Discover Herve: Tradition, History and Ligne 38

Herve between religious tradition, urban history and a green route

Herve combines impressive evidence of its past with a vibrant religious tradition and a long route along a former railway line. The Procession del Céqwemme still takes place on Whit Monday. It is regarded as an important expression of Christian faith and the connection with local religious folklore. The length is also important for planning your trip: the Procession del Céqwemme covers just under 15.3 kilometres. The earliest known mention dates back to 1592.

Another landmark in the town’s history is Herve Town Hall. It was built in 1846, but after being destroyed by fire by German troops on 8 August 1914, it was rebuilt in 1929. A single building thus shows how different historical periods are connected with the development of the town.

Historical sites and special details

The Collège royal Marie-Thérèse is one of the few surviving witnesses to the religious and educational policies of Empress Marie-Thérèse. In Herve, the institution was founded by decree on 9 March 1777. The buildings of the Collège royal Marie-Thérèse were inaugurated by Charles-Alexandre de Lorraine on 1 January 1778. Those interested in the history of education and governance will find a concrete way here to explore the changes of the 18th century.

The Eglise de Herve also offers several notable details. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. Its massive tower dates from the 13th century and was formerly part of the fortress that defended the town. The bell tower is 49 metres high, has a twisted shape and was made from several centuries-old oak trees from the neighbouring forests. The Six Fontaines consist of six stone basins and, according to tradition, are connected with a spring discovered during a coal crisis.

Bringing together the Procession, local delights and Ligne 38

The local experience also includes HERVISCOPE. The HERVISCOPE presentation is followed by a tasting of Herve cheese and cider. This adds a culinary dimension to exploring the town without losing sight of its historical and religious themes.

For a more active day plan, you can include Ligne 38. It is an approximately 42-kilometre-long RAVeL greenway along a former railway line. Ligne 38 begins at the former Herve railway station and heads towards Thimister and Clermont-sur-Berwinne. It is also part of the regional W2 route, “La Véloroute de la Bière”. Its approximate total length and route provide a clear basis if you want to divide your trip between local history and cycling.

Find accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Herve, you can first decide which focus your trip should have. The Procession del Céqwemme and the historical buildings favour an itinerary with a cultural and religious emphasis. Ligne 38 offers a different focus and can be incorporated into a travel plan with longer routes. Those travelling with different interests can combine these themes and give the individual days an appropriate balance. Above all, consider which experiences are most important for your group and how you would like to shape your daily plans around history, local delights and the route.

For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages on Charneux and Battice.

For the overview of the wider region: Liège.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Kelmis, Trois-Ponts, Verviers, Stavelot, Huy, Burdinne.