Top 5 Caves around Orp-Jauche
Best caves near Orp-Jauche are primarily characterized by their historical man-made underground quarries and religious grottoes. The region features an extensive network of carved tuff stone, notably the Grottes de Folx-les-Caves, which served various historical purposes. While many sites are now private, the area offers unique insights into past human activity and local cultural practices. Visitors can explore landmarks and natural features that reflect the area's rich heritage.
Best caves around Orp-Jauche
- The most popular caves is Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau, a religious building that features a chapel shaped like a cave. This site is part of a trail that includes ascents and descents.
- Another must-see spot is Hill path, a trail with viewpoints and natural monuments. This path leads along an inaccessible nature reserve, where visitors walk above an old quarry and caves, including the 'Caves Paheau'.
- Visitors also love Heroes' Square, a man-made monument with a Lourdes grotto. This grotto, located on the north side of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk, serves as a place of reflection and historical significance.
- Orp-Jauche is known for man-made underground quarries and religious grottoes. The area offers a variety of sites, from extensive historical networks carved from tuff stone to smaller grottoes used for worship.
- The caves around Orp-Jauche are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 34 photos shared by users.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
Heroes' Square
Highlight • Monument
In 1858, Our Lady appeared several times to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. These apparitions were the immediate reason to start making Lourdes caves in many places. Likewise in Tienen. In May 1873, the former home of Louis Jamodt was converted into a Lourdes cave for the worship of Our Lady of the Pool.
One of the springs that fed the Haspoel is located at the bottom of the stairs. Behind a fence, the source is bubbling, which is mentioned as early as 1465 as 'onser Vrouwen boernne'.
Source: izi.travel/nl/5300-tienen-vrouwenwandel-3-9-km/nl#06b9d6dc-0ebd-4946-ad32-2ff03fbd081f
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Hill path
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Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau
Highlight (Segment) • Religious Site
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Saint Bartholomew's Church and Lourdes Grotto
Highlight • Religious Site
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Lourdes Chapel with Grotto (Oude Velmseweg, Attenhoven)
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This path, which you reach after a short, steep climb from the stream, leads you along an inaccessible nature reserve, where you literally walk above an old quarry and caves for a part. At a certain point you literally walk above the entrance to that underground quarry that you can also see below. Part of the path runs between the edge of the valley and fields and on another part you have the nature reserve instead of the fields that was given the name 'Réserve naturelle Natagora des Caves Paheau'. Natagora is the counterpart of Natuurpunt and the quarry and caves are therefore called the 'caves Paheau'.
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On the Oude Velmseweg (opposite house no. 26 and to the right of house no. 21) there is a Lourdes chapel, with a Lourdes grotto inside. Source: https://lourdesgrotten.com/2009/08/10/landen-attenhoven-oude-velmseweg-10-8-9/
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The Heldensquare is more of a memorial than a monument. As a monument, it commemorates the victims of Belgian independence, the First World War and the Second World War. The place where the Heldensquare is located used to be a pond, a fact that was included in the concept. The square is sunken and surrounded by benches, planters, trees, a broken stone wall and various works of art. The monument itself consists of a sculptural ensemble in bronze and bluestone with a brick wall next to it with the names of the fallen and the text "VOOR UW VRIJHEID ZIJN MENSEN GESDIVEN". Around the bronze dome with the statues you will find the names of four places from which soil was brought to Tienen in urns: Dachau, Zwickau, Stalag IA and Breendonk. The whole was created by local architect Jacques Piron and sculptor Georges Van de Voorde. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: War Memorial Heldensquare, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/214961
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You enter and exit the cave via rather large stairs and see all kinds of thank-you notes from believers who once came here. At the entrance of the cave (on the right) there is also a frame with some explanation about Our Lady of the Pool. According to that sign, the remains of a pious man named Thierry were found around 1050. He came from Campen and was a lecturer at the University of Paris. He had also made a promise of eternal chastity to the Virgin Mary. A chapel was built at the site of the murder with the permission of Jan I, Duke of Brabant. And he was baptized, you guessed it, Our Lady of the Pool. Hundreds of pilgrims would come to Tienen and the chapel every year to venerate the Virgin Mary, who was soon regarded as the Queen of the city and its surroundings. And you can read and experience the rest here, in the immediate vicinity of the church and – literally – in the depths when you go down the stairs.
