België
10.06.2020 - Across Wallonia (B)
10.06.2020 - Across Wallonia (B)
10.06.2020 - Across Wallonia (B)
13.04.2018 - Probeerweekend Lembeke
Na een eerdere aanvaring met onze afsluiting thuis (kon je lezen op de pagina “over ons”) rijden we op vrijdag 13/04/18 naar Lembeke - camping Malpertuus - op amper 20 km van thuis, kwestie van alles eens uit te proberen.  Een camping waar een buurman een residentiele caravan bezit. Buiten een koude douche (boiler niet echt geschikt voor een lange douche, zeker niet op ECO-stand) werkt alles prima.  Of toch niet, de schotelantenne werkt niet. 
Bleek later dat ze verkeerd was aangesloten door een werknemer van Dicar Geel. De antenne was rechtstreeks aangesloten op het zonnepaneel in plaats van aan het 12V circuit. Bij levering werkte de antenne gezien er veel zon was en het zonnepaneel zijn volledige vermogen afgaf. Uiteraard, wanneer er weinig zon was, was er geen vermogen genoeg om de antenne te doen werken. Doch niet getreurd. Wij hebben steeds een harde schijf met talloze films mee op onze vakanties.
Lembeke is een zeer mooie locatie voor wandelaars. De “Lembeekse bossen” zijn nationaal bekend.
Uiteraard hebben we de bossen verkend. Het was wel nodig om stevige wandelschoenen te dragen, aangezien het de voorbije weken goed geregend heeft.

In de namiddag werd Dirk ‘opgeëist’ door Rik (onze buurman) om een paar spelletjes petanque te spelen!
Na een zeer rustig weekend zonder verdere problemen met de toestellen van de motorhome, keerden we de volgende maandag terug huiswaarts.
Overzicht overnachtingen
Camping Malpertuus - Lembeke: 20,5€/nacht (elektriciteit 4€ inbegrepen). Alle voorzieningen voor motorhome. Leuke gezellige camping aan de rand van de bossen.
04.05.2018 - Eerste hulp bij kamperen - Pasar
Op vrijdag 04/05/18 vertrokken we vol goede moed voor een initiatieweekend voor beginnende kampeerders. Dit op Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort, en ingericht door Pasar.  We laadden de motorhome  zoals we op een 14 daagse reis zouden vertrekken. Met volle watertank en volle brandstoftank. Vooraleer we naar de camping rijden gaan we  toch eerst langs  bij een weegbrug. De openbare weegbrug in Aalter. Kostprijs 2€! Je raadt het nooit! Te zwaar geladen; 20 kg te veel! Volgende keer vertrekken met een 40-tal liter water i.p.v. een volle tank.  Dat scheelt ook weer 80 kg.  Hoe doe je het als je met 4 of 5 aan boord bent, fietsen en speelgoed in de garage en misschien een bak bier?
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Het weekend was hoe dan ook geslaagd.  Iedereen had een mooie plek, het was stralend weer.  De mensen van Pasar deelden met heel veel inzet en geduld hun kennis en ervaring.  Regelmatig werd voor eten en drinken, koffie en koekjes gezorgd.  Op tijd en stond werd er ook goed gelachen, al dan niet met een mop of een of andere stommiteit van de leden.
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Op zondagnamiddag wandelden we richting Nieuwpoort-bad. Aan de vismijn namen we de tram gezien het toch nog een eindje was tot op de dijk. Onder een stralende hemel liepen we langs de vele kraampjes! Het was braderie in Nieuwpoort. Vervolgens gingen we op de dijk uitwaaien.

Op 07/05/18 zat het weekend er op en  tuften we terug naar huis, met een lege vuilwatertank en een beetje vers water. Geen overgewicht meer!
Overzicht overnachtingen
Kompas Camping - Nieuwpoort: Wij kregen een speciale prijs voor een comfortplaats. Een standaard camperplaats 60 m² kost in het laagseizoen 19,5€/nacht (elektriciteit inbegrepen). Voor Pasarleden is er een korting van 4€. Alle voorzieningen voor motorhome aanwezig. Prachtige grote camping met verwarmde zwembaden. Rustig. Strand gemakkelijk bereikbaar per fiets.
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E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
2020 will go down in history as the year of the Covid-19 (Corona) crisis. The year of the worldwide “lockdowns” and “essential movements”. The year we couldn't meet or hug our family and friends. The year of an unprecedented economic crisis. Shops, companies, catering establishments, schools,… all were closed for months. Sport, culture, relaxation, traveling,… were prohibited. 2020 was also the year that, after the measures had been relaxed, we were only allowed to travel in our own country for a week.

Fortunately, we, our family and friends, were spared the virus and we can plan ahead.

On 3 June 2020 we are tense in front of the television. At 4 pm we will finally hear from the Prime Minister when we can travel again.

Finally ... the light turns green. From 8 June we are allowed to do excursions of several days. Admittedly only in your own country. From 15 June the Belgian borders will open again and we can travel abroad. But only to those European countries that also open their borders to us Belgians.

but not complained. Our first trip in 2020 will take place domestically.

Normally I never reserve a place on a campsite or motorhome pitch, in order to have more freedom while traveling (there is always a place available when we ask the various operators on site).
But an exceptional situation requires a different approach.
At 5 pm I have already made a first reservation for a camping pitch on a campsite. This at campsite “Natuurlijk Limburg” in Remersdaal (Voer-region). The manager was very enthusiastic when I called him (I also made a reservation for the other campsites during this trip).

We'll wait two more days, and on 10 June 2020, we'll finally get away with it. We leave for our first trip.

From the Voer, along the Ourthe to the Semois. Three rivers that form the common thread of this trip.

Part 1: the Voer-region - a piece of Flanders in Wallonia

Tranquillity. Green. Enjoy. Three words that perfectly describe the Voer-region. The Voer region groups six small villages (Moelingen, 's-Gravenvoeren (or Voeren), Sint-Martens-Voeren, Sint-Pieters-Voeren, Teuven and Remersdaal)).
A region with breath-taking views. It is a hilly landscape, with many hollow roads, demarcated with hawthorn hedges. A hiking paradise, an undiscovered nature that exudes an incredible tranquility.
Under moderate sun we reach the campsite in Remersdaal by noon. The only campsite in the feeding region (the other campsites from which you can visit the region are located in the Netherlands, just across the border).

It is a beautiful, pleasant campsite with very spacious pitches and all amenities. The sanitary block is very clean and looks new. There is a café / restaurant (fortunately the catering industry was already restarted) and a swimming pool (this was closed until 1 July).
In the afternoon we dive into the forest. Located just next to the campsite, this is the ideal opportunity to get a first impression of the region. Good signage guides us smoothly through this natural forest. There is consciously no longer intervention by humans, and nature is allowed to run free.
Suddenly we come across an ice cream machine along a road “in the middle of nowhere”. A farm makes artisan ice cream there. It's very tasty and a nice cooler.
We climb a little longer. Yes it is hilly here, which we will certainly experience in the coming days. Further along the edge of the “Veursbos” (forest), we reach the highest point. We have a beautiful panorama! The hamlet of Veurs is located in the valley. A unique end to our first day.

The Veursbos is one of the highest points in Flanders. The Remersberg, which is also located in Voeren, is the highest point in Flanders (287.5m). If you do not include the Voer-region, the Kemmelberg (156m) is the highest point in Flanders.
Day 2
Today another brisk walk is on the program, starting from the campsite. A drawback. The campsite is located on a hill. On departure you always have descending roads. Which means that when you return, it will always increase. Under a radiant sun and a pleasant 23 degrees we walk towards Remersdaal. After crossing the street we immediately find ourselves in a hollow road. You actually think you are in a tunnel. The road meanders through the fields to the village of Remersdaal. A few houses, a bus stop, a neo-Gothic church, a farm and the remains of the castle "Het Hoes". This is the core of the village.
On one of the houses is still the graffiti text “village wallon” written. A silent witness to the ongoing clashes, at the end of the 1970s, between Flemish and Walloon activists. A language conflict that led to a real battle with the police in 1979. A conflict over which several governments had fallen. A conflict that ended in 1988 with a pacification agreement.
We start our way back through the open fields. We ended the walk on the terrace of the campsite. This with a chilled Val-Dieu abbey beer and apple juice.
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Day 3
We drive the camper to 's Gravenvoeren. We park in a large mixed car park on the edge of the village. This parking is also a free camper place without facilities. According to the camperstop app, there are 20 places. However, these are not demarcated and there can be many more campers when the passenger cars are gone.

We make our way to the visitor centre, the starting point of many marked walks. In the visitor centre you can buy a node hiking map of the region. I had already ordered the card in advance.
We start the “chapel walk” there. A walk that we divert a bit because the route runs through the Netherlands and we were not allowed to enter the Netherlands that day (12 June)!
After a few hundred meters we come across the first chapel. Next to the chapel is a large cast iron tap that commemorates the time when Voeren was supplied with a water supply. We continue climbing through the hollow road. A path leads us through the Altenbroek nature reserve. We enter the meadow through a meadow fence.
Make sure to keep your dog on a leash when entering a pasture, this in order not to frighten the sheep and the cattle. You literally walk among the cows here!
After a long walk we arrive at the Steenboskapel, a chapel built with the remains of a Roman villa.
Meanwhile, the temperature has risen. We continue the path between the corn and corn fields. Naturally, these offer little shelter from the sun. The last chapel we encounter is the white chapel. At the fork we turn right. A road that brings us back to the village centre.
Fortunately, there are a number of terraces. We sit down on a chair of a large terrace, located in the courtyard of the Blanckthys Hotel. A cold “La Chouffe” (local beer) tastes delicious after such a walk.

