Bike ride of the groves

For five generations, the Siroperie Artisanale d’Aubel (Artisanal Syrup Maker of Aubel ) has been continuing the tradition of syrup making according to the ancestral recipe of the farms of the Pays de Herve.Although better techniques have made the different manual processes easier, nothing has changed the old traditions. Still made in copper vats, heated over a fire and without added sugar, the artisanal syrup is a concentrated juice of apples and pears picked from standard (tall) trees of the Pays de Herve.At Nyssen’s, syrup making is a family history, with knowledge handed down through the generations. And already, the future is assured!Interview with Antoine from the Artisanal Syrup Maker of Aubel (FR)

Aubel is a charming village in the shadow of the Pays de Herve orchards. It is home to the Val-Dieu Abbey and a weekly market every Sunday in the centre of the village.

Using the ordnance survey maps of the IGN (National Geographic Institute), the panorama that the walker sees has been sculpted in a 1.5 metre diameter blue stone, with additional bronze details. The whole sculpture weighs more than a ton. This orientation table represents in relief the exceptional panorama that can be seen from the site making it readable by hand, thus also accessible to the visually impaired. Originally, the group “Quality Village of Saint Jean-Sart” had the idea to install a simple wooden orientation table. Eight years later, the project had evolved to be what can be seen today: an orientation table unique in Belgium. There were numerous organisations associated with the realisation of this work : “Qualité-Village-Wallonie », the Community of Aubel , the Institute of Eco-Pédagogie as well as the Laboratory “Surfaces” of the University of Liège The construction of the actual table was the work of Betelgueuse, a collective of artists from Anthisnes. This would not have been possible without the financial support of the Walloon Region, the Tourism Commission and the Community of Aubel.

Surrounded by enclosed expanses of pastureland, the village stands at the summit of a promontory which dominates the church. The use of brick for the walls, slate for the saddleback roofs and stone for the frameworks of the windows and the right-angle quoins characterise the architecture of the whole village.To break up the simplicity of the buildings, decorative research has been applied to the slates. Windvanes dominate the roofs and bear witness to an art of ironwork brilliantly executed. Worth of seeing:• St-Jacques-le-Majeur church (17th-century) and its cemetery,• Place de la Halle• The Old Town Hall (1888), which goes over the main road, is today used as a registry office, so that one can say in Clermont "we marry in the street"• Stop on the pilgrim route to St James of Compostella, on the Via Mosana• Crawhez Castel• Clermont Castle• Ste-Anne chapel• Remember Museum 39-45

Battice fort is one of four such complexes built during the 1930s and more specifically over the period from 1934 to 1937. In May 1940, the fort was besieged for 12 days, and came under fire from heavy artillery and the German air force. A single bomb launched by a stuka ricocheted and entered a combat block, killing 28 of its occupants. The scale of the damage is shown in the tiny museum that has been built there. The mechanical inspection, 35 underground, is well worthwhile visiting even though some of equipment is missing (removed by a scrap merchant in the 1960s) : Dynamic demonstration of a 75 mm, two-cannon turret, Frescos in the underground barrack block, Generating unit in perfect condition, Casements for a 60 mm cannon and completely restored machine gun.Letter-box: rue du Puits Saint-Anne 9 - 4620 Fléron

Behind the Val-Dieu Abbey is a secret garden of the 19th century, listed as an historical monument. Populated with 17 remarkable trees listed in the heritage of Wallonia, it is organised so that some different biotopes cohabit side by side. To keep harmony and good growth, the gardens are only open to the public in accordance with a strict timetable to respect the peace and quiet that nature requires. That is why the visitor is also asked neither to swim, nor fish nor picnic, … The magnificent park is accessible free of charge everyday from 9am to 6pm.

Founded in 1216 by Cistercian monks, Notre-Dame du Val-Dieu Abbey is a remarkable group of buildings steeped in history and spirituality, set in a natural environment. Now home to the Val-Dieu Christian Community, it offers visitors a peaceful setting with its park, basilica and signposted walks.The cloister and brewery can only be visited by appointment with a guide. All Val-Dieu beers brewed at the abbey can be tasted at the Casse-Croûte or taken away at the abbey shop. The Courtyard and the Church are always open.