Polleur: Roman Bridge, Church and Hiking Trails

Polleur lies in the Hoëgne Valley and brings together Roman-era building history, a Gothic church, local folklore and several hiking routes. In the village centre, the Vieux Pont crosses the Hoëgne; paths lead through woods and fields and along the Chawion stream. Buildings and commemorative markers, landscapes and local festive traditions reveal different sides of the village.

Roman Bridge and Building History

The Vieux Pont de Polleur is a Roman bridge in the village centre, spanning the Hoëgne. It stood on the Voie du Fer, an ancient Roman road between Trier and Tongeren. Two basket-handle arches and a slightly arched roadway give the structure its distinctive profile. The river crossing and historic road connection come together here, without the bridge losing its striking individual form.

Other commemorative markers also situate history in Polleur: the Congrès de Polleur statue stands slightly apart from the stele in Polleur. The Route des Droits de l’Homme is marked by sixteen steles, one of which stands in the village. The history of the bridge thus meets another route marked by steles.

The Church of Saint-Jacques et Notre-Dame de Polleur is a Gothic building with sandstone and limestone masonry. One of its distinctive features is the spiral bell tower. The tower and its spire have been listed as protected architectural heritage in Theux since January 1935. A replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes stands in front of the church. The materials, tower design and grotto give the church ensemble several distinct architectural and religious associations.

Walks with Different Landscape Features

Hiking route Polleur No. 41 crosses several fords and follows the Chawion stream for more than a kilometre. It also passes through the wooded Staneux massif. Route No. 40 crosses a landscape of fields and woodland on its way to the hamlet of Neufmarteau; it also reaches the Val de Hoëgne, where it completes its circular route. The two walks therefore have different features: fords, the stream and wooded terrain on No. 41, and fields, woodland and a hamlet along the way on No. 40.

Another way to explore the valley is Stage 7 of the Chemin des Sources, which passes through the village of Polleur in the Hoëgne Valley.

Folklore and Travel Planning

The Fête du Coucou takes place in the village of Polleur on the last weekend of July. “L’Année sans… coucou” is held as a biennial event, alternating with the “Fête de la Cour du Coucou.” At “L’Année sans… coucou,” participants are invited to wear a historical costume for one evening; future editions may vary in their programme. Check the exact festival dates before travelling.

When looking for a holiday rental in Polleur, your preferred focus for the stay can be a practical guide: buildings and local history, folklore, or walks through varied landscapes. If a festival is to determine your travel dates, include the specific edition dates in your plans.

Discover more destinations: La Reid.

For the wider travel overview: Theux.