Discover Gros-Fays

Gros-Fays combines a distinctive village character with traces of its cultural heritage and hiking trails leading to the Semois. The traditional houses are built mainly from slate, giving the village a character of its own. The area also offers views over the Semois valley, old orchards and buildings that reveal the history of the village. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, Gros-Fays can therefore serve as a base for a trip that brings together discovering the village, the landscape and outdoor activity.

Slate houses and historical heritage

One particularly distinctive building is the Château-Ferme of Gros-Fays. It dates from the late 17th century. The agricultural section was built entirely from dry-stone masonry, that is, without mortar or cement. This construction method is a specific detail that connects a visit to the complex with an insight into traditional building techniques.

In the centre of the village stands the washhouse of Gros-Fays, with its livestock drinking trough. The former brewery is also part of the village's noteworthy architectural heritage. The tobacco-drying sheds are among the area's small cultural treasures. Further down in the valley lies the old mill of Gros-Fays. During the Second World War, it served as a link for the Maquis of the Secret Army. Those interested in local history will therefore find a variety of historical traces here: from the agriculturally oriented building complex and former craft and utility buildings to a place of particular importance during the war.

Hikes with different focuses

Gros-Fays offers attractive networks of hiking trails leading to the Semois. A range of distances is available for planning a day out. The 2 km interpretation trail is equipped with information panels. On this circular walk, visitors can discover the village's various features; it starts next to the church. Those who want to focus on a concise exploration of the village can follow a clearly defined route with explanatory stops.

The signposted “Moulin de Gros-Fays” hike is 10.7 km long, marked with a blue diamond and starts at the church of Gros-Fays. Its name refers to the old mill further down in the valley. The “Gros-Fays: terroir d'Ardenne” circular walk also lists Saint Peter's Church as a point of interest. The details on length and markings help you choose the right route for your plans without confusing the different trails.

A terroir bistro with a local touch

The village's character also includes Café Lallemand, a terroir bistro that is more than 130 years old. It complements the historic buildings and hiking experiences with a culinary connection to the region. This makes it possible to enjoy a stay in Gros-Fays in different ways: with a tour of the buildings, a hike towards the Semois, views over the valley or a visit to the traditional bistro.

Which accommodation location suits your plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Gros-Fays, it is worth deciding first what you would like to focus on. If you mainly want to discover the village, the washhouse, Saint Peter's Church and the interpretation trail, exploring the village takes centre stage. For a trip involving longer hikes, on the other hand, you can consider which accommodation location suits your planned daily itinerary and the starting point at the church. Accommodation in Gros-Fays provides the thematic setting for a trip encompassing slate architecture, cultural heritage, the Semois landscape and regional cuisine.

For further travel planning, you can also explore Bellefontaine, Oizy, Baillamont and Graide.

For the overarching travel overview: Bièvre.