From Rochefort to Orval by the GR© des Abbayes trail

“Le sentier des Abbayes Trappistes de Wallonie” was created and signposted by the GR – Sentiers de Grande Randonnée (GR©) association. It takes walkers over 250 km between the abbeys of Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay and Notre-Dame d’Orval, via Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy in Rochefort. These 3 abbeys alone produce half of Belgium’s Trappist beers, which are listed by UNESCO as part of its cultural and intangible heritage.

Europ’Aventure invites you to cover the 116-kilometer section between Rochefort and Orval, for a total of 6 stages through the Belgian Ardennes. Along the way, you’ll hike through majestic forests and visit typical Ardennes villages such as Redu, Daverdisse and Mortehan. You’ll also discover the Semois valley, recently listed as a national park.

The Sentier des Abbayes is the ideal solution for all types of walkers, with its signposted path (GR©), quality accommodation, luggage transport and information on the region. Everything is planned so that you can make the most of the region and its beauties.

Hiking in freedom – Variable duration from 6 to 8 days – Departure all year round according to your availability and your possibilities.

Program

Day 1

Rochefort

Reception in Rochefort in the afternoon and delivery of the complete file. Possibility to visit the village of Rochefort and its castle. Evening meal included.

Day 2

Rochefort – Resteigne (20.1km; +344m )

The departure is at the Abbey Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy where the Rochefort Trappist beer is brewed. This first stage has a fairly varied gradient: a steep climb out of Rochefort followed by a slight plateau in the Han-sur-Lesse area before descending to the bottom of the valley and then gradually climbing back up until the end of the stage. During this stage, you will pass through the different villages of Hamerenne, Han-sur-Lesse and Auff, passing by the Han Caves and the Lorette Caves. You leave the signposted route near Resteigne to walk to your accommodation for the night.

Day 3

Resteigne – Redu (22 km ; +579m )

You start out on foot from Resteigne and follow the signposted route back up. You leave the Calestienne to dive into the heart of the Ardennes. Most of this stage takes place in woodland, allowing you to discover the Resteigne, Redu and Daverdisse valleys. After crossing the River Lesse, the trail takes you to Redu, book capital and typical Ardennes village, where you spend the night.

Day 4

Redu – Paliseul (23 km ; +292m )

This stage links the small village of Redu to Paliseul. After leaving Redu, descend 2 km towards the village of Lesse. You cross the river and then climb gradually for 10 km through the forest. After passing the village of Maissin, you cross the Chenet wood on a pleasant forest path before reaching Paliseul at the end of the stage.

Day 5

Paliseul – Cugnon (23.4 km; +261m )

Today’s stage presents no particular difficulties. You leave Paliseul to join the signposted itinerary and hike, for the first half of the stage, on a plateau with little relief. The second half takes you on a forest hike heading south. You’ll pass a rocky outcrop known as the“Château des Fées“, which will take you back to medieval times. You leave the signposted route just after to follow the road into the small village of Cugnon.

Day 6

Cugnon – Lacuisine (19.6 km; +417m )

This stage is located entirely within the Semois National Park. It starts in Cugnon, on the banks of the Lesse. Head towards the village of Herbeumont and enter the “Les Epioux” forest. As you approach the small village of Chiny, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the meandering Semois valley. You finish the stage in the small village of Lacuisine, in the heart of the Gaume region and on the banks of the Semois.

Day 7

Lacuisine – Orval (13 km ; +118m )

After breakfast, you’re back on the “Sentier des Abbayes Trappistes de Wallonie” for this final leg, ending at Notre-Dame d’Orval Abbey. This final stage is not difficult, but it does have a special feature: you’ll hike for around 3 kilometers along the natural Franco-Belgian border. If you wish, you can visit the Abbey. Congratulations! You’ve covered 116 km in 6 stages. You’ve earned the right to enjoy a good Orval beer and cheese. You can choose to take the return trip when you arrive in the late afternoon, or spend an extra night in the area. In this case, you’ll continue your hike to the village of Villers-devant-Orval.

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 : On the last day at the end of the stage, you will be taken back to the starting point (where your car is). Possibility of an extra night and a return in the morning after breakfast.

Supervision: hiking in freedom, without guide

Luggage: Luggage transport is provided by Europ’Aventure. One piece of luggage per person, maximum 15 kg.

Accommodation : hotels ***/****, bed and breakfast *** (it is possible that a transfer can be organized to the accommodation if there is no accommodation at the end of the stage)

Access: by car (free parking for the duration of the stay), by train (Rochefort-Jemelle station) + bus (TEC) to Rochefort Gare.

Dogs: dogs are not allowed on this route

Dates

The Sentier des Abbayes can be organised at your convenience and departures are possible all year round. Please note: from 1 October to 31 December, the itinerary is likely to be deviated in some places due to the hunting season. 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, the type of room and luggage transport.

Double, Twin or Triple Room Single Room
With luggage transport Without transport With luggage transport Without transport
5 nights 785 € 715 € 1.155 € 1.045 €
6 nights 945 € 865 € 1.375 € 4.225 €
7 nights 1.075 € 975 € 1.545 € 1.355 €

Prices are per person

The price includes :
  • Half-board accommodation at each stage in a *** hotel or ****
  • Luggage transport
  • Possible transfers from the end of the stage to the accommodation
  • Return journey at the end of the hike
  • Free parking on departure
  • GR © roadbook
  • Complete folder with information brochures, luggage tags, etc.
The price does not include :
  • The drinks
  • Picnics
  • Personal expenses and insurance
  • Everything not mentioned in the “Price includes” section.

From

715,00 

  • You travel on foot
  • Level : Medium
  • Possibilities : 6, 7, 8 days

Highlights

  • Impeccable GR signposting and well-trodden paths
  • The diversity of landscapes from Famenne to Gaume
  • Visit to Orval Abbey and beer tasting

In pictures

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