The paths of our heritage: 130 km in Gaume

To end the season, we suggest a trip to the far south of our Wallonia, in this small, characterful region called Gaume, which must not be confused with the Ardennes. We have chosen the Abbey of Orval as our gateway, a classic that is always a pleasure to visit, especially since the beautiful roads in the area are numerous. Here are 130 kilometers of discovery and pleasure...

The rain that accompanied us since Namur, sometimes gentle and sometimes more forceful, mysteriously stopped coinciding with our arrival at the Abbey of Orval… The famous Gaume microclimate (+2-3°C on average compared to the Ardennes…)? A divine intervention? Who knows!

From the Auberge de l'Ange Gardien, the first kilometers we cover on magnificent roads in the undergrowth, which smell good after the rain, should be approached with caution: the surface is soaked and traces of mud are not uncommon… After that, we will gradually increase our pace, encouraged by the amazing grip of the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires that equip our big trails.

We pass Bellefontaine and then Lahage, where a charming little winding road awaits us, running alongside a wandering stream and leading us to Meix-devant-Virton, which, as the name suggests, is close to Virton, the “capital” of Gaume. We leave the town via the N82, heading northeast towards Arlon.

“Say 'Town Hall'”

In Ethe, we take a break at the old town hall. It is another peculiarity of Gaume: there is no community house, no mayor, but town halls and mayors, just like in France! In Saint-Léger, the general direction turns south and the terrain becomes more pronounced.

The road has numerous friendly curves, where the view stretches far, even to Mussy-la-Ville, a village where a certain Étienne Lenoir was born in 1822, the inventor of the internal combustion engine. This 2-stroke engine, powered by gas, had the distinction of possessing a mechanically controlled exhaust valve. As early as 1861, this engine powers a boat on the Seine. Later, a vehicle with a Lenoir engine connects Paris without difficulties to Joinville-le-Pont at an average speed of 3 km/h. Lenoir is also known for being the inventor of the spark plug, a still essential component in today’s gasoline engines.

The border is now very close. We cheerfully cross it at Gorcy, the first French municipality, where the passage is marked by numerous “stops” in the straight line… which apparently everyone respects here! A strange way to slow down traffic, effective but not very natural.

The terrain then becomes steeper and more wooded towards Saint-Pancré, Tellancourt, and Fresnois-la-Montagne, places you may have never ventured with your tires! We “plant” a little around with a forest road that is closed to traffic, but eventually find a solution, rewarded with an impressive descent and a great view on top...

The Little Provence

The Michelin map at a scale of 1/200,000, which we stick to more than ever to plan our routes, shows the road winding along the Chiers between Montigny-sur-Chiers and Charency-Vezin as a picturesque route. It is indeed just as beautiful as it is satisfying in terms of driving, with its medium to fast curves. Well done, Mr. Michelin!

We are having a lot of fun: it’s a weekday and the traffic is very light. In Torgny, we return to Belgian territory for a few kilometers. The pretty blooming village invites you to relax in its small square, with a glass of local wine… Viticulture, a very old tradition in Torgny, is still being carried on today. The houses, in ochre tones with red tiled roofs, reminiscent of Provence, are also worth a look.

The citadel of Montmédy is worth a visit, but we take a short break as time is pressing, and we have to hurry to Avioth and its magnificent Gothic basilica. An absolute must in the region that you should not miss: our route passes right in front of it! The D110 winds in a friendly manner towards Breux before it reaches the border… where the French customs authority patrols during our passage. It is not interested in us returning to Belgium, but in the vehicles entering the Hexagon...

Now it smells like a stable: we have just a dozen kilometers left to cover quickly to reach Florenville. Upon arriving at Albert I Square, we adhere to the tradition of the friendship drink, as is fitting after a nice trip with friends. Safe travels and always be careful!