Theux: Fort and Church History
Accommodation in Theux
Theux can be explored through two cultural and historical highlights: Franchimont Castle and the Church of Saints Hermes and Alexander represent different forms of history and architecture. Another point of interest is the Les sentiers d’Oneux walking trail, which runs along the Hoëgne and offers views of the Rocheux nature reserve and the former Rocheux mines. If you plan your trip around your interests, you can consider fortress history, church architecture and landscapes as distinct themes.
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Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-2.0
Franchimont Castle: Fortress and Museum
Franchimont Castle was one of the twelve residences and fortresses of the Principality of Liège. This makes the site a tangible way to explore the principality’s history of rule. In the museum, models illustrate how the fortress developed during the Middle Ages and the modern era, putting its historical changes into a timeline.
Other exhibits turn the focus to daily life. Some objects found during excavations show how ceramic tableware developed. Animal bones illustrate the importance of hunting and livestock farming. Alongside the fortress’s history, these exhibits raise questions about food and ways of life. An audio guide is available in French, Dutch, English and German.
Guided tours and activities are available year-round by arrangement and last 2.5 to 3 hours. Franchimont Castle is being renovated in 2026 and until mid-2027; parts of the site remain accessible. Check the current visiting conditions and arrangements for a guided tour before your visit.
Romanesque Church with a Fortified Tower
The Church of Saints Hermes and Alexander is a rare Romanesque hall church: its three aisles are of equal height. The tower also contributes to its unusual appearance. It resembles a keep, has loopholes and is crowned with a hoarding. These features make the church a fortified building, combining religious architecture with defensive forms.
Inside, the flat ceiling of the nave draws the eye. It consists of 127 painted wooden panels installed in 1630. The building’s history also includes a later restoration: following excavations from 1977 to 1982, the church was fully restored. Visitors interested in architecture can consider the defensive tower, hall form and decorated ceiling as distinct features.
Walking Views and Hornbeams in La Reid
Parts of the Les sentiers d’Oneux trail follow a path along the Hoëgne. The walking trail offers views of the Rocheux nature reserve and the former Rocheux mines. The river, nature reserve and former mining sites provide different points of reference for experiencing the landscape. However, the information about this trail does not specify a walking time or difficulty level, so plan for these aspects according to your own needs.
La Reid is also home to the Charmille du Haut-Marais. It is 573 metres long and includes around 4,700 hornbeams; the site is regularly maintained. These figures convey the scale of this landscaped feature, while the Oneux walking trail focuses on the river and former mining sites. These are different points of interest to consider when dividing your time between buildings and landscapes.
Planning Your Visit and Getting There
Franchimont Castle can be reached by train on the Aachen–Verviers–Spa line, alighting at Franchimont stop. From there, a steep 500-metre climb on foot follows. Check transport arrangements before your trip. As parts of the site remain accessible during renovations and guided tours are available by arrangement, it is also worth confirming the visiting conditions and arrangements for your chosen date.
Discover more destinations: Polleur, La Reid, Stavelot, Weismes, Trois-Ponts, Spa, Saint Vith, Lierneux.
For the main travel guide: Liège.
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