Discover Theux: Castle, Churches and Trails along the Hoëgne

Theux appeals to travellers who want to combine culture and landscapes. Franchimont Castle tells the story of the medieval and modern development of an important fortified complex, while historic church architecture and trails along the Hoëgne offer very different impressions. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between an in-depth cultural discovery, a walk through distinctive landscapes or a combination of both focuses.

Franchimont Castle: Fortification history with concrete insights

Franchimont Castle was one of the twelve residences and fortresses of the Principality of Liège. In the museum, models explain the development of the complex in the Middle Ages and the modern era. Some everyday objects found during excavations illustrate the development of ceramic tableware. Animal bones also show the importance of hunting and livestock farming. In this way, the history is not limited to the fortress's external appearance, but becomes tangible through its architectural development and everyday life.

For orientation on site, an audio guide is available in French, Dutch, English and German. Guided tours and activities are offered at Franchimont Castle throughout the year by appointment and last 2.5 to 3 hours. The castle is being renovated in 2026 and until mid-2027; the complex remains partially accessible. If you plan your visit during this period, you should take this status into account when organising your day.

Getting there also provides an important practical detail: Franchimont Castle can be reached by train via the Aachen–Verviers–Spa line to the Franchimont stop. This is followed by a steep 500-metre uphill walk. This is just as relevant to your choice of day programme as to the decision whether to base your stay primarily on one longer cultural visit or on several shorter activities.

Romanesque architecture and an unusual church interior

The church of “L'Église des Saints-Hermès-et-Alexandre” is a rare Romanesque hall church with three naves of equal height. Its tower resembles a keep, has loopholes and is crowned with hoardings; the church is therefore fortified. The flat ceiling of the nave is particularly rich in detail: it consists of 127 painted wooden coffers installed in 1630.

The church was completely restored after excavations carried out from 1977 to 1982. Anyone interested in historic architectural forms, fortified ecclesiastical architecture and designed interiors will find here an independent cultural focus alongside the history of Franchimont Castle.

Paths, tree avenues and views near La Reid

The landscape around Theux also opens up other travel ideas. The Charmille du Haut-Marais in La Reid is 573 metres long and comprises around 4,700 hornbeams. Its length and the large number of trees make it a clearly defined destination for anyone who would like to discover a distinctive landscaped site during their stay.

The Les sentiers d’Oneux hiking trail follows a path along the Hoëgne. From there, it offers a view of the Rocheux nature reserve; the trail also opens up views of the former Rocheux mines. Nature and regional history therefore do not stand in isolation: the route combines the course of the river with views of a protected area and traces of the former mines.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Theux, you can first decide on the focus of your stay. Franchimont Castle is suitable for a longer planned cultural visit with a guided tour or activity, while the church architecture and the trails near La Reid and Oneux provide different highlights for the day. Accommodation in Theux is therefore particularly well suited to planning a trip that deliberately combines historical discoveries and landscape experiences. For further ideas within the selection of destinations, you can also view La Reid and Polleur.

Further destinations for orientation: Aubel, Clavier, Bütgenbach, Neupré, Vieuxville, Trois-Ponts.

For the broader travel overview: Liège.