In the footsteps of St James of Compostela through the Province of Namur

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province of namur

w a l l o n i a . e n j o y a a w a r m - h e a r t e d w e l c o m e .

in the footsteps of

st james of compostelathrough the province of namur

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Foreword

Through the Province of Namur,Be on your way, pilgrim of St. James!

It is a long road to Santiago de Compostela. Yet still you enter the Province of Namur with the city of Namur at its centre. This city is becoming increasingly important as the meeting point for pilgrims from the North (Flanders and the Netherlands) and the East (Germany) throught the Via Mosana: Liège, Huy, Andenne. The paths through the streets of Namur is marked out with bronze scallops shells solidly anchored in the Walloon soil. From the “Pont des Ardennes” to the “Grognon”, these shells mark out the way to Santiago de Compostela in the Walloon capital. Following the footsteps of St. James, you will encounter the impressive “Tour Saint-Jacques”, the “Musée Provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois” with the reliquary of the foot of St. James, and in the centre of the city, the “église Saint-Jacques” that the “Namurois” hold very dear.You are still 2200 kilometres away from the city of the apostle St. James, 3 months on foot to Vézelay, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Compostela. We sincerely hope that you will, along the way, share in a human, cultural and spiritual experience.Ultreia ! Move forth! Have a good journey!

Pierre Genin, President of the “Association Belge des Amis de Saint Jacques de Compostelle”, ASBL.

www.st-jacques.be

Important notIce

This brochure features the recognized Ways of St. James in the Province of Namur: the “Via Mosana” and the “Voie de Vézelay”. Two additional “Sentiers de Grande Randonnée” are also featured in the Province of Namur: the GR 126 and the GR 125 that follow the same path over a couple of kilometres. The various paths are described hereafter, as well as the various alternatives along the RAVeL, on the banks of the Meuse and the Sambre.The various RAVeL routes featured can be downloaded onto your GPS from the website www.tourismegps.be. (see p. 35)

table oF contentsMap of the Province of Namur p. 2-3Foreword p. 5From Andenne to Namur: presentation of the portion – map – villages on the way p. 6-7 Traces of St. James – Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 8-9 St. James circuit in the centre of Andenne and Sclayn p. 10-11 St. James circuit in the centre of Namur p. 12-13From Namur to Dinant: presentation of the portion – map – villages on the way p. 14-15 Traces of St. James – Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 16-17From Dinant to Doische: presentation of the portion – map – villages on the way p. 18-19 Traces of St. James – Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 20-21From Doische to Moulin-Manteau (FR) : presentation of the portion – map – Villages on the way p. 22-23 Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 24-25From Gembloux to Namur: presentation of the portion – map – villages on the way p. 26-27 Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 28-29From Dinant to Membre-sur-Semois: presentation of the portion – map – Villages on the way p. 30-31 Traces of St. James – Our favourites in the architectural heritage p. 32-33Follow the digital guide… p. 34“De Namur à Saint-Jacques de Compostelle Autrement”(http://www.namur-stjacques.eu) p. 35www.tourismegps.be p. 35Contact Details and Tourist Offices p. 36Bibliography and Usefull Addresses p. 37

This logo indicates the religious buildings that are part of the Open Churches Foundation.

Contact details: Fondation Eglises Ouvertes rue des Chardons, 44 – 1030 Brussels Phone: + 32 (0)10/88 83 73, from 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., from Tuesday to Friday - [email protected] - www.openchurches.be.

Despite the care with which this brochure was assembled, some mistakes may have slipped through. We apologize for this and ask you to communicate the mistakes to the following address: Fédération du Tourisme de la Province de Namur Av. Reine Astrid, 22 bte 2 - 5000 Namur (Belgium) – [email protected]

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| Andenne | The millenary city of Andenne can only please you. The old city centre offers various interesting elements of heritage. The city is also known for its pottery made from the clay in its soil. In all seasons, the city features countless animations and events, and its population yearly celebrates the “Carnaval des Ours”.

| Sclayn | The town is located on the right bank of the Meuse. It features various quarries that have made its reputation and allowed its inhabitants to use granite in their houses. Sclayn also features impressive heritage. You can visit the “Grotte Scaldina” in which the 100.000-year old bones of a child were found in 1993!On the hills of the valley, lies the “Réserve Naturelle de Sclaigneaux” with its magnificent fauna and flora.

| Namur | Namur, the capital of Wallonia, located at the crossroads of the Sambre and the Meuse, offers a special atmosphere with the river in the centre of the town, at the foot of a rocky outcrop occupied by the citadel. Hold a stop in Namur and discover the city’s richess and treasures.In the old parts of the city, the narrow streets lead to small squares. The “Namurois”, the students and the tourists take care of the animation during summer.