In the evening we enjoy a meal in the campsite restaurant. And then came… the rain, and a heavy thunderstorm.
Day 4
Today is rest day. Not a big walk on the agenda. The weather is good again and we relax at the motorhome. In the afternoon we pay a visit to Garden Decor. A business located next to the campsite.
If you look at the surroundings on the other side of the street, you will see the Netherlands at 5 km on one side. If you look to the right you will see, in open weather, 30 km further Germany!
The owner of the business (a German landscaper) transformed a large meadow into a beautiful park garden in 35 years. There is a wide variety of trees and plants. Silver birches stand gracefully in a circle and demarcate a Zen zone. Numerous sculptures and works of art in bronze, metal and stone are displayed among the plants in the numerous flower beds. You see them in all sizes. From a large red deer to a number of ants in line. All works exhibited in the garden are for sale.
In the garden are also a number of cages integrated with ornamental chickens, parrots and parakeets.
We couldn't resist and bought a bronze meerkat and some metal poppies (made from the metal of discarded cars).
Day 5
After a cloudy morning, the sun breaks through in the afternoon. Again we leave the campsite for a walk. We walk to Teuven via a few junctions. A modest village in an undulating landscape and surrounded by extensive forests. It will be downhill all the way there. We walk along the many meadows. The motley longhorn cows stared after us. From afar you can already see St. Peter's Church, which protrudes remarkably high above the rest of the village.
The village is quiet and looks deserted. We climb the many stairs to the church, but this is, like most churches, closed due to the corona measures.
At the village square we enter the courtyard of café-restaurant “mother the goose”. The attraction of Teuven. There is a pleasant bustle on the terrace (ha, this explains why so few people were present in the village). This beer café with many types of beer is located in an 18th century square farm. Many old elements of the farm have been preserved. The stay of the “courhond” (watchdog) and even the “huuske”, an old outdoor toilet, have been preserved. Directly behind the farm there is a still drinkable source, the central place of the village. The inhabitants of Teuven still come here to drink delicious sparkling spring water.
I still preferred a good beer; a Gulpener old brown.
As mentioned, the way up was in a downward line, so the entire way back was up. Every now and then it was puffing, the sun was constantly burning on our heads.
Before going back to the camper, we first sat down on the terrace of the campsite and this for a refreshment.
Day 6
Today, Monday, 15 June is the day that Belgium's borders will reopen. One after the other camper leaves the campsite. One drives home, most of them head for France and the Netherlands.
After a first shopping round since we left home, we drive to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. On the way we actually cross a column of Dutch motorhomes! They are happy that they are allowed to cross the Belgian border again. They are likely to spread further south.
We park our motorhome in the parking lot opposite the church. With the nodes hiking map in hand, we walk towards Sint-Martens-Voeren.
Immediately after our departure we pass the “Commanderie”. A castle that belonged to a Teutonic Order. In the park of the castle is the well, which supplies the ponds and the river Voer with water. Trout and sturgeon are bred in the ponds. The castle also houses a restaurant, whose specialty is locally grown trout. However, like most catering establishments in the area, the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
We walk further through the forest and along sunken roads. Just before we reach Sint-Martens-Voeren we walk under an impressive viaduct. It is a 23 m high railway bridge built by the Germans during the First World War.
At the centre of the rural village is the Saint Martin's Church, originally from the 13th century. To the left under the tower is the grave of Father Veltmans. He played an important role in preserving the Dutch-language character of the Voer-region.
We continue our way back to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. In the evening it is still pleasantly warm and it is wonderful to sit outside.
Day 7
Today's motto: “rather lazy than tired”. Cosy doing nothing, sitting outside, eating, doing puzzles, reading a book. For me the moment to copy the photos of the first week from the camera to the laptop.

Part 2: Idyllic spots along the Ourthe and Semois valleys
Day 8
Time to leave the Voer-region. Under a light cloud we clean up and leave for the Ourthe valley.
The first place we visit is Tilff. A beautiful village on the Ourthe. We walk from our parking lot to the centre via a road along the water. At the church is a traffic-free square with cozy terraces. But it is not quiet at the moment! Square and road works are underway throughout the centre. On the corner of the square we still find a quiet place on a terrace.
In the afternoon the intention was to visit the bee museum. The museum is located in the restored barn of the old Brunsode Castle, also known as Tilff Castle. In the dripping rain, we waited patiently for the museum to open. A waste of time. Fortunately, a representative from another association gave us more information. Despite the relaxation of the corona measures (museums were allowed to open), the museum remained closed. Nowhere was this indicated. The municipality's website did not report this either.
We then drove on to Hotton. On the way it starts to rain very hard. The rain starts pouring down when we reach the campsite (Eau zone). Reception and café, closed! Nobody present. Under an umbrella, but still soaked, we take (after a phone call) our access badge and papers from a safe and we can choose a place at the campsite. The site is almost empty and we settle in the pouring rain along the banks of the Ourthe. It will be our place for the next four nights. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow someone would come by to arrange everything.
Day 9
The sky has cleared. In the morning a representative of the campsite came by and allowed us to explore the campsite again. The pitches are very spacious, but no water comes out of the taps, which are installed every two places. There is one central tap where we can take water. The sanitary blocks are old and dated, but clean. The showers later turn out to have no hot water. The gas bottles were empty, according to a campsite manager. This campsite is part of another campsite: Domaine Le Val de l'Aisne in Blier. Located a bit further on the Semois. We have the impression that campsite Eau zone is a bit neglected by the operation. Especially in the low season. The facilities are not open either. The café, chip shop, reception: all closed. It should also be said that apart from about 10 campers and caravans, there were only a few permanent residents. At the weekend there were more people.

After the administrative tasks, we used the rest of the morning to explore Hotton. A pleasant village with a very good bakery, several cafes and restaurants.
In the afternoon we take a brisk walk, starting on the water to the village of Melreux and further through the forest, to return to the campsite. Along the water we spot a heron, looking for something tasty in the fast-flowing river. Every now and then we have to avoid enormous puddles, a remnant of the abundant rain of the last 24 hours. Towards the end of the walk, the road even goes through a stream. A bridge ensures that you as a pedestrian keep dry feet.

In the evening I created a message on our Facebook page. In it I described our arrival at camping Eau-zone. I immediately got the answer from a follower: “We are here too”.
Of course, a meeting could not be missed. The surprising thing was that they were there together with two other motorhomes. One of those motor home owners was an old colleague with whom both I and Monique have worked for years. It was a warm reunion and a very pleasant get-together. Thanks Sien! Thanks Wilfried!
Day 10
With the camper to La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche is also called the Pearl of the Ardennes. Popular with motorcyclists and day trippers. Not much to see of that. We can even park the motorhome in a parking that is not even half full in the centre of town. Most parkers are customers of the local supermarket. We stroll around the city centre. Here and there you see someone on a terrace. It is clear that there are no foreign tourists. Time for lunch. We also had the restaurant to ourselves. The only other guests were a pair of swallows who made their nests in the canopy of the patio. The advantage was that we were spoiled even more by the restaurant manager. The trout in particular was delicious.

In the afternoon we climb over convex cobbles to the castle of La Roche. We hurt our feet through the many gaps between the cobbles. The entrance is nicely divided with crowd barriers and ribbons to separate the oncoming visitors from those leaving the castle. Today this was completely superfluous. During our visit we met exactly four other visitors. What we are seeing are the ruins of a medieval castle, built between the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. It is an impressive structure that is further emphasized by the rough stacking of slate. We walk through the dark rooms. From the battlements of the castle you have a beautiful view of the valley that lies in a loop, formed by the Ourthe.

In the evening we have nice neighbours at the campsite. Likewise Benimar owners. After announcing our trip on our Facebook page, they had the idea to also come to the campsite in Hotton. Coincidentally, they came and stood next to us.
Day 11
Today Saturday is the market in Hotton. This happens every fortnight. Today we also keep it quiet and pay a visit to the market in the morning. We stroll past the stalls, which are in a long row on the road next to the Ourthe. It is a one-way street on the market. You return via the other side of the crowd barriers. It is not busy and the market vendors do their utmost to attract the curious and thus to be able to promote their wares.

In the afternoon we enjoy the beautiful weather on one of the terraces along the banks of the river.

Day 12
The beautiful and warm weather has now really broken through and it is Sunday. In the afternoon we drive to the lake and the Nisramont dam. A path leads to and around the lake. A location that invites you for a nice walk. Apparently all residents of the wider area had the same idea. We tour in and around the large car parks. No free space! A motorhome pitch with 10 places is also located between the car parks. No free space here either. There was just one motorhome. All other places were occupied by passenger cars. When we commented that they were taking motorhome places, they pretended their noses were bleeding.
We were forced to continue driving. Direction Achouffe. The Achouffe brewery was still closed for visitors, but around the brewery there are several nice cafes with terraces. Arrived there on the spot, the same scenario! No free parking space. The car parks are too small for a motorhome and all other parking options are also occupied by the local population.

