Olloy-Sur-Viroin between steam train, river and forest

Olloy-sur-Viroin combines dynamic landscapes, regional history and distinctive routes to create a versatile destination. The Viroin winds in meanders around hills and rocks, while a pretty three-arched bridge stands over the river in the valley. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Olloy-sur-Viroin can combine nature experiences, culture and active excursions here, depending on their interests.

Between river landscapes and historic routes

One of the village’s defining features is the Three Valleys steam train. It runs along the Mariembourg–Treignes route through Olloy-sur-Viroin. This makes the village part of a railway landscape where the travel experience and regional history come together. The RAVeL also brings the area’s former transport history to life: the section near Olloy-sur-Viroin follows the former local railway line 451, which once connected Olloy-sur-Viroin with Oignies-en-Thiérache.

From Mariembourg and Nismes, Olloy-sur-Viroin can be reached via an approximately one-kilometre section on a minor road; this is where the RAVeL begins. For most of its route, the path follows the Noué stream. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip between an excursion with a regional railway connection and a route where the landscape along the water takes centre stage. The former railway line and the Noué stream each give the RAVeL its own character.

Active days in Viroinval Nordic Parc

Those who would like to explore the area on foot will find 15 signposted forest trails in Viroinval Nordic Parc. The routes are marked according to the difficulty levels green, blue and red. Olloy-sur-Viroin also has a designated starting point for the Parc. Viroinval Nordic Parc can be used independently or accompanied by an instructor.

This selection makes it easier to organise the day according to your own preferences: you can choose a signposted forest trail or explore the surroundings via the RAVeL and its former railway connection. From Olloy-sur-Viroin, you can also reach the wild ridges of the Calestienne and enter the deep forests of the Ardennes. When choosing your accommodation, it is therefore important to consider whether you are mainly looking for forest trails, river landscapes, historic routes or a combination of these experiences.

History, legends and literature

Olloy-sur-Viroin was once protected by a large Gallic oppidum. The village is also connected with the literary circle surrounding the writer Joseph Chot. Another cultural stop is Le Légendaire, located in the former railway station of Olloy-sur-Viroin. Using costumed figures, it presents popular legends from Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse and the Namur region. Le Légendaire is educational, playful and interactive, and is aimed at visitors of all generations.

If you are travelling with several generations or would like to alternate days in nature with cultural discoveries, Olloy-sur-Viroin offers a range of different themes. The Gallic past, the literary circle surrounding Joseph Chot and the legends of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse each provide a different focus, without confining the village to just one historical period. Your choice of holiday apartment can therefore depend on whether you would rather focus on peaceful landscapes, active routes or cultural stories.

Regional specialities

There is also a regional connection when it comes to food. Escavèche La Madeleine produces escavèche from Chimay, as well as smoked salmon and smoked trout fillets. The history of Escavir Sprl began in 2002: Philippe Dumoulin founded the company based on an escavèche recipe passed down by his father-in-law, Pierre Lobet. Products like these add a taste of the region to your stay, so that trip planning is not determined solely by excursions and routes.

Olloy-sur-Viroin as the starting point for your trip

It is best to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home based on which of these aspects particularly interest you during your stay. Those planning active days can take the signposted trails and paths along the water into account. Those wishing to combine culture and landscape will find several different points of interest in the former railway station, the oppidum and the river bridge.

Other places in the area

For further trip planning, you can also visit the places Denée, Oignies-En-Thiérache, Goesnes, Roly, Hastière-Par-Delà, Gembloux, Thy-Le-Bauduin and La Bruyère.

For the main travel overview: Namur.