The secrets of the Samson Valley in Faulx-Les Tombes: a castle and a Cistercian abbey

The Samson Valley is known for its picturesque landscape with many castles and natural heritage in the form of rocks and caves. It is often associated with a quiet and peaceful environment. At least on weekends, when the many quarries are not active.

With this walk, we discover some treasures in the upper section of the 16 km course of the Samson. The Samson is not a river you can follow along its banks . To see it, you must follow a route that occasionally crosses its course.

The walk is largely signposted in green and white. We deviate briefly to view the castle and the old bottling plant, both historic sites in the region.

Start at the church of Faulx-les-Tombes, easily accessible from the E411 or N4. A little further on, we cross the Samson for the first time. At the main road (N942), turn right instead of going straight ahead and deviate from the route for 2.1 km.

We arrive at the fairytale-like Chateau de Faulx , somewhat hidden behind greenery and currently (2023) private property.

From here, we follow the brook d'Arville to the abandoned facilities of what was formerly "Les Sources Minérales d'Arville" . The "grottes d'Arville" provided the mineral water that was bottled here. A little further on, we rejoin the signposted route.

We pass a picnic area with beautiful scenery before 'diving' further into the forest on a ridge. A little further on, we cross the Samson again at the site where the Cistercians built the Abbey of Grandpré, of which only the farmhouse with its monumental entrance gate remains today.

We are now walking parallel to the Samson, with beautiful views of the valley flanks . We return to the starting point via a few village paths.

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights once you are on site . They explain what you will see!

11/2023 R 05/2026: private section has been removed.