Hike in Waulsort towards the Cascatelles: discovering an exceptional natural site

This hike in Waulsort towards the waterfalls is a loop, starting from the Meuse village. 

The Cascatelles are a series of small waterfalls cascading down a ravine to the Meuse River, opposite Waulsort. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the Upper Meuse tourist region. And just a few kilometers from Dinant : a great destination for a loop hike.

Presentation of the hike in Waulsort towards the cascatelles

The proposed walking route is unusual. Generally, you are taken to the Cascatelles from above, starting from Falmignoul. Or from below, by directly accessing the Cascatelles trail along the riverbank.

We do not offer you these two classic routes. You will accompany the Cascatelles on the way back, and what's more, on the way down. Isn't that a more pleasant prospect?

Previously, you will have discovered and accompanied otherwaterways, just as enchanting as the Cascatelles… and yet little known.

Ready?

Warning! The hike is short (barely 12 km), but it has a whopping 320 m of elevation gain (and loss, of course). In short, it's not flat like in Brel's country (you're not in the land of the great Jacques Brel, in other words). In other words, you're either going up or down.

Second warning: bring the route map and a spare battery, as some trails are more intuitive than visible. A word to the wise is sufficient!

You will not be disappointed by this walking route. this, despite its many dangers, real or imaginary.

But let's not go too fast…

Start of the hike towards the Cascatelles, following the Bonsoy

You can park in the centre of the charmingly faded village of Waulsort.

We'd already passed this place on another hike. Waulsort was a resort town in the 19th century, thanks to its geographical location and the railway. A different era, but a beautiful one.

a parking lot between Rue de la Gare and Rue de la Chaussée, behind the Panama Rio café. If you can't catch a train, you can arrive by car. This parking lot is actually built on a section of the old railway line. You can also park near the lock, along the N96.

The first step of the journey is to cross the Meuse River. You have two options: 

• By boat, by contacting the ferryman. Possible solution from April to the end of September.
• on foot, via the lock.

In both cases, go to the information point located on the right bank of the river, near the lock, next to a picnic area. After exiting the lock, turn right. If you are coming via the ferry, continue slightly past the lock on the towpath.

Without going too far! Very soon, a path branches off to the left. It follows a stream: the Bonsoy, as indicated by a sign. We gladly pass on the Bonsoy to you, just as we pass on our greetings.

The path climbs: this is the first ascent of the route. Follow the stream to a first reservoir forming a pond. Then continue to a second reservoir a little further on, near a building indicating that you are close to the Bonsoy estate. This is a holiday resort.

Ignore the private road (forbidden) which goes to the right and continue along the marked long-distance hiking trail, slightly to the left. It continues to climb, obviously.

From the Bonsoy estate to Blaimont

After a final right turn, you leave Bonsoy and arrive in thebackyard of a farm. If you see the bull, shout "Watch out!" like you would a gorilla (it makes sense, even without arms, as Georges would say). The farm machinery and hay bales, however, are completely harmless. At least they were when we passed by.

By crossing through the farm buildings, you arrive at the main road, via the Vivier street.

Ignore the asphalt. Slightly to your right, a path can be seen between two stone buildings: don't miss it. It leads you through meadows to the village of Blaimont. When you see the church, keep heading towards the bell tower.

It's hard to get lost between the two fences. The path leads you to the church, which you follow to the right. You quickly pass through and leave the village behind. Ahead, signs indicate theaccess to the Valley of Stars. Don't give in to the allure of glitter: this path doesn't lead to Hollywood.

Not even in Bollywood.

From the valley of stars to Pisse-Vache, towards the Meuse

Take the dead-end path that branches off to your right. At the end of a grassy track, past the last house (a charming one, by the way), you'll find a turnstile. Enter the meadow (without warning, or beware of the gorilla or bull), and follow the fence. A little further on, a second turnstile will allow you to leave the meadow.

You are at a place called Pisse-Vache. Admittedly, the location is less glamorous than the Valley of Stars, but this path leads you to one of the highlights of the route. Descend it carefully. The slope is steep, and not just for cows. It can even be slippery. Especially if it's been peeing like a cow. On your left, you can make out and hear the murmur of a stream, which you follow until its final plunge into the Meuse River.

While the path can sometimes be tricky, given the steep incline, you won't be disappointed at the end. For a riverbank awaits you, at the very spot where the stream dies back. Long live the stream!

