5 reasons to go gravelling in Wallonia
Want to pedal away from the hustle and bustle, but in a safe and accessible environment? Try bikepacking in Wallonia! You can pedal in the middle of nature, through forests and green valleys, with the feeling of being alone in the world, but still close to villages and refreshment points. I went there with my gravel bike.
1. Cycling in unspoilt countryside
Wallonia is distinguished by the diversity of its natural landscapes: dense forests, verdant valleys, peaceful lakes… The terrain is ideal for nature immersion. The region also boasts a number of natural curiosities, such as the Fondry des Chiens, a limestone fault from which emerge immense rocks sculpted by erosion.
Where is Wallonia?
Wallonia is the mainly French-speaking southern part of Belgium, with provinces such as Hainaut, Walloon Brabant, Namur, Liège and Belgian Luxembourg. It’s a hilly, green region, ideal for gravel riding or hiking with routes like the Venntrilogie.
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2. Peace of mind on the road
Thanks to the RAVeL network of landscaped greenways and the dense network of small country roads and forest paths, Wallonia offers safe, peaceful routes. You can cycle in complete safety, far from the stress of traffic. For my part, I did a beautiful 3-day trip there, which I’lltell you aboutin detail on the Carnet d’escapades blog.
3. A site accessible to all
Gravel riding in Wallonia is an experience accessible to all, even without being a seasoned cyclist. The terrain is gentle and rarely too demanding in terms of gradient. Although some climbs can be steep, they are never very long. What’s more, a large number of B&Bs and accommodations welcome cyclists with adapted services, so you can travel light and with confidence.
4. Discover Belgian culture
With its castles, churches, abbeys and historic towns, the region’s fascinating history is easily explored by bike. Between two stops, you can visit a museum, learn more about the history of a village or share a convivial moment with locals over a craft beer. A trip like this is an authentic immersion in Belgian culture, a blend of heritage and tradition.
5. Enjoy Belgian gastronomy
Wallonia is a land of gourmet delights, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day’s cycling. From chocolate, waffles and cheese to snails and “blanc bleu belge” beef, there’s something for everyone. For beer lovers, you can visit breweries and taste Trappist beers such as the famous Chimay. And in summer, you’ll find plenty of wild blackberries along the way!
Video overview
This trip was carried out as part of a paid commercial collaboration with Visit Wallonia. I have my writing freedom. This article contains affiliate links.