UNESCO Global Geopark Famenne-Ardenne : Geotrail of Marche-en-Famenne

Urban Renewal and Fortified Heritage Undergoing major urban renewal since the 1970s—recognized by the European EDEN award in 2011—Marche-en-Famenne blends historic architecture with modern art along its pedestrian streets. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the town was enclosed by a 1.4 km rampart, 4.2 m thick, featuring over twenty towers, moats, and marshes. The Guard Walk and Historic Crafts At this corner of the former city wall, rampart remains uncovered in 2014 have been integrated into a modern footbridge. It evokes the guards' walk, featuring four circular structures symbolizing medieval turrets. Sculptures on their facades pay tribute to traditional local crafts (lace maker, chimney sweep, tanner, and brewer). At the roundabout, Serge Gangolf's Point de rencontre sculpture illustrates the connection between the town's fortified history and contemporary art.

At the base of the railway embankment, the Lavoir resurgence marks the reappearance of water filtered through the Fond des Vaulx karst system. It feeds the Marchette stream (also known upstream as the Fond des Vaulx or Champlon stream), which flows through Marche-en-Famenne before joining the River Ourthe 11 km downstream at Fronville.

Rugged and steep, the Fond des Vaulx forms a striking dry valley. The Champlon stream disappears underground as soon as it flows from sandstone onto soluble Givetian limestone. Water drains through chantoirs (sinkholes) into a karst cave network, only running above ground after exceptionally heavy rain.

Sourd d’Aiwe is a small cave forming a temporary resurgence: depending on water levels, an underground river flows out or leaves the cavity completely dry. When dry, fossilized remains of ancient tropical seas and coral reefs can be seen on the exposed rock.

Midway through the Fond des Vaulx lies its most iconic karst feature: Trotti aux Fosses. This 15-meter-deep collapse sinkhole was formed when the roof of a massive underground cavern caved in. The site is rich in local folklore: legend has it as the lair of the "Grosse Biesse," a mythical creature now celebrated in Marche's annual carnival.

Renovated in 2024, this shelter serves as a base for local environmental and caving groups maintaining the site alongside the forestry service (DNF). Next to it lies the entrance to Ducasse Cave, fitted with a bat-friendly gated door to protect local wildlife. Visits can be arranged through the Spéléo-Lux association, and a wall diagram explains the underground cave network.

The trail leads through a forest alongside the usually dry bed of the Champlon stream. At the end of the path lies a temporary sinkhole that becomes active during higher water levels, while the main Marchette sinkhole is located 150 meters further upstream. Known as the Pierard chantoirs, these entry points channel surface waters underground: tracer tests show the water takes about 24 hours to reach Trotti aux Fosses and 72 hours to re-emerge at the Lavoir resurgence.

From the bridge over the N4 highway (altitude 315 m), look out over the characteristic landscape of the Marche region: the long descent through the Calestienne limestone belt toward the Famenne depression. On a clear day, the 63-meter-tall Tour de la Famenneis visible to the southwest, standing near the Geopark's northern boundary.

Consecrated in 1050, this Romanesque church is among the oldest in Belgium and still holds its original dedicatory stone. Framed by an ancient cemetery and a centuries-old linden tree, the interior features a 16th-century baptismal font, the coat of arms of Philip II, and sculptures by the Master of Waha—whose works are also displayed at the Famenne & Art Museum. Stained-glass windows created by Jean-Michel Folon depict the martyrdom of Saint Stephen.

Walking down this street, you will spot Château Jadot on your left—a yellowish building representative of bourgeois architecture from 1850 to 1950. Opposite stands the statue of Li p'tit chufleu (the little whistler), created by Louis Noël. Known as the local "Gavroche," this playful young boy captures the cheeky, mischievous, yet warm-hearted spirit of Marche.

The FAM spans local history from prehistory to modern times, showcasing remarkable Merovingian and Carolingian artifacts from Wellin and Hamoir. It highlights the work of the Master of Waha, a key sculptor of the Late Gothic period. The museum also features exhibits on local geology and history (including a model of the town in 1600), traditional lacemaking, and a section dedicated to modern art.

A partner of the UNESCO Global Geopark Famenne-Ardenne, this 4-star hotel is housed within a heritage-listed 18th-century Jesuit church. The establishment features a gourmet restaurant highlighting local produce, a Spa, and a spacious terrace. Committed to sustainable tourism, it offers nature-focused packages (e-bike tours, deer rutting season, ethical fishing) while emphasizing short supply chains and eco-friendly practices.

At the center of Place Roi Albert, a fountain pays tribute to Georges Peret, the town’s last town crier, dressed in his traditional blue smock. Facing the square stands Saint-Remacle Church, built in the Mosan Gothic style and restored following fires in 1615 and 1806. It features a 16th-century baptismal font, polychrome wooden statues, and modern stained-glass windows added in 1974, though its 1715 baroque tower was never rebuilt.