Strong women, bears and ceramics. A walk in town in Andenne.

Andenne is an ancient town located on the Meuse, between the more imaginative cities of Namur and Huy. However, it's worth finding out. This short walk into town takes you through some interesting neighborhoods that determine the appearance of Andenne. We start with the modern eco-district La Phare and walk to the Place des Tilleuls. It was the new center, developed in the 19th century, when the city became wealthy due to the ceramic industry, quarries and steel foundries. You can notice it at City Hall, the kiosk and a striking Art Nouveau house. But it is also the place where you can see the memories of the massacre by German troops of the citizens of Andenne during the First World War. We continue, through a few streets with simple Art Deco houses, to the old medieval core. We pass the legendary "Bear Fountain", where children are guaranteed to have fun in the water. The Place du Perron was the center of the "secular" part of the city governed by canonesses. The old town hall from the 18th century bears witness to this. The spiritual center, founded by Saint Begga in the 8th century, is accessible a little later on the Chapter Square. The opulence of these ladies is reflected in the collegiate church and striking houses around the main square. The source of Sainte Begga is overshadowed by some lime trees. It is nice to sit here at the edge of the undulating water. From here we continue along the Saint-Etienne gate and some picturesque houses to the forest path that takes us steeply to the Calvary Chapel. From this altitude, the panorama of the city and its surroundings is magnificent. Along the recently restored Way of the Cross, we descend towards the town and pass again in front of the large Art Deco style school at La Phare.

Point of departure and arrival
Because the promenade is designed as a loop, you can enter right there. However, we suggest you start and finish at the Tourist Office 'Le Phare', a modern building where the ceramics museum is also located (Promenade des Ours 37, 5300 Andenne).

Accessibility by public transport
Andenne is easily accessible by train. The train station is located in Seilles, on the other bank of the Meuse, about 10 minutes walk from the center. Several trains stop per hour.

Parking lot
In the center around the Place des Tilleuls and the Place du Chapitre there is a paid parking or there is a blue zone. There is ample free parking at the Arena sports stadium, rue Docteur Melin, about three hundred meters from the city center.

About the trail
The trail is paved and easy in the city. When you take the trouble to climb Calvary, you take unpaved forest trails. In 2019, the Stations of the Cross was restored and the road was made easily passable, but quite steep.
The complete loop is 3.5 kilometers.
The difficulty level is low: i.e. 4/10

Food and beverages
In Andenne, there is a good restoration at democratic prices. You will certainly find what you are looking for in cafes, restaurants, pastry shops, ... near the Place des Tilleuls, the center of Andenne.

Tip!
You can easily combine a day trip to Andenne with a walk in the area. Take a look at this walk in Seillles or take a look at the Sclaigneaux Nature Reserve. More suggestions can be found on the website of the Tourist Office. For cyclists, several circuits have been developed from calm to sporty.

A visit to the unique Museum of Ceramics is also worthwhile.