Gimnée
Geminius, a Gallo-Roman gentile, decided in somewhere before in the 2th century AD to build his villa on the hillslope, with a magnificent view on the valley. Good choice, we would say. This villa (in rue du blocus) would be the cradle of our little village. Gimnee= property of Geminius
In the early 1700’s the center of the village would move a little to the West, to the newly built Saint Servais church. Even today, Gimnee is exceptionally well kept, with large homogenous 18th century stone houses on that very same hill slope, making it one of the best kept secrets in the Ardennes. It is right between the Viroin valley (a national park) and the beautiful Hermeton valley.
Gimnee is as Belgian as they come. So, you will find a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a school and a friterie (without which, a village is just a collection of houses). However, most local shops are to be found in nearby Doische (ten minute walk). With a grocery store, a bakery, a market (every Friday), a post office, a bank, etc…
Fondry des chiens
The Fondry des Chiens, in the middle of the Hermeton -Viroin national park, is a unique geological curiosity. The impressive result of rainfall eroding the local limestone for millions of years, forming a landscape unlike anywhere else in Belgium.
Because of its biodiversity it has earned the title of natural monument of Belgium. And as rumor has it, it has its very own legend: the wandering knight.
Villages-sur-Viroin
The name Viroinval was chosen for the municipality that was formed by fusing eight villages, in 1977: Dourbes, Mazée, Le Mesnil, Nismes, Oignies-en-Thiérarche, Olloy-sur-Viroin, Treignes, Vierves-sur-Viroin.
Needless to say, they are all charming and worth the visit. Former claims to fame? Viroinval used to be the geographical center of Europe, until 2004. With the European expansion, from 15 to 25 member states, the center moved to Germany. Leaving poor Viroinval behind as a has-been.
And that is precisely why we love it. It has a very charming tourist steam train passing through, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful and exceptional national park in Belgium, and the vilages are all ‘dans leur jus’ or authentic.
Chateau de Hierges
On the heights of the Meuse valley, just across the border in France, the Hierges castle lies quietly in utter ruins.
Built in the tenth century, the castle of Hierges was home to some illustrious crusaders who brought a certain Byzantine flair (and books! and knowledge! and money!) from the Levant to this very castle.
Nice to know: while strolling in these Renaissance gardens, prince Albert first laid eyes on dolce Paola (among many others).
Sanctuaire Romain
The Gallo-Romans liked this region between Meuse and Viroin. And given the mild micro-climate, the stunning views and the fertile soil, who would blame them?
Being rather religious, the Romans founded two temples in the middle of the woods of Matagne somewhere in the first quarter of the 4th century. One of the very few sanctuaries to be founded (or found) north of Paris.
This is easily one of the best hidden secrets of the Ardennes. Good luck finding it (and no, google maps won’t help you)
Bonne fontaine
Halfway on the woody descent from Vodelee village towards the Viroin, you will see this charming chapel, next to a source (you can occasionally see people filling bottles and barrels here, so it should be drinkable).
Legend has it that if you drink from this source, it will help you get pregnant, and rich, and healthy. But even if you are not the superstitious kind, you will surely fall under the spell of this magical place.
Chateau de Freÿr
A Renaissance castle on the banks of the Meuse, built, furnished, and haunted by more than 20 generations of inhabitants.
Not just any castle, the Freÿr estate holds terraced classical gardens (Le Nôtre), melodious water plays, 300 years old orange trees and 6 km mazes in wonderful surroundings, near Dinant.
An enchanting place out of time, yet full of charm, at 25 km from Gimnee village.
Villa Romain
Did we mention that the Romans liked this area of Gaule? Need more proof? Well, just outside of Treignes (6 km from Gimnee), you will stumble upon the remains of a large Roman villa (free entry, ha!), surrounded by its outbuildings covering more than 6 ha.
The foundations - unearthed between 1980 and 2000 - have been carefully restored. The vast residence has many rooms, including a large bathroom and a cellar. This one, very well preserved, has 5 niches and the start of a window. That’s right, the start of a window. But if you use just a little imagination, this start of a window will show you a glimpse of the Roman world.
Sainte Hilaire
If you are into hikes in nature, this one’s for you! A 40 minute, beautiful walk from Gimnee, and Niverlee, will get you to Matagne la petite. Or bettter still, Ossogne.
This medieval chapel once was the proud church of the little village of Ossogne. A ramshackle collection of wooden huts and loam houses, it completely disappeared from the face of the earth in the 15th century, after an unwelcome visit by looters and marauders led by the infamous Jean de Beauraing. The surviving villagers decided to leave and settle in nearby Matagne la Petite.