From andenne to namur – 21.9km

To enter the territory of the Province of Namur, you follow the “Via mosana”, coming from Aachen, Liège and Huy. The path enters the province near Andenelle, before leading you to the city centre of Andenne. You will then follow the RAVeL until Sclayn, where you will cross the Meuse. You will come across the towns of Vezin, Wartet and Marche-les-Dames. In Beez, you will return to the right bank via the “Pont des Grands Malades”, before crossing the river again at the “Pont des Ardennes”. You will then have 2km left before reaching the “Rue Saint Jacques” for a stop in front of the church bearing the same name.

A simple alternative consists in following the RAVeL along the right bank of the river, from Andenne to the “Pont des Ardennes”.Downloadable from www.tourismegps.be

Grand Première 2013 : The Circuit of St. James – from Namur to Vézelay, 6 days - 5 nights in a hotel and/or “chambre d’hôtes”, in half-board and with transportation of your luggage.For additional information, please contact the FTPN from Autumn 2012.

Accommodation, food supplies and other information can be found in a file to be accessed by scanning this QR-codeDownload i-nigma Reader

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From andenne to namur

Traces of St. James in Namur…

Eglise Saint-JacquesThe “Eglise Saint-Jacques” was built in 1757, on the site of the former chapel of the “Hôpital St-Jacques” from 1256. The church cannot be visited, but a scallops’ shell engraved left from its entrance indicates its importance on the Way of St. James.

Rue St Jacques - 5000 Namur

Foot reliquary of St Jacques and the Treasury of the Priory of Hugo d’Oignies.Among the notable pieces of the treasure of Hugo d’Oignies, you can admire a reliquary shaped right foot, dedicated to St. James. This work, made of silver, copper and enamel, set with pearls, sapphires and precious stones, was executed by the brother Hugo Oignies in the mid-thirteenth century. Amazing!Musée des Arts anciens du NamuroisRue de Fer, 24 - 5000 Namur

www.museedesartsanciens.be

Statue of St. James in the “Musée Diocésain”You will find a statue of the saint from the second half of the 18th century on display there.

Place du Chapitre 1 - 5000 Namur

Tour St Jacques

The “Grosse Tour Saint-Jacques”, better known as the “Beffroi”, was built in 1388. It represents a former tower at the third entry to the city. The tower, built in a gothic style, is now part of the Unesco Wolrd Heritage Sites. Rue du Beffroi - 5000 Namur

Our favourites in the architectural heritage of…

| ANDENNE |

The “Eglise Saint-Pierre d’Andenelle” still features a tower from the 12th century. The church was apparently built upon the site of a former medieval hostel that used to be visited by pilgrims …

The “Collégiale Sainte-Begge” and its treasure. Holy Beghe, the great-grandmother of Charlemagne, founded an abbey with seven churches. The collegiate church has been replacing these seven churches since 1762. It is the work of the architect Dewez. The building holds many treasures: the tomb of St. Beghe (12th century), 16th-century stalls, and beautiful pieces of jewelry dating from the 16th to the 20th century.

The “Place du Chapitre” around the collegiate church is bordered by manors with closed-off gardens of which several used to be inhabited by canonesses.

The “Musée de la Céramique”, located in the historic city centre of Andenne, invites you on a journey through the history of pottery, from the origins of the craft to the current art.

| SCLAYN |

The “Eglise Saint-Maurice”, built in the Roman style, used to be a collegiate church. It features numerous beautiful black marble tombstones from the 14th century and beautifully sculpted choir stalls in the Renaissance style.

Right opposite lies the marvellous rectory, a medieval limestone building which used to house a hospital in the 13th century.

| NAMUR |

The “Eglise Saint-Loup” was built by Jesuits in a Baroque style between 1621 and 1645. It ranks amongst the most beautiful religious buildings in Belgium. The building was constructed in stone and limestone on the outside, and in red and black marble on the inside, it is considered an architectural marvel.

The “Cathédrale Saint-Aubain” is located on the side of a former collegiate church of which one tower still exists, at the back of the current building. The cathedral features a characteristic massive cupola and a sober interior. It was built in 1750, following the design of a latin cross.

The city features several musea, a citadel, a theatre, a former bishop’s palace and a mostly car-free historic neighbourhood.

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St. James circuit in the centre of Andenne

The historic centre of Andenne features countless bronze scallops shells anchored in the sidewalks along the “Via Mosana”. From Andenelle, the starting point of the Way of St. James from the city of Andenne, they will guide you along the 2.7km of this small portion of the “Camino de Santiago”.

The Way of St. James through the centre of Sclayn

Here too, you will find countless bronze scallops shells anchored in the ground, marking out the “Camino de Santiago” while closely following the “Via Mosana”. This urban circuit is 1.1km long.

