Best caves around Ohey are found in a region known for its geological formations. Ohey, a municipality in the Province of Namur, Belgium, is situated within the broader Ardennes region. This area is geologically rich, providing conditions conducive to the formation of various cave systems. The landscape features limestone formations and karst topography, which contribute to the presence of underground cavities.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
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The first descriptions of this Trou Manto date back to 1833. The name refers to the prophetess Manto, daughter of Tiresias of Thebes, who was brought to Delphi after her birthplace was conquered by the Epigoni. From there she traveled to Asia Minor, where she married the Cretan Rhacius, with whom she had Mopsus, and founded a temple of Apollo in Claros. According to legend, she spent her last days in Italy. What the link between this cave and the legend from Greek antiquity is, is unclear. It is a fossil cave. In 1964, a narrow passage was made to the adjacent 'Grotte Sint-Etienne'. This junction is called the "birth" by speleologists. It is, along with the 10m deep shaft, the most difficult segment of the cave. The cave is not accessible to the public and has never been developed for tourism. Only with a membership card of the Belgian Speleological Union and a key can you access the limestone passages. To protect the site, it was decided to close the entrances with massive doors equipped with padlocks. However, as bats had been regularly present during their hibernation since 1970, the entrances to the two caves were only screened in 1990 to facilitate their entry and exit. Observations of these small mammals by NATAGORA led to the identification of several regionally endangered species, such as the lesser horseshoe bat and the Bechstein's bat. Vincent Poitier, a pioneer of the 4th Baden Powell unit of the Collegiate Church of Huy, organized several visits to the cave system together with scout leader Jean-Louis Cuvelier. Some entered through the Trou-Manto cave, while others, the more adventurous, went directly through the Trou St-Etienne cave. source: wikihuy.be
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The Arville Cave is located near Arville Castle in Faulx-les-Tombes and consists of several smaller cavities collectively known as the "Arville Caves." The most famous cavity is the actual Arville Cave (also known as the Trou du Chantoir), which is located on the northern slope of a paleokarst depression. This depression has a nearly permanent pond at its bottom, the water level of which varies with the seasons. The caves are not open to the public or tourists. They are primarily an interesting karst area for geological and local nature walks.
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Located in the Solières valley near Huy, the Trou Manto cave is a limestone cave with a complex network of tunnels. Access is via a steep path supported by a rope. The cave has three levels with magnificent stalactites, a sloping floor with collapses, and twelve large columns supporting the vaults. The entire structure is an impressive karst phenomenon, approximately 600 meters long and 48 meters deep. The cave is protected and fenced off due to vandalism and to protect bats; visits are only possible with a guide or a caving association. The cave is known for its diverse hydrological phenomena and the legend of the Nutons, gnome-like helper beings from folklore. This combination of nature, history, and mythology makes Trou Manto a special place.
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The Caverne des Romains is located at the top of the slope, 70 meters upstream from Trou-Manto. This southwest-facing rock is 12 meters high and 24 meters long. A beautiful porch forms an arcade 5 to 6 meters high, 10 meters wide, and 6 to 7 meters deep; it is made of compact limestone. It is more of a "rock shelter" than a true cavern or grotto, but it also makes a very beautiful climbing rock...
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A collection of four caves, two of which are closed off as bat roosts. A steep climb or descent over a rocky path is definitely worth it.
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A collection of four caves, two of which are closed off as bat roosts. A steep climb or descent over a rocky path is certainly worth the effort.
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Prehistoric traces were found in the caves of Avins, which prove that they were used by early humans. Large quantities of bones were found here, along with pieces of pottery from all eras. The bones date from the Middle Neolithic period between 4,800 and 3,600 BC and the Early Neolithic period between 3,800 and 2,200 BC. They come from at least 21 people (6 adults and 15 children), which suggests that this was a burial site. Source: https://www.rtbf.be/article/les-avins-les-archeologues-font-parler-des-ossements-prehistoriques-9953021
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best to be careful in wet weather. narrow road that is currently difficult to access due to fallen trees.
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Directly around Ohey, you can explore several interesting sites. Trou Manto is a limestone cave with a complex network of tunnels, known for its stalactites and the legend of the Nutons. Nearby, La Caverne des Romains is more of a rock shelter, also popular for climbing. The Arville Cave is part of a karst site with nine different cavities, primarily for geological and nature walks rather than public tours.
Yes, the Ossuary Caves of Avins hold significant historical value. Prehistoric traces were found here, indicating their use by early humans as a burial site. Large quantities of bones, dating from the Middle and Early Neolithic periods, along with pottery pieces, suggest this was a significant archaeological discovery.
The difficulty varies. For instance, Trou Manto involves a steep path supported by a rope, making it challenging. La Caverne des Romains also requires a steep climb. The Roger Cave features a 22-meter-long crawl space. Many of these sites are rated as challenging due to their natural, undeveloped state.
While the caves directly around Ohey like Trou Manto or Arville Cave are more suited for experienced explorers or those interested in geological walks, the broader Ardennes region offers more publicly accessible and family-friendly options. For example, the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse or Remouchamps, though further afield, provide guided tours suitable for families.
For truly spectacular cave experiences in the Belgian Ardennes, consider visiting the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, famous for immense chambers and an underground river tour by tram and foot. The Caves of Remouchamps offer a unique boat trip on Europe's only navigable underground river. The Hotton Caves are known for their giant galleries and ecological focus, while the Lorette Cave in Rochefort features a notable vertical descent into a labyrinth of formations.
The caves around Ohey are primarily limestone formations within a karst topography. You can expect to see stalactites, columns, and diverse hydrological phenomena, especially in places like Trou Manto. The Arville Cave site is a karst area with multiple cavities and a nearly permanent pond, offering insights into geological processes.
The area around Ohey offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and running. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Ossogne Village – Tahier Castle Farm loop' or the 'Old Station – Royseux Castle Farm loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'Forest Stream – Downhill Forest Trail loop'. Running enthusiasts can try the 'Haltinne Castle – Sentiers d'Art - The Hut loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Ohey guide, Gravel biking around Ohey guide, and Running Trails around Ohey guide.
Visitors appreciate the unique geological formations and the sense of exploration. For instance, the complex network of tunnels and stalactites in Trou Manto are highly regarded. The historical significance of sites like the Ossuary Caves of Avins also draws interest. Many enjoy the challenge and the natural beauty of these less-developed cave systems.
Some caves around Ohey, such as Trou Manto, are protected and require a guide or caving association for visits. The Arville Cave site is not open to the public or tourists, being primarily for geological and local nature walks. These are generally not developed tourist attractions but rather natural sites for experienced explorers.
Given the challenging nature of many caves around Ohey, it's advisable to wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as paths can be steep and slippery, especially in wet weather. Headlamps or flashlights are essential for visibility. For protected caves requiring guided access, specific safety gear may be provided or required by the caving association.
Yes, some caves, like Trou Manto, are closed off as bat roosts to protect these creatures. The surrounding forests and natural areas, such as Bois d'Arville and Bois des Pauvres near Arville Cave, are home to diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for wildlife observation during nature walks.


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