From Rochefort to Orval by the GR© des Abbayes trail

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.