At the end of the descent, you find the Meuse. In the meantime, she will have made a detour via Hastière: you have cut her course short.

This bank is relatively wild, even if the route of the path confirms the frequent passage of walkers. Except in periods of drought, you will not fail to note numerous small rivers which also rush towards the Meuse to flow there.

You go to the left, ignoring the call of the path on your right.

Meeting Jean Biévaux, stream of his state

Further on, near a small island, you'll see a staircase on your left that plunges down the hilland leads to a landing stage. Ignore this staircase, which takes you to the Valley of Stars, if not to seventh heaven. It's an access road to the campsite of the same name, leading down to the riverbank. 

Thelanding stage, on the other hand, brings you closer to the river. Perhaps an opportunity to take a photo or two? You'll certainly be able to see and hear ducks and Canada geese, the only inhabitants of the small island that stretches out before you.

You continue your walk, along the bank. Until a threatening sign: because it announces a path marked by the risk of falling trees or rocks.

The sign is clearly visible. The path is discernible. It runs alongside another stream, called Jean Biévaux. 

Braving the dangers indicated by the sign, take this path without hesitation: despite the fallen trees that may hinder your progress, this small valley is magnificent. 

The watercourse accompanies you with the gentle melody of its small waterfalls. And sometimes, it plays on you, forcing you to cross it, in improvised fords.

As you walk back up, the path leads you to the rear of a holiday resort, the Valley of Stars. Let them shine in their setting, don't try to take them down, and head off to the right, at theedge of the woods.

Through the woods of Hastière

From this point onwards, the GPS track of the route is essential. 

Because the path is guessed more than it is seen.

At the end of a grassy area, turn sharply to the right, crossing a remaining fence. Go down to join the stream, which you had left a little earlier. Once you have crossed the stream, go up the hill in search of a forest path, which goes to the left.  

Stay vigilant, the path of the trail is not clear.

This path might give you the impression of being lost. It clearly appears to be little used. As you progress, it widens, although fallen trees may occasionally slow your pace. You are in a wood in the commune of Hastière.

After about 500 meters, the path widens and becomes a forest track. Follow it and hold on tight: it's a climb. Quite steep in places.

You will calmly manage to leave the woods by crossing a barrier, arriving at a crossroads called the 4 paths (go directly to the tarmac straight ahead, without turning left as the GPS track of the route suggests).

Towards the Cascatelles

Having reached this point on the hiking trail, near the crossroads, you have already braved several dangers : 

• the bull on the farm (even if you haven't seen it)
• falling trees and rocks
• and you did not get lost after passing the valley of stars.

Does this mean that the dangers are over? Not at all: there are two left.

The first is the risk of getting hit by a car. Because you have to borrow a piece of asphalt now. A car, or a damn truck, even if you're not on a motorbike like Coluche (this one is for Renaud fans).

As for the 2nd danger, that’s for later.

Head towards Falmignoul, one of the four paths at the crossroads. Go past the farm and head towards the countryside. When the farm smells fade, you'll reach a country laneon your left. Leave the paved road for this country lane.

And look around at the landscape. You are at the highest point of the walking circuit. Now all that remains is to go down.

The farm track narrows near a bench. Slide between a hedge and a fence to descend to meet the Cascatelles. 

And avoid the last of the dangers of this walk: burrows.

Very quickly, you follow a first stream. Which quickly flows into the waterfalls. You are there now!

Return to Waulsort via the Hermitage des Cascatelles

The advantage of descending the Cascatellesis that you don't have to make much effort. You can simply relax and contemplate the spectacle of this series of small waterfalls.

From time to time, you have to cross the stream via a ford to get to the other side.

Enjoy this descent and admire the wild character of the place, reinforced by fallen trees.

As you begin to see the Meuse River and Waulsort, a building will appear before you: welcome to theHermitage of the Cascatelles. We featured this building in another blog post, which described a hike passing through Waulsort and the hermitage.

Arriving near the Ermitage des Cascatelles property, you notice the sign indicating the start of the Cascatelles trail. For you, it's the end. Or almost.

You now have two options for completing the course: 

• turn right to reach the ferryman;
• Go left, to go through the lock.

In both cases, you no longer need directions. You know where you need to arrive, in the center of Waulsort.  

Enjoy the serene calm of the place. After having braved so many dangers on the course, you deserve it, right?