Attractions and Places To See around Meix-Devant-Virton - Top 20

The current castle is very recent. It was built in 1960 at the request of the owners, the Otreppe de Bouvette family, based on plans by architect Emile Godin. The previous castle was severely damaged in both world wars and fell into disrepair.

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

It is between Etalle and Virton, very precisely in Croix-Rouge, that you will find the place called "Trou des Fées". Well known to the inhabitants of the region, this unique site is at the center of many legends relating to the history of D’jean dMady but also and especially to that of the fairies of Gaume.

Unmissable for the Red Cross: Dive into an enchanted kingdom where legends and mysteries weave the fabric of the landscape… This mountain of sand, like a sleeping giant, reveals its heart of stone sculpted by the whims of time. At the dawn of the Jurassic, erosion gently carved out winding galleries, while the main gallery, 15 meters long, arouses a curious fascination. Was it an offering from the ancients, shaped by human hands, or simply the patient work of nature? The flints found nearby whisper echoes of prehistory, silent witnesses of a bygone era. The Trou des Fées, guardian of forgotten secrets, awaits you.

Lots of great walks or mountain bike rides to do, very beautiful site and close to Ravel too. Easy parking near the 4 paths

On the edge of a wooded massif, where the climate is favorable for growing wine, lies Torgny, Belgium's southernmost village. The houses here, built of yellow sandstone with Roman roof tiles, are striking, lending a Mediterranean flair. A truly beautiful sight. No wonder this place is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.

A visit to the abbey is worthwhile. You should allow yourself about an hour and a half. Not far away there is a brasserie where you can try the cheese and beer.

Orval Abbey is a monastery of the Trappist Order (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) located in the municipality of Florenville in southern Belgium, near the French border. The name derives from the Basque ar(an) and French val (both meaning valley). The folk etymological interpretation of the French or (as golden valley) gave rise to a legend according to which a Countess Matilda (in some versions Matilda of Tuscany) lost her golden ring in the valley, which was then returned to her by a fish. She founded the monastery in gratitude. The Matilda Fountain can be visited in the ruins of the old monastery. (Wikipedia) Orval is a Trappist beer that has been brewed since 1932 in the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Orval in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. The bottle label and beer mat depict a trout with a golden ring in its mouth, illustrating the legend of the abbey's founding.