Departure all the year according to your availabilities and your possibilities.

!!! Possibility to ask for the accompaniment of a nature guide for a day!

Program

Day 1

Resteigne
Reception at the accommodation in the afternoon and handing over of the complete file. Evening meal included.

Day 2

Contours of the Bois de Boines (23,3 km; +444 m)
For this day, you leave on foot from the village of Resteigne. You start your hike by following the Lesse and its meanders for nearly 5 km. You cross the pretty village of Bellevaux. After the village, you leave the Lesse to go up through the Boines wood, at the limit of the domain of the Caves of Han. You go back down to the Lomme river which you reach after 12km. The hike then takes you to the village of Han-Sur-Lesse and Auffe via the marked GR path where you can enjoy a 360° panorama on the Famenne. You will return to Resteigne on paths through forests and hedgerows.

Day 3

The loop of the Tellin ponds (26,1 km; + 595 m)
From Resteigne, you reach the village of Tellin. You will then take the marked loop walk of the ponds and discover a succession of wetlands, small bodies of water, and charming streams in the heart of the woods. After the succession of ponds of the provincial fish farm and some very wet passages, you arrive in front of the pond of the Monks. Here, the cuckoo’s bread and Solomon’s seal cohabit with ferns and brooms. Other species still border the stream of the Pierre au Charme like the meadowsweet, the sparse rush and many others. This site sometimes sees the passage of the black stork. Be careful, you cross a quiet zone until the Bois de Tellin, silence is imperative. Up to Fosse Hawette, you will identify in turn wild pear trees, wild cherry trees, bird’s-foot mountain ash and centaury. A large number of tree species accompany you on your journey. At the end of the stage, you leave the loop to return on foot to Resteigne.

Day 4

The High Rocks and the Hermit of Resteigne (16.2 km; +261 m)
To start your stay, we suggest you hike in the Lesse valley which winds through the center of the massif. It is a 4-hour walk with no major difficulties and a 250-metre positive difference in altitude. The objective of today’s walk is the exceptional site of the Hermit of Resteigne which you will reach by taking the preserved paths of the nature reserve of the Ardenne-Famenne park.

End of the program at the end of the day

Map

Practical information

Home : day 1, in the late afternoon (the welcome point will be confirmed at the time of booking)
Hiking record delivery.

Dispersion: The last day at the end of the stage. Possibility of an extra night after the last hike and departure the next morning after breakfast.

Supervision: free walking, without a guide.

–>Possibility of requesting the accompaniment of a certified nature guide during a day of walking !!!!

Lodging : guest room ***

Access : by car (free parking at the accommodation for the duration of the stay)

Dogs: dogs are not allowed on this trip

Dates

The stay on “Discovering the Calestienne” can be organized at your best convenience and departures are possible all year round. Please note: from 1 October to 31 December, you should be aware of the prohibitions related to the hunting period. But these bans will not prevent you from hiking and you will always be warned!

Prices

Below is the price list per person for 2024. The price depends mainly on the number of nights desired and the type of room desired.

Double, Twin or Triple Room Single Room
2 nights 260,00 € 350,00 €
3 nights 380,00 € 500,00 €
4 nights 490,00 € 650,00 €
5 nights 600,00 € 790,00 €

Prices are per person

The price includes :
  • Half-board accommodation in a ** or *** bed and breakfast
  • Free parking at the accommodation for the duration of the stay
  • Roadbook and GPX tracks for each route
  • Complete folder with information brochures, luggage tags, etc.
The price does not include :
  • The drinks
  • Picnics
  • Personal expenses and insurance
  • The nature guide (ask us at the time of booking – +/- 150,00 € for a 6 hours guided walk)
  • Everything not mentioned in the “Price includes” section.

From

260,00 

  • You travel on foot
  • Level : Easy
  • Possibilities : 3, 4, 5 days

Highlights

  • Discover the UNESCO Famenne-Ardenne Geopark
  • Various loops from 5km to 25km
  • Quality accomodation

In pictures

You may also like our other itineraries