Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Rochefort, Belgium

The quaint town of Rochefort is encircled by a bend in the Lomme River, beneath the remnants of an imposing Medieval castle.

Surrounding Rochefort lies the Famenne region, where the limestone hills have been sculpted by the Lomme and Lesse Rivers, resulting in intricate cave systems.

One cave is located on the outskirts of the town, while further south, the renowned Caves of Han-sur-Lesse attract visitors and encompass numerous other attractions such as museums and a safari park featuring European wildlife.

Connoisseurs of beer may recognize Rochefort for its esteemed Rochefort 10, a robust dark ale crafted discreetly by the Trappist monks of Rochefort Abbey.

1. Grotte de Lorette-Rochefort

The entrance to this cave system is a short walk from the center of Rochefort and comprises six underground chambers.

This cave carries a Christian designation, referencing the chapel of Our Lady of Loreto above ground.

Distinctively, the Cave of Lorette descends steeply, almost vertically, into the earth.

A 90-minute guided tour begins in the newly constructed pavilion with a film titled Videokarst, which explores geological and tectonic phenomena.

At a depth of 60 meters, guests reach the Salle du Sabbat (Sabbath Chamber), where the guide releases a small hot-air balloon to illustrate the cathedral-like scale of this chamber.

This is followed by a captivating light and sound display, before you ascend back to the daylight.

2. Grottes de Han-sur-Lesse

A five-minute drive south along the N86 leads to an expansive estate, centered around caves carved from a limestone hill by the Lesse River.

Southeast of the cave entrance lies the dramatic Gouffre de Belvaux, where the Lesse River shadows into the ground through a sinkhole.

This river remains underground for approximately two kilometers before reemerging.

The Caves of Han-sur-Lesse were explored in detail during the 18th and 19th centuries, although they had been visited by people for thousands of years prior.

Access to the entrance is exclusively via a vintage tram, a remnant of a century-old transport system, departing from the heart of the village.

To date, a remarkable 14.25 kilometers of galleries have been identified, of which a two-kilometer segment is accessible to the public in magnificent chambers illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs.

The most expansive chamber is La Salle du Dôme, which is 150 meters wide and has a ceiling reaching 127 meters.

3. Parc Animalier du Domaine des Grottes de Han

The Massif de Boine, which overlooks the caves, houses a 250-hectare native safari park that opened its doors in 1970. It showcases species that were historically found in temperate Western Europe. The park’s residents have the opportunity to roam large enclosures, seen either on foot via a designated trail, or from a “Safari Car,” similar to a tourist train pulled by a truck.

Approximately 20 species populate the park, including wolves, wild cats, Przewalski’s horses, lynxes, ibexes, brown bears, various deer species, Highland cattle, and Poitou donkeys.

The pedestrian trail spans five kilometers and is accompanied by observation posts in the treetops, benches, and picnic tables, with a shuttle service available to transport guests to the bear enclosure.

4. Parcours Speleo

For the adventurous spirits, there is an opportunity to venture off the beaten path and experience the role of a speleologist on a guided expedition through the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse.

Participants will be provided with boots, overalls, and a helmet equipped with a light to navigate through the muddy riverbeds and scree, accessing areas that are otherwise restricted to regular visitors.

The Parcours Speleo follows a narrative thread, as participants seek out treasures left by a notorious band of brigands who once concealed themselves within the caves.

5. Le PréhistoHan

The Caves of Han-sur-Lesse boast over 9,000 years of human history, evidenced by numerous artifacts from the Mesolithic to contemporary times.

These artifacts are exhibited at the PréhistoHan exhibition, which features findings such as spear and arrowheads, ceramics, and jewelry, much of which dates back to the Late Bronze Age, approximately 3,000 years ago.

The museum further explores the captivating history surrounding the caves’ discovery and includes memorabilia from the first comprehensive exploration in 1817. Visitors can view a detailed model of the cave system, created for the 1939 Liège International Water Exhibition, and learn about the geology of the caves.

6. Han 1900

The final site at Domaine des Grottes de Han is equally enriching, particularly for those intrigued by the labor and domestic life in the Famenne region throughout history.

Han 1900 features in excess of 50 dioramas depicting scenes from daily life.

Enriched by approximately 5,000 authentic tools from the era, the museum guides visitors through numerous businesses, including a general store, bakery, laundromat, cobbler, farrier, tinsmith, blacksmith, clockmaker, cooper, potter, and more.

7. Château Comtal de Rochefort

For centuries, until the early 19th century, Rochefort was dominated by the largest castle in the Famenne region.

Although it lies in ruins today, the Château Comtal de Rochefort maintains its watch over the town from its rocky promontory situated at the bend of the Lomme River.

Throughout its history, the castle has been controlled by some of the most prominent noble families in Western European history, including the House of La Marck.

Visitors can ascend to this vantage point to observe the remaining stone structures, read informational panels, and take in views that extend for miles across Rochefort and the Famenne region.

8. Malagne – Archéoparc de Rochefort

Two millennia ago, a grand Roman villa stood to the east of present-day Rochefort, encompassing a vast expanse of farmland in northern Gaul.

