Limbourg: between Saint-Roch and Grünhaut

Let yourself be carried away by a sense of calm on the paths and roads to the east of the village of Bilstain. Your first companion is the Chemin de Saint-Roch which, like the pilgrims of yesteryear, takes you to the picturesque chapel dating from 1740 and dedicated to Saint-Roch, the patron saint invoked against diseases. 

After a brief passage on the road to the hamlet of Hoyoux, you continue your walk in the direction of the state forest of Grünhaut. Located to the north of the village of Bilstain, on the Welkenraedt plateau, it covers an area of around 100 hectares and is one of the main forest areas of the Pays de Herve. The site is of great interest both from a landscape and biodiversity point of view. In spring, wild lilies of the valley fill the woods with their fragrance and strawberry plants are waiting to be admired. St John's wort, blackthorn and wild rose cohabit with the silent fauna.

Back on the Chemin de la Grappe, you will see a few large buildings reminiscent of the region's history. Easily spotted in the landscape, like a grey mass surrounded by farm buildings, the 17th century keep of the former château de Villers is the first to catch your eye. Further on, the Hayettes farm, a former dependency of the same castle, and finally the Polenterie farm are all examples of the importance of the rural world in our regions. Your walk ends with some striking views of the rocky spur of the former capital of Limburg, dominated for centuries by the bell tower of Saint-Georges church.

| Marking: green rectangle |

Information: dogs only allowed on a lead, not suitable for PRM. (only in French or German)

> Download the PDF of the route <