Wellin Geotrail of the Geopark Famenne-Ardenne

Perched on a sandstone ridge running from west to east, Sohier instantly captivates with the charm and harmony of its architectural heritage. Traditional houses, old farms, a church, a presbytery, and a castle form a remarkably maintained and restored ensemble. As a typical linear village, Sohier is best discovered along its main street, where buildings—sometimes standing alone, sometimes grouped in short terraced rows—tell the story of the area. Most of these natural stone constructions date back to the 19th century, giving the village a fine architectural unity. This exceptional quality earned Sohier the label of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia", a distinction it also owes to the dedication and passion of its residents. Every year, as soon as warm weather returns, the village bursts into stunning floral displays that delight visitors and walkers alike. The natural stone used in Sohier comes from two distinct sources: limestone from the Calestienne—located 1.5 km to the north—and sandstone.

Built in 1870 on the site of a 1587 castle chapel, this church beautifully embodies the history and geology of the Famenne region. Crafted from local limestone and sandstone—shaped by millions of years of earth history—it hides a true treasure inside: a remarkable 16th-century coat-of-arms tombstone of Jean de Ghenart and his wife Marie d'Awen.

Created alongside the Marie-Thérèse highway to water livestock, this historic pond—already mapped in 1865—is a true haven for biodiversity. Fed by its own spring, it sustains green frogs, smooth newts, and dragonflies, and welcomes a pair of Canada geese every spring. A precious yet fragile ecosystem, currently threatened by invasive waterweed.

From this viewpoint, take in a beautiful panorama of the Calestienne! Shaped by millions of years of erosion and tectonic shifts, this landscape reveals the region's rich geological diversity. Use this orientation table to decode the scenery and discover the fascinating connections between rocks, relief, and vegetation.

Nestled in the heart of an open forest, Fays-Famenne charms visitors with its narrow streets and authentic architecture. Its stone houses and half-timbered cottages tell a story of harmony with nature, where locals built a peaceful haven using local raw materials. A truly timeless stop!

Built in 1860 at the initiative of Baroness Baré de Comogne, this Neo-Gothic chapel stands proudly on a silty rock promontory. Steeped in local lore, it was once the destination of processions praying for rain during severe droughts. From this sanctuary evoking the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary, the trail leads on beneath the leafy canopy of a magnificent linden tree avenue

Perched on a hill of detritic rocks, this avenue offers a striking and contrasting panorama. To the south, the Ardenne unfolds its rolling heights and vast forests. To the north, the scenery drops into a depression: the Grande Fagne, carved into shale by erosion. Beyond it, the relief rises towards the Tienne de Reumont, marking the entrance into the Calestienne with its limestones (visible in the distance toward Lomprez and the Carrière des Limites). Further north lie the shale depression of the Famenne and the ridges of the Condroz.

Built in 1950 as a token of gratitude for sparing the village during World War II, this chapel was created by local sculptor Louis Thomas. Although its original statue was sadly stolen in 1994, the shrine still offers a serene resting spot overlooking a sweeping panorama of the Famenne region.

The historic heart of the village, this private fortified castle dates back to the 16th century. For four centuries, it remained in the hands of three related families. Once surrounded by moats, it was radically transformed in 1866 by Viscount Lambert de Baré de Comogne into a stately pleasure residence. Surrounded by a remarkable park with exceptional trees, the chateau blends rich architectural heritage with outstanding ecological value.

Built in 1879 in the heart of the village, this former school reflects the importance of education and once housed the town hall on the upper floor. Its bourgeois architecture accommodated a single classroom and the teacher's residence. High ceilings, large windows, and rural outbuildings point to a bygone era. Today, the old school has been transformed into a "rural life laboratory," keeping its community spirit alive.