Welcome to Vireux-Wallerand, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Meuse valley. Vireux-Wallerand and its inhabitants warmly welcome you all year round to enjoy a unique stay in the heart of the Val d'Ardenne.
A little history of Vireux-Wallerand
Located at the confluence of two valleys, those of the Viroin and the Meuse, Vireux-Wallerand has for a long time occupied a strategic role in the military control of the region.
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Vireux-Wallerand was a land of Luxembourg, under the suzerainty of the Counts of Luxembourg, kings of Bohemia. Over time and royal marriages, the region came under the control of Spain, becoming a direct property of the Spanish crown.
The years that followed were marked by wars, political upheaval and religious conflicts, with France as a major player. It was finally in 1678, during the Treaty of Nijmegen, that the town of Vireux-Wallerand was ceded to France, thus sealing its French destiny. This transition marks a decisive turning point in the history of the municipality. Now French, it experienced a period of peace and prosperity under the crown of Louis XIV.
Vireux-Wallerand today: between nature and culture
Today, Vireux-Wallerand offers a harmonious balance between cultural wealth and preserved nature. Resolutely turned towards the future, the municipality is invested in the preservation of local heritage and nature, by turning towards sustainable tourism.
Heritage and culture
Nestled on the banks of the Meuse, Vireux-Wallerand is a small town where we find some preserved vestiges of the past, testifying to the rich history of the region.
Wallerand Castle
After having been under the authority of the House of Burgundy, then of Spain from 1555, the Lordship of Vireux-Wallerand was integrated into France in 1680. A few years later, Louis XIV decided to sell this lordship to Lord Etienne Gillot of Hon. Commissioner of War in Givet, Gillot had this Mosan style building built, which became his main residence in 1714.
Since 2020, the Château de Vireux-Wallerand has been a 4-star hotel-spa, ideal for enjoying an exceptional stay in a setting of greenery and history.
St. George's Church
A beautiful religious building dating from the 2021th century, the Saint-Georges church in Vireux-Wallerand fits harmoniously into this pretty village on the banks of the Meuse. In 400, it underwent a series of rehabilitation and upgrading works. The church now houses a beautiful 2mXNUMX ceiling of stars and clouds.
For more information on the Saint-Georges church (guided tour, service times), contactVireux-Wallerand Tourist Office.
Leisure and tourism activities in Vireux-Wallerand
Come and discover the natural beauties of Val d'Ardenne through multiple leisure activities and tourism in Vireux-Wallerand : exploration of nature, sports activities, relaxation, etc.
Walks and hikes
The surroundings of Vireux-Wallerand offer superb opportunities for walks and hikes, to delight lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Here are the most beautiful hikes around Vireux-Wallerand:
- Mont Vireux circuit: Departing from Vireux-Molhain, this circuit takes you to the top of a rocky promontory where a Roman camp was built, the ruins of which are still visible. From the Béchu viewpoint, enjoy an exceptional panorama of the two Vireux mountains and the Meuse Valley.
- Viroquois circuit: Meet on the other side of the bridge at Vireux-Molhain to start this 7 km hike.
Find maps of hiking trails and Vireux-Wallerand tourist guides withVireux-Wallerand Tourist Office.
The banks of the Meuse
Strolling along the water is an opportunity to let yourself be carried away by the leisurely rhythm of the Meuse and its tributaries. By canoe-kayak, electric boat or on foot along the old towpath, enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the banks.
Vireux-Wallerand has a river stopover with a capacity of 15 boats, open each year from May 15 to September 15.
MTB circuits
Want to discover the Val d'Ardenne by bike ? Discover the mountain bike trails around Vireux-Wallerand:
- The Trans-Ardennes Greenway : this 130 km long route allows you to discover the landscapes and legends of the Meuse Valley, without leaving the water, on a continuous and secure circuit (EuroVelo 19).
- The Red Lanes circuit : starting from Vireux-Wallerand, this marked mountain bike circuit crosses 9 km in the forest, and is extended by the La Fontaine des Pèlerins circuit for the more daring (27 km).
- The Meuse and Semoy Valleys MTB-FFC area : 22 marked mountain bike circuits with 4 levels of difficulty and more than 350 km make up this space, going from Givet to Nouzonville. 5 mountain bike relays (bike rental, repair, rest room, etc.) also provide cyclists with stops throughout the route.
The stopover for cycle tourists in Vireux-Wallerand:
Many services available for cycle tourists at the Vireux-Wallerand welcome stop: repair, inflation, electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) charging station, etc. – Located in the basement of the building at 1, rue du Pont .
For more information : Vireux-Wallerand tourist guides, information, brochures and maps of cycle paths to be found atVireux-Wallerand Tourist Office.
A relaxing day at the Château de Wallerand spa
The Château de Wallerand Spa welcomes you to its wellness area for a timeless break. Take advantage of facilities specially designed to offer a calm and peaceful moment: a relaxation pool, a sauna, a hammam, a massage room... Reservations required and access to the spa authorized for non-resident guests of the hotel.
The best restaurants and cafes
Here is a selection of places to eat and have a drink in Wallerand:
- Château de Wallerand Restaurant: gourmet cuisine based on fresh, local and seasonal produce – 14 rue du Général Bertrand – €40-80 per person – Open every day.
- Pizzeria Chez Salvatore: generous pizzas in a friendly atmosphere – 10 rue du Général Bertrand – €10-20 per person – Closed on weekends.
- Friterie Chez Benoît: food truck on the banks of the Meuse with simple and good cuisine – 21 rue du Rivage – €10-20 per person – Closed on Mondays.
Staying in Vireux-Wallerand
A selection of hotels, guest rooms and lodges for all budgets:
- Guest house Appartement Gaston – 27 rue Gaston Barre – from €70 per night.
- Chalet de Logis des Autres – Chemin du Rivage – from €110 per night.
- 4* Hotel Château de Wallerand – 14 rue du Général Bertrand – from €150 per night.
- Gîte la Bohème des Ardennes – 3 rue Pierre Vienot – from €192 per night for 8 people.
Vireux-Wallerand tourist office: reception, advice and tourist guides on Vireux-Wallerand
Need information? The team ofVal d'Ardenne Tourist Office is at your disposal at Vireux-Wallerand Tourist Office reception point, Place du Château, open all year round.
Brochures and Vireux-Wallerand tourist guides and its region await you to fully enjoy your stay in the Bulge !
