Attractions and Places To See around Auflance - 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.

Chassepierre is an artists' village situated on the Semois River. Chassepierre derives from the Latin casa petrea ("stone house"). It is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.

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)

Built in the 14th century, the Avioth Basilica is distinguished by its rich Gothic-style decorations. It is also called the Cathedral of the Fields because of its natural setting.

You’re now standing in a special spot: the bridge of Lacuisine. Below you, the Semois flows calmly, but the history here is anything but serene. In September 1944, during the final phase of World War II, the original bridge was destroyed. Fortunately, the 296th Engineer (Combat) Battalion of the U.S. Army was ready. In no time, they built a new bridge, essential for transporting troops and vehicles. To this day, this sturdy construction remains in use. If you look closely, you’ll see a commemorative plaque on the side, placed in 1994, fifty years after its construction. It’s a tribute to the engineer troops and a silent reminder of the region’s liberation. To your right, you can see the impressive old railway bridge of Lacuisine. This historic structure is part of line 165, connecting Libramont with Virton and Athus. A bit further along is the Florenville station, a convenient starting point for local and tourist trips. With a transfer in Arlon, you can easily reach the city of Luxembourg. Since 2013, the station has been unmanned, but tickets are easy to purchase via vending machines or the SNCB app. To your left, you’ll find a picturesque view of the Semois. With a bit of luck, you might spot swans gliding gracefully over the water, a serene sight that exudes magical calm. And look, ahead of you lies Hôtel La Roseraie. This charming four-star hotel is housed in a former post office dating back to 1800. It offers a peaceful setting on the banks of the Semois, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

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.

It's worth taking a short stop to try the abbey beer.