The Walloon green loop: between Condroz and Ardennes

Highlights :

Highlights :

  • one of the most beautiful regions of Wallonia
  • Namur, the vibrant capital of the Walloon region
  • Dinant, birthplace of the saxophone, beautifully nestled on the banks of the Meuse
  • the castles and citadels, witnesses of the region’s tumultuous history
  • Durbuy, a small stone town set in a majestic landscape
  • the typical villages: Celles, Ny, Wéris, Chardeneux…
  • a route alternating between small, almost traffic-free roads and lovely greenways

From 839 € / pers.

BELGIUM AND WALLONIA: A SHORT INTRODUCTION

Once upon a time there was a country that seemed to have stepped straight out of a surreal comic strip. With an enduring passion for chips, a thirst for fine beers whose recipes are known only to monks (in the cloisters, silence is golden!), and a delightfully offbeat sense of humour combined with an contagious joie de vivre, its inhabitants appear to have mastered the art of staying cheerful — even when the weather lives up to its reputation. Thankfully, it rains far less often than one might fear, and that is just as well, because the country hides 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 large crowds. Far less urbanised than Flanders, Wallonia is nevertheless reputed to offer the most beautiful scenery in the country. With its green meadows and vast forests, it has a remarkable way of surprising visitors with its untamed beauty. This region also holds a special place in our hearts, for as Belgians ourselves, it is always moving to wander through the landscapes that shaped our childhood.

YOUR ITINERARY

Your adventure begins in the small town of Rochefort, famous for its Trappist beer. The gentle murmur of the river, the scent of the surrounding forests, and the warm welcome of the locals immediately immerse you in a feeling of escape.
A first loop takes you to the legendary Caves of Han. You then ride into the wooded foothills of the Ardennes massif.

Next, you cycle through the idyllic landscapes of the Famenne. Here, pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with stone villages and isolated farms. At the bottom of a bucolic valley, you will discover the picturesque little town of Durbuy, officially the smallest city in the world.
You then turn northwards, meandering through the rural scenery of the Condroz until reaching Huy, a medieval town proudly perched on the banks of the Meuse.
The river now becomes your travelling companion. Nestled along its shores, the capital of Wallonia, Namur, welcomes you for the night.

You continue to be gently carried along by the majestic river until reaching Dinant, the pearl of the Meuse. Clinging to the cliffs, the town reveals itself in a burst of colour, dominated by its imposing collegiate church and citadel, which seem to have watched over the town’s destiny for centuries.
You then return to the Condroz plateau, passing a number of enchanting castles, until suddenly Rochefort reappears on the horizon.

Have a wonderful trip!

💡 As one of the days is a loop, the tour can be shortened by one day upon request. Conversely, we can also split the stage between Durbuy and Namur into two, with an intermediate stop in Huy.

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in Rochefort

Arrive by train or car in the typical town of Rochefort, in the heart of the Famenne. What better starting point than a town hosting one of the finest beers in the world? If that does not quench your thirst, rest assured — Rochefort is above all a charming rural town nestled within a bucolic landscape.

Day 2: Loop from Rochefort

32 km | +370 m | ⏱︎ 2h04

The route first introduces you to the landscapes of La Calestienne, a narrow limestone belt that has given rise to impressive underground caves. Among them, the most beautiful of all — the Caves of Han — are sure to tempt you, as the route passes right by them!

You then ride along the foothills of the Ardennes massif, cycling through alternating stretches of vast forests and lush pastures. At the end of the day, you return to Rochefort for a second night.

🚲 Sporty option (50 km | +750 m | ⏱︎ 3h24)

If you are feeling energetic, you may opt for a 50 km loop that takes you to the charming village of Mirwart, adorned with a lovely château. Be warned — the route there is rather like a rollercoaster! As this is merely an extension of the normal itinerary, you will not miss any of the original highlights.

Day 3: Rochefort – Durbuy

55 km | +540 m | ⏱︎ 3h23

Today begins along a beautiful ridge offering sweeping views over the region’s magnificent scenery. After passing the typical town of Marche-en-Famenne, quiet country roads with virtually no traffic lead you from one delightful stone village to another. Some of them, such as Ny and Wéris, have been listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”. You will also encounter impressive dolmens dating back several thousand years!

By day’s end, you reach Durbuy, a limestone village nestled between the Ourthe Valley and the surrounding cliffs. This highly picturesque village also retains a few charming half-timbered houses.

Day 4: Durbuy – Huy – Namur

68 km | +420 m | ⏱︎ 4h20

You leave the Ourthe Valley to climb onto the Condroz plateau, where rolling hills ripple across the landscape. The Plaine-Sapin viewpoint offers a perfect vantage point. The remainder of the route is a succession of delightful rural lanes, punctuated by sleepy villages. You then reach Modave, where you may visit the interior of its elegant château.

A pleasant cycle path then descends through the wooded Hoyoux Valley to the medieval town of Huy. This charming riverside town contains a fort that played a significant role during the Second World War, but cycling enthusiasts may know it better for the formidable and famous “Mur de Huy”, a decisive climb in the "Flèche Wallonne" race.