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St. James circuit through the centre of Namur

Namur is located at the crossroads of two ways to Santiago de Compostela: the “Via Mosana” that links Aachen with Namur via Liège, and the GR 654, also known as “Voie de Vézelay”, which starts in Namur and ends in Vézelay.This circuit is marked out with copper scallops that offer pilgrims the opportunity to discover the historic centre of the Walloon capital city, while visiting a series of locations related to their pilgrimage: the “Tour Saint-Jacques” (clock tower), the reliquary of the foot presented at the “Musée Provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois”, the “Eglise Saint-Jacques” and the statue of St. James, which is part of the collections of the “Musée diocésain”.

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Namur Expo

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PARFUMERIEGUY DELFORGE

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1. Musée des Art Anciens du Namurois Trésor du Prieuré d’Hugo d’Oignies2. Eglise Saint-Joseph3. Eglise Saint-Jacques4. Eglise Saint-Loup5. Musée Félicien Rops6. Musée de Groesbeeck de Croix7. Cathédrale Saint-Aubain et Musée Diocésain8. Eglise Saint-Jean9. Beffroi10. Théâtre11. Maison de la Culture12. Musée des Traditions Namuroises13. Eglise Notre-Dame

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From namur to dInant – 51km

This part of the Way of St. James bears the name of “Voie de Vézelay” or GR 654. This hiking trail has a common portion with the GR 125, also known as “Tour de l’Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse”, and with the GR 126, which links Brussels to Membre-sur-Semois via Namur.Here, the hike becomes more difficult, alternating flat terrain, the downhill slope to the Valley of the Meuse, or the uphill walks to the hills on the other side of the river. The landscapes and the view, however, are even more stunning !In Namur, the pilgrim heads to the “Bois de la Vecquée”, on the heights of the city to reach Bois-de-Villers and Rivière, along the banks of the Meuse. After crossing the bridge, the path continues via Godinne and Evrehailles, until Leffe, a town North of Dinant.

The RAVeL taken during the portion between Andenne and Namur continues until Dinant, along the left bank of the Meuse, without interruption. A much shorter and easier alternative!Downloadable from www.tourismegps.be

| PROfONDEviLLE |

Profondeville, located near Namur, offers numerous possibilities for the visitors who actually want to discover its touristic potential: a pristine nature ideal for outdoor activities such as golfing, parasailing, mountainbiking or waterskiing. Its narrows streets bordered by old houses give the city a special atmosphere. Another characteristic of the town are the “Rochers de Frênes”, which overlook the Meuse.

| YvOiR |

Yvoir, the daughter of the Upper-Meuse, is a town with a rich history and countless heritage. The town offers all the charming characteristics of a picturesque town with a lovely atmosphere. The charming villages are interspersed with cultivated fields and lush prairies which offers tourists a marvellous rural setting and allows nature-lovers to enjoy nature and the open air.

| DiNANT |

Dinant, at the bottom of high limestone cliffs, stretches out along the Meuse with its stone and slate houses. Its rich history, its identity and its heritage have always made Dinant to a touristic highlight. The citadel, the Abbey of Leffe, the boat trips on the river, the house where Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born, the cave “La Merveilleuse”… are so many touristic highlights of the town that deserve a visit.

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From namur to dInant

Traces of St. James in Dinant…

The “Eglise Saint-Lambert de Bouvignes” features an engraved stone in the wall of the choir, on which you can read :

LAMBERT MELAVLEQVELLE ATFAICT PAR TROYFOIS LE VOYAIEMS R St IACQZ 1677

On both sides, scallops are ingraved over two crossed pilgrim’s sticks of which one has an attached calabash. The “rue Saint-Jacques” used to be the entrance point into the city for those coming from Ciney. The pilgrims held a halt there in the church named after the saint. The only remaining traces of this church is a statue of St. James in the wall of the house at n°114.

In the “rue Grande”, at n°123, was a hospital with a chapel (15th century), where pilgrims could enjoy food and lodging on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There are no traces of this building these days.

Our favourites in the architectural and touristic heritage of…

| PROfONDEviLLE |

The solar terminal is strategically placed on the banks of the Meuse along the RAVeL, it welcomes you in French, Dutch, German or English. An audio message delivers the main tourist information, and if your cell phone features Bluetooth technology, you will be able to download files with additional information. This precious collaborator is always at your service!

The water passage “La Belle de fresnes” will lead you across the river and to the opposite bank. From there onwards, you will follow a picturesque path that will take you to the top of the “Massif des Frênes”. There, you will have an amazing view over the valley.

| YvOiR |

The “Réserve Naturelle Domaniale de Champalle-Poilvache” spreads over a total of 51 hectares in total, with woods, the medieval ruins of the fortress of Poilvache, rocks, fields and an exceptional flora.

