All hikes in the Ardennes

A Blend of Heritage, History, and Stunning Views

As you leave the village, before reaching the Bande cemetery, you’ll come across a majestic, centuries-old oak tree that was once used as a military landmark. This remarkable tree, a silent witness to local history, will accompany you at the start of your journey.

As you reach the top of the hill, you’ll discover a panoramic view of Roy, a small village in the municipality of Marche-en-Famenne. Next, you’ll follow an ancient Roman road, recognizable by its particularly straight course, which attests to the age of this route.

Back in the countryside of Bande, get ready for an exceptional view. On a clear day, your gaze will extend to the heights of Houffalize on one side and all the way to Gedinne on the other, offering a spectacular view of nearly 80 kilometers of landscape.

The route will then take you to a place known as “Bon Dieu du Zéro,” the sole remnant of an ancient hamlet that no longer exists. This historic site is said to have hosted the writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who stopped there in 1792.

Finally, you’ll make your way back to Bande at a leisurely pace along small country roads and pass through the old Bonny neighborhood. Its charming triangular square is home to a very old wayside cross—the last heritage site you’ll encounter before returning to your starting point.

A walk that combines wide-open spaces, heritage, history, and Ardennes landscapes, with a few lovely surprises around every bend.

Between Heritage, History, and Panoramic Views

This moderately difficult walking trail begins at the foot of the church in Bande and invites you to discover the landscapes and heritage surrounding the village.

After approximately 1.3 km, take a moment to turn around: the village of Bande stretches out behind you, offering a beautiful panorama with the hills of Waha and Grimbiémont in the distance.

After about 2 km on an asphalt path, you will reach the place called "Bon Dieu du Zéro" (Good Lord of Zero), just before entering the forest. The only remaining vestige of a former hamlet that has since disappeared, this historically significant site is said to have hosted the writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who stopped here in 1792. An information panel will tell you more about this event.

You will then follow a perfectly straight path, an old communication route that once connected Trier to Tongeren. A little further on, you'll pass near the Croix du Français (French Cross), a memorial to the battles of August 1914. A rest area offers a chance to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

At the edge of the forest, a barbecue area awaits you on the left. You can also enjoy another magnificent panoramic view of the village of Bande.

To finish the walk, you'll return to the heart of the village via its oldest alleyway, the last vestige of Bande's rich heritage.

This walk combines history, heritage, nature, and beautiful viewpoints, along a route that promises delightful discoveries for curious walkers.

Discovering Bande and Its Landscapes

Following easily accessible country paths, this walk offers numerous views of the village of Bande, which you’ll overlook for nearly two-thirds of the route.

After about 100 meters, you’ll leave the Grand’Rue to reach a rocky outcrop that is home to the charming La Salette Chapel. The path leading there is lined with majestic old linden trees, adding a lovely touch of character to this peaceful spot.

As you leave Rue Tahée, you’ll gradually take in the surrounding scenery, including a view of the Bois de Bande, the Grune bell tower, and part of the Gerny plateau.

On your way back to the village via Rue Sausset, you’ll pass through the picturesque Bony neighborhood. At the intersection with Rue Fonzay stands a remarkable half-timbered building dating from 1760, considered the oldest in the village.

The final few hundred meters will take you through the very old Fonzay neighborhood, where you can enjoy the tranquil charm of a small stream that runs alongside the route.

A charming walk combining panoramic views, heritage, and exploration of Bande’s historic neighborhoods.

Easy-to-access route (small car park at the start), in the heart of nature and passing through the village of Grune. There are 2 barbecue/picnic areas along the way, one at the start and the other after +/- 2 km of walking. There is a beautiful viewpoint over the village of Bande. 2/3 of the walk is in the forest and then we pass through the pretty village of Grune.

A walk on a mixed path, suitable for families. At the starting point, there is a small car park and a barbecue area. 500m further on, turn right to cross the communal orchard. The path through the fields offers a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the Famenne and the surrounding area. After about 3.5km, there's a small picnic area offering breathtaking views of the region (including the Godefroid manor house and the Chefneufays manor house). A few metres further along the roadside, you'll come to a private avenue of lime trees. This remarkable avenue stretches for more than 1,000 metres and includes around 318 lime trees, planted around 1900. It leads to the Château de Grune (privately owned), some of whose foundations date back to the late 13th or early 14th century. It was rebuilt in 1613 and has undergone a number of transformations over the years. The ensemble forms a quadrilateral, comprising a stately home and a farmhouse (early 18th century) in ruins. This former fortified house, listed since 1947 by the Monuments and Sites Commission, now belongs to the King Baudouin Foundation. The walk crosses the château grounds to reach the rue du Roly and its farms dating from the 18th century.

A short family walk highlighting the architectural heritage in the Rue du Roly (former 18th-century farmhouses) and the natural heritage of the village of Grune. At the start (or finish) of the walk is a rest area with a barbecue. This invites you to relax for a while in a magical spot on the edge of the wood, where the lapping of the water blends harmoniously with the birdsong. Before you reach the forest, there's the village playground where your children can enjoy themselves. Further on, there's a second barbecue area in the middle of the forest. Children will love stretching their legs in the forest at the end of the walk.

This walk starts at the Laid Trou pavilion. After the hunting lodge, the path runs alongside the Wassoie. When you reach the stone bridge, there is a barbecue area next to the stream on your right. Rejoin the road and you will see the meadow pig farm on your left.

This walk is a blend of nature, history and relaxation: preserved fauna, diverse forest species (oak, beech, spice, etc.), the English memorial, the Château du Bois, home to LAN (Land Art Nassogne), picnic and barbecue areas, etc.