Sart-Lez-Spa: Discover Culture, Landscapes and Trails

Sart-Lez-Spa combines historic village culture with trails and landscape experiences. The Laetare de Tiège-Sart takes place in the villages of Tiège and Sart-lez-Spa, both of which are located within the municipality of Jalhay in the Verviers region. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: you can focus your stay on culture and history, include the Hoëgne Valley, or combine both with a signposted hike.

Culture and history as the focus of your trip

A striking example of local culture is “Nos r’prindans rècène”, a symbol of the Vieux Métiers. It conveys traditional know-how and everyday activities from village life at the beginning of the 20th century. The Vieux Métiers also showcased more than 100 professions in a village closed to traffic. This is particularly interesting for travellers who want to understand regional everyday history not only through buildings, but also through crafts and activities.

Historic sites include the Maison Lespire, also known as “As jôts ègrés”, a bourgeois house in the Gothic-Renaissance style from the end of the 16th century, as well as the Maison Bronfort. The latter was formerly a butcher’s shop and a hotel. La maison du Maquis is a stone farmhouse from the early 19th century. From June to September 1944, it housed Prince Charles, the brother of King Leopold III. The buildings’ different functions provide several ways of approaching the history of the area: architecture, commerce, rural life and political contemporary history stand side by side.

The Perron de Sart is also one of the historic points of reference. It was erected by the magistrates of Liège and was a symbol of Liège’s freedom. Laws and ordinances were proclaimed at the foot of the Perron de Sart. The Saint-Lambert Church is classified as immovable cultural heritage of Wallonia; its side entrance door in the tower was enlarged in 1705. The former Sart railway station was built between 1890 and 1932.

Hoëgne Valley and signposted trails

For the landscape part of your trip, head to the Hoëgne Valley. It is botanically notable for the liverworts, mosses and ferns that can be observed there. The two most important waterfalls along the Hoëgne bear the names of King Leopold II and his wife. In addition to the trail experience, the valley therefore offers specific natural and cultural points of interest that can be considered separately when planning your day.

Signposted Promenade No. 55 passes through the Hoëgne Valley. Another option is the Sart-Château family hike, which starts at Place du Marché 242 in 4845 Jalhay Sart. You can therefore organise your exact route according to your preferred landscape focus and planned starting point.

Historic traces of transport

Transport history is also part of the village’s character. The first stop on the railway connection from Spa to Trois-Ponts via Sart and Hockai opened at Sart-Station in September 1880. This information describes the historical development of the connection and does not automatically indicate current operation. Together with the former railway station, it helps place Sart-Lez-Spa in its historical context and trace the development of the village, transport and regional connections.

FAQ

Where does the Laetare de Tiège-Sart take place?

The Laetare de Tiège-Sart takes place in the villages of Tiège and Sart-lez-Spa. Both are located within the municipality of Jalhay in the Verviers region.

Which historic buildings are part of the village’s character?

They include the Maison Lespire, also known as “As jôts ègrés”, the Maison Bronfort, La maison du Maquis, Saint-Lambert Church and the former Sart railway station.

What is historically special about La maison du Maquis?

The building is a stone farmhouse from the early 19th century. From June to September 1944, it housed Prince Charles, the brother of King Leopold III.

What natural features can be found in the Hoëgne Valley?

The valley is botanically notable for the liverworts, mosses and ferns that can be observed there. There are also two important waterfalls along the Hoëgne.

Which trails are relevant for planning the trip?

Signposted Promenade No. 55 passes through the Hoëgne Valley. The Sart-Château family hike starts at Place du Marché 242 in 4845 Jalhay Sart.

What is the significance of Sart-Station?

The first stop on the railway connection from Spa to Trois-Ponts via Sart and Hockai opened at Sart-Station in September 1880.

For the overarching travel overview: Jalhay.