The ruins were added to the “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie” in 1992, they can be visited during the season.

| DiNANT |

The citadel overlooks the city and plunges you into the heart of the history of the various assaults it has had to face. It was fortified by Vauban and features a weaponry museum with various scenes that will allow you to relive its tumultuous past.

You can access the citadel via stairs hewn into the rock (408 steps) or via the cable car (one of the last ones in Belgium!).

The “Collégiale Notre-Dame”, was built at the foot of the cliffs in a gothic style from the 13th century, with a characteristic bulbous bell tower. Its architectural qualities have put it on the list of the “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie”.

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From dInant to doIsche – 41km

The “Voie de Vézelay”, or GR 654, goes through both sides of the Valley of the Meuse and nears France, only a stone’s throw away. The Upper-Meuse offers a succession of woods and green pastures. In some places, impressive rocks overlook the river and offer thrills to the climbers.

From Hermeton-sur-Meuse onwards, we leave the Valley of the Meuse to follow the Hermeton river until Soulme, then Vodelée. From then onwards, there are 6 more kilometres to go before reaching Doische, which marks the end of this portion.

An alternative path takes you along the right bank of the river, on the RAVeL from Dinant to Hastière (be carefull, however, that the path is interrupted between Anseremme and Waulsort. You can follow the narrow path along the river). Then, you can continue your journey by heading towards Doische. This shorter itinerary offers the advantage of a flatter path! The perfect solution for you to spare some energy!

Downloadable from www.tourismegps.be

| HASTièRE |

The town spreads out over the two banks of the Meuse with Hastière-par-Delà and its Roman Abbey on the right bank, and Hastière-Lavaux with its lively town centre and shops on the left bank.

Hastière is also the name given to the entity with various villages. One of these, Waulsort, features an architectural masterpiece: the Castle and gardens of Freyr, along the river. Another highlight is the last functional water passage on the Meuse. Right in front, the steep cliffs make the joy of the Belgian and foreign climbers.

| DOiSCHE |

Located in the “Parc Naturel Viroin-Hermeton”, Doische features ten villages, each with their own physiognomy, its past, its history. This important entity, close to France, stretches along a valley in the Fagne and offers breathtaking landscapes.

Among the villages, there is Soulme. This village from the namur Fagnes, perched on top of a hill, developed far from the main roads in a green, calm and tranquil environment. The traditional architecture remained untouched, which put the village among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”.

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From dInant to doIsche

Traces of St. James in Hastière…

There used to be an abbey behind the current Roman Abbey (1033-1035), where pilgrims could enjoy accommodation and food. These buildings were destroyed during the French Revolution. The only parts remaining are the entrance, of which the “Porte Saint-Nicolas”, ornated by a scallop.

Inside, the Roman Abbey features wooden choir stalls, often considered the most beautiful in Belgium. One of them is incrusted with a scallop. Close to the exit, a limestone niche bears a scripture in the shape of a scallop.


| HASTiERE |

The Castle and the gardens of freyr are located on a magnificent natural site. The original construction of this incredible building dates back to the Middle Ages. The castle was destroyed by a fire, but rose from its ashes in the 16th century and knew several additions afterwards. The French gardens were designed after those at Versailles. They feature centennial orange trees and a 6-km labyrinth set in magnificent natural surroundings. The castel and gardens are classified as “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie”.

| SOULME |

Soulme ranks among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”. The town features various houses gathered around the protected site with the rectory, the walls of the cemetery, the church and the old chestnut trees.

The “Eglise Sainte-Colombe”, built in limestone, still has a 11th-century tower and a baptismal font from the 12th century.The entity it forms with the former rectory, the cemetery walls that surround it and the magnificent rows of chestnuts is classified.

| DOiSCHE |

The castle-farm stands proudly on a hill, on the curb drawn by the road underneath. Its construction in limestone dates back to 1573.

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From doIsche to moulIn-manteau (French border) – 44km

This portion is still a part of the “Voie de Vézelay”. It is the final stage in the Province of Namur, with a little incursion in Hierges, in France.

When leaving Doische, we head towards Vaucelles, before leaving Belgium for several kilometres in France, before returning to Mazée and Treignes, the land of Arthur Masson, the famous author of Toine Culot. The path to follow goes along the Viroin over a short distance. You will cross the river in Vierves. From Olloy onwards, there is a long uphill walk through the woods before reaching Oignies. From there onwards, there are only about ten kilometres left before crossing the French border in Moulin-Manteau.