We then explored the region a bit, hoping to have a drink on the terrace. Ineffectual. We were forced to drive back to the campsite.
Day 13
Early in the morning it is already pleasantly warm and it is time to travel on. We drive towards Semois.

In Belgium there is no more beautiful valley than the Semois valley. The most feminine of our rivers… that's how the Semois river is described in poems. As soft and sweet as it flows through the Gaume, it flows wild and rebellious through the Ardennes. It is the first time that we are in this part of the Ardennes. It is a true discovery. Numerous beautiful villages are located along the river. The first village we visit is Chassepierre. A lovely village in a meander of the Semois. Very friendly residents and in August it appears that the oldest street art festival in Europe takes place. But now in June it is much quieter. At the church, we discover a network of prehistoric galleries and tunnels. The so-called “Le Trou des Fées”. This network of galleries was once dug by humans in a limestone rock. The tunnels lead to the cellars of the presbytery.
One of the sights in the village is an old wash house dating from the 2nd half of the 19th century.
An old man from the village was happy to tell us a piece of the history. The wash house was "the" meeting place for the women of the village. Here the latest novelties and facts were exchanged and there was plenty of gossip. The laundry was first boiled at home and then rinsed in the laundry room and washed further. The man told us that there was even a second washing place in the village. He enthusiastically pointed out the location to us.
We continue our way to the municipal campsite "Halliru" in Bouillon. We will also stay here for four nights. From our pitch, which we were allowed to choose ourselves, we had a very nice view of the river.
Here, too, the sanitary facilities are outdated, but clean. It was quite a climb before you reached the blocks. Fortunately, we did have hot water in the showers here. And for the token that cost 1.5 € you had hot water for a very long time. A downside is that there is no discharge point for gray water. But do not be sad. Every two days I emptied the tank with a bucket, which I placed under the outlet of the tank.
Day 14
A hiking trail along the banks of the Semois starts right at the campsite. This in both directions. The “Ladmirantpad”. This path is part of the GR route that crosses the campsite.
We take the path towards Bouillon. Despite the early hour it is already warm in the summer. Fortunately, the entire walk along the Semois is shaded by the trees that flank the river. After half an hour we reach the city. High above the city, on a rock, towers the "Castle of Bouillon". The site was well chosen because there was a natural water supply. The castle is one of the oldest remains in our country and is of course known by its most important inhabitant: the legendary Godfrey of Bouillon. We do the climb for a visit.
We receive a map at the entrance. If you follow this, you will pass all parts of the castle. However, due to the corona measures, a mandatory course has been indicated. Wearing a mouth mask is also mandatory. Because there are few visitors, we manage to take the mask off in most places, since we had no contact with others. The course leads through dark corridors, past the many robust rooms. It is cold and damp. Shouldn't have been pleasant to live there! In the large courtyard you can normally enjoy a bird of prey show with large falcons, but due to the covid safety measures the shows are cancelled and the birds are also not present. From the castle you do have a magnificent view of the city, the Semois and the valley.

After our visit, we first enjoy a refreshment on the terrace of the restaurant, located next to the castle. Then we descend to the city centre.

Bouillon itself is not large, but it is beautiful, maintained and cosy. It is pleasant to stay on the quay. You will find nice restaurants, terraces and a souvenir shop! The first one we encounter on our trip. The postcards are recent (they do not date from the 1980s, as we saw in previous ones. In Hotton we even got them for free at the tourist office).

In the evening the sun quickly disappears from the valley and we can certainly face a cool night.
Day 15
After a quiet morning at the water, we decide to walk the path in the other direction. Fortunately, we had sturdy walking shoes. The path is rough, runs over rocks and further along the water. Monique gives up and looks for a seat on the water to rest. I myself go a little further. On the way back I risk the climb to the top of the “Rocher du Pendu”, the rock of the hanged man. There is a sign stating 100m. I suspect this sign refers to the base of the rock. It was another hellish climb, going steeply to the top. But once at the top you get the satisfaction. You have a beautiful panoramic view over the valley of the Semois.

There is a legend about this rock: It is said that a farmer from the village of Corbion, who sold his cattle at the market of Bouillon, drank all the money he earned. Not daring to tell this to his wife, he hanged himself on the rock on the way home.
Day 16
Today the temperature reaches 30°C. We take it easy. In the afternoon we walk again to the centre of Bouillon. This to enjoy an ice cream on a terrace. As in La Roche, we have the company of a nest of swallows (also built in the edge of the canopy). The three fledglings were patiently waiting with their mouths open for one of the parents to come flying with food.
Wonderful such a lazy day. Also our last in Bouillon. Tomorrow we will continue driving.
Day 17
The final destination of this journey "across Wallonia" is Rochehaut. One of the pearls along the Semois.
We arrive at the camper place "Le Palis". The only location where we did not reserve. It turns out: fully booked! All places have been taken or reserved. Fortunately, the very friendly and helpful operator of the motorhome park is on site. Since it is only for one night, we are allocated a spare place. A place where he normally places campervan trailers. But there is nothing wrong with that place. Like the other places, we are on stones and have a piece of greenery next to the motorhome. We also have power.

In the morning we visit the brewery, where we buy the local beer "Rochehaut" in different flavors. There is also an agricultural museum and animal park. We do not visit this.

In the afternoon we walk to the very pleasant centre, which is located 200m from the camper stopover. We choose a place on the terrace of a restaurant. There is no shortage of restaurants here in Rochehaut. The owners of the restaurants were apparently surprised by the many tourists present. The first time during our trip that we see a lot of people together.

After a delicious menu we walk to the “point de vue”. As its name suggests, Rochehaut is quite high and has a special location. It gives the village a view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country. In the valley, a loop of the Semois surrounds the village of Frahan. A beautiful view with the chapel, houses with slate roofs and old bridge over the river.

Back at the camper stop, the good weather is suddenly over. Clouds and wind are increasing sharply. It starts to rain, to rain hard, thunder and lightning.
Day 18
It is cold and wet and… we drive home. The first trip of 2020 is over.

General impression

We had a peaceful holiday, although we walked and walked many kilometres. Beautiful regions and places discovered in your own country. We met very friendly people and had a very good meal.
Yet it was special, unnatural. No foreign tourists, lots of space on camping sites, few people on the tourist attractions. Where it was busy, there were only locals. The corona measures are omnipresent. The catering industry and shops that started up again carefully. A trend for the entire summer!
Despite all this, there were no barriers to enjoyment.
2020 will go down in history as the year of the Covid-19 (Corona) crisis. The year of the worldwide “lockdowns” and “essential movements”. The year we couldn't meet or hug our family and friends. The year of an unprecedented economic crisis. Shops, companies, catering establishments, schools,… all were closed for months. Sport, culture, relaxation, traveling,… were prohibited. 2020 was also the year that, after the measures had been relaxed, we were only allowed to travel in our own country for a week.

Fortunately, we, our family and friends, were spared the virus and we can plan ahead.

On 3 June 2020 we are tense in front of the television. At 4 pm we will finally hear from the Prime Minister when we can travel again.

Finally ... the light turns green. From 8 June we are allowed to do excursions of several days. Admittedly only in your own country. From 15 June the Belgian borders will open again and we can travel abroad. But only to those European countries that also open their borders to us Belgians.

but not complained. Our first trip in 2020 will take place domestically.

Normally I never reserve a place on a campsite or motorhome pitch, in order to have more freedom while traveling (there is always a place available when we ask the various operators on site).
But an exceptional situation requires a different approach.
At 5 pm I have already made a first reservation for a camping pitch on a campsite. This at campsite “Natuurlijk Limburg” in Remersdaal (Voer-region). The manager was very enthusiastic when I called him (I also made a reservation for the other campsites during this trip).

We'll wait two more days, and on 10 June 2020, we'll finally get away with it. We leave for our first trip.

From the Voer, along the Ourthe to the Semois. Three rivers that form the common thread of this trip.

Part 1: the Voer-region - a piece of Flanders in Wallonia

Tranquillity. Green. Enjoy. Three words that perfectly describe the Voer-region. The Voer region groups six small villages (Moelingen, 's-Gravenvoeren (or Voeren), Sint-Martens-Voeren, Sint-Pieters-Voeren, Teuven and Remersdaal)).
A region with breath-taking views. It is a hilly landscape, with many hollow roads, demarcated with hawthorn hedges. A hiking paradise, an undiscovered nature that exudes an incredible tranquillity.
Under moderate sun we reach the campsite in Remersdaal by noon. The only campsite in the feeding region (the other campsites from which you can visit the region are located in the Netherlands, just across the border).

It is a beautiful, pleasant campsite with very spacious pitches and all amenities. The sanitary block is very clean and looks new. There is a café / restaurant (fortunately the catering industry was already restarted) and a swimming pool (this was closed until 1 July).
In the afternoon we dive into the forest. Located just next to the campsite, this is the ideal opportunity to get a first impression of the region. Good signage guides us smoothly through this natural forest. There is consciously no longer intervention by humans, and nature is allowed to run free.
Suddenly we come across an ice cream machine along a road “in the middle of nowhere”. A farm makes artisan ice cream there. It's very tasty and a nice cooler.
We climb a little longer. Yes it is hilly here, which we will certainly experience in the coming days. Further along the edge of the “Veursbos” (forest), we reach the highest point. We have a beautiful panorama! The hamlet of Veurs is located in the valley. A unique end to our first day.

