Top 20 Natural Monuments around Attert

The Trench of Gates: Gateway to Gaume, Gateway to Legends 1. What is it? Physical Description The Trench of Gates is a deep and spectacular rocky gorge, naturally carved by the Vire River (a tributary of the Semois) into the sandstone plateau of the Gaume forest. Located in the village of Dampicourt (commune of Rouvroy), on the French border, it forms a narrow and winding notch, framed by high sandstone walls and strangely shaped rocks. Its name comes from its topography: the site gives the impression of crossing several successive natural "gates." 2. A Strategic Position: Military History The true fame of the Trench of Gates comes from its historical role as a natural fortress and strategic border post. A Gallic Stronghold? : Its easily defensible configuration suggests that it was used as a refuge since the Gallic era. The Roman Fort: Its strategic role became evident during the Roman era. The Romans established a castellum (a fortified camp) there to control the passage between Belgic Gaul and Imperial Trier, and to protect the nearby Roman road. Remains of these fortifications were still visible several centuries ago. A Millennial Challenge: Due to its position on the border, the site has been contested and fortified throughout history, from the Middle Ages to modern wars. It offered an ideal control point over one of the few passable passages through the region's wooded terrain.

The Tranchée des Portes covers an area of 100 hectares. It is the largest Iron Age stronghold in Belgium. This development required an abundant workforce. The construction and maintenance of the rampart suggest a well-organized social entity. Unlike Montauban, which was occupied occasionally, the Tranchée des Portes is not a refuge but an oppidum, that is to say, a fortified site where people settled for the long term with their livestock and crops. It is a fortification that owes its name to the deep ditch (5 m) that precedes its rampart. Consisting of an earthwork over 3 m high, formerly surmounted by a palisade, this barrier, pierced by 3 gates, extends over 1 km. This type of defensive site is called a barred spur. It was often used in the protohistoric period (Iron Age). We chose a place with 2 or 3 steep and almost impassable sides and we blocked access by building a wall on the vulnerable side with what we found on the site (stones, trees, earth)

The largest Iron Age stronghold in Belgium, covering an area of 100 hectares, is to be discovered in EtalleUnlike Montauban, which was occupied occasionally, the Tranchée des Portes was not a refuge but an oppidum, i.e. a fortified site where people settled for the long term with their livestock and crops. It is a fortification that owes its name to the deep ditch (5m) that precedes its rampart. Consisting of an earthwork of more than 3m formerly topped with a palisade, this dam, pierced by three gates, extends over more than 1km. This type of defense site is called a barred spur. It was often used in the protohistoric period (Iron Age).

nice place for a break in your ride. enjoy the nature ( all season)

Nice reserve in a slightly marshy area.

This must-see was a little sad during my visit. The pond does not seem to be maintained and the vegetation is taking over the footbridge as well as the small pontoon which was not passable. Too bad because this place can be very nice!

This very pretty pond has a wooden bridge which allows you to observe the fauna and flora without disturbance. Road signs also indicate to slow down so as not to run over amphibians. It's funny.

If you are looking for a peaceful and natural place, you should visit the Tattert-Thiaumont pond. This pond, formerly used for fishing, is today dedicated to fauna, flora and tranquility. You can walk around the pond and get to know the water inhabitants, woodland birds and beavers thanks to the information boards installed along the banks. You can also observe the abundant pond life from a wooden pontoon overlooking the water. It's a great place to exercise and get closer to nature.