To spare some kilometres, there is a simple alternative way to follow. You need to follow the RAVeL between Doische and Matagne-la-Grande, before taking another RAVeL, the L523, which follows the former railway from Olloy-sur-Viroin to Oignies-en-Thiérache.


| HiERGES |

This medieval town near the Meuse is part of the “Communauté de Communes de Givet”. With its small houses gathered around the central square, Hierges is a charming town. The castle, built on a rocky outcrop, has been watching over the area since the 11th century. The mythical “Fée Mélusine” lived there, and according to the legend, she built it in only one night.The church was built in the 16th century by the lords of the castle and is also worth the while.

| viROiNvAL |

Viroinval is the name of an entity which regroups 8 villages and 2 hamlets with a rich rural heritage. The landscapes are rather varied, ranging from the forests of the Ardennes to the geological phenomena typical of the “Calestienne”. The rich fauna and flora have made it their refuge, an ideal opportunity for nature lovers. Viroinval, shaped by nature, certainly has its qualities. Its main asset is its vast network of marked out trails to discover on foot or on the bike.

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From doIsche to moulIn-manteau (French border)

Traces of St. James in Hièrges and viroinval…

No traces of St. James were found in the region.


| HiERGES |

The castle has had a rather tormented history over the course of the past centuries: it was built on the location of a former castrum which could have dated back to the 9th century. The castle was destroyed in the 12th century, only to be rebuilt in the 16th century. It was refurbished in the 18th century, with an additional dovecote. In 1792, the castle was taken by revolutionaries and burned in 1793.

Of this castle in a Renaissance style, only the walls and three round towers still remain, though partially in ruins. The fourth round granite tower is inhabited by the current owner of the castle.

The gardens were restaured to their former glory, they now look as they would have during the Renaissance.

| TREiGNES |Treignes is nicknamed the “Village of Musea”, it features 4:

The “Musée du Malgré-Tout” take you on a journey through time with its permanent collections of archeological artefacts and the temporary exhibitions on the same theme.

The “Musée du Chemin de fer à vapeur” shows its visitors its incredible railroad heritage. It completes the journey you can make on a steam or diesel train on the railroad between Mariembourg and Treignes.

The “Ecomusée du viroin” honours the various trades of the population in the old days.

The “Espace Arthur Masson” takes you into the universe of the author through his various characters, and along the inside circuit that will tell you their adventures in their small village in the Ardennes, between 1930 and 1960.

| viERvES-SUR-viROiN |

The village is labelled as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”. The village is located in the “Parc Naturel Viroin-Hermeton”, it developed on the hillsides and is characterized by its steep streets, bordered by houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The former rectory, as well as the majestuous “Château des Seigneurs de Hamal” complete this charming architectural whole.

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From Gembloux to namur – 29.4km

This portion is part of the GR 126 which links Brussels to Membre-sur-Semois, South of the Province de Namur. The path enters the Province of Namur around Bothey, then in Corroy-le-Château.

Via Saint-Martin and Balâtre, the path reaches the Valley of the Orneau that you can cross near the old mill of Goyet. In the distance, you can see the industrial basin of the Basse-Sambre, a river that we approach sideways. You will come across various town and villages: Moustier, Mornimont, Soye, Floriffoux and at last Flawinne, near Namur. The GR then heads in the direction of the “Bois de la Vecquée”, bypassing the centre of Namur (see p.14 to continue towards Dinant).

The only possible alternative consists in leaving the GR 126 in Floriffoux to reach the right bank of the Sambre river and follow the RAVeL until Namur. You can also follow the same RAVeL from Flawinne.


| GEMBLOUx |

Gembloux, the capital of agronomy and horticulture, once famous for its cutlery, owes its development to the Benedictine abbey founded in the 10th century by Saint-Guibert. The city offers an animated face to discover while strolling through its narrow winding streets.Bothey and its interesting architectural heritage, as well as Corroy-le-Château, a mostly rural and residential village known for its medieval fortress, are the two localities of the entity of Gembloux through which the GR 126 passes.

| SOMBREffE |

This rural entity near the Sambre, crossed by the Roman road between Bavay and Tongeren has retained a feudal castle and some beautiful old houses, including impressive farms still in use.The GR 126 passes through Tongrinne, a village of the entity, which was divided into fiefs in the Middle Ages: Tongrinne belonged to the Duchy of Brabant, while Tongrenelle depended on the County of Namur.In Ligny, also on the GR 126, the spirit of Napoleon lives on. It was here that he knew his last victory, two days before the battle of Waterloo.

| JEMEPPE-SUR-SAMBRE |

Here we approach the valley of the Sambre and its industrialized landscapes. However, there still are back roads and small towns such as Saint-Martin, where agriculture has always been the main activity. From the Middle Ages, farms developed there, including that of Villeret. Spy is also part of the entity. In 1886, in a cave overlooking the Orneau, Neanderthal bones were found. This discovery gave Spy an international reputation. For its part, Moustier-sur-Sambre owes its universal fame to its glass factories, established along the Sambre. Finally, Morimont has the advantage of the “Vieille Sambre”, a former branch of the river and a remarkable natural site.

| fLOREffE |

At the gates of Namur, Floreffe spreads out on both sides of the meanders formed by the Sambre. Its major assets are its architectural heritage, natural sites (caves, ancient sites, quarries, vineyard, views), local produce, and many walking trails including one RAVeL and two GR. Floreffe, with its easy access, is close to major roads and railways.