The villa’s remnants have been meticulously excavated and labeled, allowing exploration via stairways and footbridges.

Along the paths within the Archéoparc, visitors can learn about the ancient domestic animals that populated this land, discover various trades from Roman times, and observe reconstructions of the farm’s historic buildings and agricultural tools, such as a towed harvester.

A noteworthy feature is the Roman-style garden and vegetable patch, cultivated with 350 species commonly found in Roman antiquity.

9. Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

Built in the 15th century by Jean II de Berlo, the Lord of Lavaux, a loyalist to Louis de Bourbon, Bishop of Liège, this elegant moated castle is located a short drive west from Rochefort.

Though it never held significant strategic value for an extended period, the castle has undergone numerous enhancements over the years and is now regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing in Belgium, harmonizing Late Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.

The structure boasts a formidable keep with limestone walls measuring 2.5 meters thick, a drawbridge, and three smaller domed towers.

The castle welcomes visitors and features three museums within its premises.

One museum focuses on the lifestyle of the Lords of Lavaux, reflecting domestic life in the 1600s.

Another on the first floor offers insights into the ecology and natural history of the Famenne region, while the expansive cellars and dungeons display an exhibition illustrating the realities faced by Famenne peasants during the 1800s and early 1900s.

10. Rochefort Abbey

The Cistercian Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy is situated a pleasant walk from the town center, though access is limited to the abbey church.

The abbey’s origin dates back to a Cistercian convent for nuns established in the 13th century; however, it was replaced by monks in 1464. The monastery was disbanded and dismantled in 1797 during the French Revolution, yet it was reestablished on this site in 1887 by a monk from the Trappist Abbey of Achel.

For 500 years, the Trappist brewery has been a source of income and is celebrated among beer enthusiasts for what may be the finest quadrupel in the world (Rochefort 10). The Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance limits public access, although visitors can attend prayers in the sparsely adorned church.

11. Rochefort Beer

The seclusion required by the monks means that the brewery is not open to visitors, and there are no cafes on site.

However, numerous brasseries, cafes, and restaurants in Rochefort, especially along Place Roi Albert 1er, offer Rochefort beer.

These authentic Trappist brown ales are produced using top fermentation and water sourced from a historic well located at the monastery.

Rochefort’s beer collection features just three varieties: the red-capped 6 (7.5%), the green-capped 8 (9.2%), and the renowned blue-capped 10 (11.3%). Rochefort 10, a quadrupel, is among the most highly rated beers globally, crafted with two types of malt, both pils and caramel malt, two varieties of hops, and candy sugar integrated into its wort.

Although Rochefort 10 is notably strong at 11.3%, its potency is masked by the rich flavors of prune, cherry, and brown sugar.

Visitors should consider stopping at Drink Scaillet, a beer distributor on the outskirts of Rochefort, to take home a few bottles.

12. Autrucherie du Doneû

From Easter weekend to mid-November, visitors can explore the only EU-approved ostrich farm in Belgium.

The Autrucherie du Doneû also raises emus and rheas, all situated on the picturesque grounds of a château.

The ostriches are a source of fascination, capable of reaching speeds of 100km/h and possessing a formidable kick for protection.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these birds in their enclosures and may even witness their intriguing courtship behaviors.

As part of the experience, guests can savor a pancake made from ostrich egg at the café, along with a shop offering a range of products derived from ostriches.

13. Anticlinal de la Cluse du Ry d’Ave

A ten-minute drive to the village of Ave-et-Auffe reveals a geological marvel high on the rugged right bank of the Ry d’Ave stream.

Through the foliage visible from the N86, one can glimpse a limestone anticline, a massive convex fold in the rock.

Here, immense pressure caused by tectonic movements has led to the sedimentary layers being compressed into an arch standing 35 meters in height.

The Anticlinal de la Cluse du Ry d’Ave is from the Middle Devonian period, approximately 400 million years old, with the oldest rock located at the arch’s center.

14. Parc des Roches

Located on both sides of the Lomme River in the heart of Rochefort, this park offers facilities for leisure and enjoyment on sunny days.

The park’s main attraction is a heated outdoor swimming pool, which offers reduced rates for children.

Adjacent to the pool, visitors can find a mini-golf course, tennis courts, and an expansive playground for children, all enclosed by hedges.

The two banks of the park are connected by a footbridge, with ample grassy spaces available for picnics.

15. Centre d’animation Permanente Du Rail Et de La Pierre

Located in what was formerly the town hall of Jemelle, just a couple of minutes east and within the Rochefort municipality, this small museum is dedicated to the area’s railway history and geological background.

Both railway and geological industries have historically played significant roles in Jemelle’s economy.

Children will find delight in the model railway, as well as an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia, including tools, uniforms, posters, photographs, signage, train consoles, and tickets, accompanied by dioramas.

Visitors will also gain insights into the courageous actions of Belgian railway workers during the Second World War.

Two rooms within the museum focus on local geology and the history of Lhoist, a company established in the area since 1924. Jemelle is home to Lhoist, which operates a quarry supplying quicklime to the steel industries in Belgium and Luxembourg.