The Veursbos is one of the highest points in Flanders. The Remersberg, which is also located in Voeren, is the highest point in Flanders (287.5m). If you do not include the Voer-region, the Kemmelberg (156m) is the highest point in Flanders.
Day 2
Today another brisk walk is on the program, starting from the campsite. A drawback. The campsite is located on a hill. On departure you always have descending roads. Which means that when you return, it will always increase. Under a radiant sun and a pleasant 23 degrees we walk towards Remersdaal. After crossing the street we immediately find ourselves in a hollow road. You actually think you are in a tunnel. The road meanders through the fields to the village of Remersdaal. A few houses, a bus stop, a neo-Gothic church, a farm and the remains of the castle "Het Hoes". This is the core of the village.
On one of the houses is still the graffiti text “village wallon” written. A silent witness to the ongoing clashes, at the end of the 1970s, between Flemish and Walloon activists. A language conflict that led to a real battle with the police in 1979. A conflict over which several governments had fallen. A conflict that ended in 1988 with a pacification agreement.
We start our way back through the open fields. We ended the walk on the terrace of the campsite. This with a chilled Val-Dieu abbey beer and apple juice.
sdr
Day 3
We drive the camper to 's Gravenvoeren. We park in a large mixed car park on the edge of the village. This parking is also a free camper place without facilities. According to the camperstop app, there are 20 places. However, these are not demarcated and there can be many more campers when the passenger cars are gone.

We make our way to the visitor centre, the starting point of many marked walks. In the visitor centre you can buy a node hiking map of the region. I had already ordered the card in advance.
We start the “chapel walk” there. A walk that we divert a bit because the route runs through the Netherlands and we were not allowed to enter the Netherlands that day (12 June)!
After a few hundred meters we come across the first chapel. Next to the chapel is a large cast iron tap that commemorates the time when Voeren was supplied with a water supply. We continue climbing through the hollow road. A path leads us through the Altenbroek nature reserve. We enter the meadow through a meadow fence.
Make sure to keep your dog on a leash when entering a pasture, this in order not to frighten the sheep and the cattle. You literally walk among the cows here!
After a long walk we arrive at the Steenboskapel, a chapel built with the remains of a Roman villa.
Meanwhile, the temperature has risen. We continue the path between the corn and corn fields. Naturally, these offer little shelter from the sun. The last chapel we encounter is the white chapel. At the fork we turn right. A road that brings us back to the village centre.
Fortunately, there are a number of terraces. We sit down on a chair of a large terrace, located in the courtyard of the Blanckthys Hotel. A cold “La Chouffe” (local beer) tastes delicious after such a walk.

In the evening we enjoy a meal in the campsite restaurant. And then came… the rain, and a heavy thunderstorm.
Day 4
Today is rest day. Not a big walk on the agenda. The weather is good again and we relax at the motorhome. In the afternoon we pay a visit to Garden Decor. A business located next to the campsite.
If you look at the surroundings on the other side of the street, you will see the Netherlands at 5 km on one side. If you look to the right you will see, in open weather, 30 km further Germany!
The owner of the business (a German landscaper) transformed a large meadow into a beautiful park garden in 35 years. There is a wide variety of trees and plants. Silver birches stand gracefully in a circle and demarcate a Zen zone. Numerous sculptures and works of art in bronze, metal and stone are displayed among the plants in the numerous flower beds. You see them in all sizes. From a large red deer to a number of ants in line. All works exhibited in the garden are for sale.
In the garden are also a number of cages integrated with ornamental chickens, parrots and parakeets.
We couldn't resist and bought a bronze meerkat and some metal poppies (made from the metal of discarded cars).
Day 5
After a cloudy morning, the sun breaks through in the afternoon. Again we leave the campsite for a walk. We walk to Teuven via a few junctions. A modest village in an undulating landscape and surrounded by extensive forests. It will be downhill all the way there. We walk along the many meadows. The motley longhorn cows stared after us. From afar you can already see St. Peter's Church, which protrudes remarkably high above the rest of the village.
The village is quiet and looks deserted. We climb the many stairs to the church, but this is, like most churches, closed due to the corona measures.
At the village square we enter the courtyard of café-restaurant “mother the goose”. The attraction of Teuven. There is a pleasant bustle on the terrace (ha, this explains why so few people were present in the village). This beer café with many types of beer is located in an 18th century square farm. Many old elements of the farm have been preserved. The stay of the “courhond” (watchdog) and even the “huuske”, an old outdoor toilet, have been preserved. Directly behind the farm there is a still drinkable source, the central place of the village. The inhabitants of Teuven still come here to drink delicious sparkling spring water.
I still preferred a good beer; a Gulpener old brown.
As mentioned, the way up was in a downward line, so the entire way back was up. Every now and then it was puffing, the sun was constantly burning on our heads.
Before going back to the camper, we first sat down on the terrace of the campsite and this for a refreshment.
Day 6
Today, Monday, 15 June is the day that Belgium's borders will reopen. One after the other camper leaves the campsite. One drives home, most of them head for France and the Netherlands.
After a first shopping round since we left home, we drive to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. On the way we actually cross a column of Dutch motorhomes! They are happy that they are allowed to cross the Belgian border again. They are likely to spread further south.
We park our motorhome in the parking lot opposite the church. With the nodes hiking map in hand, we walk towards Sint-Martens-Voeren.
Immediately after our departure we pass the “Commanderie”. A castle that belonged to a Teutonic Order. In the park of the castle is the well, which supplies the ponds and the river Voer with water. Trout and sturgeon are bred in the ponds. The castle also houses a restaurant, whose specialty is locally grown trout. However, like most catering establishments in the area, the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
We walk further through the forest and along sunken roads. Just before we reach Sint-Martens-Voeren we walk under an impressive viaduct. It is a 23 m high railway bridge built by the Germans during the First World War.
At the centre of the rural village is the Saint Martin's Church, originally from the 13th century. To the left under the tower is the grave of Father Veltmans. He played an important role in preserving the Dutch-language character of the Voer-region.
We continue our way back to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. In the evening it is still pleasantly warm and it is wonderful to sit outside.
Day 7
Today's motto: “rather lazy than tired”. Cosy doing nothing, sitting outside, eating, doing puzzles, reading a book. For me the moment to copy the photos of the first week from the camera to the laptop.

Part 2: Idyllic spots along the Ourthe and Semois valleys
Day 8
Time to leave the Voer-region. Under a light cloud we clean up and leave for the Ourthe valley.
The first place we visit is Tilff. A beautiful village on the Ourthe. We walk from our parking lot to the centre via a road along the water. At the church is a traffic-free square with cozy terraces. But it is not quiet at the moment! Square and road works are underway throughout the centre. On the corner of the square we still find a quiet place on a terrace.
In the afternoon the intention was to visit the bee museum. The museum is located in the restored barn of the old Brunsode Castle, also known as Tilff Castle. In the dripping rain, we waited patiently for the museum to open. A waste of time. Fortunately, a representative from another association gave us more information. Despite the relaxation of the corona measures (museums were allowed to open), the museum remained closed. Nowhere was this indicated. The municipality's website did not report this either.
We then drove on to Hotton. On the way it starts to rain very hard. The rain starts pouring down when we reach the campsite (Eau zone). Reception and café, closed! Nobody present. Under an umbrella, but still soaked, we take (after a phone call) our access badge and papers from a safe and we can choose a place at the campsite. The site is almost empty and we settle in the pouring rain along the banks of the Ourthe. It will be our place for the next four nights. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow someone would come by to arrange everything.
Day 9
The sky has cleared. In the morning a representative of the campsite came by and allowed us to explore the campsite again. The pitches are very spacious, but no water comes out of the taps, which are installed every two places. There is one central tap where we can take water. The sanitary blocks are old and dated, but clean. The showers later turn out to have no hot water. The gas bottles were empty, according to a campsite manager. This campsite is part of another campsite: Domaine Le Val de l'Aisne in Blier. Located a bit further on the Semois. We have the impression that campsite Eau zone is a bit neglected by the operation. Especially in the low season. The facilities are not open either. The café, chip shop, reception: all closed. It should also be said that apart from about 10 campers and caravans, there were only a few permanent residents. At the weekend there were more people.

After the administrative tasks, we used the rest of the morning to explore Hotton. A pleasant village with a very good bakery, several cafes and restaurants.
In the afternoon we take a brisk walk, starting on the water to the village of Melreux and further through the forest, to return to the campsite. Along the water we spot a heron, looking for something tasty in the fast-flowing river. Every now and then we have to avoid enormous puddles, a remnant of the abundant rain of the last 24 hours. Towards the end of the walk, the road even goes through a stream. A bridge ensures that you as a pedestrian keep dry feet.

In the evening I created a message on our Facebook page. In it I described our arrival at camping Eau-zone. I immediately got the answer from a follower: “We are here too”.
Of course, a meeting could not be missed. The surprising thing was that they were there together with two other motorhomes. One of those motor home owners was an old colleague with whom both I and Monique have worked for years. It was a warm reunion and a very pleasant get-together. Thanks Sien! Thanks Wilfried!
Day 10
With the camper to La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche is also called the Pearl of the Ardennes. Popular with motorcyclists and day trippers. Not much to see of that. We can even park the motorhome in a parking that is not even half full in the centre of town. Most parkers are customers of the local supermarket. We stroll around the city centre. Here and there you see someone on a terrace. It is clear that there are no foreign tourists. Time for lunch. We also had the restaurant to ourselves. The only other guests were a pair of swallows who made their nests in the canopy of the patio. The advantage was that we were spoiled even more by the restaurant manager. The trout in particular was delicious.

