Baileux

The extreme south of the province of Hainaut and the extreme south of Namur are called Thiérache and Riezes. In fact, this region is the westernmost part of the Ardennes. It therefore has all the characteristics: a sloping soil mixed with sand, heights of up to 400 m, a lot of forest and little industry. Good to know: the famous French river Oise has its source in the Hainaut part of Thiérache and Riezes.
NATURE OF THE ROUTE
Only paved roads and streets that can be walked without any problems. In the last part of the hike, however, starting from the valley of the Boutonville stream, you have to overcome about 30 m of elevation gain over a distance of barely half a kilometer: this is not slave work, but wheelchairs and strollers are better there with a little extra help.
SIGNAGE
You follow parts of the Promenade de la Pierre which turns marked with blue rectangles in relief. Otherwise, road signs are great tools to stay on track.
PARK
Near the imposing church of Saint-Martin de Baileux, for example on the Place de Baileux, opposite the sanctuary.
INFORMATION
Tourist Office, Vieille Tour, rue de Noailles 4, 6460 Chimay, tel. 060 21 18 46, fax 060 21 48 64, e-mail: [email protected], internet: www.chimay.org.