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From Gembloux to namur

Traces of St. James in Gembloux, Sombreffe and Jemeppe-sur-Sambre…

No traces of St. James were found in the region.


| CORROY-LE-CHATEAU |

The “Château de Corroy”, recognized as a “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie”, was built by the Vianden family in the 13th century. It was part of the defense system built by the Duchy of Brabant to protect itself from the County of Namur. This plains castle, considered one of the best preserved in Europe, is still inhabited by the Marquis of Trazegnies.

The “Eglise Saint-Lambert” dates from the 13th century and marks the transition between roman and gothic. Over the course of the centuries, various additions were made, like the transept in the 16th century and a tower in the following century.

| SOMBREffE |

The Castle of Sombreffe, a plains fortress, dates back to the 13th century. It once had a military function: the defense of the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Namur. It was classified in 1971 and is listed as “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie”.

In the hamlet Tongrenelle once stood a fortress of the County of Namur. The castle fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1860. Currently, only a manor farm remains. The buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The moat, filled by the Ligne river give the site a certain charm.

| JEMEPPE-SUR-SAMBRE |

The dungeon in Villeret is located on the old line of defense of the County of Namur and overlooking the farm of the same name. Built in the early 13th century, it had both an observation and a residential function. It was classified in 1978 and is listed as “Patrimoine Majeur de Wallonie”.

The “Espace de l’Homme de Spy” is an interpretive centre that develops two themes: the prehistoric site of the cave of Spy and the Man of Neanderthal (his morphology, his place in human evolution, his lifestyle, the mystery of his disappearance ...). An attractive scenography provides the latest scientific information.

| fLOREffE |

Founded in 1121 by St. Norbert, the Abbey of Floreffe is one of the most beautiful architectural sites in the country: a courtyard, buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries, the abbey church with its beautiful Baroque, stalls and the mill-brewery.

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From dInant to membre-sur-semoIs – 94.6km

Another possible way of reaching Santiago de Compostela is the GR 126, which heads to the South in Dinant, towards the valley of the Semois, close to France. The twisting and turning path through the woods links Membre-sur-Semois, Houyet, Beauraing, another site of pilgrimage, and Gedinne.

| HOUYET |

Houyet is also a real haven, with a rich heritage and exceptional nature. The entity has a few treasures: the Castle of Vêves; Celles, a typical village of the Condroz listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”; or Ciergnon and its royal castle. The region is a paradise for walking (do not miss the RAVeL that connects Houyet to Rochefort), but the Lesse also offers a very pleasant outdoor activity: the famous descents of the river in kayaks.

| BEAURAiNG |

Beauraing became famous thanks to the apparitions of the Virgin witnessed by several children in November 1932.Its centre features a developing vibrant commercial activity. In the vicinity there are pretty little villages surrounded by large forested areas.

| GEDiNNE |

At the heart of the Ardennes, Gedinne and 12 villages are spread on both sides of the “Vallée de la Houille”.

The entity can claim to be the highlight of the Province of Namur. It lies in the heart of the “Plateau de la Croix-Scaille”, a beautiful wooded area which lived tragic hours when the Resistance invaded it in 1944. Today, it attracts lovers of the outdoors who will enjoy exploring the many footpaths.

| vRESSE-SUR-SEMOiS |

The entity Vresse offers such a variety of landscapes that it is nicknamed “the Little Switzerland of Namur”. This environment is ideal for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Vresse is also appreciated by many renowned artists who have set up their easels along the Semois or on the plateaus.

The 12 villages, among which Laforet, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”, have given the region its typical character: shale houses covered with slate roofs.

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From dInant to membre-sur-semoIs

Traces of St. james in Monceau-en-Ardenne

Although the GR does not pass through Monceau-en-Ardenne, the “Eglise Saint-Jacques” bears the name of the apostle. On the outside walls of the church, you can find a bronze scallop, right of the entrance. You can also see an 18th-century wooden statue of St. James in the church choir.


| HOUYET |

In the centre of Celles, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”, stands the “Eglise romane Saint-Hadelin”. The impressive church was built in the 11th century by disciples of the saint. Inside, you will be able to discover wooden choir stalls from the 13th century, as well as the tombstones of the lords of Vêves, and two crypts from the 7th and 12th century in the underground.