In the afternoon we climb over convex cobbles to the castle of La Roche. We hurt our feet through the many gaps between the cobbles. The entrance is nicely divided with crowd barriers and ribbons to separate the oncoming visitors from those leaving the castle. Today this was completely superfluous. During our visit we met exactly four other visitors. What we are seeing are the ruins of a medieval castle, built between the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. It is an impressive structure that is further emphasized by the rough stacking of slate. We walk through the dark rooms. From the battlements of the castle you have a beautiful view of the valley that lies in a loop, formed by the Ourthe.

In the evening we have nice neighbours at the campsite. Likewise Benimar owners. After announcing our trip on our Facebook page, they had the idea to also come to the campsite in Hotton. Coincidentally, they came and stood next to us.
Day 11
Today Saturday is the market in Hotton. This happens every fortnight. Today we also keep it quiet and pay a visit to the market in the morning. We stroll past the stalls, which are in a long row on the road next to the Ourthe. It is a one-way street on the market. You return via the other side of the crowd barriers. It is not busy and the market vendors do their utmost to attract the curious and thus to be able to promote their wares.

In the afternoon we enjoy the beautiful weather on one of the terraces along the banks of the river.

Day 12
The beautiful and warm weather has now really broken through and it is Sunday. In the afternoon we drive to the lake and the Nisramont dam. A path leads to and around the lake. A location that invites you for a nice walk. Apparently all residents of the wider area had the same idea. We tour in and around the large car parks. No free space! A motorhome pitch with 10 places is also located between the car parks. No free space here either. There was just one motorhome. All other places were occupied by passenger cars. When we commented that they were taking motorhome places, they pretended their noses were bleeding.
We were forced to continue driving. Direction Achouffe. The Achouffe brewery was still closed for visitors, but around the brewery there are several nice cafes with terraces. Arrived there on the spot, the same scenario! No free parking space. The car parks are too small for a motorhome and all other parking options are also occupied by the local population.

We then explored the region a bit, hoping to have a drink on the terrace. Ineffectual. We were forced to drive back to the campsite.
Day 13
Early in the morning it is already pleasantly warm and it is time to travel on. We drive towards Semois.

In Belgium there is no more beautiful valley than the Semois valley. The most feminine of our rivers… that's how the Semois river is described in poems. As soft and sweet as it flows through the Gaume, it flows wild and rebellious through the Ardennes. It is the first time that we are in this part of the Ardennes. It is a true discovery. Numerous beautiful villages are located along the river. The first village we visit is Chassepierre. A lovely village in a meander of the Semois. Very friendly residents and in August it appears that the oldest street art festival in Europe takes place. But now in June it is much quieter. At the church, we discover a network of prehistoric galleries and tunnels. The so-called “Le Trou des Fées”. This network of galleries was once dug by humans in a limestone rock. The tunnels lead to the cellars of the presbytery.
One of the sights in the village is an old wash house dating from the 2nd half of the 19th century.
An old man from the village was happy to tell us a piece of the history. The wash house was "the" meeting place for the women of the village. Here the latest novelties and facts were exchanged and there was plenty of gossip. The laundry was first boiled at home and then rinsed in the laundry room and washed further. The man told us that there was even a second washing place in the village. He enthusiastically pointed out the location to us.
We continue our way to the municipal campsite "Halliru" in Bouillon. We will also stay here for four nights. From our pitch, which we were allowed to choose ourselves, we had a very nice view of the river.
Here, too, the sanitary facilities are outdated, but clean. It was quite a climb before you reached the blocks. Fortunately, we did have hot water in the showers here. And for the token that cost 1.5 € you had hot water for a very long time. A downside is that there is no discharge point for gray water. But do not be sad. Every two days I emptied the tank with a bucket, which I placed under the outlet of the tank.
Day 14
A hiking trail along the banks of the Semois starts right at the campsite. This in both directions. The “Ladmirantpad”. This path is part of the GR route that crosses the campsite.
We take the path towards Bouillon. Despite the early hour it is already warm in the summer. Fortunately, the entire walk along the Semois is shaded by the trees that flank the river. After half an hour we reach the city. High above the city, on a rock, towers the "Castle of Bouillon". The site was well chosen because there was a natural water supply. The castle is one of the oldest remains in our country and is of course known by its most important inhabitant: the legendary Godfrey of Bouillon. We do the climb for a visit.
We receive a map at the entrance. If you follow this, you will pass all parts of the castle. However, due to the corona measures, a mandatory course has been indicated. Wearing a mouth mask is also mandatory. Because there are few visitors, we manage to take the mask off in most places, since we had no contact with others. The course leads through dark corridors, past the many robust rooms. It is cold and damp. Shouldn't have been pleasant to live there! In the large courtyard you can normally enjoy a bird of prey show with large falcons, but due to the covid safety measures the shows are cancelled and the birds are also not present. From the castle you do have a magnificent view of the city, the Semois and the valley.

After our visit, we first enjoy a refreshment on the terrace of the restaurant, located next to the castle. Then we descend to the city centre.

Bouillon itself is not large, but it is beautiful, maintained and cosy. It is pleasant to stay on the quay. You will find nice restaurants, terraces and a souvenir shop! The first one we encounter on our trip. The postcards are recent (they do not date from the 1980s, as we saw in previous ones. In Hotton we even got them for free at the tourist office).

In the evening the sun quickly disappears from the valley and we can certainly face a cool night.
Day 15
After a quiet morning at the water, we decide to walk the path in the other direction. Fortunately, we had sturdy walking shoes. The path is rough, runs over rocks and further along the water. Monique gives up and looks for a seat on the water to rest. I myself go a little further. On the way back I risk the climb to the top of the “Rocher du Pendu”, the rock of the hanged man. There is a sign stating 100m. I suspect this sign refers to the base of the rock. It was another hellish climb, going steeply to the top. But once at the top you get the satisfaction. You have a beautiful panoramic view over the valley of the Semois.

There is a legend about this rock: It is said that a farmer from the village of Corbion, who sold his cattle at the market of Bouillon, drank all the money he earned. Not daring to tell this to his wife, he hanged himself on the rock on the way home.
Day 16
Today the temperature reaches 30°C. We take it easy. In the afternoon we walk again to the centre of Bouillon. This to enjoy an ice cream on a terrace. As in La Roche, we have the company of a nest of swallows (also built in the edge of the canopy). The three fledglings were patiently waiting with their mouths open for one of the parents to come flying with food.
Wonderful such a lazy day. Also our last in Bouillon. Tomorrow we will continue driving.
Day 17
The final destination of this journey "across Wallonia" is Rochehaut. One of the pearls along the Semois.
We arrive at the camper place "Le Palis". The only location where we did not reserve. It turns out: fully booked! All places have been taken or reserved. Fortunately, the very friendly and helpful operator of the motorhome park is on site. Since it is only for one night, we are allocated a spare place. A place where he normally places campervan trailers. But there is nothing wrong with that place. Like the other places, we are on stones and have a piece of greenery next to the motorhome. We also have power.

In the morning we visit the brewery, where we buy the local beer "Rochehaut" in different flavors. There is also an agricultural museum and animal park. We do not visit this.

In the afternoon we walk to the very pleasant centre, which is located 200m from the camper stopover. We choose a place on the terrace of a restaurant. There is no shortage of restaurants here in Rochehaut. The owners of the restaurants were apparently surprised by the many tourists present. The first time during our trip that we see a lot of people together.

After a delicious menu we walk to the “point de vue”. As its name suggests, Rochehaut is quite high and has a special location. It gives the village a view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country. In the valley, a loop of the Semois surrounds the village of Frahan. A beautiful view with the chapel, houses with slate roofs and old bridge over the river.

Back at the camper stop, the good weather is suddenly over. Clouds and wind are increasing sharply. It starts to rain, to rain hard, thunder and lightning.
Day 18
It is cold and wet and… we drive home. The first trip of 2020 is over.

General impression

We had a peaceful holiday, although we walked and walked many kilometres. Beautiful regions and places discovered in your own country. We met very friendly people and had a very good meal.
Yet it was special, unnatural. No foreign tourists, lots of space on camping sites, few people on the tourist attractions. Where it was busy, there were only locals. The corona measures are omnipresent. The catering industry and shops that started up again carefully. A trend for the entire summer!
Despite all this, there were no barriers to enjoyment.
2020 will go down in history as the year of the Covid-19 (Corona) crisis. The year of the worldwide “lockdowns” and “essential movements”. The year we couldn't meet or hug our family and friends. The year of an unprecedented economic crisis. Shops, companies, catering establishments, schools,… all were closed for months. Sport, culture, relaxation, traveling,… were prohibited. 2020 was also the year that, after the measures had been relaxed, we were only allowed to travel in our own country for a week.

Fortunately, we, our family and friends, were spared the virus and we can plan ahead.

On 3 June 2020 we are tense in front of the television. At 4 pm we will finally hear from the Prime Minister when we can travel again.

Finally ... the light turns green. From 8 June we are allowed to do excursions of several days. Admittedly only in your own country. From 15 June the Belgian borders will open again and we can travel abroad. But only to those European countries that also open their borders to us Belgians.

but not complained. Our first trip in 2020 will take place domestically.

