Get on your bike and go from one UNESCO gem to another in the South of Belgium!
This open-air adventure, which follows the local ‘RAVeL’ and ‘Points-Noeuds’ cycling network, can be easily adapted to your desires: a gentle one-day ride or a few days itinerary. There is much to see in our beautiful region…
Between Tournai and on to the remarkable Blegny-Mine site - located at the gateway of the Netherlands, enjoy the stunning, varied landscapes of the Hainaut plains, the Meuse river, the Condroz hills and the secret Ardenne valleys. Dotted here and there, get to admire exceptional historical treasures, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, as well as other fantastic tourist attractions.
Add to this a selection of bike-friendly lodgings… it's a magical 500 km Wallonian adventure that is sure to stay in your treasured holiday memory chest.
491 km
|
max. 564 m
min. 14 m
3787 m
| |||
Accessibility | ||||
Style : Balade Public : Cyclists Theme : Major sites |
Listed by UNESCO for its 5 bell towers, its nave and transept of Romanesque style, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a gem of medieval architecture. Its rather large nave counts 4 horizontal levels along 8 spans. The columns are topped with capitals often decorated with botanical details and are all different: a hundred different pieces in total, quite unique in Belgium! walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/notre-dame-de-tournai-cathedral-listed-unesco
Tournai is best seen from its 15th century belfry, listed by UNESCO. Built on the site of the 1218 original after it burnt down, it is the oldest in Wallonia's seven belfries and the only one with outdoor viewing platforms.
Take a former coal mine, get it listed by UNESCO as World Heritage and you get the CID of the Grand Hornu: an innovation and design centre, featuring temporary exhibitions on design, applied art and contemporary art.
Discover the full beauty of Belgium's only baroque belfry by taking its panoramic lift and enjoying the view over the city.
Located in the Jardin du Mayeur, the Doudou Museum invites you to discover the rich world of the Ducasse, listed as world heritage and a gem within Mons folkloric traditions.
Just 6 km from Mons, the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes or SILEX'S, listed by UNESCO, are well worth a visit... walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/silexs-mons-neolithic-flint-mines-spiennes
"The Hainaut region proves quite artistic, notably near the Canal du Centre. The most impressive pieces are near the Ronquière inclined plane and the Strépy-Thieu boat lifts, listed by UNESCO.Strépy-Thieu boat lifts. Why not indulge in a boat cruise to learn more? visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/hydraulic-boat-lifts-canal-du-centre
The Binche belfry, part of the town hall, was built in the 14th century. Burnt down by the French in 1554, the hall was soon restored in a Renaissance style by architect Du Broeucq.
Listed by UNESCO for its remarkable VIIth century architecture, the belfry of Thuin guarantees a stunning panorama of the region. Visitors get the opportunity to watch a movie retracing its story.
This belfry, part of Charleroi's City Hall, was designed by architect Joseph André in 1936. A perfect combination of classicism and art deco in architecture, it was built of blue and white stone as well as bricks. 70 metres high, the tower was then crowned with a small bronze bell tower. The last 3 levels are home to its carillon: 47 bells playing the tune of a popular song by Jacques Bertrand, a local bard. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/belfry-charleroi-part-unesco-world-heritage
Listed by UNESCO as one of the major mining sites in Wallonia, the Bois du Cazier is a particularly touching memorial. Located South of Charleroi, this preserved industrial heritage site stretches along 26 hectares. A remarkable orientation trail has been designed to present its 3 heaps and architectural features.
The citadel of Dinant promises an incredible day out. Retrace 900 years history and discover the Meuse valley in Belgium. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/citadel-dinant-fortress-meuse-valley
Wallonia now has its very own UNESCO geopark, in Famenne-Ardenne. Discover how stunning and varied the landscapes of the regions are: a perfect day out with friends and family. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/unesco-global-geopark-famenne-ardenne
Located along the Fagne-Famenne, Wéris delights visitors with its colourful meadows and fields. After taking a stroll in the village, why not stop by the megalithic site, known as the best preserved in Wallonia? Its enchanting atmosphere inspired many tales and legends... visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/weris-one-prettiest-villages-wallonia-province-luxembourg
The rows of megaliths in Wéris add a surreal touch to the landscape. Such a sight is so unexpected… and yet, they have been placed there 3,000 years BC. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/fascinating-megaliths-weris
Durbuy, known as the gateway to the Ardennes, has been chosen as an exceptional destination by the EDEN project as much for the charm of the city than for its focus on sustainable initiatives when it comes to tourism. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/3/where-to-go-in-wallonia/walloon-towns-and-cities/durbuy
Located east of Liège, this site is one of the four authentic coal mines left in Europe, all listed by UNESCO. Put your jacket and helmet on: the guided tour will take you through galleries 30 to 60 m underground! walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/blegny-mine-iconic-mining-site-near-liege