Sougné-Remouchamps: Caves, hiking trails and heritage

The 2023 municipal hiking map lists 31 marked walks covering more than 250 kilometres in total; the network runs through Sougné-Remouchamps. In addition to providing guidance for hikers, striking landscapes and a rich local history shape the character of this destination.

Caves, trails and activity

A visit to the Grottes de Remouchamps takes you as far as the Cathédrale chamber, which is 40 metres high. The caves are open year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 6:00 p.m. depending on the season. As opening hours vary seasonally, it is advisable to check the current schedule before your visit.

For finding your way around the municipal hiking network, the map also gives a specific starting point: the bridge on rue de la Reffe in Sougné-Remouchamps. Nine walks are listed from there. The 31 marked walks describe the size of the network; the number nine refers to this particular starting point. The Voie des Aulnes is a separate walking and cycling route along the Amblève between Aywaille and Sougné-Remouchamps. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

In the area around Sougné-Remouchamps, a 1.5-kilometre walk at Fonds de Quarreux follows the Amblève to rounded rocks in the riverbed. The treasure hunt “Le dernier sottai” is also described with a specific distance: it is a 1.6-kilometre recreational walk. The two distances are similar, but the activities have different focuses—one follows the river to the rocks, while the other is a treasure hunt.

Nature reserve and river landscape

The Heid des Gattes nature reserve covers about 60 hectares. It includes the neighbouring Goiveux and Falize quarries, as well as adjacent forests and woodland. A herd of goats helps maintain the area: by grazing on shrubs, it helps preserve the open landscape. Both the geological landscape and its upkeep shape the character of this nature reserve.

A preserved, nearly vertical rock face at Heid des Gattes dominates the right bank of the Amblève between Remouchamps and Aywaille. Six geological formations from the Upper Devonian are represented at Heid des Gattes: Famenne, Esneux, Souverain-Pré, Comblain-la-Tour, Montfort and Evieux. These names describe different formations at one location; together, they offer a geological perspective on the landscape.

At Ninglinspo, too, natural features are closely linked to how they were formed. Erosion has created narrow gorges connecting pools and bathing spots named Bain du Cerf, Bain de Diane, Bouillon de la Chaudière, Bain des Naïades, Bain de Vénus, Bain de la Loutre and Bain d’Hermès. Remains of a former seashore made up of quartzite and shale rubble can also be found at Ninglinspo. The combination of eroded gorges and ancient rock deposits makes the landscape interesting from different geological perspectives.

In the area around Sougné-Remouchamps, Fonds de Quarreux has been recognised as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia since 1970. The riverside walk offers a direct way to see the rounded rocks there; the heritage designation adds a cultural and historical dimension to this natural perspective. The hamlet of Sur la Heid also has a distinctive landscape: it is primarily agricultural and lies on the summit of Heid des Gattes, offering a very wide panorama.

Village character and history

In the village of Sougné, narrow streets and old houses with added upper storeys give the townscape a distinctive character. The history of the Église de l’Immaculée Conception de Sougné-Remouchamps goes back to an original building dating from around 1230. The building erected in 1739 replaced it; in 1888, the church was extended by two bays and a choir. The tower has been a protected monument since 15 January 1936.

The Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège is located in the heart of the village of Sougné in Aywaille. It presents the history of cycling and displays collection items considered rare and unusual. There are also temporary exhibitions on various cycling-related topics. The museum therefore focuses both on the development of the sport and on changing thematic perspectives.

The Porallée is also part of local history. The Borne des Eyîs marks this area, which had a special legal status from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Fête Médiévale de Remouchamps celebrates the history of Sougné-Remouchamps and the legend of Emprardus, benefactor of the Porallée, which has been passed down since the 13th century. The festival has been held since 1994; its historical and legendary themes offer a distinctive way to explore the history of the area.

Discover more destinations: Büllingen, Jevigné, Stoumont, Weismes, Malempre, Malmedy, Bütgenbach, Spa.

For the broader travel overview: Liège.