La Transgaumaise

Program

Day 1

Rabais
Reception at Rabais (Virton) in the afternoon and delivery of the complete file. Possibility of a short loop walk near the Rabais ponds. If you come by train, the hotel can pick you up. Evening meal included.

Day 2

Rabais – Torgny (27 km; + 510 m)
This first stage is relatively long (27 km – 6 hours’ walk) and starts near the Rabais ponds. It takes in the historic villages of Ethe, Gomery, Saint-Remy, Grandcourt and Torgny, but also passes through the three cuestas of the Gaume (A cuesta, a word of Spanish origin meaning “hill”, is a hill where one slope has been made steep by erosion, while the other forms a gently sloping plateau). The second half of the hike takes in mainly forested areas before arriving in the village of Torgny, designated as one of “Wallonia’s most beautiful villages”.

Day 3

Torgny – Montmédy (25 km; + 265 m)
This stage is almost the same length as the previous one, but less demanding. The tour takes place almost entirely on French territory. After crossing the fourth cuesta, the cuesta de la Chiers, you follow the Othain stream to Marville, where you can see some fine Renaissance buildings. After a visit to the interesting Marville cemetery just outside the village, you continue your journey through the fields via Villécloye and Iré-les-Prés to the town of Montmédy. The town is dominated by an impressive medieval castle. There is no housing in Montmédy. Return transfer to Torgny for the night.

Day 4

Montmédy – Villers-devant-Orval (21 km; + 480 m)
This step is much easier than the previous two. From the center of Montmédy, climb up to the château. Apart from this first climb, the gradients of the stage are gentle. This hike takes you through fields and forests. You’ll discover several historic buildings, including the most beautiful on the entire route: the Basilique Notre Dame d’Avioth.

Day 5

Villers-devant-Orval – Sainte-Cécile (20 km; + 360 m)
This may be the shortest stage (4h30), but it’s not necessarily the easiest. You’ll cross the Gaume plateau and cross several small rivers. You should also be prepared for two fairly steep climbs and one gradual ascent during this stage. You’ll start the day by passing by theAbbaye d’Orval, famous for its beer and cheese. For the rest of the stage, there are fewer historic sites, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of the fields and woods all the more.

Day 6

Sainte-Cécile – Izel (21 km; + 190 m)
This day trip takes place exclusively in the heart of the magnificent Semois Valley National Park, where you can discover the meandering river and its rocky escarpments. After a few kilometers, you’ll pass through the charming village of Chassepierre, listed as one of Wallonia’s most beautiful villages. You’ll have the chance to swim in the Semois near Florenville before reaching the end of the stage in the village of Izel. Late transfer to Lacuisine for the night. It is possible to shorten the stage by stopping directly at Lacuisine.

Day 7

Izel – Discount (25 km; + 310 m)
This rather long stage is not difficult at all. The hike first follows the dirt track of the old railway line along the Semois to Jamoigne, then crosses meadows and fields, by the old Roman road Reims-Trèves and finally goes into the largest forest of the hike. This dreamy walk through the forest is only interrupted by a short visit to Meix-devant-Virton before returning to your car in Rabais. Bravo you have done 140 km in 6 stages. You can choose to leave at the end of the day or relax for an extra night in the Gaume before hitting the road again!