Marche-En-Famenne: Discover Culture, Routes and Nature

Marche-en-Famenne is a rewarding destination if you want to combine culture, traces of history and active days in a varied landscape. Listed buildings, museums, hiking and cycling routes offer a range of options for planning your trip. You can focus your stay more strongly on history and regional art or combine a longer route with experiences in nature.

Routes for active exploration

The RAVeL route from Marche-en-Famenne to Erezée is 18.5 km long. Its starting point is at the car park of the Centre Culturel et Sportif at 74 Chaussée de l’Ourthe. The route can be reached by train via Marche-en-Famenne SNCB railway station. This means you can already take the route length into account when planning your day, without limiting the outing to sights in the town alone.

Another option is the Géobalade starting from Place de l’Étang. The 10.2 km hiking or cycling route passes through the pedestrian zone of Marche-en-Famenne and the Fond des Vaulx valley. It also passes through Waha, which is known for its Romanesque church. Those looking for accommodation can therefore first consider whether historical discoveries, a longer route or a combination of the town area and countryside should be the focus of their stay.

Landscape in the Fond des Vaulx valley

Fond des Vaulx is an approximately 15-hectare, wild-looking valley in the limestone belt of the Calestienne, near the centre of Marche-en-Famenne. The landscape complements the cultural offerings with a nature-oriented side. This may be interesting for families with different interests when planning their day: one part of the trip can focus on museums and buildings, and another on a route through the landscape.

Culture, crafts and history

The FAM – Famenne & Art Museum presents regional treasures spanning 1,500 years of human presence in Famenne. At the museum, you can also discover works by the painter Remy Van den Abeele in a contemporary and unusual setting. The FAM organises conferences, activities, temporary exhibitions and children's birthday parties throughout the year. Marche's lacework is also known for its “point clair” technique.

The Musée des Chasseurs Ardennais is dedicated to the life and military achievements of the regiment. The richly illustrated chronological exhibition is complemented by an approximately 20-minute video presentation in French and Dutch. This provides a distinct cultural focus for travellers who want to learn about regional history through specific exhibitions.

The historic townscape can also be explored thematically. Maison Laloux is a listed town house dating from 1750. The Church of Saint Remacle has a tower dating from 1715; its date is confirmed by a chronogram on the portal. The Tour de la Juniesse is one of the last surviving remnants of the medieval fortifications. For groups, a guided town tour of the historic centre of Marche-en-Famenne is available by prior reservation.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Marche-En-Famenne, you can use your preferred pace as a guide. For days focused on culture, the FAM, Musée des Chasseurs Ardennais and historic buildings take centre stage. If you prefer longer distances, the 18.5 km RAVeL route and the 10.2 km Géobalade provide concrete reference points for your planning. Those who want to combine nature with exploring the town can consider Fond des Vaulx and the route through the pedestrian zone.

Discover more destinations

For your further search, you can also find Humain, Herbeumont, Paliseul, Saint-Léger, Wellin, Léglise, Manhay and Dochamps.

For the overarching travel overview: Luxembourg.