Discover Les Avins: Hoyoux, Caves and Sculptures

Les Avins combines an impressive church history, archaeological traces and varied paths along the Hoyoux. Those looking for a mix of culture, walks and cycling tours for their holiday will find several different points of interest here to help plan their trip. It is particularly interesting that historic sites, a sculptural tradition and concrete outdoor experiences can be combined into a varied stay without every activity having to be of the same kind.

Saint Martin Church and the History of the Village

A prominent landmark is Saint Martin Church, which stands on a rocky promontory above the Hoyoux Valley. It is dominated by a listed Romanesque tower with an onion dome, which has existed since the early 18th century. The building history itself also makes the site interesting for visitors interested in culture: the original single-nave church was rebuilt in 1734 and later reused as the transept of a new church built from 1893 to 1896.

The visible art in the village also includes the gargoyles in Rue du Centre, created by artists from the Les Avins sculpture studio. Direct stone carving, particularly in locally sourced Petit Granit, is a distinctive form of the sculptural craft developed in Les Avins. André Cools founded and led the sculpture symposia in Les Avins-en-Condroz in 1984. This gives exploring the sculptures an additional historical dimension.

Archaeology, Museum and Remembrance

The archaeological site of Les Avins comprises three caves on the banks of the Hoyoux. The first cave served as a collective burial site; the material recovered there has been dated from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. A footpath leads to the caves. They can also be reached via Rue de la Vanne, either from the bridge below the church or via SGR Huy-Hamoir 576. For day planning, it is advisable to compare these different access routes with your own excursion itinerary in advance.

The Musée des Avins is located in the Les Avins school and contains protohistoric material from the archaeological site. Another historical point of reference is the Battle of Les Avins, which took place on 20 May 1635 in Les Avins in the Condroz and is considered the first battle between France and Spain. A memorial stele at the car park of the Salle “La Grange” commemorates this event.

Walking and Cycling along the Hoyoux

Hikers can choose from various formats. The circular hiking trail “Les Avins: Corbeaumont (8)” is 15 kilometres long, starts on Rue du Monument in Les Avins and is marked with a blue cross. Those who prefer a shorter, playful activity can plan “Le Laid Homme du Hoyoux”. This 2.8-kilometre walk starts at the CIESAC. Participants explore various facets of the river and take part in a game involving a code and a treasure chest.

The “Les Avins – Le Condroz romantique” hiking trail follows a beautiful path along the Hoyoux near Les Avins. From Les Avins, cyclists can reach the Ourthe-RAVeL via a signposted 20-kilometre connecting route. RAVeL Line 126 runs entirely along its own path, separated from other traffic. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between a longer cycling tour, a signposted circular trail and a short walk with a playful focus.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plan

When looking for a holiday apartment in Les Avins, it is worth using your planned activities as a selection criterion. Those who mainly want to discover the church, archaeology and local history can focus on the cultural highlights mentioned above. For active days, the paths along the Hoyoux, the circular trail to Corbeaumont or the connection to the Ourthe-RAVeL provide concrete points of reference. If you are travelling with children, the playful walk “Le Laid Homme du Hoyoux” can add a distinct touch without the entire stay being centred on a single activity.

For an additional location option, you can also look at Ocquier. What matters is which combination of history, riverside landscapes, walking and cycling best suits your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Clavier.