The “Château de vêves”, built upon a rocky outcrop, is a beautiful example of medieval military architecture. The castle bears the shape of a pentagon, with a tower on each corner, and knew various additions over the course of centuries. Since 1761, the castle has been the property of a same family which, from 1969, started important restauration works. It currently houses beautifully furnished appartments.

| BEAURAiNG |

The “Parc du Castel Saint-Pierre”, close to the city centre, spreads out over 27 ha. It features a castle with seven ponds and an arboretum. It is the ideal place for a walk and is strongly appreciated by the “Beaurinois”.

| GEDiNNE |

The “Eglise Notre-Dame de la Nativité” in Gedinne features a 12th-century Roman tower. Inside the tower, you will find an oaken retable from the 16th century, as well as new organs restaured in 2002.

In 2012, the “Tour du Millénaire” was rebuilt atop the “Plateau de la Croix-Scaille”. 60 metres high, the tower offers a magnificent 360° view on the region.

| vRESSE-SUR-SEMOiS |

He entity of Vresse features one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”: Laforêt. The charming village consists of shale houses made with the materials from nearby quarries. At each end of the two main streets, you can find an abreuvoir and a lavoir.

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Follow the digital guide!

Scan our QR codesA QR code (Quick Response Code) is a barcode within a square thatyou simply have to scan with your mobile phone’s camera to access content on a website. 1. Download a QR code reader for free from the App Store

(Apple) or Android Market (Samsung, HTC, etc.). Tip: enter QR code in the online shop’s search engine

2. Launch the application3. Scan the code with the camera at the back of your smart-

phone

The Valley Country in your pocketPC, smartphone or tablet: the Valley Country available on everytype of screen! Consulting an itinerary, the calendar of events, theguide to attractions or finding a table in a restaurant for the evening is easy: just type in paysdesvallees.mobi, the mobile version designed for your smartphone screen.

Increase your realityDid you know? You have a genuine tourist guide in your pocket thatwill show you and tell you about the best curiosities in the Valley Country: your smartphone!1. Download the "Visit Namur" application from the App Store

(Apple) or Android Market (Samsung, HTC, etc.)2. Launch the application, scan the countryside with your phone

and you will see numerous points of interest appear! Touch one of them to find out more!

I share, you shareNo more missing the latest event or exhibition, a special deal forthe ideal romantic weekend or a fun-packed competition! You canshare your experiences and impressions too! Join us on Facebookand Twitter : www.facebook.com/paysdesval lees and www.twitter.com/paysdesvallees

Fancy a walk in the Valley Country? Did you know that the Tourism Federation uses the latest technology to helpyou prepare and accompany you during your adventures? Follow the guide!

ftpn christ FR_Mise en page 1 13/06/12 09:07 Page1

“de namur à saInt-Jacques de compostelle autrement”

If all ways lead to Rome, they most certainly also lead to Santiago de Compostela. Over the years, the site of pilgrimage has become a highlight for lovers of “slow tourism”. Did you know that Namur lies on one of the historic ways to Santiago, 105 days of walking away. For more information about this mythical itinerary, the testimonies of the walkers, their tips, their address books, their pictures… the FTPN created the blog “De Namur à Saint-Jacques de Compostelle Autrement”

http://www.namur-stjacques.eu

The website www.tourismegps.be has already received various awards during various ICT fairs and shows, and it is now acclaimed by passionate walkers.The various RAVeL itineraries presented as alternatives to the official GR are also available on the website.

How can you download an itinerary into your GPS?The downloadable files are offered in .gpx (universal format) and .gdb (Garmin format) formats. In case these formats do not fit your GPS model, you will find a converter (right in the downloading zone) that will allow you to convert the file to an adequate format. You can also visit ITN Converter’s website for more information.

follow these steps:1 Connect the GPS to your computer with your USB cable (the name of your GPS ap-

pears as an external drive)2 Select the sub-file GPX3 Select your itinerary on the website www.tourismegps.be4 A window opens, asking you to save the itinerary5 Download the file from the sub-file GPX onto your GPS

(or in another file on your computer)6 Disconnect the GPS7 Then, select the chosen itinerary in the “Itineraries” on your GPS

Have a nice trip in the Valley Country!

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contact detaIls and tourIst oFFIces

Responsable editor : Francis Malacord – Director Photos : © FTPN – C. Genard - Lay-out and printing : Imprimerie provinciale

Topographical guides related to the Province of Namur.

