Felenne: Ardennes Forest, Trails and Local History

Felenne combines a landscape shaped by its forests with traces of its local history. Walking trails and viewpoints connect your stay with nature, while the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens church, a former customs post and the literary heritage of Georges Perpète offer other perspectives. You can discover the village through outdoor activities as well as its architectural history and memories of cross-border trade.

Forest, elevation and viewpoints

The Ardennes forest covers 80 percent of Felenne’s territory and shapes its landscape. Felenne’s elevation also offers viewpoints; the village’s highest point is 389 metres above sea level. The forest cover and elevation are two concrete features of the natural setting. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can include viewpoints and walking trails in your day’s plans.

Walking trails by length and route

Felenne has eight marked walking trails, ranging in length from 3 to 10 kilometres. This range lets you use trail length as a selection criterion: you can plan shorter or longer routes, depending on how far you want to walk.

The Felenne n2 route has a specific itinerary: it passes through the forest to the Houille, follows the river, then climbs back up via Les Cuvelles. The forest, stretch alongside the river and climb back up form the route’s main thread. You can consider this route in terms of its landscape features, while the general overview of the walking trails focuses mainly on the distances available.

Another route to consider is the Grand Tour Pédestre des Réserves Naturelles Lesse et Houille. It crosses the bridge at Felenne and passes through the Bois de l’Echelle on its way to the village of Felenne. These waypoints give this route a different, specific character from the description of Felenne n2: here, the bridge, forest and village destination take centre stage.

Architectural history and cross-border trade

The Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens church in Felenne dates from the 18th century and is known for its statue of Saint Peter. It is built from sandstone rubble and bluestone in a Neoclassical style. Its age, materials and style make the church a striking example of local architectural history: the Neoclassical design describes its architectural character, while the two named stones provide specific details about its construction. The statue also adds its own distinctive feature to the church interior.

The former customs post in Felenne offers a glimpse into another period. It was in use until the introduction of the free movement of goods and people in the Schengen Area in 1995. This date places the history of the post in the specific context of changes in cross-border trade. Together with the church, it offers a look at different chapters of local history: religious heritage and the village’s former role at the border.

Literature and further information

The Belgian writer Georges Perpète was from Felenne. His works include Les Frontaliers and Felenne, mon village. His connection to the village adds a literary dimension to its architectural and historical traces.

There is also an outdoor public playground at the entrance to Felenne.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Felenne, your preferred focus for your stay can help guide your choice. Nature lovers can focus on the forest, viewpoints and marked trails; those interested in culture can explore the church, the history of the customs post and Georges Perpète. This can help you decide whether you would prefer to spend your days amid the landscape and walking trails or exploring the village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Winenne, Vonêche, Martouzin, Sevry, Javingue, Dion.

For the broader travel overview: Beauraing.