Sports activities
HIKING
Viroinval has a superb network of well-maintained and marked walking trails: 37 circuits (from 4 to 15 km) starting from each of the 8 villages, for a total of 250 km. And on the other side of the border, you’ll find lots of beautiful walks in the French Ardennes too!
Hiking is probably the best way to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. We provide you with maps and walking guides and share with you our favourite walks.
And to spice up your family walks, why not try a donkey trek with Etats d'Anes? Or go in search of geocaches?
NORDIC WALKING
About fifteen marked Nordic walking routes start from the villages of Nîsmes, Olloy and Oignies: you will find all the information you need at the cottage.
TRAIL RUNNING
All these walking and Nordic walking tours can of course be combined and done at a higher pace!
Moreover, for enthusiasts, various events take place in the region: Trail du Viroin, Raid du Viroin (trail running + kayaking + mountain biking), The Challenge Trail de la Forêt du pays de Chimay, the Hastrail...
MOUNTAIN BIKING AND BICYCLE TOURING
Five bordering communes, including Viroinval, have created a 365km network of signposted itineraries for lovers of mountain biking and bicycle touring. Two mountain bike circuits pass directly in front of the house! The large circuit of the ‘Ronde du Viroin' is magnificent but is aimed at experienced athletes: it is more than 50 km long and the difference in altitude is significant.
Families can take advantage of the two car-free RAVeLs (Mariembourg-Doische and Olloy-Oignies) and the trans-Ardennes bike path along the spectacular Meuse River valley. The region also abounds in small country roads through fields and woodlands.
Your bikes are safe in our garage and equipment is at your disposal (garden hose, repair kit, pump). You don't have a bike? You can rent mountain bikes at the café Chez Raoul in Olloy-sur-Viroin, 5 km away! The Tourist Office of Viroinval rents out electric bikes in Nismes to discover this hilly region in a relaxed way.
Maps and some suggestions for additional 'homemade' tours are available at the house.
FISHING
Our holiday cottage is situated on the banks of the Viroin and has its own access to the river. We fish for rainbow trout, fario and char. Information and permits are available at the café 'Le Montjoie' in the village or at the ASBL La Treignoise to fish in Treignes. Information and permits at the café 'Chez Raoul' for Olloy.
KAYAKING
It is possible to kayak 3 different distances down the Viroin depending on the village you start from: 7, 13 or 20 km. In all cases, the arrival is in Treignes, at the bridge, just a few steps from the holiday cottage. You will appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of the natural sites you will pass through, far from the crowds going down the Lesse river, for example. Kayaks are rented out at the café 'Le Montjoie' in the village. You will be driven by van to the kayak departure site. More information at Viroinval - Kayaks.
BATHING
During the summer heat, children can paddle in the river near the house.
You can go to the beaches of the lacs de l'Eau d'Heure (30 min. by car) or the lac des Vieilles Forges (35 min.).
SWIMMING POOL AND BOWLING
The centre aqualudique Rivéa in Givet (France, 15 min.) offers several swimming pools with slides, a jacuzzi, a fitness area, etc. A bowling alley is located at the same place.
CLIMBING
TREETOP ADVENTURE PARKS
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Terraltitude in Fumay (20 min.): tree climbing, giant zip line over the Meuse, bungee jumping, etc.
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Agimont Adventure in Agimont (15 min.): paintball, airsoft, tree climbing
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Natura Parc aux lacs de l'Eau d'Heure (30 min.): tree climbing, zip line, jumps, etc.
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Acrobatic park of the Leisure Centre of the Lac des Vieilles Forges (35 min)
KARTING
Karting des Fagnes in Mariembourg (10 min.): one of the longest circuits in Europe, in the open air, with a grandstand and a cafeteria.
