Petit-Thier – RAVeL, Nature and Sacred History

Petit-Thier combines quiet paths, opportunities to observe nature and a multifaceted local history. Located between the Grand-Bois and the Mont-le-Soie massif, the village is an ideal base for travellers who do not want to devote their days to just one activity. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to cycle, go hiking, or discover historic buildings and religious sites.

Cycling through Petit-Thier

A RAVeL cycling route starts in front of Vielsalm railway station. It passes the lake and the campsite, runs through fields to Petit-Thier, and then continues towards Blanchefontaine, where it rejoins the route of the former 47A railway line. This route makes Petit-Thier an appealing destination for a trip focused on actively exploring the surrounding area, without every outing having to be the same.

The RAVeL cycling route through Petit-Thier can be continued via Poteau into the municipalities of Saint-Vith and Amblève. Those who enjoy planning their days along a longer route thus have the option of incorporating Petit-Thier into an extended cycling tour. As a point of reference for cycling travellers, the Ferme Lamberty shop is located near the RAVeL and is designated as a Bienvenue Vélo point.

Grand Fond and paths through tranquil landscapes

The Grand Fond nature reserve comprises several plots along the banks of the Petit-Thier stream. A diverse range of wildlife can be found in Grand Fond and its surroundings; roe deer and black storks, among others, can be observed. For planning your day, this offers a different kind of experience from cycling: here, the focus is on the landscape, the watercourse and attentive observation of wildlife.

The quiet paths are also part of Petit-Thier's character. Marked hiking trail no. 5 is 8 km long and starts at the church in Petit-Thier. Its fixed length makes it easier to plan this outing deliberately as a separate activity. Those who prefer to cover a specific distance on foot can include this trail in their trip independently of their cycling days.

Architectural heritage and religious history

The village landscape features traditional half-timbered houses with Cherbin roofs. They complement the experiences of the landscape with an architectural detail that you can appreciate attentively while walking through Petit-Thier. The history of the Église Saint-Antoine de Padoue includes the fact that it was destroyed during the 1944–1945 offensive and rebuilt in 1957–1958. The church thus also represents the upheavals of regional history and the subsequent reconstruction.

Another distinctive building is the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lourdes de Tinseubois. The Neo-Gothic brick chapel dates from 1876 and is entirely covered with white slate slabs. A pilgrimage takes place there on Whit Monday. For travellers interested in culture, this adds a religious dimension to their trip alongside nature and outdoor activities.

The former cemetery of Petit-Thier also contains a great variety of slate crosses. Together with the half-timbered houses, the church and the chapel, they provide a multifaceted view of regional forms of building and remembrance. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house, this combination of tranquil landscapes, a cycling route, a hiking trail and culture can be a useful criterion when choosing where to stay.

More destinations for your planning

If you would like to extend your search to other places, you can also view the pages on Bihain, Grand-Halleux, Fraiture and Baraque De Fraiture.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Vielsalm.