Route of the Chat Benches - Long

The Bancs à papote are a unique collaboration between the Medisch Centrum St.-Jozef (Munsterbilzen) and the municipalities of Bilzen, Herstappe, Hoeselt, Riemst, Tongeren and Fourons. An alliance and citizen participation to support people in situations of psychological vulnerability and to promote social cohesion in general. Thanks to Visit Limburg for the development of cycle routes.

Looking for a challenge? Then try this longer bike ride and travel through the municipalities of Riemst, Fourons, Bilzen and Tongeren. This route can also be divided into two walks: the eastern route (40km) and the western route (55km), ideal for a weekend of walking.

From Kanne you enter Wallonia directly. You climb the Saint-Pierre mountain with a view overlooking the Albert Canal and the Meuse. Cross the 2 waterways and enter the idyllic territory of Fourons. Calm, beautiful views and beautiful nature are guaranteed. The hilly landscape will reward you with magnificent views of every ridge. Passing through the natural area of Altenbroek you enter Fouron le Comte, where you can admire some old water mills. In Eijsden cross the Meuse using the ferry, direction the impressive lock complex of Lanaye (Ternaaien). From this point, you follow the winding canal towards Kanne.

Under the bridge over the Albert Canal in Kanne, pedal back towards the Vroenhoven Bridge. This bridge tells two fascinating stories, it is here that the center of experiments about the Second World War and inland navigation is located. Along the hidden pearls of Riemst and the wine castle of Genoelselderen, continue towards Tongeren. From the market square, Ambiorix shows you the way to the Gallo-Roman Museum, the Teseum, the Beguinage and a host of other heritage sites. Passing by the landscaped park of Kevie and the old chocolate factory of Nerem, you drive through the fields and villages of Riemst, direction Kanne. This is where it's time to reward yourself with a good ice cream or a cold Caves beer.

This road is just waiting to be discovered. Along the way, you will come across a large number of benches to chat ... This is the moment of a chat with a possible passerby, perhaps a vulnerable person that you will help by breaking his loneliness!

Chat and enjoy along the 'chatting bench routes'!