Normally I never reserve a place on a campsite or motorhome pitch, in order to have more freedom while traveling (there is always a place available when we ask the various operators on site).
But an exceptional situation requires a different approach.
At 5 pm I have already made a first reservation for a camping pitch on a campsite. This at campsite “Natuurlijk Limburg” in Remersdaal (Voer-region). The manager was very enthusiastic when I called him (I also made a reservation for the other campsites during this trip).

We'll wait two more days, and on 10 June 2020, we'll finally get away with it. We leave for our first trip.

From the Voer, along the Ourthe to the Semois. Three rivers that form the common thread of this trip.

Part 1: the Voer-region - a piece of Flanders in Wallonia

Tranquillity. Green. Enjoy. Three words that perfectly describe the Voer-region. The Voer region groups six small villages (Moelingen, 's-Gravenvoeren (or Voeren), Sint-Martens-Voeren, Sint-Pieters-Voeren, Teuven and Remersdaal)).
A region with breath-taking views. It is a hilly landscape, with many hollow roads, demarcated with hawthorn hedges. A hiking paradise, an undiscovered nature that exudes an incredible tranquillity.
Under moderate sun we reach the campsite in Remersdaal by noon. The only campsite in the feeding region (the other campsites from which you can visit the region are located in the Netherlands, just across the border).

It is a beautiful, pleasant campsite with very spacious pitches and all amenities. The sanitary block is very clean and looks new. There is a café / restaurant (fortunately the catering industry was already restarted) and a swimming pool (this was closed until 1 July).
In the afternoon we dive into the forest. Located just next to the campsite, this is the ideal opportunity to get a first impression of the region. Good signage guides us smoothly through this natural forest. There is consciously no longer intervention by humans, and nature is allowed to run free.
Suddenly we come across an ice cream machine along a road “in the middle of nowhere”. A farm makes artisan ice cream there. It's very tasty and a nice cooler.
We climb a little longer. Yes it is hilly here, which we will certainly experience in the coming days. Further along the edge of the “Veursbos” (forest), we reach the highest point. We have a beautiful panorama! The hamlet of Veurs is located in the valley. A unique end to our first day.

The Veursbos is one of the highest points in Flanders. The Remersberg, which is also located in Voeren, is the highest point in Flanders (287.5m). If you do not include the Voer-region, the Kemmelberg (156m) is the highest point in Flanders.
Day 2
Today another brisk walk is on the program, starting from the campsite. A drawback. The campsite is located on a hill. On departure you always have descending roads. Which means that when you return, it will always increase. Under a radiant sun and a pleasant 23 degrees we walk towards Remersdaal. After crossing the street we immediately find ourselves in a hollow road. You actually think you are in a tunnel. The road meanders through the fields to the village of Remersdaal. A few houses, a bus stop, a neo-Gothic church, a farm and the remains of the castle "Het Hoes". This is the core of the village.
On one of the houses is still the graffiti text “village wallon” written. A silent witness to the ongoing clashes, at the end of the 1970s, between Flemish and Walloon activists. A language conflict that led to a real battle with the police in 1979. A conflict over which several governments had fallen. A conflict that ended in 1988 with a pacification agreement.
We start our way back through the open fields. We ended the walk on the terrace of the campsite. This with a chilled Val-Dieu abbey beer and apple juice.
Day 3
We drive the camper to 's Gravenvoeren. We park in a large mixed car park on the edge of the village. This parking is also a free camper place without facilities. According to the camperstop app, there are 20 places. However, these are not demarcated and there can be many more campers when the passenger cars are gone.

We make our way to the visitor centre, the starting point of many marked walks. In the visitor centre you can buy a node hiking map of the region. I had already ordered the card in advance.
We start the “chapel walk” there. A walk that we divert a bit because the route runs through the Netherlands and we were not allowed to enter the Netherlands that day (12 June)!
After a few hundred meters we come across the first chapel. Next to the chapel is a large cast iron tap that commemorates the time when Voeren was supplied with a water supply. We continue climbing through the hollow road. A path leads us through the Altenbroek nature reserve. We enter the meadow through a meadow fence.
Make sure to keep your dog on a leash when entering a pasture, this in order not to frighten the sheep and the cattle. You literally walk among the cows here!
After a long walk we arrive at the Steenboskapel, a chapel built with the remains of a Roman villa.
Meanwhile, the temperature has risen. We continue the path between the corn and corn fields. Naturally, these offer little shelter from the sun. The last chapel we encounter is the white chapel. At the fork we turn right. A road that brings us back to the village centre.
Fortunately, there are a number of terraces. We sit down on a chair of a large terrace, located in the courtyard of the Blanckthys Hotel. A cold “La Chouffe” (local beer) tastes delicious after such a walk.

In the evening we enjoy a meal in the campsite restaurant. And then came… the rain, and a heavy thunderstorm.
Day 4
Today is rest day. Not a big walk on the agenda. The weather is good again and we relax at the motorhome. In the afternoon we pay a visit to Garden Decor. A business located next to the campsite.
If you look at the surroundings on the other side of the street, you will see the Netherlands at 5 km on one side. If you look to the right you will see, in open weather, 30 km further Germany!
The owner of the business (a German landscaper) transformed a large meadow into a beautiful park garden in 35 years. There is a wide variety of trees and plants. Silver birches stand gracefully in a circle and demarcate a Zen zone. Numerous sculptures and works of art in bronze, metal and stone are displayed among the plants in the numerous flower beds. You see them in all sizes. From a large red deer to a number of ants in line. All works exhibited in the garden are for sale.
In the garden are also a number of cages integrated with ornamental chickens, parrots and parakeets.
We couldn't resist and bought a bronze meerkat and some metal poppies (made from the metal of discarded cars).
Day 5
After a cloudy morning, the sun breaks through in the afternoon. Again we leave the campsite for a walk. We walk to Teuven via a few junctions. A modest village in an undulating landscape and surrounded by extensive forests. It will be downhill all the way there. We walk along the many meadows. The motley longhorn cows stared after us. From afar you can already see St. Peter's Church, which protrudes remarkably high above the rest of the village.
The village is quiet and looks deserted. We climb the many stairs to the church, but this is, like most churches, closed due to the corona measures.
At the village square we enter the courtyard of café-restaurant “mother the goose”. The attraction of Teuven. There is a pleasant bustle on the terrace (ha, this explains why so few people were present in the village). This beer café with many types of beer is located in an 18th century square farm. Many old elements of the farm have been preserved. The stay of the “courhond” (watchdog) and even the “huuske”, an old outdoor toilet, have been preserved. Directly behind the farm there is a still drinkable source, the central place of the village. The inhabitants of Teuven still come here to drink delicious sparkling spring water.
I still preferred a good beer; a Gulpener old brown.
As mentioned, the way up was in a downward line, so the entire way back was up. Every now and then it was puffing, the sun was constantly burning on our heads.
Before going back to the camper, we first sat down on the terrace of the campsite and this for a refreshment.
Day 6
Today, Monday, 15 June is the day that Belgium's borders will reopen. One after the other camper leaves the campsite. One drives home, most of them head for France and the Netherlands.
After a first shopping round since we left home, we drive to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. On the way we actually cross a column of Dutch motorhomes! They are happy that they are allowed to cross the Belgian border again. They are likely to spread further south.
We park our motorhome in the parking lot opposite the church. With the nodes hiking map in hand, we walk towards Sint-Martens-Voeren.
Immediately after our departure we pass the “Commanderie”. A castle that belonged to a Teutonic Order. In the park of the castle is the well, which supplies the ponds and the river Voer with water. Trout and sturgeon are bred in the ponds. The castle also houses a restaurant, whose specialty is locally grown trout. However, like most catering establishments in the area, the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
We walk further through the forest and along sunken roads. Just before we reach Sint-Martens-Voeren we walk under an impressive viaduct. It is a 23 m high railway bridge built by the Germans during the First World War.
At the centre of the rural village is the Saint Martin's Church, originally from the 13th century. To the left under the tower is the grave of Father Veltmans. He played an important role in preserving the Dutch-language character of the Voer-region.
We continue our way back to Sint-Pieters-Voeren. In the evening it is still pleasantly warm and it is wonderful to sit outside.
Day 7
Today's motto: “rather lazy than tired”. Cosy doing nothing, sitting outside, eating, doing puzzles, reading a book. For me the moment to copy the photos of the first week from the camera to the laptop.

