Flémalle: Hiking Trails, Prehistory and Cultural Heritage

Flémalle combines a protected natural area with hikes, prehistoric discoveries and impressive evidence of Walloon history. Those planning a trip with a range of interests can choose between signposted trails, sites of cultural and historical importance and special visitor experiences. When looking for a holiday apartment in Flémalle, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on: Should the trip mainly take you through landscapes, immerse you in prehistory or connect several historical sites?

Natural Areas and Hikes with Their Own Character

The “Aux Roches” nature reserve has been officially recognised by the Walloon Region since 2004. It covers 27 hectares and stretches between the village of Chokier and the Trixhes plateau. This clearly defined natural area is an important attraction for anyone who wants to spend their days outdoors while experiencing a variety of landscapes.

The length, signage and destination can help you choose the right hike. The red-marked Verte Voie N°4 is 6.6 km long and leads to the castles of Chokier and d'Aigremont. Also marked in red, the 4.1 km La Hardée — Les Vingt-Deux hike passes the site “A la Vierge Marie” at an elevation of 196 m and offers a panorama extending to the Condroz. At 4.1 km, it is shorter than the 6.6 km Verte Voie N°4.

The blue-marked Verte Voie N°9 is 7.7 km long and runs through Ivoz-Ramet. Along the way, it passes the Ruisseau de la Rochette stream and the Bois Madame woodland. Another perspective is offered by the 4.4 km, unmarked Promenade des anciens moulins. It leads through Chokier and the “Aux Roches” nature reserve; at eight stations, QR codes convey the new legends of Chokier. Depending on your interests, you can therefore include a marked trail, a panorama or a route with storytelling stations in your plans.

Discover Prehistory and Cultural Heritage

The Préhistomuseum is aimed at visitors who want to experience history rather than simply observe it. Accompanied by an archaeologist, you can try out a prehistoric activity or discover everyday life in prehistoric times. The Grotte Schmerling also offers a specific historical connection: Philippe-Charles Schmerling discovered there, in 1829–1830, the skullcaps of the adult Engis 1 and the child Engis 2, who died at the age of 3.

The Grotte Schmerling has been a protected site under a royal decree dated 26 October 1978. Since 6 October 2016, it has also been included on the list of Wallonia’s exceptional immovable cultural heritage established by the Walloon Government. The Château de la Châtaigneraie has housed the Centre wallon d’art contemporain of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles since 1984. The cultural spectrum thus ranges from prehistoric finds to contemporary art.

The Fort de Flémalle is also one of the area’s notable historical sites. It was built by Brialmont in 1880. The 1,700-metre-long galleries connecting the fort with its tower can be visited. In addition, the fort offers the guided VR'40 Experience Tour all year round, by reservation, on the third Sunday of each month. The tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You should take these fixed conditions into account when planning your trip.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

When choosing accommodation in Flémalle, you can be guided by the desired mix of nature and culture. For active days, the various hikes are ideal as the focus of your plans; for culture-focused stays, the Préhistomuseum, Grotte Schmerling, Château de la Châtaigneraie and Fort de Flémalle are the main attractions. If you do not want the same type of trip every day, you can alternate between the trail lengths and the various historical themes. The Office du Tourisme de Flémalle supports visitors with travel guides, maps and leaflets, as well as local and regional products.

A further local page is Flémalle-Haute. Other local pages for orientation: Bassenge, Soumagne, Geer, Amel, Fexhe-Le-Haut-Clocher, Modave and Oreye.

For the higher-level travel overview: Liège.