#201009 - Villers, Bois de la Bovrée, 4 oaks and ND de la Visitation****

Beautiful varied route from the parking lot opposite the chalet in the forest. The walk begins on the picturesque Chemin du Ry Saint Bernard*** in Bois de la Bovrée. We cross the stream twice on foot and then follow the edge of the forest with a magnificent view*** both to the left and to the right. What makes it so beautiful are the hilly perspectives**** at 360°, which are partly forested and without visible buildings. We leave the forest to the right via path No. 49, which ends on the plateau (140 m). We follow the Bois de Bérinnes before returning to Carrefour des Quatre Chênes***, a magical place with its bench (ideal for a break halfway), bordering a surreal green waste container. Once again beautiful views**. Then we descend into the village of Villers* via paths No. 16, which again offer wonderful views*** before they become enclosed. Do not miss the small path to the left to the football stadium. Descent to the church Notre Dame de la Visitation**, whose oldest parts date back to the 11th century. The imposing neo-Romanesque ensemble is somewhat intimidating due to its proportions and its rather unusual architecture, as the main facade is positioned sideways. But once you have overcome the first impression, this building deserves some time. The south side of the impressive bell tower is flanked by a beautiful little turret***. The lover of sacred art should take the trouble to visit the interior, which houses treasures including a very beautiful polylobed tympanum*** from the 12th century, the tomb of François, Lord of Marbais, from 1610, and two altars from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the remarkable*** Nativity. We leave the village via Rue Jules Tralier, dedicated to the author (1825-1870) of a detailed geographical description of all the municipalities in the country. At the end of the primary school, we find path 37 and then the path of Bachet, which first follows the Thyle and then ascends to the Drève des 4 Chênes. At the top of the stony and very steep hill, we reach the chapel St. Apollonia, which will not leave you with unforgettable memories. We then descend back to the starting point and follow the grounds of the abbey farm, which today houses the CRIE, the regional center for environmental education,.