Sprimont : Découverte des incontournables

Sprimont is best explored on foot . Country lanes alternate with wooded sections , stone villages , and beautiful viewpoints . Depending on your fitness level and time constraints , you'll easily find a suitable route .

It's impossible to talk about Sprimont without mentioning its stone ! The marked stone trail is a great starting point if you enjoy understanding a place's character on foot , exploring facades , low walls , and architectural details . It's perfect for the beginning of a visit , as it provides points of reference and encourages you to observe the buildings in a new light.

The town offers several marked walking trails ranging from 6 to 14 km . This is convenient for adjusting the route according to the weather , fitness level , and available time . For families, the ideal approach is to alternate between a shorter loop on arrival day and a longer one when energy is high.

Just a stone's throw away, the Ninglinspo offers a true haven of tranquility in the valley . It's the only mountain river in Belgium , and the path that runs alongside it is regularly considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Belgian Ardennes . The water meanders between the rocks , transforming into small waterfalls in places, and the route alternates between accessible sections and more adventurous stretches. In wet weather, some sections quickly become slippery : good footwear makes all the difference.

The geological trail in Comblain-au-Pont adds a real touch of discovery to a nature outing. Over approximately 5 km ( 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace ), the easy route is punctuated with points of interest that explain the topography , the rocks , and the history of the landscape . A pleasant and educational walk, easily accessible , it's particularly well-suited for a family outing .

The Heid des Gattes offers a more rugged natural experience, with a real sense of space , beautiful panoramas , and a truly unique atmosphere . The nature reserve is located on the heights between Remouchamps and Aywaille , above the Amblève river , with a large cliff and open areas where the view can be quickly enjoyed.

A nice little detail behind the name: “gatte” means goat in Walloon . And it's not just for show: a real herd of goats is part of the scenery and helps maintain the reserve by grazing the shrubs. This helps keep the area open and preserve the typical landscapes of the region.

With its hilly terrain and country roads , Sprimont appeals to those who enjoy active pursuits . Cycling , mountain biking , fishing or golf – everyone can find their own pace, from the most leisurely to the most athletic.

Two routes are well suited to a weekend of cycling or mountain biking :

The route on the stone road is approximately 27 km , with elevation gain , starting from the Ogné Hornay side.

Paysages de Banneux is approximately 24 km long, with a stated medium difficulty , starting from Banneux .

For a customized experience , the numbered junction network and RAVeL connections make it easy to create your route. And if you like a challenge, the Côte de Cornemont adds a real sporting element .

For a more tranquil break, the fishing spots of Sprimont offer the chance to enjoy the outdoors in a simple and soothing atmosphere. The Tultay fishing spot is ideal for a relaxing break , even for beginners. Wachiboux is a good alternative for those seeking a change of scenery . Families often enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the anticipation of those first bites .

Located near Sprimont, the Liège-Gomzé golf course is a great option for a change of pace without leaving the countryside . The 18-hole course alternates between wooded sections , sunny clearings , and water features , with a hillier first section followed by a second section that opens up towards the plain . Even if you're not a regular golfer, you come for the tranquility , the views , and the pleasure of progressing at your own pace . The driving range is well-equipped, with covered bays , Trackman technology , as well as a putting green and chipping areas . After a morning of hiking or cycling, it offers a welcome contrast , more technical and more peaceful.

In Sprimont , discoveries also come through food and encounters . A market , a producer , or a craftsman , and your stay quickly takes on a new dimension. It's the perfect opportunity to leave with a delicious souvenir or to prepare a simple, local meal at your gîte .

VivArdent is a vineyard in Sprimont spanning over 6 hectares , planted primarily with Chardonnay , Pinot Noir , Riesling , and more resistant varieties such as Johanniter and Solaris . Visitors can experience the vineyard firsthand through tours and tastings around the winery , making it an easy addition to a holiday stay. Bring a bottle of local wine and some spreads to instantly evoke a taste of vacation at dinner. It's also the perfect opportunity to create an aperitif , a light meal with regional flavors , or to find gift ideas that reflect local life. VivArdent showcases local crafts and regional products , fostering a genuine spirit of discovery.

The small market in Rouvreux is ideal for capturing the atmosphere of a village in just a few stalls. It's also a good option for preparing a picnic , with bread , local produce , and snacks to enjoy outdoors .

If you enjoy handmade items , the Fraiture craft market is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's easy to wander among the stalls, with a lovely mix of creations : jewelry , home decor , ceramics , wooden objects , basketry , leather goods, wool ... and a few local products to take home for an aperitif.

Ultimately, the appeal lies as much in the atmosphere as in the purchase itself. Taking the time to talk with an artisan and understand their work immediately adds value to the object and makes it a true souvenir .