Part 2: Idyllic spots along the Ourthe and Semois valleys
Day 8
Time to leave the Voer-region. Under a light cloud we clean up and leave for the Ourthe valley.
The first place we visit is Tilff. A beautiful village on the Ourthe. We walk from our parking lot to the centre via a road along the water. At the church is a traffic-free square with cozy terraces. But it is not quiet at the moment! Square and road works are underway throughout the centre. On the corner of the square we still find a quiet place on a terrace.
In the afternoon the intention was to visit the bee museum. The museum is located in the restored barn of the old Brunsode Castle, also known as Tilff Castle. In the dripping rain, we waited patiently for the museum to open. A waste of time. Fortunately, a representative from another association gave us more information. Despite the relaxation of the corona measures (museums were allowed to open), the museum remained closed. Nowhere was this indicated. The municipality's website did not report this either.
We then drove on to Hotton. On the way it starts to rain very hard. The rain starts pouring down when we reach the campsite (Eau zone). Reception and café, closed! Nobody present. Under an umbrella, but still soaked, we take (after a phone call) our access badge and papers from a safe and we can choose a place at the campsite. The site is almost empty and we settle in the pouring rain along the banks of the Ourthe. It will be our place for the next four nights. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow someone would come by to arrange everything.
Day 9
The sky has cleared. In the morning a representative of the campsite came by and allowed us to explore the campsite again. The pitches are very spacious, but no water comes out of the taps, which are installed every two places. There is one central tap where we can take water. The sanitary blocks are old and dated, but clean. The showers later turn out to have no hot water. The gas bottles were empty, according to a campsite manager. This campsite is part of another campsite: Domaine Le Val de l'Aisne in Blier. Located a bit further on the Semois. We have the impression that campsite Eau zone is a bit neglected by the operation. Especially in the low season. The facilities are not open either. The café, chip shop, reception: all closed. It should also be said that apart from about 10 campers and caravans, there were only a few permanent residents. At the weekend there were more people.

After the administrative tasks, we used the rest of the morning to explore Hotton. A pleasant village with a very good bakery, several cafes and restaurants.
In the afternoon we take a brisk walk, starting on the water to the village of Melreux and further through the forest, to return to the campsite. Along the water we spot a heron, looking for something tasty in the fast-flowing river. Every now and then we have to avoid enormous puddles, a remnant of the abundant rain of the last 24 hours. Towards the end of the walk, the road even goes through a stream. A bridge ensures that you as a pedestrian keep dry feet.

In the evening I created a message on our Facebook page. In it I described our arrival at camping Eau-zone. I immediately got the answer from a follower: “We are here too”.
Of course, a meeting could not be missed. The surprising thing was that they were there together with two other motorhomes. One of those motor home owners was an old colleague with whom both I and Monique have worked for years. It was a warm reunion and a very pleasant get-together. Thanks Sien! Thanks Wilfried!
Day 10
With the camper to La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche is also called the Pearl of the Ardennes. Popular with motorcyclists and day trippers. Not much to see of that. We can even park the motorhome in a parking that is not even half full in the centre of town. Most parkers are customers of the local supermarket. We stroll around the city centre. Here and there you see someone on a terrace. It is clear that there are no foreign tourists. Time for lunch. We also had the restaurant to ourselves. The only other guests were a pair of swallows who made their nests in the canopy of the patio. The advantage was that we were spoiled even more by the restaurant manager. The trout in particular was delicious.

In the afternoon we climb over convex cobbles to the castle of La Roche. We hurt our feet through the many gaps between the cobbles. The entrance is nicely divided with crowd barriers and ribbons to separate the oncoming visitors from those leaving the castle. Today this was completely superfluous. During our visit we met exactly four other visitors. What we are seeing are the ruins of a medieval castle, built between the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. It is an impressive structure that is further emphasized by the rough stacking of slate. We walk through the dark rooms. From the battlements of the castle you have a beautiful view of the valley that lies in a loop, formed by the Ourthe.

In the evening we have nice neighbours at the campsite. Likewise Benimar owners. After announcing our trip on our Facebook page, they had the idea to also come to the campsite in Hotton. Coincidentally, they came and stood next to us.
Day 11
Today Saturday is the market in Hotton. This happens every fortnight. Today we also keep it quiet and pay a visit to the market in the morning. We stroll past the stalls, which are in a long row on the road next to the Ourthe. It is a one-way street on the market. You return via the other side of the crowd barriers. It is not busy and the market vendors do their utmost to attract the curious and thus to be able to promote their wares.

In the afternoon we enjoy the beautiful weather on one of the terraces along the banks of the river.

Day 12
The beautiful and warm weather has now really broken through and it is Sunday. In the afternoon we drive to the lake and the Nisramont dam. A path leads to and around the lake. A location that invites you for a nice walk. Apparently all residents of the wider area had the same idea. We tour in and around the large car parks. No free space! A motorhome pitch with 10 places is also located between the car parks. No free space here either. There was just one motorhome. All other places were occupied by passenger cars. When we commented that they were taking motorhome places, they pretended their noses were bleeding.
We were forced to continue driving. Direction Achouffe. The Achouffe brewery was still closed for visitors, but around the brewery there are several nice cafes with terraces. Arrived there on the spot, the same scenario! No free parking space. The car parks are too small for a motorhome and all other parking options are also occupied by the local population.

We then explored the region a bit, hoping to have a drink on the terrace. Ineffectual. We were forced to drive back to the campsite.
Day 13
Early in the morning it is already pleasantly warm and it is time to travel on. We drive towards Semois.

In Belgium there is no more beautiful valley than the Semois valley. The most feminine of our rivers… that's how the Semois river is described in poems. As soft and sweet as it flows through the Gaume, it flows wild and rebellious through the Ardennes. It is the first time that we are in this part of the Ardennes. It is a true discovery. Numerous beautiful villages are located along the river. The first village we visit is Chassepierre. A lovely village in a meander of the Semois. Very friendly residents and in August it appears that the oldest street art festival in Europe takes place. But now in June it is much quieter. At the church, we discover a network of prehistoric galleries and tunnels. The so-called “Le Trou des Fées”. This network of galleries was once dug by humans in a limestone rock. The tunnels lead to the cellars of the presbytery.
One of the sights in the village is an old wash house dating from the 2nd half of the 19th century.
An old man from the village was happy to tell us a piece of the history. The wash house was "the" meeting place for the women of the village. Here the latest novelties and facts were exchanged and there was plenty of gossip. The laundry was first boiled at home and then rinsed in the laundry room and washed further. The man told us that there was even a second washing place in the village. He enthusiastically pointed out the location to us.
We continue our way to the municipal campsite "Halliru" in Bouillon. We will also stay here for four nights. From our pitch, which we were allowed to choose ourselves, we had a very nice view of the river.
Here, too, the sanitary facilities are outdated, but clean. It was quite a climb before you reached the blocks. Fortunately, we did have hot water in the showers here. And for the token that cost 1.5 € you had hot water for a very long time. A downside is that there is no discharge point for gray water. But do not be sad. Every two days I emptied the tank with a bucket, which I placed under the outlet of the tank.
Day 14
A hiking trail along the banks of the Semois starts right at the campsite. This in both directions. The “Ladmirantpad”. This path is part of the GR route that crosses the campsite.
We take the path towards Bouillon. Despite the early hour it is already warm in the summer. Fortunately, the entire walk along the Semois is shaded by the trees that flank the river. After half an hour we reach the city. High above the city, on a rock, towers the "Castle of Bouillon". The site was well chosen because there was a natural water supply. The castle is one of the oldest remains in our country and is of course known by its most important inhabitant: the legendary Godfrey of Bouillon. We do the climb for a visit.
We receive a map at the entrance. If you follow this, you will pass all parts of the castle. However, due to the corona measures, a mandatory course has been indicated. Wearing a mouth mask is also mandatory. Because there are few visitors, we manage to take the mask off in most places, since we had no contact with others. The course leads through dark corridors, past the many robust rooms. It is cold and damp. Shouldn't have been pleasant to live there! In the large courtyard you can normally enjoy a bird of prey show with large falcons, but due to the covid safety measures the shows are cancelled and the birds are also not present. From the castle you do have a magnificent view of the city, the Semois and the valley.

After our visit, we first enjoy a refreshment on the terrace of the restaurant, located next to the castle. Then we descend to the city centre.

Bouillon itself is not large, but it is beautiful, maintained and cosy. It is pleasant to stay on the quay. You will find nice restaurants, terraces and a souvenir shop! The first one we encounter on our trip. The postcards are recent (they do not date from the 1980s, as we saw in previous ones. In Hotton we even got them for free at the tourist office).

In the evening the sun quickly disappears from the valley and we can certainly face a cool night.
Day 15
After a quiet morning at the water, we decide to walk the path in the other direction. Fortunately, we had sturdy walking shoes. The path is rough, runs over rocks and further along the water. Monique gives up and looks for a seat on the water to rest. I myself go a little further. On the way back I risk the climb to the top of the “Rocher du Pendu”, the rock of the hanged man. There is a sign stating 100m. I suspect this sign refers to the base of the rock. It was another hellish climb, going steeply to the top. But once at the top you get the satisfaction. You have a beautiful panoramic view over the valley of the Semois.

There is a legend about this rock: It is said that a farmer from the village of Corbion, who sold his cattle at the market of Bouillon, drank all the money he earned. Not daring to tell this to his wife, he hanged himself on the rock on the way home.
Day 16
Today the temperature reaches 30°C. We take it easy. In the afternoon we walk again to the centre of Bouillon. This to enjoy an ice cream on a terrace. As in La Roche, we have the company of a nest of swallows (also built in the edge of the canopy). The three fledglings were patiently waiting with their mouths open for one of the parents to come flying with food.
Wonderful such a lazy day. Also our last in Bouillon. Tomorrow we will continue driving.
Day 17
The final destination of this journey "across Wallonia" is Rochehaut. One of the pearls along the Semois.
We arrive at the camper place "Le Palis". The only location where we did not reserve. It turns out: fully booked! All places have been taken or reserved. Fortunately, the very friendly and helpful operator of the motorhome park is on site. Since it is only for one night, we are allocated a spare place. A place where he normally places campervan trailers. But there is nothing wrong with that place. Like the other places, we are on stones and have a piece of greenery next to the motorhome. We also have power.

