Discover Ocquier: Wine, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Ocquier combines impressive architectural heritage, winegrowing and varied trails into a destination with many different facets. Those planning a holiday trip involving culture, landscapes and regional features will find points of interest here for a wide range of day plans.

Cultural Heritage around the Church and Priory

The Cour des Moines was a priory dependent on Stavelot Abbey. Castel du Val d'Or is also known by the names Les Dix Javelles and Ferme aux dîmes. It was built in the 11th century by the monks of Stavelot as a tithe barn. These historic names give Ocquier's sights a special depth and make the place interesting for visitors who want to discover regional history not only in museums, but directly through its buildings.

Another important landmark is the Saint-Remacle church. Its current nave was built over older sanctuaries and dates from the 12th century. The façades feature Lombard bands, a decorative element characteristic of early Romanesque buildings. This gives the church specific architectural details to look out for during a tour of Ocquier.

Winegrowing and the Mill of Ocquier

The main vineyard of Vignoble d'Occarius is located in Ocquier. The main plot is home to 9,000 vines from six grape varieties: three varieties are intended for red wine grapes and three for white wine grapes. By contacting Vignoble d'Occarius in advance, cellar tastings and vineyard tours can be arranged. Those interested in wine and its production can therefore specifically include this option in their travel plans.

The Mill of Ocquier is also part of the local character. It has not milled grain since 1956, but its waterwheel continues to turn under the power of the Ru d'Ocquier. The site thus combines historic use with a technical detail that remains visible to this day.

Routes for Different Day Plans

The Cour des Moines route is 8.5 km long, starts at the church in Ocquier and is marked with a red right-angled triangle. Depending on the type of use, it takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route explores the Condroz Plateau at the springs of the Néblon and leads to the Ferme des Moines, also known as Ferme aux cent fenêtres. Its length, markings and approximate duration help you fit the route appropriately into your own day plan.

Another option is the Itinérêve 7 – Vive les macrâles! cycle loop. The route is 20 km long, takes approximately 2 hours and includes the Saint-Remacle church in Ocquier as a stop. This allows historic discoveries and a longer ride to be given different emphasis, without requiring both options to be the same type of outing.

Memorial Sites and a Turbulent History

In Ocquier, there is a bench that was inaugurated immediately after the Second World War in honour of Georges Garnir. The history of witchcraft accusations is also part of the site's historical memory: Between 1580 and 1649, at least 15 people in Ocquier, including 14 women, were accused of witchcraft. Ten of the people accused during this period were sentenced to be burned at the stake. This past offers a more serious perspective on the history of the place and complements its visible architectural and landscape heritage.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ocquier, you can first consider which of these facets should be the focus of your trip. For those interested in culture, Saint-Remacle, the Cour des Moines and the historic farms are the main attractions. Wine lovers can plan a pre-arranged tasting or vineyard tour, while the two routes described offer different opportunities for exercise and discovery.

As another travel idea, you can also explore Les Avins.

For the higher-level travel overview: Clavier.