Top 11 Lakes around Herstal
Best lakes around Herstal are primarily located within the broader Liège region, as the municipality itself does not feature prominent natural lakes. This area in the province of Liège, Belgium, offers accessible water bodies that provide recreational opportunities and natural beauty. These locations are suitable for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.
Best lakes around Herstal
- The most popular lakes is Gravière Brock Nature Reserve, a lake that was redeveloped from a former industrial area. It is now a site of biological interest, providing a habitat for various plant species and supporting wintering birds and amphibians.
- Another must-see spot is Julienne Valley, a bucolic valley with ponds and paths for walking or cycling in a wooded setting. The Julienne stream flows through this area, feeding the ponds before reaching the Meuse.
- Visitors also love Julienne Ponds, which are part of the Julienne domain. This area is ideal for walking around the ponds and through the surrounding woods, offering a picturesque natural environment.
- Herstal is known for recreational lakes, nature reserves, and ponds. These offer a variety of natural features to see and explore, from redeveloped industrial sites to extensive green spaces.
- The lakes around Herstal are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 photos and over 120 upvotes highlighting their appeal.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Julienne Valley Ponds
Highlight • Lake
It has its source in Retinne, then crosses the town of Saive, watering the foot of the old castle there. It passes in the bottom of Légipont, then under the E40 motorway and enters a small, partly wooded, rural valley; it forms the Julienne ponds before flowing into the Meuse at Argenteau.
The name evokes Sainte-Julienne de Cornillon, born in Retinne in 1192.
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The Kneeling Girl by the Deer Pond
Highlight • Monument
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Gravière Brock Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The Brock gravel pit in Hermalle-sous-Argenteau is certainly one of them.
Entirely redeveloped in 2012, this former industrial area (gravel extraction) is now a place of great biological interest thanks, in particular, to the vast body of water characterizing the site and admirably suitable for the wintering of birds and the reproduction of amphibians.
In addition, the creation of a path allows everyone, including people with reduced mobility, to take full advantage of the landscape and to access the equipment placed all along the route (observation posts, benches, tables, panels didactics…).
The site is currently accessed (during the "Trilogiport" works) by rue Fachard (small car park). And from there, on the way to adventure in a superb natural setting!
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Along the Hemlot
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Julienne Wood
Highlight • Restaurant
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Tips from the Community
Quietly enjoying the aftermath with a view of the ducklings and playground..
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A friend of George Grard, Charles Leplae, like him, appreciated the depiction of female nudes. He regularly imbued them with reserved, pensive, and introspective poses. True to this style and the artist's taste for allegories, this grave-looking sculpture embodies both a young girl and the young woman. Kneeling on the banks of the Deer Pond, in a bucolic setting, it is certainly the most delicate work in the collection. To be brought to the Sart Tilman estate, the original 3.5-meter-high work, installed at the National Bank of Belgium, was reduced to life-size scale and then placed slightly back in its current green setting, into which it blends perfectly, both in color and in its restrained poetry.
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Quiet location, children can enjoy a beautiful playground, watch the geese and ducks. Vitality trail, possibility of eating.
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Charles Leplae Leplae's art is entirely focused on the human figure, especially women. When he represents her naked, he transcends this very nakedness to elevate her to the rank of symbol. The young girl, frozen in bronze, is more than her model. The chaste nudity, the seriousness of the expression, the modest gesture give the representation a universal dimension. This allegory of one of the eras of women could not find a more important location, near a pond rich in the seeds of life. The original 3.5 m high work, designed in 1951, is installed in the architectural complex of the National Bank of Belgium in Brussels. Sculpting techniques make it possible to reproduce and reduce works. Life-size, installed in a wooded setting, the kneeling girl commands respect for the place in an almost authoritative manner and invites an inner dialogue.
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Here you can sit on a bench with a view of the pond.
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Here you can relax on a bench with a view of the pond and the water features
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This valley floor dug by the Sainte-Julienne stream has become a haven of peace once again. Once a year, a motocross event takes place in memory of Georges Jobé, the world motocross champion who transformed this valley floor into a motocross course, as evidenced by the deformations of the landscape and the river bed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and natural areas around Herstal?
While Herstal itself doesn't have large natural lakes, the broader Liège region offers several popular spots. Key highlights include the Gravière Brock Nature Reserve, known for its ecological transformation and biodiversity, and the Julienne Ponds and Julienne Valley, which offer extensive green spaces and family-friendly amenities.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Herstal?
Yes, several locations are ideal for families. The Julienne Ponds area features a large playground, a health course, and a chalet for refreshments. The Gravière Brock Nature Reserve has a circular path suitable for strollers, picnic tables, and a bird observation shelter, making it enjoyable for children.
What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see?
The lakes around Herstal are rich in natural beauty. The Gravière Brock Nature Reserve is a significant biological interest site, home to various plant species, wintering birds, and amphibians. You might spot migratory birds on its artificial floating islands. Along the Hemlot, an old arm of the Meuse, is an ecologically protected site where you can observe seagulls, gray herons, swans, coots, ducks, geese, and even kingfishers.
Can I go hiking or walking around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Gravière Brock Nature Reserve offers a 2.5-kilometer circular path, perfect for family walks. The Julienne Valley and Julienne Ponds also provide ample opportunities for walks through wooded settings. For more extensive options, you can explore various running trails around Herstal, some of which pass near these natural areas.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Herstal?
Yes, the region offers several cycling opportunities. For instance, the Gravel biking around Herstal guide includes routes like the 'Julienne Valley Ponds – Albert Canal Towpath at Kanne loop', which incorporates these scenic areas. You can also find various MTB trails around Herstal.
Are the lakes accessible for people with reduced mobility or strollers?
The Gravière Brock Nature Reserve has a circular path designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers, complete with observation posts, benches, and didactic panels along the route.
What other recreational activities are popular at these lakes?
Beyond walking and cycling, the lakes are popular for fishing and bird watching. The Julienne Ponds are also used for model boat navigation. The tranquil atmosphere of places like Gravière Brock is perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature.
Can I swim in the lakes around Herstal?
Swimming is generally prohibited in these specific natural reserves and ponds, such as the Gravière Brock Nature Reserve. These areas are primarily designated for nature conservation and passive recreation.
Are there places to eat or have refreshments near the lakes?
Yes, near the Julienne Ponds, you'll find 'Ô bois', a nice tavern, and a chalet for refreshments in the valley portion of the domain. Picnic benches are also available at both the Julienne Ponds and Gravière Brock Nature Reserve.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Herstal?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and observing migratory birds. Winter can be a good time for bird watching, especially at the Gravière Brock Nature Reserve, which serves as a spot for wintering birds. Summer is ideal for general outdoor activities and enjoying the green landscapes.
What makes the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5290365" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Kneeling Girl by the Deer Pond</a> highlight unique?
This highlight features a significant sculpture by Charles Leplae, 'The Kneeling Girl', set in a serene natural environment near a pond. It offers a peaceful spot to relax on a bench with a view of the pond and water features, inviting an inner dialogue amidst art and nature.
Where can I find more information about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2983062" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gravière Brock Nature Reserve</a>?
You can find additional details about the Gravière Brock Nature Reserve, including its ecological significance and accessibility, on the Visitez Liège website: visitezliege.be.
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