Braives: Nature, Willows and History

Braives showcases nature and rural cultural heritage in specific places. One focal point is Hosdent: the Village du Saule is a historic complex in the municipality of Braives, set in natural surroundings. Here, walks, nature and historical traces can be considered as distinct themes for a stay.

Hosdent: Wetland and Willow Art

The Village du Saule is housed in restored historic buildings that once served as the courthouse and the Moulin de Hosdent. The complex includes willow installations such as tunnels, huts, arbors and palisades, as well as a salicetum and willow plantings. The Parcours du Saule is a fun, educational trail through the 4-hectare Hosdent wetland. Along the trail, visitors can observe, touch and even handle willow. This makes willow tangible not only as part of the landscape, but also as a specific theme of the trail.

The Village du Saule’s guided walks explore wetlands and local rural cultural heritage; seasonal highlights complement these themes. For families looking to include nature and regional history in their trip, Hosdent can provide a shared theme. When choosing your holiday rental, you can consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on observing nature, walking or cultural discoveries.

Wetlands and Hiking Trails

The Marais de Hosdent covers 8.35 hectares and has been a state nature reserve managed by the Walloon Region since 2001. It is protected primarily for its ornithological importance. The Promenade des Chevreuils offers a different perspective on the landscape: this moderately difficult circular hiking trail is 11.2 kilometres long and starts at Place Limage in Fumal. It passes through wildlife-rich forests, wetlands and extensive fields in the Mehaigne Valley. Attentive walkers can often spot deer there. Check local conditions before setting out.

The historic centre of Fumal is also a protected ensemble. Those who enjoy walking will find both a specific hiking destination and a place of recognised historical character. At the start or end of the Promenade de la Rainette des Marais, there is also the opportunity to visit the Village du Saule’s natural site, with its pond, willow maze, footbridges and observation tower. If you plan to visit, it is best to check in advance whether this is possible.

RAVeL and Cycling Routes

The RAVeL runs through Braives, connecting Hannut with Huccorgne. The RAVeL Traversine follows the meanders of the Mehaigne and opens up stretches of the valley that cannot be reached by car. For a longer ride, the hilly, 33-kilometre circular route “À la découverte du saule!” follows quiet roads and cycle paths through the varied landscapes of the Parc naturel Burdinale-Mehaigne. Along the way, it showcases different facets of willow. The options differ clearly in activity and length: alongside this cycling route, there is the moderately difficult 11.2-kilometre Promenade des Chevreuils hike.

Historical Traces and Art

The Château de Braives dates from the 18th century and was built on the remains of a fortified castle from the 14th century. Braives station represents a more recent chapter in the area’s history: it is one of the few stations not to have been demolished and was fully renovated in 2004.

The biennial artists’ trail “Balades braivoises et burdinnoises” also adds a cultural highlight. It brings together artists and craftspeople from Braives and Burdinne. The 14th edition is scheduled for 24 and 25 April 2027; participants can open their workshops and spaces to showcase their own work and that of their guests. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates in advance.

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