Petit-Thier: RAVeL, Nature and Local History

Cycling route and directions

A RAVeL cycling route starts in front of Vielsalm railway station. It passes the lake and campsite, runs through fields to Petit-Thier, then continues towards Blanchefontaine, where it rejoins the route of the former railway line 47A. The local development agency records that the route was inaugurated in September 2018. For orientation, the route follows a specific sequence: Vielsalm, the lake, the campsite, fields, Petit-Thier, Blanchefontaine, and the former railway line.

The RAVeL route through Petit-Thier can be continued via Poteau towards the municipalities of Saint-Vith and Amblève. Another cycling-related point of interest is the Ferme Lamberty shop in Petit-Thier: it is near the RAVeL route and designated as a Bienvenue Vélo point. For planning a cycling-focused stay, the continuation via Poteau and this designated point are two distinct reference points.

Natural surroundings and village character

The Grand Fond nature reserve comprises several plots along the banks of the Petit-Thier stream. A diverse range of wildlife can be found in the reserve and its surroundings. Animals that can be spotted there include deer and black storks. The stream and its banks give the natural area a specific geographical setting; the animal species mentioned add a perspective on local wildlife.

Petit-Thier lies between the Grand-Bois and the Mont-le-Soie massif, and its paths are quiet. This brings together different aspects of the natural surroundings: the paths, and Grand Fond with its riverside plots and wildlife. If you would like to include wildlife observation in your travel plans, you can look to the habitats described and the species found there.

Church and half-timbered houses

The Église Saint-Antoine de Padoue has a history spanning several building phases. The municipality rebuilt it at a new location in 1904–1905. It was destroyed during the 1944–1945 offensive, and rebuilt in 1957–1958. This sequence distinguishes the earlier relocation from the later destruction and reconstruction, and places the church’s history in chronological context.

Traditional building styles in Petit-Thier include half-timbered houses with Cherbin roofs. These houses add another architectural style to the local history, distinct from the rebuilt church.

The former cemetery in Petit-Thier contains a wide variety of slate crosses.

Walking and trip planning

Waymarked walking trail No. 5 is 8 km long and starts at the church in Petit-Thier. If you want to plan a walk along a designated route, you can use this distance and starting point as a guide. This route offers a different way to explore the area from the RAVeL cycling route: here, the focus is on the waymarked walking trail and its starting point at the church, while the cycling route runs through Petit-Thier and can be continued via Poteau.

Discover more destinations: Bihain, Grand-Halleux, Fraiture

Go to the main travel overview: Vielsalm.