Côte de Stockeu

This 47km cycling route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Stavelot region, following in the footsteps of classic Ardennes climbs. From the Salm Valley to the legendary Côte de Stockeu , passing through Francorchamps and the Col de la Haute-Levée, the route combines steep climbs, fast descents, and wooded scenery . A challenging and iconic course, ideal for cyclists seeking a test of skill.

The race starts in the center of Stavelot , before tackling the climb to Amermont , one of the first significant challenges on the route. This section sets the tone: steep gradients, narrow roads, and a typical Ardennes atmosphere.

You then continue towards the Col de la Haute-Levée , then descend towards Francorchamps, following the Route du Circuit.

From Francorchamps and Burnenville, the route heads towards Masta , before tackling the legendary Côte de Stockeu, a formidable cobbled wall averaging 12–13% over several sections.
A stop is a must at the Eddy Merckx memorial, a tribute to the “Cannibal” who marked the history of cycling in the region.

The climb then continues towards Logbiermé, before descending towards Somage and Hénumont, then Pafflard and Grand-Halleux.
The return journey follows the Salm valley, before passing through Rochelinval and Trois-Ponts, where the road joins the Amblève valley to Stavelot.

• Length: 2.3 km
• Elevation gain: 227m
• Steepest section: 19.1%
• Average slope: 9.9%
  

• Côte de Stockeu – a legendary climb in Ardennes cycling.
• Eddy Merckx stele – tribute to the Belgian champion, located at the top of the wall.
• Col de la Haute-Levée – an iconic passage in the great classics.
• Francorchamps – famous for its motor racing circuit.
• Salm and Amblève valleys – an alternation of rivers, meadows and forests.

💡   Anecdote : The Côte de Stockeu is known as one of the toughest climbs in Liège–Bastogne–Liège. With its cobblestones and dizzying gradients, it has seen some of the biggest names in world cycling.