In the morning we visit the brewery, where we buy the local beer "Rochehaut" in different flavors. There is also an agricultural museum and animal park. We do not visit this.

In the afternoon we walk to the very pleasant centre, which is located 200m from the camper stopover. We choose a place on the terrace of a restaurant. There is no shortage of restaurants here in Rochehaut. The owners of the restaurants were apparently surprised by the many tourists present. The first time during our trip that we see a lot of people together.

After a delicious menu we walk to the “point de vue”. As its name suggests, Rochehaut is quite high and has a special location. It gives the village a view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country. In the valley, a loop of the Semois surrounds the village of Frahan. A beautiful view with the chapel, houses with slate roofs and old bridge over the river.

Back at the camper stop, the good weather is suddenly over. Clouds and wind are increasing sharply. It starts to rain, to rain hard, thunder and lightning.
Day 18
It is cold and wet and… we drive home. The first trip of 2020 is over.

General impression

We had a peaceful holiday, although we walked and walked many kilometres. Beautiful regions and places discovered in your own country. We met very friendly people and had a very good meal.
Yet it was special, unnatural. No foreign tourists, lots of space on camping sites, few people on the tourist attractions. Where it was busy, there were only locals. The corona measures are omnipresent. The catering industry and shops that started up again carefully. A trend for the entire summer!
Despite all this, there were no barriers to enjoyment.
Summary overnight stays
Camping Natuurlijk Limburg - Roodbos 3, 3791 Remersdaal - acsi € 18.5 / night (tourist tax (TT) included)) - all facilities, a sanitary block is a column where water can be taken (€ 1) and toilet cassette can be emptied, but on the campsite there are taps where water can be refilled - very nice and clean sanitary facilities - bread service - restaurant with tasty dishes - all villages are within cycling distance - supermarkets 5 km in Aubel - quiet campsite on the edge of the forest, walking routes departing from the campsite, very friendly owners.

Camping Eau zone - Rue de Fonzays 10, 6990 Hotton - GPS: N 50.27095, E 5.43833 - acsi 18 € / night (electricity included) - very spacious pitches - water at the pitches (but most taps were closed) - outdated campsite with old plumbing, there was no hot water when we were there; the gas bottles were empty! Have the impression that not much is done on camping anymore, all attention goes to the other domain of the same owners, especially in the low season - located on the Ourthe - village at 500m; the discharge point for the gray water is also located there. Is an official camper place in the Rue du Batty (behind the church) -

Camping Halliru - Halliru 1, 6830 Bouillon - 19.5 € / night - facilities, no discharge point gray water - beautiful pitches on the banks of the Semois - you stand among the residential residents, can be noisy - sanitary block outdated but clean - jeton shower 1.5 €, hot water more than sufficient - is located higher up, which is always climbing - hiking trail to centre of Bouillon, 2km

Le Palis - Official camper place - Le Routi 25, 6830 Rochehaut - GPS: N 49.84156, E 5.01073 - 39pl / 15 € - all amenities included - beautiful pitches on gravel, with a strip of grass on the camper - very friendly and helpful manager - you can can be booked and is quickly full at special moments - village with many restaurants at 100m

We made most of the trips on foot from the various campsites and motorhome stops. In the municipalities we visited with the motorhome we found a decent parking space:

's Gravenvoeren: Parking' s Gravenisjes - Boomstraat 29, 3798 's-Gravenvoeren - GPS: N 50.75658, E 5.76013 - is also an official camper stopover: 20pl, but there may be more campers as it is a mixed parking - no facilities - 150m from Centre
Sint-Pieters-Voeren: Sint-Pieterstraat, 3792 Voeren - car park at the church, there can be several campers.
Tilff: we parked in the Quai de l'Ourthe, a side street that ends at the Ourthe - the centre was 750m away - but there are several parking options.
La Roche-en-Ardenne: we parked in the paying car park Rue du Balloir 5, which was possible as it was not busy. Most of the parking spaces in the centre are only suitable for passenger cars.
Chassepierre: parking is available everywhere in the village.

E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
Summary overnight stays
Camping Natuurlijk Limburg - Roodbos 3, 3791 Remersdaal - acsi € 18.5 / night (tourist tax (TT) included)) - all facilities, a sanitary block is a column where water can be taken (€ 1) and toilet cassette can be emptied, but on the campsite there are taps where water can be refilled - very nice and clean sanitary facilities - bread service - restaurant with tasty dishes - all villages are within cycling distance - supermarkets 5 km in Aubel - quiet campsite on the edge of the forest, walking routes departing from the campsite, very friendly owners.

Camping Eau zone - Rue de Fonzays 10, 6990 Hotton - GPS: N 50.27095, E 5.43833 - acsi 18 € / night (electricity included) - very spacious pitches - water at the pitches (but most taps were closed) - outdated campsite with old plumbing, there was no hot water when we were there; the gas bottles were empty! Have the impression that not much is done on camping anymore, all attention goes to the other domain of the same owners, especially in the low season - located on the Ourthe - village at 500m; the discharge point for the gray water is also located there. Is an official camper place in the Rue du Batty (behind the church) -

Camping Halliru - Halliru 1, 6830 Bouillon - 19.5 € / night - facilities, no discharge point gray water - beautiful pitches on the banks of the Semois - you stand among the residential residents, can be noisy - sanitary block outdated but clean - jeton shower 1.5 €, hot water more than sufficient - is located higher up, which is always climbing - hiking trail to centre of Bouillon, 2km

Le Palis - Official camper place - Le Routi 25, 6830 Rochehaut - GPS: N 49.84156, E 5.01073 - 39pl / 15 € - all amenities included - beautiful pitches on gravel, with a strip of grass on the camper - very friendly and helpful manager - you can can be booked and is quickly full at special moments - village with many restaurants at 100m

We made most of the trips on foot from the various campsites and motorhome stops. In the municipalities we visited with the motorhome we found a decent parking space:

's Gravenvoeren: Parking' s Gravenisjes - Boomstraat 29, 3798 's-Gravenvoeren - GPS: N 50.75658, E 5.76013 - is also an official camper stopover: 20pl, but there may be more campers as it is a mixed parking - no facilities - 150m from Centre
Sint-Pieters-Voeren: Sint-Pieterstraat, 3792 Voeren - car park at the church, there can be several campers.
Tilff: we parked in the Quai de l'Ourthe, a side street that ends at the Ourthe - the centre was 750m away - but there are several parking options.
La Roche-en-Ardenne: we parked in the paying car park Rue du Balloir 5, which was possible as it was not busy. Most of the parking spaces in the centre are only suitable for passenger cars.
Chassepierre: parking is available everywhere in the village.

E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
Summary overnight stays
Camping Natuurlijk Limburg - Roodbos 3, 3791 Remersdaal - acsi € 18.5 / night (tourist tax (TT) included)) - all facilities, a sanitary block is a column where water can be taken (€ 1) and toilet cassette can be emptied, but on the campsite there are taps where water can be refilled - very nice and clean sanitary facilities - bread service - restaurant with tasty dishes - all villages are within cycling distance - supermarkets 5 km in Aubel - quiet campsite on the edge of the forest, walking routes departing from the campsite, very friendly owners.

Camping Eau zone - Rue de Fonzays 10, 6990 Hotton - GPS: N 50.27095, E 5.43833 - acsi 18 € / night (electricity included) - very spacious pitches - water at the pitches (but most taps were closed) - outdated campsite with old plumbing, there was no hot water when we were there; the gas bottles were empty! Have the impression that not much is done on camping anymore, all attention goes to the other domain of the same owners, especially in the low season - located on the Ourthe - village at 500m; the discharge point for the gray water is also located there. Is an official camper place in the Rue du Batty (behind the church) -

Camping Halliru - Halliru 1, 6830 Bouillon - 19.5 € / night - facilities, no discharge point gray water - beautiful pitches on the banks of the Semois - you stand among the residential residents, can be noisy - sanitary block outdated but clean - jeton shower 1.5 €, hot water more than sufficient - is located higher up, which is always climbing - hiking trail to centre of Bouillon, 2km

Le Palis - Official camper place - Le Routi 25, 6830 Rochehaut - GPS: N 49.84156, E 5.01073 - 39pl / 15 € - all amenities included - beautiful pitches on gravel, with a strip of grass on the camper - very friendly and helpful manager - you can can be booked and is quickly full at special moments - village with many restaurants at 100m

We made most of the trips on foot from the various campsites and motorhome stops. In the municipalities we visited with the motorhome we found a decent parking space:

's Gravenvoeren: Parking' s Gravenisjes - Boomstraat 29, 3798 's-Gravenvoeren - GPS: N 50.75658, E 5.76013 - is also an official camper stopover: 20pl, but there may be more campers as it is a mixed parking - no facilities - 150m from Centre
Sint-Pieters-Voeren: Sint-Pieterstraat, 3792 Voeren - car park at the church, there can be several campers.
Tilff: we parked in the Quai de l'Ourthe, a side street that ends at the Ourthe - the centre was 750m away - but there are several parking options.
La Roche-en-Ardenne: we parked in the paying car park Rue du Balloir 5, which was possible as it was not busy. Most of the parking spaces in the centre are only suitable for passenger cars.
Chassepierre: parking is available everywhere in the village.
E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.