ヴィラーズ・ラ・シェーヴルの天然記念物・トップ4

During the German occupation, this isolated hole was used as a hiding place by members of the local resistance. They found shelter there to gather, store equipment, or simply protect themselves from enemy patrols. The site bears witness to the courage and determination of these men and women who risked their lives for freedom. 🌲 The site today: Accessible via a forest walk, the Trou des Maquisards is marked by a commemorative stele. The site invites contemplation and reflection, while offering a beautiful immersion in the Gaume nature. It is a moving stopover for hikers, history buffs, or those curious in search of authentic places.

The Trou des Maquisards, located in Gaume near the village of Bleid, is a place steeped in history and memory. It is a natural cavity hidden in a wood, which served as a refuge for Belgian resistance fighters — the maquisards — during the Second World War.

You will be able to explore the traces of the mining activity that lasted from the 19th century until 1982, when the mine closed due to the exhaustion of the ore seam. You can see the entrances to the underground tunnels, some of which are still accessible, as well as the remains of the ore processing plant demolished in 1963. Along the way, you will also enjoy panoramic views of the wooded hills and red sandstones, typical of the region where the iron-rich sedimentary rock called Minette is found. It is a great way to discover the industrial heritage and natural beauty of Halanzy.

The calvary of remembrance was placed there in 1964 by the people of Latour in memory of their 71 shot during the demonstrations of the 50th anniversary of the August 24 massacres. This cross was the last of a way of the cross starting from the church and criss-crossing the coast of La Salette and the road to Ethe to arrive at this place called "des Rappes" where the shooting took place. The base was made of local stone by masons from the village, but the monument itself is an old tomb in the communal cemetery. This was the tomb of the ancestors of Léopold JACQUEMIN, the sculptor. His daughter Marie had donated the stone. Father HALBARDIER, parish priest of Latour at that time, engraved these few verses by Charles PÉGUY "Here is the hard slope and here is our love" (Source [415].

If you drive directly on the stream it is a bit more difficult and you like to get wet.

Highly Recommended. Beautiful landscape with clear water.

Beautiful view of the stream that flows down the rock steps.

Pretty single trail through the Moulaine valley, which is a nature reserve. Where there was once a lunar landscape, today there is a heavily forested valley with crystal-clear water, some of which comes from the old mine shafts. It babbles down to the valley over countless small rock steps. Unfortunately, there is always a lot of garbage here and in summer whole families often bathe here in the fragile stream bed. Cycling is allowed on the trails, but narrow and rooted. Despite everything one of the most beautiful places in the area.