In the footsteps of Man of Spy - Departure from the EHoS

Located at the contact between impermeable schistose terrain (to the south) and the limestone massif which acts as an underground reservoir (to the north), this water inflow marks a “hydrogeological threshold”. It was formerly exploited for its good quality water. The basin is a recent restoration (end of the 20th century).

Classified as a "Natura 2000" area for the rich diversity of its ecosystems, the Bois de Betche aux Roches is a favorite site for walkers and nature lovers.One of the many attractions of the area is that it combines limestone rocks from the Viséen region with schists and sandstones from the Couiller region, creating great contrasts in the vegetation. The fauna includes numerous mammals, including several species of bats that hibernate in small numbers in the cavities of the massif. The birdlife is also rich, notably the kingfisher and the grey wagtail.Site of Great Biological Interest (SGIB)Source: biodiversite.wallonie.be/fr/39-bois-de-betche-aux-roches-et-bois-de-la-veuve.html?idc=1881&idd=251660871

A study of the bones led the international community to accept that humans different to modern man had once existed: the Neanderthal man. There's permanent public access to the cave and there are fine waymarked walking trails in the surrounding woods and to the near villages. From March to July, on every first Sunday of the month: guided tour of the site with regard to the prehistory and to the local wildlife. Start at 14:30 at the parking space Parking de li Bètch-aus-Rotches. Visitors of the Espace de l'Homme de Spy can do a guided tour into the cave of Spy. www.hommedespy.be