Le Boucle d'Abris - Pays de Herve

For years, we drove past this region on our way to the Ardennes. Paying no or less attention. Just another stretch of countryside between Antwerp and the hills we were actually heading for.

Turns out we were wrong to ignore it.

The Pays de Herve sits quietly between Liège and the German border, a plateau of rolling pastures, dense hedgerows and old apple orchards. Classic bocage country. The kind of landscape that doesn't scream for attention but rewards you once you slow down.

The Boucle d'Abris is a good way to get acquainted. A loop through the hills, mostly on quiet country lanes and field paths, with wide views opening up at the right moments. The terrain undulates constantly. Nothing dramatic, but your legs will notice it.

We were genuinely surprised. The variety in the landscape is greater than you'd expect — meadows giving way to forest, forest opening onto wide hilltop views, everything connected by those soft, gentle slopes. And since we were there in early May, the timing was perfect. The orchards in full bloom, the hedgerows thick and green. The whole place looked like it had made an effort.

Expect mud after rain. Wear decent shoes.

What struck us most was the silence. No crowds. No tourist infrastructure. Just fields, hedges, and the occasional farm.

Closer to home. Easy to reach, which is exactly why we'll be back.