Hiking in Anseremme on the Meuse side: between nature and exceptional heritage

Here is a short hike (less than 10 km, starting from Gîtes Kangourou Dinant) which takes you to discover the most beautiful bank of the Meuse !

Let's just say it right away: this hike in Anseremme on the Meuse side is one of our favorites!

A word of caution, though: it involves a fairly steep climb. Just imagine: it averages 11% over nearly a kilometer. But once you reach the top, you won't be disappointed by the magnificent view that awaits you, with a panoramic vista of the Meuse River and Freyr Castle.

The hike is a loop. If you want to avoid the uphill section, you can do it in a straight line… and return the way you came.

Let yourself be guided!

Kangaroo Cottages at the Anseremme Lock

The first stage of this hike is to reach theAnseremme lock.

Instead of the shorter, but noisier route along the Meuse, we prefer the small path along the railway line that crosses Neffe.

With your back to the cottages, turn left towards Rue du Pont Cajot and the pétanque court. Walk alongside the court and go through the railway tunnel. At the exit, turn left. The paved path runs alongside two or three houses before becoming a gravel track and passing a warehouse. The path narrows, becoming a footpath alongside the railway line, before climbing slightly. On your left, you'll see Rocher Bayard. And ahead, high in the sky, is the Charlemagne Viaduct.

When you are directly above the viaduct, the path splits in two: ignore the branch to the right and continue straight ahead. Below, you can see the Meuse River andÎle d'Amour (Love Island). The path descends slightly before crossing the railway via a small footbridge. Continue downhill and take the first fork on your right. You will then reach a paved road. Turn right.

This path, parallel to the Meuse River and the main road, follows a former railway line: it once connected Dinant and Givet (in France). Go under the railway bridge and immediately take the paved path to the left. Head towards the lock, keeping to the left. A small path leads you to the lock.

Go through the lock, heading towards thechurch of Anseremme, whose bell tower you can see. Also observe the long metal railway bridge that spans the Meuse.

From the lock to the Priory of Anseremme

On the other side of the Meuse, head to the right to reach the towpath, passing under the railway bridge again.

Alternatively, it is possible to start the hike in Anseremme, from the car park next to the church or from the train station.

The path along the Meuse is particularly peaceful. You'll find the red and white markers of the long-distance hiking trails. On your left, the path is lined with imposing trees, which seem as tall as the Meuse is wide. Depending on the season, pontoons accommodate pleasure boats. The place is truly perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The path narrows, bordered by thuja trees and fir trees pruned into the shape of "Cuberdon" (a type of French candy). Near a crossroads, continue along the GR (long-distance hiking trail).

As you walk along the stone wall, you are near the Priory of Anseremme. You can see it first beyond the wall, then through the wire fence. Formerly the summer residence of the Abbots of Saint-Hubert, this place is now used for receptions.

Towards the rocks and Freyr Castle

After passing alongside the property of the Anseremme Priory, the path opens onto an open space. A stone bridge stands before you and, on your left, you will notice the Anseremme marina, filled with pleasure boats.

Cross the bridge, spanning the small channel connecting the marina to the Meuse. During the tourist season, it's possible to stop here for a drink in the marina cafeteria, which is on your left.

Still following the GR markers, continue towards the tennis courts. The path passes at the corner of one of these courts, before turning away to the right, to stay close to the bank, going into a tunnel of vegetation.

When the path turns left, running alongside a wire fence, it takes you away from the Meuse River. A few houses built along the riverbank prevent you from staying on the shore. The long-distance hiking trail also makes this detour.  

After passing the last houses of Anseremme, the road ends at a small parking area, at the entrance to the Natura 2000 zone, marked by a metal barrier. Enter the reserve via the GR (long-distance hiking trail).

When the path veers to the left, it leads you into a small grassy plain at the foot of an impressive rock face, whose folds you will certainly want to observe. These rocks are a prelude to other rock formations, which have become havens for climbers.

