The Great Crossing of Wallonia by Bike
- From 959 € / pers.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- From mid-April to late October
- Start : Thurdays or Sundays
- Level : average to rahter sporty
- Electric bicycles available
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights :
- the green landscapes all along the route
- Dinant, the cradle of the saxophone, beautifully nestled on the banks of the Meuse
- the castles and citadels, witnesses of the eventful history of the region
- Orval, for its remarkable abbey... and its famous Trappist beer!
- typical villages: Celles, Bouillon, Chassepierre, ...
- a route almost entirely on quiet backroads
Highlights :
- the green landscapes all along the route
- Dinant, the cradle of the saxophone, beautifully nestled on the banks of the Meuse
- the castles and citadels, witnesses of the eventful history of the region
- Orval, for its remarkable abbey… and its famous Trappist beer!
- typical villages: Celles, Bouillon, Chassepierre, …
- a route almost entirely on quiet backroads
From 959 € / pers.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- From mid-April to late October
- Start : Thursdays or Sundays
- Level : average to rather sporty
- Electric bicycles available
- Luggage transfer included
BELGIUM AND WALLONIA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Once upon a time there was a country straight out of a surreal comic strip. With a deep love of fries, a thirst for fine beers whose recipes are known only to monks (in cloisters, silence is golden!), and a contagious joie de vivre coupled with a slightly offbeat sense of humour, its inhabitants seem to have mastered the art of keeping spirits high when the weather lives up to its reputation. Fortunately, it rains far less often than people sometimes fear — and that is just as well, because the country conceals enchanting landscapes that reveal themselves to travellers who venture there. Welcome to Belgium!
As for Wallonia, it is the French-speaking part of the country, covering roughly the southern half of the kingdom. It remains relatively unknown to travellers, unlike Flanders, which boasts internationally renowned cities such as Bruges and Ghent and therefore attracts the crowds. Far less urbanised than Flanders, Wallonia is nevertheless reputed to offer the most beautiful landscapes in the country. With its green meadows and vast forests, it has a gift for surprising visitors with its wild beauty. This region also holds a special place in our hearts: being Belgians ourselves, it is always moving for us to wander through the landscapes that shaped our childhood.
YOUR ITINERARY
The journey we propose here is an invitation to discover the remarkable diversity of Wallonia. This route gradually takes you from the Meuse Valley, where you will have the opportunity to visit the charming riverside towns of Namur – capital of Wallonia – and Dinant, all the way to Orval, a renowned brewing and monastic site located at the edge of the kingdom, near the French Lorraine border.
Between these two regions, you will cross no fewer than four magnificent natural areas. After leaving the Meuse Valley, you first enter the Condroz, cycling through a landscape of gently rolling hills. Then you reach the Famenne, a region known for its karst formations, where you will have the chance to explore the Caves of Han, among the most beautiful in Europe. You then follow a former railway line converted into a cycle path to climb onto the Ardennes massif, where the scenery alternates between fine forests, small stone villages and pastureland dotted with cows as charming as they are unperturbed.
Beyond the medieval town of Bouillon, you finally reach the Gaume, a verdant region with a more southern feel (relatively speaking) and distinctive architecture.
This cycling journey, blending nature and history, offers a true immersion into the soul of Wallonia — a trip at the pace of land and water, a tribute to the beauty and serenity of this little-known yet deeply endearing region.
Have a wonderful trip!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Namur
Arrive in Namur by train or car, situated at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Although it is the capital of Wallonia, Namur has retained a gentle pace of life for which it is renowned throughout the country. The two rivers undoubtedly contribute to the city’s relaxed atmosphere. Its historic centre is best explored on foot, allowing you to admire its rich heritage. The belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2: Namur – Dinant
You begin by gently cycling upstream along a former towpath. Less than a kilometre from the river, gardening enthusiasts may wish to visit the enchanting Annevoie Gardens, famous for their water features. The route then detours into the surrounding valleys, revealing beautiful villages such as Sosoye and Falaën, as well as Maredsous Abbey, where you can relax on a terrace and sample one of the beers or cheeses produced on site.
By the end of the day, you reach the pleasant riverside town of Dinant. Frequently featured in tourism brochures promoting Wallonia, Dinant is set within a striking natural landscape, squeezed onto a narrow strip of land between the Meuse and towering rock faces. Rebuilt many times, it has nevertheless preserved a certain old-world charm, with the distinctive onion-shaped bell tower of its collegiate church, its citadel perched high above, its local slate roofs and its relaxed, almost timeless atmosphere. Dinant is also famous as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.
🚲 Sporty option (68 km | Ascent: 710 m | ⏱︎ 4h32)
Between Annevoie and Anhée, instead of following the river, you may venture further into the surrounding valleys, discovering the charming village of Crupet along the way, whose keep standing in the middle of a pond makes for a fine photo opportunity. Be warned — there is a bit of climbing involved!
☕ Relaxed option (31 km | Ascent: 100 m | ⏱︎ 1h52)
Rather than heading into the valleys, you may simply follow the river all the way to Dinant. Ideal if you prefer a gentler first day. The total distance is 31 km and the route is very flat.