From Huy, it is another 30 km to Namur, which you gradually reach by following the peaceful greenway along the Meuse. Limestone cliffs brighten the scenery on either side.

Namur lies beautifully at the confluence of the Meuse and the Sambre. Although it is the capital of Wallonia, the city has retained a gentle pace of life, renowned throughout the country. Its rivers undoubtedly contribute to its relaxed atmosphere. The city centre is best explored on foot, allowing you time to admire its rich historical heritage. Its belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

☕ Relaxed option (37 km | +390 m | ⏱︎ 2h26)

Once in Huy, you may take the train to Namur if you wish to shorten the stage (reducing it to 37 km). Alternatively, you may also catch a train roughly halfway between Huy and Namur. Stations are located at regular intervals along the river.

Day 5: Namur – Dinant

55 km | +480 m | ⏱︎ 3h29

You begin by peacefully following the river along a former towpath. Less than a kilometre away, gardening enthusiasts should not miss the enchanting Annevoie Gardens, famous for their water features. The route then ventures into the surrounding valleys, revealing beautiful villages such as Sosoye and Falaën, as well as Maredsous Abbey, a perfect spot to sit on a terrace and enjoy 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 tourist 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.
Though destroyed many times, Dinant has preserved its old-world charm, with the distinctive onion-shaped spire of its collegiate church, its cliff-top citadel, slate roofs, and relaxed, almost timeless atmosphere. Dinant is also famous as the birthplace of the saxophone: Adolphe Sax, inventor of the instrument, was born here.

🚲 Sporty option (68 km | +710 m | ⏱︎ 4h32)

Between Annevoie and Anhée, instead of quietly following the river, you may venture further into the bordering valleys, discovering the charming village of Crupet, whose keep standing in the middle of a pond is particularly photogenic. Be warned — it is a bit of a climb!

☕ Relaxed option (31 km | +100 m | ⏱︎ 1h52)

Rather than heading into the surrounding valleys, you may simply follow the river all the way to Dinant. Ideal for a more leisurely day. The total distance is then 31 km, and the route is flat and easy-going.

Day 6: Dinant – Rochefort

42 km | +580 m | ⏱︎ 3h07

The route first takes you to Walzin Castle, perched high above the Lesse and nicknamed the “Belgian Neuschwanstein”! You then leave the Lesse Valley to reach the Condroz plateau, cycling through magnificent stone villages such as Furfooz and Celles. Around a bend, you will also glimpse Vêves Castle, proudly standing atop a promontory. Its four pencil-shaped towers give it a wonderfully romantic style.

You gradually descend from the plateau into the Famenne, a natural depression whose gentle relief may momentarily convince you that the expression “the flat country” is not entirely misplaced.

And there you are — back in Rochefort… the circle is complete!

Day 7: End of the trip

End of your Walloon odyssey after breakfast.

ACCOMMODATION

Whatever level of comfort you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness and wellbeing. We also make every effort to ensure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to amenities and places of interest.

AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS

Standard Range

2/3 ★ hotels or equivalent guesthouses

Simple yet welcoming accommodation, selected for its hospitality and location.

Example accommodation – Standard Range
Comfort Range

Carefully selected 3 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses

A selection of addresses combining modern comfort with authenticity.

Example accommodation – Comfort Range

Photos shown as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.

Always included:

  • Breakfast
  • Private bathroom
  • Bike storage
  • Restaurant(s) within walking distance
  • Convenient location

CHOOSING YOUR BIKE

Whether you opt for a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the demands of the route and to your own needs.

RENTAL BIKES

We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 10 years old, as certain sections are fairly hilly.


Touring / Trekking Bikes

Versatile bikes (Scott Sub Sport model), equipped with disc brakes and 24 gears, allowing you to tackle climbs without too much effort.

Hybrid bike example

Electric Bikes (E-bikes)

Victoria Tresalo 6 model, equipped with a 545 Wh Bosch Performance motor. You can expect a range of at least 70 kilometres, with excellent comfort.

Electric bike example

Child Trailers

The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we offer for hire. These can accommodate up to two young children.

Child trailer example

Children’s Bikes

For children who are not yet tall enough for adult bikes, children’s bikes are available for hire in various sizes.

Children's bike example

Tag-Along Bikes (Third Wheels)

If your child no longer fits in a trailer, it is possible to attach a “third wheel” (tag-along) to the back of an adult bike.

Tag-along bike example

Photos for illustrative purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.

Accessories included:

  • Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
  • Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
  • Small handlebar bag
  • 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 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 sections of compact gravel, avoid tyres that are too thin or too slick. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary, however.

LEVEL: MODERATE

➡️ Stages are of moderate length (around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5 hours).
This pace suits most people, combining the pleasure of cycling with time for sightseeing along the way.

➡️ The route features a moderate elevation profile, alternating between hillier and gentler sections, particularly when following the Ourthe or the Meuse. Most climbs and descents are not too steep. However, leaving one valley or another does require tackling a solid uphill stretch.

DAILY DISTANCES:

📊 Average distance: 50 km/day
🔝 Maximum distance: 68 km/day

On certain days, a sporty and/or relaxed option is available in addition to the standard route, and you may decide on the day whether to follow it. These variants do not skip any key highlights.

