Everything you need before heading to Wallonia... by bike!

Discover a region in the south of Belgium that is rich in heritage, culture, folklore and offers nature walks and unique gourmet experiences.

Wallonia is the ideal destination for cyclists, whether it's a ride of a few kilometres or a journey of several days. It offers international and regional long-distance routes, former railway lines or towpaths converted into cycling networks marked by junction points and known as 'RAVeL' or themed tours. The Walloon cycle route network offers a variety of routes through the countryside and forests, along rivers and castles, through the most beautiful Walloon villages and charming towns... Enough to satisfy all your cravings for discovery!

RAVeL - international and regional long-distance routes

Did you know that in Wallonia there are more than 1,480 km of trails dedicated to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and people with reduced mobility?

The Autonomous Slow Route Network (RAVeL) is made up of greenways built mainly on towpaths and former railway lines. There are more than 45 marked local routes for your family walks and hikes, cycling, horse riding or rollerblading. This network guarantees safe, comfortable and easy conditions for exploring Wallonia, its major cities, rural areas and protected natural areas. These greenways are successively linked into 4 international routes (EuroVelo 3, 5, 19 and Vennbahn) and 9 regional routes (W1 to W9), which cover the whole of Wallonia. Would you like to cycle for several days, in stages, over a distance of tens or hundreds of kilometres? These long routes make it possible.

For more information, visit ravel.wallonie.be

There are nodal points in Wallonia too!

Junction points allow cyclists to create their own route according to their abilities, thanks to a simple system of signs that indicate the number of the junction and the direction to take to reach the next numbered junction. Node networks, which are very popular in the Netherlands and Flanders, are also developing very well in Wallonia. All the provinces are now covered by these famous green and white signs.

"Bienvenue Vélo" - a quality brand that will give you the best reception!

If you stay in Wallonia for a few days and choose one of the friendly establishments with the "Bienvenue Vélo" label, you can be sure that you will find facilities and services adapted to all cycling enthusiasts.

Cottages, guesthouses, hotels, youth hostels, campsites, tourist attractions, museums, manufacturers, craftsmen, tourist organizations, restaurants... Everywhere they provide you with secure bike storage, repair tools, cleaning products and tourist documentation. They are located at a maximum distance of 5 km from the RAVeL network or cycle paths and can be identified by their logo. In the eastern cantons, the 'Bed+Bike' accommodation facilities meet the specific expectations of cyclists and offer them personalised services and facilities, just as the 'Bienvenue Vélo' label does.

Tips for popular rides

EuroVelo 5, Via Romea Francigena

Ideal for a week-long cycling holiday in Wallonia and Brussels! It's the route that recently won the prestigious "Cycle Route of the Year" title at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht and is a must-ride during the season!

This European route runs from London to Brindisi in southern Italy and crosses Belgium for over 300 kilometres. You'll start in Roubaix, France, pass through Flanders and Wallonia before arriving in the centre of Brussels to discover the capital as you've never seen it before. After this city detour, you'll return to the tranquil Walloon countryside through the Walloon Brabant region and then along the River Meuse from Namur to Dinant. Head to the Ardennes to finish in style. Marche-en-Famenne, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bastogne will hold no secrets for you. The route will enchant you with its variety as each stage reveals new landscapes and new charms.

A drive through the Pays de Herve countryside

Ideal for a cultural and gastronomic weekend for two. The country roads of this 27km route cross the Pays de Herve through its orchards and woodlands. You'll start at the Pays de Herve tourist office, where you can rent a bike and discover this refreshing region on a leisurely ride among the hills in the region's small valleys. Don't miss a visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Val-Dieu, a spiritual centre for pilgrims. The place will offer you the opportunity to refresh yourself with a taste of one of the special beers brewed on site. Then continue your journey to one of the most beautiful Walloon villages, Clermont-sur-Berwinne. Here, you'll enjoy a well-deserved break to admire its rich architectural heritage, before joining the RAVeL network's route 38 and returning to your starting point.

Ride to Lake Bütgenbach

Ideal for a family stay in the eastern cantons. Ideal family trip. You start at the former railway station in Sourbrodt, get on your bike and ride the 24 km long circuit to Bütgenbach. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Warche valley and a rest stop on the banks of the lake. From the former railway station in Sourbrodt, the Vennbahn takes you into the countryside of the eastern cantons around Nidrum and the beautiful Warche Valley. A little further on, you can relax and enjoy the water fun at Lake Bütgenbach or Robertville. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit!

Discovering Durbuy and the Pays de Famenne

A sporting weekend between nature and culture. This almost 40 km long ride through Calestienne and along the Ourthe river will require a lot of effort! However, it will be rewarded by the beauty of the landscape and the villages passed.

Starting from the RIVEO centre dedicated to the fauna and flora of the spring waters, discover the Calestienne region between the Ardennes and the Famenne. You'll pass through Wéris, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, before heading through the bucolic countryside to Barvaux. On the way from Barvaux to Durbuy, "the smallest town in the world", you will enjoy the charm of the Ourthe River.

Are you a cyclist looking for a sporting challenge?

Wallonia is the ideal destination for those who want to pursue cycling intensively. Mountain bike enduro, gravel or road... Sports and exploration lovers will find their place here. Do you want to be a spectator? A number of internationally renowned cycling races are held here every year.

To prepare for your next trip to Wallonia, visit VISITWallonia.be!

Download:

Walloon Cycling Brochure - in English