Viroinval: Discover the must-sees

Its picturesque surrounding villages , such as Dourbes and Vierves-sur-Viroin , captivate visitors with their traditional stone houses, cobbled lanes and churches.

Welcome to Viroinval , a destination that will delight lovers of history , nature , and adventure , offering a memorable getaway in the heart of the Ardennes . We'll tell you all about the activities available in the surrounding area .

Spanning 48,350 hectares , the Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park stretches across three municipalities: Philippeville , Couvin , and Viroinval . With its picturesque valleys , wooded hills , and meandering rivers , the park offers an idyllic setting for hiking , mountain biking , and wildlife observation . During your walks, you'll discover a true natural gem , a haven of wonder and relaxation .

The Viroin Valley is characterized by its verdant landscapes , winding rivers , and wooded hills . Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous trails that meander through the valley, offering spectacular panoramic views . You can, for example, follow this route (difficult level).

In the heart of Nismes , you'll find this charming municipal park and its castle . A variety of activities are offered to ensure you have a relaxing time: boat trips , mini-golf , several discovery trails , and of course , games for children !

A unique and impressive site not to be missed during your stay in Viroinval , and more specifically in Nismes : the Fondry des Chiens natural chasm . This protected site is part of the Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park . There, you can admire astonishing biodiversity , either on a marked trail or aboard the tourist train .

Fancy exploring the region on foot and immersing yourself in natural landscapes , while learning about the local heritage ? There are many opportunities for walks in the surrounding area. The Viroinval Tourist Office offers several marked trails and hiking routes .

In Viroinval , you have the opportunity to practice unusual sports : kayaking , mountain biking , climbing , horse riding , mountainboarding , off-road scootering … Live unique experiences and leave your stay with lots of great memories .

The hills and wooded landscapes of the region offer an ideal setting for mountain biking enthusiasts. Trails and the RAVeL network are also available for cyclists. More 400 kilometers of marked trails await you!

It is also possible to rent vintage e-bikes in Vierves and opt for a guided family ride (from age 12).

The region's rocky cliffs provide ideal terrain for climbers of all levels, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. You'll enjoy exceptional panoramic views while pushing your limits in a spectacular natural setting.

The two authorized climbing sites in the municipality of Viroinval are:

• The Prosper quarry in Olloy , which offers 20 climbing routes . You will need the owner's permission to access it.
• The locality known as " Maisselle " in Dourbes (outside of hunting season).

You will find all the practical information on the Viroinval Tourist Office website.

Viroinval is a popular meeting point for horseback riders . There are numerous opportunities for horseback riding in the countryside and equestrian treks . Training courses and rides are organized by the town's equestrian centers.

The Ride Through the Land of Lakes is a 220-kilometer route, stretching over 1000 hectares in the heart of the Chimay Forest . A unique adventure to experience in the great outdoors with your horse!

Located in neighboring France , this The aquatic center is the ideal place to entertain the whole family . Enjoy the indoor and outdoor aquatic areas , the diving pit , the cardio and weight training area , the wellness area , or even the bowling alley and the snack bar offered on site.

On sunny and warm days , there's nothing like kayaking or canoeing down the Viroin ! Several embarkation points are available, depending on the length of the route you prefer: at Dourbes , at Olloy-sur-Viroin , at Vierves , and the arrival is at Treignes .

Located in the village of Oignies-en-Thérarche , on a former ski slope , Wanyi Park offers several activities (with equipment rental) for thrill -seekers:

• Mountainboarding , which is a mix of snowboarding and skateboarding : the gliding sensations are incredible.
• The all-terrain scooter : for going on guided rides in the forest, in a group.

A change of scenery also means discovering local flavors and regional crafts . Escavèche , specialty beers , dairy products , organic produce … Here are the artisans worth a visit in Viroinval .

This local market takes place on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from March to November , from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located in Place Châtillon in Nismes . It's the ideal place to buy regional products in a friendly atmosphere .

This artisanal fish shop transports you to the heart of Belgian culinary tradition . In a modern workshop located in Olloy-sur-Viroin , they still follow the traditional recipe for escavèche . You'll have the opportunity to purchase this local specialty on site, as well as various other fish , smoked meats , and artisanal products .

For fruits and vegetables , as well as vegetarian specialties , dairy products , cereals , flours , or beverages , this grocery and garden center located in Olloy-sur-Viroin is your go-to place. It is open on Wednesdays , Fridays , and Saturdays , and deliveries are also available within a 20 km radius.

Viroinval is a town with a rich historical past and a fascinating heritage to discover. Would you like to learn more? We invite you to visit one of these cultural sites during your stay:

From the village of Dourbes , observe the ruins of Château Hauteroche , dating from the 14th century . The castle sits atop a rocky spur . And if you climb to the top, you'll be rewarded with a splendid view of the village.

The Arthur Masson Space offers you an immersion into the literary and artistic world of the writer Arthur Masson . Discover the region's rich literary heritage through interactive exhibitions , creative workshops , and cultural events .

This visit is sure to please history buffs! Explore the ruins of this villa, which offer a glimpse into daily life and architecture during the Roman era. It's a protected site that has been restored. The archaeological artifacts are housed at the Musée du Malgré-Tout .

Are you staying in Viroinval with children and looking to keep them entertained? Or do you simply want to spend some quality time with friends? Here are some leisure ideas to suit all tastes:

In addition to visiting the Musée du Malgré-Tout , workshops and activities are regularly organized: archery, prehistoric or Egyptian painting , bracelet making, hieroglyphs , weaving , music … Fun activities to share during a school trip or a family day out .

This well-maintained mini-golf course has 18 holes . Its lovely , green, and relaxing setting in Nismes is particularly appealing. You can find all the information about opening hours and prices on the Viroinval Tourist Office website.

Do your little ones need to burn off some energy during your stay in Viroinval ? We have good news for you: fantastic playgrounds are available throughout the town and are open year-round. You can find all the playgrounds listed on the Tourist Office website.

During your stay in Viroinval , would you also like to take the time to explore the surrounding area ? In that case, you'll surely enjoy strolling through some picturesque villages . We've compiled a list of those that are well worth a visit .

Dourbes is a small village nestled along the Viroin River. Discover the Saint-Servais Church (a listed monument) and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque spot. Admire the ruins of Château Hauteroche as well. If you're seeking authenticity and peace and quiet, you'll enjoy exploring the area.

Vierves-sur-Viroin is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia and is distinguished by its fascinating past , marked by witch trials. From the village center, you can see the remains of the castle and the old presbytery , both well worth a visit. Don't miss the Carnival festivities either, which bring the village to life with traditions and a unique charm.