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Natural Monuments

Wallonie

Le Cheslé Celtic Fortified Settlement

Natural Monuments

Wallonie

Le Cheslé Celtic Fortified Settlement

Highlight • Historical Site

Le Cheslé Celtic Fortified Settlement

Recommended by 300 hikers out of 312

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc naturel des deux Ourthes

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Location: La Roche-En-Ardenne, Marche-En-Famenne, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Le Cheslé Celtic Fortified Settlement

4.7

(137)

457

hikers

1. Discovering the Celts at Cheslé — loop from Maboge in the Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes

7.07km

02:07

200m

210m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.7

(322)

1,546

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2. Ourthe Riverside Trail – View of the Ourthe River loop from Nadrin

10.4km

03:01

240m

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

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Intermediate

4.7

(389)

1,850

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3. Le Hérou Rock Formation – View of the Ourthe Meander loop from Maboge

15.7km

04:37

420m

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

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Intermediate

Tips

March 11, 2019

There was once a fortified Celtic settlement here, surrounded by a double wall made of earth, slate and wood, stretching over a length of around 1,750 metres. These are dry stone walls with raised areas made of wattle and daub. Excavations and reconstructions have been taking place here since 1960.

Translated by Google •

Willem VS

April 22, 2021

This Celtic fortress served as a refuge for local tribes in the 7th, 6th and 5th centuries BC.
The site is listed as a "Major Walloon Heritage Site" (cultural heritage) under the name "Cheslé Archaeological Site" between Maboge and Nisramont.
According to popular legend, this remarkable and difficult-to-reach site was the refuge of all the elves. In any case, there are clear traces of habitation by a group of which little is known. In-depth archaeological excavations have been underway since 1960. Le Cheslé is a Celtic fortress (probably the largest in Belgium – 13 hectares) that was inhabited between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. During the Celtic occupation, notable improvements were made to the double fortress wall, which is more than 1750 m long. A reconstruction of this building was carried out in 1980 by the National Association for Excavations and gives an idea of the ingenuity of this people. It also shows the deterrent effect of the fortress for a possible enemy. Excavations, carried out by the Free University of Brussels, have studied the structure of the enclosing wall. This was built on the narrowing of the loop, the most vulnerable part of the fortification. It is a wall of about 6 metres high and built against any attack by the enemy from the high plateau. The historical and picturesque visit to this place deserves a half-day walk.
The Legend of the golden "Gatte" tells that in a well, located in the centre of Cheslé, lies a fabulous treasure that surfaces every year on Christmas Day when the bells have struck the twelve strokes of midnight mass. Anyone who wants to take possession of it must throw a black hen into the abyss and take the chest without saying a word. Three farmers, who tried this treasure hunt but had announced their success too loudly, have disappeared forever.
The site is registered in the Major Heritage of Wallonia under the name of archaeological site of Cheslé and Val de l’Ourthe between Maboge and Nisramont.
(Source: Maison du tourisme of Houffalize – La Roche)

Translated by Google •

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

November 25, 2021

Excerpt from our Arduenna Experience November 7 - November 12, 2021
In the footsteps of the Celts... Day 4
Where did our distant ancestors live...
Where were they hiding?
A fascinating trip from the present to 3000 years into the past.
A walk without too much imagination, you can taste the history here and read it in the landscape.
We are ready to delve into the past.
From the village of Bérismenil we descend along old cart tracks and wide forest roads to the Celtic settlement - Le Cheslé.
The worn ox tracks in the rocks reveal characteristics of an ancient civilization.
Apart from the rustling fallen leaves, it is almost silent during our descent. Please know that it is quite busy here on weekends. Everyone wants to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors.
After 2.5 km we reach a rest area near the settlement with a breathtaking panoramic view over the meander of the Ourthe.
The autumn sun provides warmth and dancing mosquitoes keep us company while we enjoy our delicious cup of tea.
Musing about combative and determined Celts…
In our imagination there are arrows shot in the undergrowth that have not hit a target.
A stone's throw from these arrows, information boards provide information about the Celtic settlement.
Literally, a stone's throw further, and we are at the old stone wall.
Triggered by the past, we walk along the historic rampart of more than 1.5 km.
This fortress was impregnable. The settlement of approximately 14 hectares was largely protected by steep rock walls and on the less steep parts wooden structures and double ramparts were constructed of earth and slate. Enough history sniffing
The view from the reconstructed entrance gate encourages us to seek adventure at the Ourthe, 100 meters lower.
The bed of Ruisseau Mobage quickly takes us to a new adventure...
Read more? All walking experiences can be found in the Arduenna Experience - Luxembourg 2021 collection

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 330 m

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Location: La Roche-En-Ardenne, Marche-En-Famenne, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of the Meanders of the Ourthe from Le Hérou

Scenic Trail Along the Ourthe River

Chemin d'accès vers le point de vue Le Cheslé

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Ruisseau Maboge

Lake Shore Trail, Parc naturel des Deux Ourthes

Nasse de Martimbai Fish Ladder and Footbridge

View of the Ourthe River Meanders

View of the Ourthe Valley

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Forest Path to Nisramont Dam

Le Cheslé Celtic Fortified Settlement

1. Discovering the Celts at Cheslé — loop from Maboge in the Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes

2. Ourthe Riverside Trail – View of the Ourthe River loop from Nadrin

3. Le Hérou Rock Formation – View of the Ourthe Meander loop from Maboge

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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