Au Fond des Pans is a great place for a gourmet break with a focus on local produce . This organic market garden offers a lovely range of fruits and vegetables , ideal for simple cooking at the gîte or preparing a seasonal picnic .

Sprimont is not just about nature. The stone , the heritage , the local culture and the sites in the surrounding area offer beautiful alternatives, especially if you like to vary the formats throughout your stay.

The Stone Interpretation Centre is a valuable visit for understanding how stone has shaped local history , architecture , and identity. The tour highlights the origin of local rocks and their uses over time, with a lively and often interactive approach, ranging from geology to archaeological and paleontological discoveries.

The museum is located in the heart of an active quarry , which immediately adds another dimension to the visit. Depending on the time of day, it's even possible to catch a glimpse of artists or sculptors at work. And afterwards, while strolling through the villages, you notice the materials , the walls , the facades , and the construction details much more clearly.

If you're there at the right time, the Stone Sculpture Festival is well worth a visit. For just over two weeks, around ten Belgian and international sculptors carve large blocks of bluestone in public to create monumental works . The appeal also lies in being able to return and see the pieces evolve. Workshops , guided walks , and a bar area with light refreshments often round out the experience.

If you're there at the right time, the Stone Sculpture Festival is well worth a visit. For just over two weeks, around ten Belgian and international sculptors carve large blocks of bluestone in public to create monumental works . The appeal also lies in being able to return and see the pieces evolve. Workshops , guided walks , and a bar area with light refreshments often round out the experience.

In Banneux , the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Poor is one of the region's most emblematic sites. Its origins lie in the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a young girl from the village in 1933 , an event that profoundly marked local history and gave rise to the pilgrimage . The site then gradually developed in the 20th century to form a collection of chapels , monuments , and spaces for contemplation spread across a vast wooded estate .

The architecture favors a great simplicity , typical of modern pilgrimage sanctuaries , with clean lines and a deliberately calming atmosphere. The visit can be done at your own pace, following the paths and points of interest , in a peaceful setting conducive to contemplation .

The Cultural Center brings together a part of the local cultural life . Depending on the program, you'll find shows , screenings , or events . It's a good option if you want to add an outing to your stay, in a friendly, community atmosphere .

The grottes de Remouchamps are among the most famous underground visits in the area. You walk through a succession of rooms and galleries where you can admire stalactites , stalagmites and draperies , before arriving in large chambers which truly give the impression of an underground “cathedral” .

The most memorable moment is often the end of the journey: boarding the Rubicon , the underground river . The boat glides for several hundred meters, under sometimes low arches , passing iconic formations like the "Palm Tree." It's a truly memorable experience, because it offers a completely different atmosphere compared to outdoor hikes .

The Sprimont Railway has a certain retro charm that appeals to everyone. You board at Damré for a short round trip of about 2 km on a narrow-gauge line , just enough time to enjoy the rhythm and tranquil atmosphere of the train. Depending on the day, the ride can even be taken behind a 1906 steam locomotive , adding a truly picture -postcard feel.

Once back at the starting point, the visit can easily be extended with the museum space , which puts the experience into context and recounts the railway and industrial history of the area. And if you'd like to make it a half-day trip , some packages also combine the train with other local attractions, such as the Stone Interpretation Centre .

The nearby Monde Sauvage d'Aywaille offers an animal outing that's a real departure from typical walks. The highlight is the safari : you follow a route through the animals, either by car or miniature train , with the delightful feeling of traversing their enclosures and observing species like giraffes , zebras , antelopes , and wildebeest up close. Afterwards, the visit continues on foot along paths dotted with observation points , offering more varied encounters and a more relaxed pace. Ultimately, it's a refreshing and fun break , perfect for adding variety to your day.

Located in the Aywaille Wild World , Fraxinus Adventure Park focuses on action and fun in the heart of the forest , centered around a large ash tree that immediately sets an adventurous tone. From age 6 and up , there's plenty to keep you moving at all levels: bridges and ropes , balance modules , a spider web , swings and hammocks , as well as more thrilling experiences like the zip line , tubing , and a trampoline suspended 10 meters above the ground . A net tower and jumping areas complete the experience. The atmosphere remains very friendly ; everyone progresses at their own pace, making it particularly well-suited for families or small groups .

Sprimont has a knack for offering a complete stay without overdoing it. Hiking trails , stone villages , local produce , heritage sites , and fun activities combine easily, without requiring excessive travel. For a weekend or a few days, be flexible and choose according to the weather and your energy level .

To extend your stay, take some time to browse the accommodations and guesthouses available in the Sprimont region. You'll easily find a peaceful place to stay and explore the area the very next day.