ゲージ自然公園のおすすめMTBライド

A place of remembrance for the barbarity of war

The Trench of Gates: Gateway to Gaume, Gateway to Legends 1. What is it? Physical Description The Trench of Gates is a deep and spectacular rocky gorge, naturally carved by the Vire River (a tributary of the Semois) into the sandstone plateau of the Gaume forest. Located in the village of Dampicourt (commune of Rouvroy), on the French border, it forms a narrow and winding notch, framed by high sandstone walls and strangely shaped rocks. Its name comes from its topography: the site gives the impression of crossing several successive natural "gates." 2. A Strategic Position: Military History The true fame of the Trench of Gates comes from its historical role as a natural fortress and strategic border post. A Gallic Stronghold? : Its easily defensible configuration suggests that it was used as a refuge since the Gallic era. The Roman Fort: Its strategic role became evident during the Roman era. The Romans established a castellum (a fortified camp) there to control the passage between Belgic Gaul and Imperial Trier, and to protect the nearby Roman road. Remains of these fortifications were still visible several centuries ago. A Millennial Challenge: Due to its position on the border, the site has been contested and fortified throughout history, from the Middle Ages to modern wars. It offered an ideal control point over one of the few passable passages through the region's wooded terrain.

no photo sorry

The trail from this viewpoint is a real balancing challenge towards the end, very rocky with large gravel. It seems to me that a few years ago the trail was not so perilous. It is part of the official permanent route "La Croix Renson en Gaume" which advises to do it clockwise, so this uphill trail is impossible! Except for a trialist with Hulk legs and a motorcycle traction. 🙄

Very good path coming from above West which descends without difficulty, watch out for barbed wire on the left separating the private plot. At the bottom, 2 fords to cross at low level and for a moment you find yourself between two streams.

The "Conques" viaduct is located 1 km from the village center of Herbeumont. Construction of the viaduct began in 1902 by the Chagnaud and Cox companies. The viaduct was the first completed structure for railway line 163a. It took two years to build and is said to have used 9 million bricks. The brick construction of graceful, high arches, the central one reaching almost 40 meters above the Semois, is truly impressive. Although construction was completed in 1904, it would be another 10 years before the first trains (under German occupation) rolled over the viaduct! (Trails and hikes)

View over the valley

Trail next to the Semois. Mostly S1, a short section S2