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Wallonie

Haute Roche Castle Ruins

Castles

Wallonie

Haute Roche Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

Haute Roche Castle Ruins

Recommended by 159 hikers out of 161

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc national de l’Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse

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Location: Viroinval, Philippeville, Namur, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Haute Roche Castle Ruins

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766

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1. Fondry des Chiens Gorge – View of the Viroin Valley loop from Dourbes

18.6km

05:14

380m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Expert

4.7

(51)

212

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2. Fondry des Chiens Gorge – Fondry des Chiens Gorge loop from Dourbes

18.5km

05:19

440m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

4.7

(28)

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3. Eau Noire River in Nismes – View of the Viroin Valley loop from Nismes

15.7km

04:30

370m

360m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Willem VS

April 8, 2024

The Château de Haute Roche, known locally as Château de Haute Roche or Château de Dourbes, is located south of the village of Dourbes.
This castle is located on a rocky promontory, about 200 metres high, overlooking the Dourbes valley and the Viroin river. Although the exact date of construction is not clear, there is evidence that a castle existed on this site as early as the 9th century. Archaeological excavations have even revealed traces of Gallo-Roman use of the site. The current castle was probably built at the end of the 13th century.
The history of Haute Roche is closely linked to the nearby Château de Fagnolles. Over the centuries, several noble families have been associated with the castle, including the Jauche, the Berlaymont, the Egmont, the Pignatelli and the d’Arenberg.
In the 16th century, the castle was fortified with a new gatehouse and an advanced defensive wall to withstand gunfire. In 1554, however, the castle was besieged and taken by Anne de Montmorency, who worked for the French king Henri II. A year later, William of Orange (nicknamed the Silent) reconquered the area and also dismantled the nearby castle of Fagnolles. Haute Roche Castle then fell into disrepair.
The isolated position of the castle is separated from the plateau by a large, hand-dug ditch. The square keep has walls at least 2.5 metres thick and was originally at least 13 metres high. The castle offers fascinating views of the surrounding landscape and is an intriguing witness to the past.

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Willem VS

April 8, 2024

The intensive climb is prohibited, there is a beautiful approach road that is well signposted and leads along a long staircase. The site is also prohibited - unless at your own risk - but is very well secured. Beautiful panorama of the surroundings.

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Willem VS

April 8, 2024

Although a path leads from here to the castle ruins, it is forbidden to take it due to the risk of falling stones. The correct access road is well indicated.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 210 m

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Sunday 26 October

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Location: Viroinval, Philippeville, Namur, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Haute Roche Castle Ruins

1. Fondry des Chiens Gorge – View of the Viroin Valley loop from Dourbes

2. Fondry des Chiens Gorge – Fondry des Chiens Gorge loop from Dourbes

3. Eau Noire River in Nismes – View of the Viroin Valley loop from Nismes

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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