Attractions and Places To See around Ville-Houdlémont - Top 20

The Trench of Gates: Gateway to Gaume, Gateway to Legends 1. What is it? Physical Description The Trench of Gates is a deep and spectacular rocky gorge, naturally carved by the Vire River (a tributary of the Semois) into the sandstone plateau of the Gaume forest. Located in the village of Dampicourt (commune of Rouvroy), on the French border, it forms a narrow and winding notch, framed by high sandstone walls and strangely shaped rocks. Its name comes from its topography: the site gives the impression of crossing several successive natural "gates." 2. A Strategic Position: Military History The true fame of the Trench of Gates comes from its historical role as a natural fortress and strategic border post. A Gallic Stronghold? : Its easily defensible configuration suggests that it was used as a refuge since the Gallic era. The Roman Fort: Its strategic role became evident during the Roman era. The Romans established a castellum (a fortified camp) there to control the passage between Belgic Gaul and Imperial Trier, and to protect the nearby Roman road. Remains of these fortifications were still visible several centuries ago. A Millennial Challenge: Due to its position on the border, the site has been contested and fortified throughout history, from the Middle Ages to modern wars. It offered an ideal control point over one of the few passable passages through the region's wooded terrain.

The Tranchée des Portes covers an area of 100 hectares. It is the largest Iron Age stronghold in Belgium. This development required an abundant workforce. The construction and maintenance of the rampart suggest a well-organized social entity. Unlike Montauban, which was occupied occasionally, the Tranchée des Portes is not a refuge but an oppidum, that is to say, a fortified site where people settled for the long term with their livestock and crops. It is a fortification that owes its name to the deep ditch (5 m) that precedes its rampart. Consisting of an earthwork over 3 m high, formerly surmounted by a palisade, this barrier, pierced by 3 gates, extends over 1 km. This type of defensive site is called a barred spur. It was often used in the protohistoric period (Iron Age). We chose a place with 2 or 3 steep and almost impassable sides and we blocked access by building a wall on the vulnerable side with what we found on the site (stones, trees, earth)

Taking the descending road, you reach the archaeological and artistic site of Montauban. A lovely, bucolic spot.

The station is located on the Marbehan to Écouviers line and was in operation from 1873 to 1938.

The largest Iron Age stronghold in Belgium, covering an area of 100 hectares, is to be discovered in EtalleUnlike Montauban, which was occupied occasionally, the Tranchée des Portes was not a refuge but an oppidum, i.e. a fortified site where people settled for the long term with their livestock and crops. It is a fortification that owes its name to the deep ditch (5m) that precedes its rampart. Consisting of an earthwork of more than 3m formerly topped with a palisade, this dam, pierced by three gates, extends over more than 1km. This type of defense site is called a barred spur. It was often used in the protohistoric period (Iron Age).

The old Buzenol station is a charming piece of heritage that evokes the region’s former railway history. Surrounded by green forests and peaceful fields, the building is located on an old railway line that now serves as a walking and cycling route. This abandoned station exudes nostalgia and offers a special stop for those who want to experience the rural character and history of the Gaume region.

The Forges de Montauban was once a thriving iron and steel complex, dating back to the 16th century. You can explore the remains of the old ovens, mills and workshops, as well as the magnificent ponds and forests along the Gros Ruisseau River. The Forges de Montauban are a great place to enjoy nature and history while exercising and keeping fit.

La Trenche des Portes is an ancient fortified site dating from the Neolithic period, then occupied by the Celts and the Romans. You will be able to discover the remains of the earthen rampart and the ditch which surround a vast area of more than 100 hectares, as well as the archaeological discoveries of various dwellings and activities. The hike, approximately 8 km long, begins in the village of Saint-Léger. You can enjoy the view of the Rouge Eau valley and the Eperons Barrés, two other remarkable sites in the region.