Laforêt

Laforêt has been designated one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, and rightly so. The village is nestled along the Semois River in the south of the province of Namur. It is also part of the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois and boasts not only historical, cultural, and heritage treasures, but also magnificent natural surroundings.

Laforêt is an example of a typical Ardennes village that has managed to preserve its character over the years. Indeed, the village still houses old buildings, such as stone houses with thatched roofs (shale fragments), tobacco drying sheds, wash houses and water reservoirs .

The village of Laforêt is known for its small slate farmhouses nestled around the Church of Sainte-Agathe, often decorated with heart-shaped lucky charms typical of the region. You will also see remarkable French stone bull's-eye windows and wooden window and door frames.

As you stroll through the village, you'll pass tobacco smoking sheds, reminders of the time when tobacco was a significant source of income for the region. A 2 km interpretive trail provides further information about the village and its history.

In Laforêt, you will also find old watering troughs and wash houses, another characteristic of the village. Just outside the hamlet, there is a fine example that was once part of a larger complex including a fountain and a wash house. Water was used efficiently: animals drank from the troughs, the fountain water was used for cooking, and the wash house was used for laundry.

Besides its history and natural beauty, Laforêt also boasts some culinary delights. Several welcoming bistros serve delicious regional dishes and local specialties. You can, for example , enjoy a meal at Brasserie du Simonis or Epicerie Le Serpolet.

In a beautiful period building located in the heart of Laforêt, the Brasserie du Simonis offers simple and nourishing dishes, such as a ham hock with mustard, or a young rooster with braised endive.