ROCHEFORT
A small town famous for the Lorette limestone cave, which attracts tourists from all over Belgium, and for the brewery that brews the famous Trappist beer. It is an excellent base for tourists wishing to explore the Ardennes. Rochefort, situated in a beautiful area that is part of the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark, will delight cycling and hiking enthusiasts.
One of the most interesting monuments in the city is the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, designed by the Brussels architect Jan Piotr Cluysenaar. Its consecration took place in 1874. Also noteworthy is the town hall, built in 1862. Within the city are the ruins of the Comtal Castle, once owned by the Count of Rochefort. Three kilometers from Rochefort there is a Cistercian abbey where they brew one of the famous Trappist beers. The monastery buildings and the brewery premises are not open to tourists. They may, however, participate in services held in the church on the abbey grounds.
Lorette Cave |
Vertical Divider
Previously called the Rochefort Cave, it was officially discovered by Alfonse Collignon in 1865. It has been open to tourists since 1870. Unlike many other caves in Belgium, it has the special feature of being very vertical.
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It has six rooms, the highest of which, located about 60 meters underground, is called Salle du Sabbat. To show its true size, the guide releases a hot-air balloon, all accompanied by music and a light show. A long, impressive descent between rock blocks leads to the very bottom of the cave, known as the smaller sister of the Han cave, located near the town of Han-sur-Lesse. Near the cave, carved out by the Lomme River, stands a small Loreto chapel built in the 1620s for the local countess.
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Adres:
Drève de Lorette 5580 Rochefort |
Opening hours:
April 4-November 8 10.30-12.30 and 14.00-15.30 season: July 11-August 23 daily: 10.30-16.15 |
Fare:
9.5 euros |