In the footsteps of the participants of the Sainte-Rolende march

This rural tour allows you to discover some important folk sites of the steps of the region between Sambre and Meuse, classified by UNESCO as oral and intangible world heritage.

We go to Gerpinnes and follow in the footsteps of the participants who escort Sainte-Rolende and Saint-Oger every year on Whit Monday, armed and in historic uniform. The walk of Sainte-Rolende is a unique procession of 30 km with 3300 participants and which always offers a grandiose spectacle.

Nearby is the castle of Acoz, which comes from the former Carolingian estate of Gerpinnes. We pedal on a track without major difficulties. It is characterized by open landscapes between typical villages. Shortly after the cemetery, the main road gives way to a road along the fields.

We cross Aherée and Hanzinne, surrounded by fields. Shortly after, we discover the chapel Saint-Oger, on a height surrounded by five lime trees.

The route continues with a beautiful crossing of the Hanzinne forest. Back in Gerpinnes, we discover the Museum of folk marches of the region between Sambre and Meuse.

Route type: Low traffic roads.

Type of bike: STB (Sport & Touring Bike).

Difficulty: A journey of 16 km without major difficulties. Slight slope towards Aherée.

Children: From +/- 12 years.

Departure: Place des Combattants in Gerpinnes, exit 06.

Signage: Follow junctions 06, 07, 70, 08, 09, 29, 28 and 06.

Parking: Place des Combattants in Gerpinnes (exit 06).

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 2 hours.