Continue along the path, which can sometimes be a little rough, furrowed by tree roots. Observe how some trees cling desperately to the riverbank, their trunks dangerously inclined.

On your left, the terrain changes, with the appearance of rocks, which reduce the width of the path.

On the right, through the foliage and branches of the trees, you can see the imposing mass of Freyr Castle, situated on the other bank, facing the eponymous rocks.

Ascent and panoramic view of the Meuse

Pass the first climbing spot and ignore the path that goes up alongside these climbing rocks.

The path narrows and heads straight towards an imposing boulder, which seems to block the way.

A narrow stone walkway is built at the foot of this rock: take it, but not without glancing over your shoulder to look at Freyr Castle on the other bank of the Meuse.

This passage can be crossed without difficulty: remain cautious in rainy weather.

Back on dry land, without having slipped into the river waters, you arrive near a second spot that attracts many climbing enthusiasts. 

At the first fork, shortly after this climbing spot, take the path that goes uphill to your left.

Warning: it's a steep climb. As we said, it averages 11% over one kilometer. If you don't want to tackle this ascent, turn back and return to Anseremme.

The path climbs, winding its way between the trees. You'll find GR markers again. Sometimes, you'll need your hands to scramble over a step or a steeper incline. Behind you, the castle and the Meuse River shrink in size.

At the top of the climb, the path joins the Chaussée des Alpinistes (Mountaineers'Causeway), near a chip shop. Turn left for a very short distance before taking the first path that branches off to the left. Continue to follow the GR markers.

Rest assured: this path doesn't lead you back to the banks of the Meuse. You'll stay on a ridge. And you'll soon be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the Meuse and… Freyr Castle. Shortly after an information panel from the Alpine Club, leave the path and head left towards a promontory. The view of Freyr Castle from this spot is exceptional. At least, if you're not afraid of heights…

End of the hike at Anseremme on the Meuse side

After enjoying the splendid panorama offered by this viewpoint of the Freyr rocks, retrace your steps to find the path, and continue your journey on the left, still in the company of the GR.

Near an information post, the GR trail branches off to the left. Leave it and walk towards the road, where you can probably hear the sound of cars. A short flight of steps leads you down to road level.

Cross the road and turn onto Rue du Chenet, which leads you into a former military housing area. After the last house on the left, you will see a path. Take it.

When the path meets another path coming from the left, continue to the right. You will then see houses. Before reaching the first one, turn right. This path passes behind the houses in this part of Anseremme.

The path winds and meanders at the edge of a wood. Ignore all the paths branching off to the right.

When the path opens onto an open field, head to the top. In the distance, you'll see the Charlemagne Viaduct. Notice how small the church steeple of Anseremme looks in the foreground, below the viaduct.

Next, turn right to reach the edge of the woods. The path descends, sometimes outside the woods, sometimes slightly inside. This is the pedestrian link between the Tassenière district and Anseremme train station. Judging by its condition, you'll conclude that it's not often used by commuters…

This forest path leads you to a field of solar panels and a group of brick buildings. This is the site of the village of Caillou.

Walk between the solar panels and buildings to reach a road, which you take to the right. You enter a former school complex, now converted into a holiday village. At the far end of the village, slightly to the left, you will find a path that will take you to Anseremme train station. 

Near the train station, head towards the road that runs alongside the Meuse River. Cross it to reach the towpathalong the riverbank. On the right, you will see the lock.

Depending on your starting point, reach the parking lot near the church, or the Gîtes Dinant, by crossing the lock.

Finally, to return to the cottages, you can either follow the Meuse river (the most direct route) or retrace your steps (the more peaceful route). The choice is yours!

Are there other hiking trails in Anseremme?

Several of our walking routes pass through Anseremme. For example, our hike Dinant on Foot", or a (long) hike that takes you from Neffe to Waulsort. Or this hike, which lets you discover Anseremme from the Lesse side.

Browse our collection of hiking trails in Dinant on Komoot to find routes that pass through Anseremme.