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No one will stop you from stopping at the cave...
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These column-like shapes are beautifully arranged in a circle, each with a statue attached to it...
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Limit your speed on the descent!!! Blind turn and possible pedestrians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most significant cave system in the Orp-Jauche region?
The most significant cave system in the Orp-Jauche region is the Grottes de Folx-les-Caves. These are not natural caves but an extensive network of man-made underground quarries, carved from tuff stone, covering about six hectares and descending up to 18 meters. They hold rich historical significance, having served as shelters, hideouts, and even for mushroom cultivation.
Are the Grottes de Folx-les-Caves accessible to the public?
As of 2019, the Grottes de Folx-les-Caves became private property and are generally closed to public visits. However, educational visits for school classes can still be organized through the Archaeological Interpretation Museum of Walloon Brabant (MiaBw).
What kind of historical and cultural significance do the caves of Orp-Jauche hold?
The caves, particularly the Grottes de Folx-les-Caves, are historically significant as they were carved between late Roman times and the early Middle Ages. They served as shelters during wars, hideouts for bandits, and even for mushroom cultivation. Religious figures sought refuge there, sculpting altars. More recently, they've hosted cultural events and are associated with local legends of 'Makralles' (witches).
Are there any religious grottoes or chapels shaped like caves in the area?
Yes, the region features several religious sites with grottoes. You can visit the Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau, which is a chapel shaped like a cave. Another notable site is Heroes' Square, which includes a Lourdes grotto on the north side of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk, serving as a place of reflection.
Can I find viewpoints or natural monuments near the caves in Orp-Jauche?
Yes, you can explore the Hill path, which offers nice views and passes along an inaccessible nature reserve. This path literally takes you above an old quarry and caves, including the 'Caves Paheau', providing unique perspectives of the landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Orp-Jauche?
The Orp-Jauche region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Beautiful hiking trail – Hill path loop' or the 'Petit-Hallet Church – Beautiful hiking trail loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling and touring bicycle routes available, like the 'Braives Railway Path – The Velupont Mill loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking around Orp-Jauche or Road Cycling Routes around Orp-Jauche guides.
Are there family-friendly cave-related sites in Orp-Jauche?
While the main Grottes de Folx-les-Caves are not generally open to the public, several religious grottoes are considered family-friendly. These include Heroes' Square with its Lourdes grotto, the Saint Bartholomew's Church and Lourdes Grotto, and the Lourdes Chapel with Grotto (Oude Velmseweg, Attenhoven). These sites offer a calm environment for reflection and historical interest suitable for families.
What is the best time of year to visit the Orp-Jauche region for outdoor activities near the caves?
The best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and more conducive to exploring. This allows for comfortable enjoyment of the trails and viewpoints near the cave sites.
Where can I find accommodation or places to eat near the cave sites in Orp-Jauche?
Orp-Jauche and its surrounding villages offer various options for accommodation, cafes, and restaurants. While specific establishments near each grotto vary, you can find choices in the central areas of Orp-Jauche and nearby towns. It's advisable to check local listings for current options.
What are the 'Caves Paheau' and are they accessible?
The 'Caves Paheau' refer to an old quarry and caves located beneath an inaccessible nature reserve, the 'Réserve naturelle Natagora des Caves Paheau'. While you can walk above them on the Hill path and see the entrance to the underground quarry from above, the caves themselves are part of a protected nature reserve and are not accessible to the general public.
Are there any other notable grottoes besides the main ones mentioned?
Yes, in addition to the larger sites, the region has other smaller grottoes. For example, the Saint Bartholomew's Church and Lourdes Grotto in the village of Wansin features a distinct and fairly large grotto construction next to the church, adding a special view to the environment.
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