• Topographical guide of the “Via Mosana”, Aachen – Namur via Liège – Huy – Andenne. Maastricht to Liège, written and edited by the “Association Belge des Amis de Saint Jacques” ASBL www.st-jacques.be

• FFR, Sentier vers Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, GR 654. Via Vézelay : Namur – Vézelay. Namur – Rocroi – Reims – Châlons-en-Champagne - Auxerre – Vézelay, 2010.

• Topo-guide du GR 126, Bruxelles – Namur – Membre-sur-Semois

Practical guides and books to read before your departure for Compostela…

• Barret et Gurgand, Priez pour nous à Compostelle, Hachette Littérature, 1978, 1999. A wonderful book that takes us back to the history of the pilgrims of the Middle Ages.

• Clouteau Jacques, Compostelle, mode d’emploi, Collection Miam-Miam Dodo, Editions du Vieux Crayon, 2011. This book contains numerous tips that you might want to take before heading off to Santiago de Compostela.

• de la Brosse Gaëlle, Guide spirituel des chemins de Saint-Jacques, Presse de la Renaissance, 2010. This book will help the pilgrims spiritually on their ways to Santiago de Compostela.

• Genin Pierre, Pèlerin de Saint-Jacques, lève-toi et marche, Editions Mols, 2006.This book tackles the various topics of a pilgrimage.

Useful Contacts

Les amis de Saint-Jacques de CompostelleJean-Pierre LaruelleRue des Sorbiers, 145101 Erpent (Namur)0032/ 81 30 33 86 - 0032/ 486 26 63 [email protected] - http://www.st-jacques.be

Vers CompostelleSimone et Pierre Swalus - Van [email protected] - www.verscompostelle.be

Radio Camino : sur le chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle - www.radiocamino.net

Maison du Tourisme des Vallées des Eaux Vives

Cerfontaine – Couvin – Doische – Florennes – Philippeville – Viroinval – Walcourt

Vallées des Eaux VivesRue de la Falaise, 3 – 5660 Couvin

Phone : +32 (0)60 34 01 44

Maison du Tourisme de Dinant et de la Haute-Meuse

Anhée – Dinant – Hastière – Onhaye – YvoirVallées de Forteresses et de Châteaux

Avenue Cadoux, 8 – 5500 DinantPhone : +32 (0)82 22 28 70

Maison du Tourisme Sambre Orneau - Gembloux – Jemeppe-sur-Sambre –

Sambreville – SombreffeVallées de Découvertes

Rue Sigebert, 3 – 5030 GemblouxPhone : +32 (0)81 62 69 66

Maison du Tourisme Condroz-FamenneCiney – Hamois – Havelange – Somme-Leuze

Vallées des SaveursRue de l’Église, 4 – 5377 Heure

Phone : +32 (0)86 40 19 22

Maison du Tourisme du Pays de NamurAndenne – Assesse – Fernelmont – Floreffe –

Fosses-la-Ville – Gesves – La Bruyère – Namur – Ohey – Profondeville

Vallées d’Art et de TraditionsPavillon du Tourisme, Square Léopold – 5000

NamurPhone : +32 (0)81 24 64 49

Maison du Tourisme du Val de LesseBeauraing – Houyet - Rochefort

Val de LesseRue de Behogne, 5 – 5580 Rochefort

Phone : +32 (0)84 34 51 72

Maison du Tourisme de l’Ardenne namuroise

Bièvre – Gedinne – Vresse-sur- SemoisVallées de l’Ardenne namuroise

Rue Albert Raty, 83 – 5550 Vresse-sur-SemoisPhone : +32 (0)61 29 28 27

Fédération du Tourisme de la Province de Namur

Avenue Reine Astrid, 22/2

5000 Namur - BelgiquePhone : +32 (0)81/77 67 57

Fax : +32 (0)81/77 69 [email protected]

www.paysdesvallees.be www.tourismegps.be

www.namurclic.bewww.namurcongres.be

www.espritpaysdesvallees.be

Tourisme

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compostela…

A magical name,Both to the ear and to the imagination!

Do you too want to discover the “Camino de Santiago”?

Do you too want to walk in the footstepsOf those who, for thousands of years,

Have accomplished this journey of faith, hope, and love?

“it is a long way to Compostela!”It is normal for you to hesitate to get on your way…

To reassure you and get advice,Former pilgrims welcome you at 06:30 p.m.,

Every first Thursday of the month,Address: see our website.

Association Belge des Amis de Saint Jacques de Compostelle a.s.b.l.Head Office: Rue du Villez, 59. 5060 Velaine-sur-Sambre

Website: www.st-jacques.be Phone: 00 32 (0) 71 74 01 21 – E-mail: [email protected]

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Documents

In the footsteps of St James of Compostela through the Province of Namur