By Haspengouw

Between the forests you will discover sites classified as Walloon heritage. They invite you to stroll for a while before continuing your journey...

We start from the site of the Masters of Fire, a museum tour that highlights the geological wealth of the region and their industrial exploitation. The road climbs from the first meters. Even if the relief is only slightly hilly and the heights only fluctuate between 100 and 200 meters, this course remains demanding.

At the edge of the forest we arrive at the old abbey of Paix-Dieu. It was founded in 1240, but completely rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. The landscape opens up and the valleys give way to fields.

The area saw the creation of numerous castle farms, which were built for defensive reasons in the form of a closed square or rectangle. When we leave the forest, we arrive at Jehay Castle. This impressive 16th century building, surrounded by a moat, shows remarkable architecture unique in Europe.

We then descend to another pearl: the abbey of Flône. It prefigures the historic center of Amay and its prestigious collegiate church dating from the 11th century.

Route type: Small country roads.

Type of bike: Mountain bike.

Difficulty: A pleasant journey of 29 km, but with a total altitude difference of 450 m.

Children: From +/- 15 years.

Departure: At the museum 'Les Maîtres du Feu', Rue de Bende 5 - 4540 Ampsin (Amay). Follow the street.

Signage: Follow the signs of the mountain bike circuit (triangles and red circles).

Parking: At the museum 'Les Maîtres du Feu'.

Difficulty: difficult

Duration: 3 hours.