The best traffic-free bike rides around Linay

The current castle is very recent. It was built in 1960 at the request of the owners, the Otreppe de Bouvette family, based on plans by architect Emile Godin. The previous castle was severely damaged in both world wars and fell into disrepair.

The "Conques" viaduct is located 1 km from the village center of Herbeumont. Construction of the viaduct began in 1902 by the Chagnaud and Cox companies. The viaduct was the first completed structure for railway line 163a. It took two years to build and is said to have used 9 million bricks. The brick construction of graceful, high arches, the central one reaching almost 40 meters above the Semois, is truly impressive. Although construction was completed in 1904, it would be another 10 years before the first trains (under German occupation) rolled over the viaduct! (Trails and hikes)

À l’Ange Gardien is a surprising place; as part of the world-famous Orval site, it undoubtedly contributes to the region's tourism development. The fully renovated and modernized building meets all modern needs and requirements (proximity to parking, accessibility for people with disabilities, Wi-Fi, etc.). Here, you can enjoy the widest selection of Orval products. Both the beer and cheese are at their finest. L’Ange Gardien also exclusively serves Orval on tap, better known as the Green Orval. (À l’Ange Gardien)

A nature park is a rural area of high biological and geographical value, subject to environmental protection measures in harmony with the needs of the population and the economic and social development of the area. Unlike a nature reserve, a protected area where human activities are strictly regulated, the Gaume Nature Park adopts an integrated approach to developing its rural territory and serves as a laboratory for implementing sustainable development. The Gaume Nature Park initiates and supports the development of projects focused on: local rural dynamism, innovation and experimentation, and sustainable development. (Parc Naturel de Gaume)

Chassepierre is an artists' village situated on the Semois River. Chassepierre derives from the Latin casa petrea ("stone house"). It is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

FYI, the ruins are those of old forges and not those of a castle as mentioned above.

View over the valley