Day 3: Dinant – Rochefort
Today’s destination: Rochefort! What better motivation than one of the world’s finest beers? If that does not tempt you, Rochefort is above all a small rural town set amid bucolic scenery.
The route first takes you to Walzin Castle, perched high above the River Lesse and sometimes nicknamed the “Belgian Neuschwanstein”. You then leave the Lesse Valley to reach the Condroz plateau, passing through charming stone villages such as Furfooz and Celles. Around a bend, you will glimpse Vêves Castle, proudly standing on its rocky promontory, its four slender towers giving it a romantic fairy-tale appearance.
You then descend gradually into the Famenne, a natural depression with gentle terrain, briefly making you wonder whether the nickname “the flat country” might not be entirely misplaced.
Day 4: Rochefort – Paliseul
You leave the Famenne by crossing the Calestienne, a narrow limestone belt that has given rise to impressive underground cavities. Among them are the renowned Caves of Han, which the route passes right beside. These internationally famous caves contain stalactites, stalagmites and other remarkable rock formations, accessible via an underground tour of around two kilometres.
You then reach the foot of the Ardennes massif, where vast forests and green pastures alternate pleasantly. A former railway line converted into a greenway allows you to gain altitude gently. Once on higher ground, the route undulates at times, but each new horizon rewards you with ever-changing, enchanting scenery.
After a few more distant lowings of cattle, you arrive in the peaceful village of Paliseul, nestled among wide open meadows.
Day 5: Paliseul – Chassepierre
A few peaceful villages beyond Paliseul, a vast fault suddenly cuts deeply into the Ardennes massif: the Semois Valley. The magnificent Tombeau du Géant viewpoint, overlooking the river, bears witness to the difficulty with which it carves its winding path.
At the bottom, you quickly reach the medieval town of Bouillon, whose famous fortress stands atop a rocky ridge in the middle of a river bend. This is where the celebrated Godfrey of Bouillon lived, leader of the First Crusade to Jerusalem. Today, his former stronghold can be visited and offers fascinating insight into life in medieval times. Its charming town centre provides the perfect excuse for a well-earned break — calories you will need, as leaving the Semois Valley involves a proper climb.
After crossing a large forest, you leave the Ardennes behind and enter the picturesque region of Gaume, whose gently rolling hills sometimes evoke Tuscany. The villages here display a distinct architectural style, reflecting different geology.
By the end of the day, you arrive in Chassepierre, whose postcard-perfect appearance makes it one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.
Day 6: Chassepierre – Orval / Namur
After cycling through the bucolic landscapes of Gaume in the morning, an emblematic site of the country’s rich brewing heritage appears before you: Orval Abbey. Nestled deep within a forest, the Cistercian abbey where one of the world’s most famous Trappist beers is brewed forms a striking architectural ensemble. The ruins of the former abbey, well worth visiting, date back to the 11th century.
Good news: you can enjoy an Orval beer without worrying about getting back on your bike afterwards, as your Walloon adventure ends here!
You are expected at 2:00 pm at the Hostellerie d’Orval brasserie-restaurant, where one of our drivers will collect you and return you to the starting point.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever level of comfort you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also make every effort to ensure that they are well located: easily accessible by bike and, wherever possible, close to amenities and places of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2/3 ★ hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple yet welcoming accommodation, selected for their hospitality and location.
Carefully selected 3 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
Photos shown for illustrative purposes to represent the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Secure bike storage
- Restaurant within walking distance
- Well-chosen location
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you choose to hire a bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
BIKE HIRE
We offer quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Children’s equipment is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 10 years old, as some sections are fairly hilly.
Touring / Trekking bikes
Versatile bikes from various brands, with 10 to 24 gears depending on whether they have 1, 2 or 3 chainrings. These bikes are well suited to tackling hills without excessive effort.
Electric bikes (E-bikes)
Bikes from various brands, equipped with a motor of at least 500 Wh. You can rely on a range of at least 70 kilometres with a high level of comfort.
Children’s bikes
For children who are not yet adult-sized, it is possible to hire children’s bikes. Various sizes are available.
Photos for illustrative purposes. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain…
You may potentially be far from assistance in the event of a mechanical issue!
Suitable bikes:
- Hybrid / trekking bike
- Mountain bike (MTB)
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with good battery range
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 As the route includes a few compact gravel sections, avoid tyres that are too thin or too slick. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary, however.
LEVEL
Our holidays prioritise discovery and enjoyment over performance.
We therefore adjust the length of each stage according to terrain, type of paths and points of interest, ensuring that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
On the first stage, there is both a sporty and a relaxed option in addition to the standard route, which you can decide to follow on the day itself. These alternatives do not skip any highlights.
STAGE LENGTH:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Overall average of 40 to 60 km per day
➡️ Around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – maximum 5.
➡️ A pace suited to most people: combines the pleasure of cycling with discoveries along the way.
GRADIENT:
MODERATE ℹ️
➡️ Overall average ascent: between +200 and +600 m per day.
➡️ Terrain is mostly gentle and accessible, but some sections are hillier and may include a few steeper climbs.
Longer gradual ascents, often on greenways, may also occur.
The route involves a noticeable amount of elevation gain, but climbs and descents are generally not steep. A few longer climbs are to be expected, notably after Bouillon where the ascent out of the Semois Valley reaches around 200 metres.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even on the climbs, you may opt for an electric bike.
TYPE OF ROUTES:
The route alternates between cycle paths (both former railway lines and towpaths) and quiet country roads with little to no traffic. More than 90% of the route is asphalted. A few short sections are on compact gravel. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary. No technical difficulties to report.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
6 days and 5 nights. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Arrival on site every Wednesday and Sunday, from mid-April to late October. The first day of cycling takes place the next day: on a Thursday or a Monday.
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Linear route. At the end of the trip, a private shuttle (included in the package) transfers you back to Namur.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start of the trip: Namur
End of the trip: Namur
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
Weather conditions are generally favourable from mid-April to late October.
At the beginning and end of the season, a brief cold spell cannot be ruled out, while in summer, heatwaves are always possible. However, heatwaves in Wallonia are significantly more bearable than those experienced in the south of France.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.
During the day, you can enjoy meals in local restaurants (you will find recommendations in our roadbook) or organise a picnic by purchasing supplies from local grocery shops.
For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless your hotel already has its own restaurant!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next. You only carry your daily essentials during the cycling stages. A pannier bag is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in side panniers, you will benefit from a discount.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Namur is located at a major railway junction and is therefore well served by various regional lines.
Direct lines from:
BY CAR
You can park your car free of charge in Namur for the entire duration of your trip.
Free car parks are located slightly outside the city centre, but you can quickly reach your hotel in the centre by bus.
Alternatively, covered (paid) car parks are also available in the city centre.
You will find more information about the different parking options in the roadbook.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To ensure you make the most of your adventure, we provide several practical and easy-to-use materials:
-
A printed roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- A detailed route description
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to buy supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- A list of bike repair shops located near the route
-
A printed map of the route
-
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent just in case)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Customised tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (self-guided), with 7-day-a-week telephone assistance in case of any issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of trip cancellation or problems on site, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance options.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder and waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (helmet on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover your shoes.
Power bank (external battery)
Useful for charging your phone during your lunch break: navigation consumes a lot of battery, even in flight mode.
Allow €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded cycling shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during longer rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside of summer, mornings can be cool and you will be glad to have brought them!
2026 PRICES
The price is calculated on the basis of two people sharing a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the requested room type.| Package | Standard Category | Comfort Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |||
| Double/twin room | 959 € | 1009 € | 1089 € | 1149 € | ||
| Single room supplement | + 260 € | + 280 € | + 260 € | + 280 € | ||
| Child reductions (sharing the same room as 2 full-paying adults) |
0–3 years: - 80% | 4–11 years: - 40% | 12–17 years: - 30% | |||||
| Group discount | 6–11 people: - 10% | 12+ people: - 15% | |||||
| Extra nights (optional) |
Standard Range | Comfort Range | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Rochefort | Double/twin room | 80 € | 90 € | 110 € | 120 € |
| Single room | 155 € | 175 € | 185 € | 205 € | |
| Namur | Double/twin room | 90 € | 90 € | 110 € | 110 € |
| Single room | 165 € | 165 € | 185 € | 185 € | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 16/4 – 27/4 & 16/9 – 31/10
- High season: 28/4 – 15/9
|
BIKE RENTAL – equipment, delivery and return transfer included – |
|
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 290 € |
| Trekking bike | 210 € |
| Children’s bike (under 12) | 155 € |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotels or guesthouses in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- The return transfer from Orval to Namur on Day 6 (arrival in Namur around 4 pm)
- A detailed roadbook (printed A5 booklet + PDF), created by us during our reconnaissance trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- A printed map of the circuit
- Luggage tags
- 7-day-a-week telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Administration fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Rochefort and/or Namur
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to the start of the tour (and the return)
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Gabriel and Marie, 29 and 30 years old“A dream week out of time!!! A journey across the whole of Wallonia that was simply incredible. Both the accommodation and the landscapes delighted us and left us with lasting memories. Organisation-wise, everything was clear and well explained, which allowed us to truly switch off and relax. Joseph is both highly professional and cheerful, making communication very pleasant. I highly recommend this agency and, as for me, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to travel again with Cyclodyssées.” September 2023
Paul and Catherine, 61 and 63 years old
“Exploring your own country by bike and realising you didn’t really know it at all – that’s the whole point of this trip! What a wonderful surprise to discover so many beautiful places at home! The Cyclodyssées roadbook was incredibly valuable, a real added bonus compared with our previous trips that we organised ourselves. Not to mention the small roads we would never have dared to take if we had had the choice. We can’t wait to try another of your routes next summer!” September 2022
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