Wallonia cycling tour: 7 days between Rochefort, Namur or Dinant
While Belgium may be nicknamed the flat country, this Wallonia cycling tour offers a getaway through lush green hills, limestone cliffs, rocky promontories, and other remarkable natural landscapes. But don't worry, this Walloon cycling route remains accessible to most. Starting from Rochefort, you'll discover romantic valleys, lush green hills, and bucolic countryside. It's also a wonderful introduction to the picturesque villages and cultural and historical heritage of the Walloon region. As for gastronomy, beer lovers will be well catered for...
Highlights of this Wallonia cycling tour:
- The Famenne natural region and its geological features
- Namur and its relaxed lifestyle
- Trappist beers
- Dinant and its picture-postcard landscape
- The Meuse Valley by bike
- Authentic villages: Celles, Ny, Wéris, Furfooz, Burbuy...
Day 1: Rochefort
Check into your hotel in Rochefort, in the heart of the Famenne natural region and in the province of Namur. The city is renowned for its rich heritage, its Trappist beer, and the many natural sites nearby. The Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy Abbey, the remains of the Comtal castle, and the historic center are worth a visit. A little further out of the city, the Grotte de Lorette-Rochefort and La Malagne (a Gallo-Roman archaeological site) are interesting excursions.
Day 2: Rochefort Loop (31 or 49 km / + 370 or + 750 m)
For this first bike ride in Wallonia, two loops are available. The first part of the route is shared and takes place through remarkable natural landscapes. You cycle along a narrow limestone strip in the unique geological area known as the Calestienne. Along the way, we recommend a visit to the Caves of Han, one of the most famous and breathtaking sites in Belgium! With 2 km of underground trail, you can admire magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral wonders.
Approximately halfway along the route, you can choose to extend the ride to Mirwart, a charming village with a beautiful castle. While the long route is not insurmountable in terms of distance (49 km), in terms of elevation gain, there are some beautiful climbs and descents (+ 750 m).
Return to Rochefort.
Day 3: From Rochefort to Durbuy (53 km / +540 m)
Leave Rochefort behind and head towards Durbuy. The route begins with a beautiful climb which, once at the top, offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. After passing through the charming hamlet of Marche-en-Famenne, you wind along small country roads. You'll discover Ny and Wéris, listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia." Several imposing dolmens mark the route. Durbuy, your overnight stop, is a picturesque village nestled between the Ourthe River and high limestone cliffs.
Day 4: From Durbuy to Namur (37 or 68 km / +390 or +420 m)
Leave the banks of the Ourthe to reach the Condrusian plateau and its verdant hills. From the Plaine-Sapin lookout, you can take in a large portion of the landscape. The Wallonia cycling tour continues through the heart of bucolic countryside, punctuated by peaceful villages. In Modave, you can visit the castle. Continue on a beautiful cycle path through the green Hoyoux Valley before reaching the medieval city of Huy. Huy is also a historic site of World War II. Along the Meuse River and via the EuroVelo 19, you arrive in Namur. You can also opt for a train to shorten the leg.
The Wallonia cycling tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to Namur. The administrative capital has retained an authentic atmosphere and is renowned throughout the country for its relaxed lifestyle. The two rivers with their lively banks that cross the city are a key factor in this, as are the historic center and its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5: From Namur to Dinant (34, 55, or 68 km / +100, +480, or +710 m)
Three routes are available to you today. Follow the river to Dinant by cycling along a towpath, or take the same towpath with a few excursions into the surrounding hills and through the beautiful villages of Crupet, Sosoye, or Falaën. This is also an opportunity to discover the stunning Annevoie gardens and their magnificent water features.
Dinant, your destination for the day, is remarkable in many ways. Nestled in the hollow of rocky cliffs, the town has a unique charm with its tall bell tower, its hilltop citadel, its slate roofs, and the pretty banks of the Meuse.
Day 6: From Dinant to Rochefort (43 km / + 580 m)
This final bike ride in Wallonia takes you first to Walzin Castle, overlooking the Lesse River. Continue towards the Condroz Plateau and visit the villages of Furfooz and Celles and their charming old stone houses. A little further on, stands Vêves Castle, which, with its four angular towers, looks like something straight out of a novel. After a few kilometers, mostly downhill, you'll reach Famenne and Rochefort.
Day 7: Rochefort
End of your stay after breakfast. Additional night(s) are possible to enjoy the city and its surroundings.
