Nestled in the rolling hills of the Ardennes, the village of La Reid is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of rural life. In this article, we will discover all the must-see places near the village of La Reid and what to do in this region of Belgium.
La Reid
La Reid is a little village in the province of Liège in the high Ardennes. This village is the epicenter of multiple walking routes and the perfect place to start your walk towards the Chaffour, the Charmille, and the Ninglinspo. Three amazing places to visit here on a day trip.
Le Chaffour
Le Chaffour is an old quarry at the edge of the wood, established in a stunning vale. The wall on your right is 9 meters high and can be perfect for rock climbers. The wall has multiple cracks that can give you support during the climb. My friends abseiled the rock a few times last summer.
If you approach the Chaffour quietly, you may see foxes. I saw three little ones on the opposite side of the wall. A perfect place for photographers trying to take animal shots.
To access this place, start from the village and go to “Chenal street” to continue straight for 500 meters to “Chaffour street” till you see the fork of the road and take a right.
If you continue straight, you will see a little road that goes up. Here you will have a beautiful viewpoint over La Reid!
La Charmille
La Charmille is also called the cradle of La Reid. With over 4700 hornbeam plants that are mostly over 100 years old, this is the longest plant tunnel in Europe. With its 573 meters of wonderful vegetation, it's definitely on the must-see list. The walk is accessible every time of the year and is gorgeous during every season.
Address: La Charmille du Haut Marêt, 4910 Theux
Le Ninglinspo
At The Amblève River, erosion has carved wild valleys across the rocks leaving one of the country's most rural stream flows, the Ninglinspo. This hike often makes the list of the most beautiful hikes in Belgium due to its rustic terrain next to a mountain river. During the walk, you have multiple places to go for a swim in the natural water basins and slides. Swimming and using the natural slides are just so much better than any water park!
I would suggest taking good hiking shoes for the walk and water shoes for the river. The bottom of the river is slippery due to the current, but some protruding rocks can be dangerous. Personally, I take my hammock with me everywhere. The Ninglinspo is a perfect place to hang it in the trees near the river. Dry up and enjoy the sun!
The Ninglinspo is located near Aywaille and Remouchamps. You can start your walk from La Charmille and hike down to the Ninglinspo or start at the parking in the village Sedoz. If you choose to start from La Charmille, before entering the cradle, you will see an intersection. The road going to the Ninglinspo is the one on your left when seeing the Charmille.
The parking in Sedoz is the most popular place to start the walk and from this point, you will have 2 choices. You can take the 6 km route or the 2,5 km route depending on your preference.
If you take the long route, you will arrive at the Drouet viewpoint over the whole region! Follow the blue rectangular to the viewpoint. Beautiful to do after a nice day of swimming, hiking, and relaxing.
Saint Hadelin Church
Another must-see attraction in La Reid is the Saint Hadelin Church, which dates back to the 11th century. This impressive Gothic church features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a beautifully preserved organ from the 18th century. Visitors can attend mass at the church or simply admire its impressive architecture and artwork.
Château de Tancrémont
Another highlight of La Reid is the stunning Château de Tancrémont, which dates back to the 14th century. The castle was built by the de Tancrémont family and has been beautifully restored over the years. Today, it is a popular venue for weddings and other special events, and visitors can take a guided tour of the castle's interior to learn more about its fascinating history.
Horse riding
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, La Reid is a great destination for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The village is surrounded by scenic forests and rolling hills, and there are numerous trails and paths that offer stunning views of the countryside. There are also several equestrian centers in the area that offer horseback riding lessons and guided tours.
Musée de la Vie Rurale et Artisanale
If you're interested in local history and culture, be sure to visit the Musée de la Vie Rurale et Artisanale. This small museum showcases the traditional way of life in the Ardennes region, with exhibits on farming, woodworking, weaving, and other crafts. The museum also hosts workshops and demonstrations throughout the year, giving visitors a chance to learn hands-on skills and connect with the local community.
Gastronomy
Finally, no visit to La Reid would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The village is known for its delicious regional specialties, including Ardennes ham, game meat, and cheeses. There are several cozy restaurants and cafés in the village where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
In conclusion, La Reid is a charming and tranquil village that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the beauty and simplicity of rural living. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, there's something for everyone in this hidden gem of the Ardennes.
I hope you will enjoy these beautiful places in Belgium! If you went after reading the article, let me know how your day was, and I will gladly feature your pictures to Fly Along.
Keep on exploring and Fly Along!