💡 If you choose the sporty option every day it is available, the overall average increases to 57 km/day.

ELEVATION GAIN:

📊 Average ascent: +478 m/day
🔝 Maximum ascent: +580 m/day

💡 If you choose the sporty option every day it is available, the average ascent increases to 600 m/day, with a maximum of 750 m in a single day.

⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even on the climbs, you may opt for an electric bike.

TYPE OF ROUTES:

The itinerary alternates between cycle paths (including former railway lines and towpaths) and quiet country roads with little or no traffic.
More than 95% of the route is asphalted. A few short sections are on compact gravel. Mountain bike tyres are not required. No technical difficulties to report.

💡 Our tours prioritise discovery and relaxation over performance. We therefore adjust stage lengths according to the terrain, type of paths and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
We also place great importance on avoiding busy roads whenever possible, ultimately offering a peaceful and safe itinerary.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

⏱️ DURATION

7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 cycling days.

📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS

Every day from mid-April to the end of October.

🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE

Circular itinerary. At the end of the trip, you return to your starting point.

📍 START AND END POINT

Start of the trip: Rochefort
End of the trip: Rochefort

🌦️ WHEN TO GO?

The weather is generally favorable from mid-April to the end of October.

At the beginning and end of the season, a short cold spell is still possible, while in summer, heatwaves can occur. However, heatwaves in Wallonia are significantly more bearable than those experienced in the south of France.

💡 Weather conditions can vary greatly from year to year. The information above is based on averages only.

🍽️ MEALS

Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.

During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you will find recommendations in our roadbook) or prepare a picnic by shopping at local grocery stores.

For dinner, you will always have several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel has its own restaurant!

💡 If you are traveling as a group, we can arrange half board.

🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by one of our service providers. You only carry your daily essentials during the cycling stages. A pannier bag is provided with the rental bike.

💡 1 piece of luggage per traveler (max. 20 kg)

If you prefer to carry your luggage in side panniers, you will receive a discount.

🚩 GETTING THERE

BY TRAIN

If you are arriving by train, it is also possible on request to start the tour in Namur rather than Rochefort, as Rochefort station is located 3 km from the town center and requires a local bus connection.

Direct trains from Brussels and Luxembourg serve both Namur and Rochefort.


BY CAR

You can park your car free of charge in Rochefort for the entire duration of your trip. More information about the different free parking options can be found in the roadbook.

📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

To ensure you make the most of your adventure, we provide several practical and easy-to-use materials:

  • A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:

    • Practical information
    • Route description
    • All necessary tourist information
    • Restaurant suggestions
    • Grocery and supply points
    • Swimming spots
    • Cultural information and anecdotes
    • A list of bike repair shops located along the route

  • A printed map of the route


  • Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)

    • User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
    • Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
    • Customized tracks between each accommodation
    • Voice guidance

📞 INDEPENDENCE & ASSISTANCE

You travel independently (self-guided), with 7/7 telephone assistance in case of any issues.

🛡️ INSURANCE

To guarantee reimbursement of costs in case of trip cancellation or issues 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 are basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these items are included (helmet upon request only).
For greater comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:

Waterproof overtrousers

Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, water splashes, and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover your shoes.

waterproof overtrousers

External battery (power bank)

Useful for charging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes a lot of energy, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery performance is excellent.
Expect to pay €10–20.

external battery

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.

saddle cover and cycling shorts

Water bottle (bidon)

More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.

cycling water bottle

Buff / neck warmer / beanie

Outside of summer, mornings can be chilly — you will be glad you brought one!

neck warmer, beanie and buff

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.

PackageStandard RangeComfort Range
Low season High season Low season High season
Double/twin room 839 €909 € 959 €1039 €
Single room supplement + 320 € + 340 € + 320 € + 340 €
Child discounts
(sharing a room with 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 € 80 € 100 € 100 €
Single room 145 € 145 € 165 € 165 €
Namur Double/twin room 80 € 80 € 100 € 100 €
Single room 135 € 135 € 155 € 155 €

💡 High season: 26/4 – 10/5 & 15/6 – 15/9
BIKE RENTAL (equipment included)
Electric bike285 €
Trekking bike180 €
Child bike (-12 years)155 €
Child trailer120 €
Tag-along bike (detachable)100 €

THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES

  • Overnight stays in a hotel or guesthouse in the selected comfort category
  • Breakfast at each accommodation
  • Luggage transfer between accommodations
  • A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), created by us during our scouting trip
  • GPS tracks via our navigation app
  • A map of the route
  • Luggage tags
  • 7/7 telephone assistance
  • Tourist taxes
  • Booking fees

OPTIONS

  • Rental bike(s)
  • Single room supplement
  • Additional night(s) in Rochefort and/or Namur
  • Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Travel from your home to Rochefort and 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 applies (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
  • Solo travelers: a logistics supplement is added to the single room supplement.

REVIEWS

    Olivier, 33 years old

"Great experience with CyclOdyssées. Joseph was extremely helpful and available. Thank you for the experience!"   May 2025


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