The princely city of Chimay

When we leave the historic center of Chimay, its princely castle and collegiate church, we head west and the agricultural plains of the Chimay region.

From the city center, we follow the RAVeL L156 to Villers-la-Tour.

This old railway was built in 1856 on the initiative of the Crown Prince of Chimay and was to become the link between Hermeton-sur-Meuse and Anor in France. The operation of the line remained private until 1948, when SNCB bought the concession.

We leave the green route in Villers-la-Tour. From the village a slope takes us to the plateau where we discover Salles, a typical village of the region, with elongated farmhouses and beautiful wooden barn doors.

At the highest point stands the chapel of Notre-Dame de l'Arbrisseau. According to legend, during the Battle of Rocroi in 1643, a Spanish officer made a promise to Our Lady of Pilar to build a chapel if he returned alive from the war... Then, a country road brings us back to Chimay.

Route type: RAVeL, stony paths and traffic-free roads.

Type of bike: STB (Sport & Touring Bike).

Difficulty: A journey of 13 km. You pedal first on the RAVeL, then on rural roads that can sometimes be muddy. Slope shortly after the village of Villers-la-Tour.

Children: From +/- 8 years old.

Departure: At the old station, continue straight ahead and cross Place Léopold. Also cross the N99 national road. On the other side is exit 78.

Signage: Follow junctions 78, 77, 81, 54, 53, 76, 77 and 78

Parking: Place Léopold (except Friday morning, when there is a market) or Place de la Gare.

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 2 hours.