De Durbuy à La-Roche-en-Ardenne (stage 3)

The pearl of the Ardennes

Medium

33 km

Starting from Durbuy, the world’s smallest city, you leave behind you a particularly well preserved historic centre with buildings of limestone from the region’s quarries. You can admire the superb landscapes sculpted by the Ourthe, a peaceful river that still resounds with tales and legends of the Ardennes.

When you reach Hotton, you can go underground to explore the caves, awarded two stars in the Michelin guide, or tickle fish at the riverside. Minor roads passing through the pretty villages of Hampteau, Rendeux, Marcourt and Jupille, marked by typical Ardennes architecture, then lead you to La Roche-en-Ardenne, also known as ‘the city of Berthe’, a likeable ghost who haunts the ruins of the medieval castle. A visit not to be missed in this centre of cycling in Wallonia, where cyclists in search of victory in the Doyenne, the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège cycle race, pass by the ruins of the feudal castle in April every year.

Details

The route:
The route runs mainly along quiet minor roads, sheltered from motor traffic, except as you cross through Hotton and Rendeux, and between Jupille-sur-Ourthe and La Roche-en-Ardenne where you go along regional roads with fast motor traffic.

Surface:
Mostly smooth (alternately asphalt and concrete). A few very short stretches of good quality fine stones.

Height difference:
Slightly hilly route with a steep incline upon leaving Durbuy towards Petit-Han.

Signs:
Full directional signs with W4 identification panels are in place.

Safety, precautions:
Most of the time you cycle along quiet minor roads, sometimes on a separate path, but extra care is needed on the three sections along regional roads as the traffic is sometimes fast.

Connections:

In Durbuy, you can join the connecting route between the Ourthe RAVeL and the Line 126 RAVeL in Les Avins (Clavier). This connecting route, on quiet roads, is fully signposted but there is a steep incline upon leaving Durbuy.

Warnings

Useful info

Start:

Rue du Comte d'Ursel at the exit of Durbuy, on the N833, near the "Place de la Passerelle" (n°41).

Coordinates Lambert 72 : X : 227218 m - Y : 116133 m

GPS coordinates: Latitude: 50°21'3.84 "N - Longitude: 5°27'13.62 "E

Access by car: Parking possible near the start.

Rest areas:

Hotton (right bank of the Ourthe), La Roche-en-Ardenne centre.

Guides/maps:

RAVeL map of the Province of Luxembourg published by the SPW. This map, called ‘More RAVeL, more pleasure’, can be ordered free of charge via the RAVeL website by clicking here.
Map of the Pays de Famenne region by bike (nodal points), distributed by the Tourist Offices.

Around the route by bike: