The nature Park of the valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne in a few lines….
The Nature Park of the Valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne is situated in “Hesbaye”, in the triangle formed by the cities of Huy, Andenne and Hannut. There are 22 villages of the districts of Braives, Burdinne, Héron and Wanze.
The rivers like the Burdinale and the Mehaigne gave their name to this Nature Park of plus minus 11.000 ha and give birth to two geographically very diversified valleys with interesting landscapes and beautiful well-preserved villages. We are indeed very lucky to represent the meeting point of the Hesbaye plateau and the river Meuse banks.
This particularity offers forest ecosystems of humid environments and meadows of valley ends on one hand, and the vast “open field” farming areas of Hesbaye on the other hand. The hiker will enjoy varied walks, in the middle of exceptional fauna and flora, with numerous sites listed in Natura 2000, the European network of outstanding biodiversity sites.
With a wealth of a natural, historical, cultural and architectural heritage, such as castles and historical farms, the Nature Park turns out to be a privileged place for holidays and diffuse tourism, being simultaneously respectful of environment and of rurality.
Our tourist offer :
Stone (the river Meuse banks with rocky outcrops)
Water (the steep-sided damp valleys of the Burdinale and of the Mehaigne)
Soil (the fertile agricultural Hesbaye plateau-open field)
Interest of the valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne :
Quality of biodiversity and of landscapes
The Valleys of the low Mehaigne and of the Burdinale are hemmed in the Hesbaye plateau, generating a contrast of the greatest interest in the landscape (dry, moist and boggy meadows, wooded slopes, rocky outcrops, bocages (farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees), pollard willow trees, orchards and sunken lanes), meaning a great diversity of flora and fauna. (granulated saxifrage, ashen harrier,...).
Quality of the settlement, grouped in well-preserved villages showing remarkable esthetical and architectural qualities, notably linked to the local availability of materials.
Patrimonial Quality :
castles like in Fallais, Marneffe, Oteppe, Fumal,...
farms and “Hesbaye” farmhouses ("Ferme de la Grosse Tour" in Burdinne,...)
water mills (Ferrières, Hosdent, Avennes, ...)
musea ("Musée du cycle" (old bicycles’ museum), ...)
churches, "potales" (alcoves in a wall), listed rocks,...
Quality of welcoming : l’Hirondelle in Oteppe, self-catering cottages and host rooms.
Gastronomic quality and regional products : Petits gris" (snails) of Bierwart, …
