Virton, Gentle Gaume

What a contrast with its neighbour, the Ardennes! While the Ardennes massif is more rugged, the Lorraine relief curves gently, sparkling in the generous Gaume sunshine. The exquisite landscape and the cheerful, charming villages echo the mildness of its climate. Gaume, barred to the north by the Ardennes massif, has turned naturally south, towards its neighbour, France. An influence that is found in its heritage and its history.

À Virton

A - A fortified town … in the Middle Ages Voir sur la carte

Who would think that this charming city was once a major fortress, encircled by fortified walls, backed up by moats and dotted with towers! The guided medieval walk brings your imagination into play: at the heart of the city there were vines, squares with cattle markets and a mill wheel turned by the water of the river Ton. Life there was hectic!

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A topo guide, available from the Pays de Gaume tourist office, will take you on a journey through the Middle Ages.

À Virton

B - The Gaume Museum Voir sur la carte

The loveliest place to find out more about the southern Gaume region. It retraces the history of this region where Roman culture crosses the ages to join our own. Children will be delighted by the way this museum teaches.

rue d'Arlon, 38-40
6760 Virton
Tel : 0032(0) 63 57 03 15
Web : www.musees-gaumais.be

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C - MONTQUINTIN. Sentinel of Gaume

A real eyrie! The village of Montquintin keeps watch at the top of a hill: this is a high, remote spot. The road leading up to it is steep. The ruins of the fortified castle bear witness to the many attacks that it has suffered, despite its thick sandstone rubble walls. The first edifice was built between the 11th and the 12th century. It stood at the crossroads of French invasions, such as those of Charles d’Ambroise (1480) and the Duke of Orleans (1542). The current ruins date from the 16^th century.

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Beside the imposing ruins, a small museum retraces peasant life in the 18^th century: visitors enter a traditional setting, smiling at the sight of an old village classroom, the remains of a long-gone school...

À Virton

D - Savour

Gaume pâté

The people of Gaume are the ultimate gourmets… This meat pâté on raised pastry is stuffed with pieces of pork marinated in wine or vinegar with herbs and spices, as the butcher prefers. A dish to be brought back by everyone returning from a trip to Gaume.

À Virton