The best gravel rides around Gouvy

High above the center of Clervaux lies the Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus, a Benedictine abbey that has been a place of silence, prayer, and reflection since the early 20th century. The impressive buildings, together with Clervaux Castle, form a striking part of the townscape. The abbey is still inhabited by monks and radiates a special tranquility. From the surroundings, you have a beautiful view over Clervaux and the surrounding hills of the Luxembourg Ardennes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the serene atmosphere, the abbey is a beautiful stop during a hike or bike tour through this region.

Important reminder that war is not made of big battles, but of many small meannesses.

The Legend of Gustine Maka: One day, young Gengoux and his friends decided to go pick blueberries in the Bonalfat forest in Vielsalm. Unfortunately, those beautiful purple berries were scarce even back then. There were hardly any to be found… The winter had probably been too harsh. And on top of that, that very late frost… Nothing to be done! It was getting late, and the young friends decided to return to the village. But on the way back, a human figure appeared in the twilight… It was Gustine Maka, an old woman from the neighborhood with the dubious reputation of being a witch… And look: she was carrying a basket full of blueberries! She looked at the boys and invited them to taste the berries in her basket. She didn't have to ask twice: the youngsters literally stuffed themselves with berries. But… Gustine Maka had bewitched them! Gengoux and his friends immediately turned into “macralles”. So, a kind of witches… While the earth began to shake in the Salm valley, you saw those seven enchanted macralles dancing and jumping around like madmen. Triggered or bewitched? Click through to https://www.vielsalm-tourisme.be/nl/index.php/de-streek-van-vielsalm/folklore/de-macralles/

Here it constantly goes up, or down when you come from the other side.

Statue of Gustine Maka. You can read more about this witch and the Macralles at https://www.vielsalm-tourisme.be/nl/index.php/de-streek-van-vielsalm/folklore/de-macralles/#:~:text=Toverheksen%20hebben%20altijd%20en%20overal,er%20hun%20heksensabbat%20te%20vieren.

The Rocher de Bistain is a striking slate and sandstone outcrop near the village of Bistain (Gouvy), situated at the confluence of the Ourthe Orientale and the Ruisseau de Rettigny rivers. It is a tranquil nature reserve with reptiles and historically interesting due to its former Celtic settlement.

Clervaux Castle sits perched on the outcrop of a rocky promontory overlooking the city. The castle's origins date back to the 12th century, but it was built in successive stages. The oldest part, the west wing with the manor house, is believed to be the initiative of Count Gerhard von Sponheim, brother of the Count of Vianden. After its complete destruction on December 17, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, the Luxembourg state acquired the castle and completely restored it. Since the 1970s, the castle has housed various institutions that utilize its premises, including several noteworthy museums and exhibitions: The Museum of the Battle of the Bulge opened its doors in 1974; the west wing of the castle houses the Museum of Models of Luxembourg Castles; and the east wing houses the world-renowned photo exhibition "The Family of Man," a UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage Site.

The Château de Commanster was built in 1741 by Henri-François Baptiste as a prestigious aristocratic residence. The exterior walls are made of Ardennes sandstone, and the window frames are made of slate from Recht. The interior features an ornately carved oak staircase, elegant boiseries, and a Louis XV-style fireplace. Today, the castle is run by Roland Martin and Erna Maraite, who offer a cozy restaurant with regional specialties and the castle's own beer, the Cervoise. Picturesquely situated in the Ardennes near Vielsalm, it invites you to linger.