The Bernistap canal

Present since 1827, the canal has never carried a boat, and is now a bucolic and natural place...

The Bernistap canal is located in the eastern Ardennes, north of the village of Buret, a stone's throw from the Grand-Ducal border. With a total length of almost 1.5 km, part of which is underground, the site dates back to the early 19th century, when William I decided to open up the Grand Duchy by linking the Meuse and Moselle rivers via a canal, the construction of which began on the Belgian side but was halted when Luxembourg gained its independence. Today, the site is a very long, narrow stretch of water, fed by a stream and several springs, and surrounded by extensive woodland. The site has a wide range of historical, archaeological and scientific interests. It contains an interesting diversity of habitats and a variety of aquatic flora and fauna.

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Le Parc naturel des deux Ourthes
B-6662 Tavigny Show on map

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The two beeches

Under these venerable beeches, a little rest is not a bad idea... there's a bench where you can recharge your batteries for a while!

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Le Hérou

The "Hérou", a splendid and mysterious site, boasts some particularly steep rocks and is home to a number of little nuggets in terms of footpaths.

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Pre-dam footbridge

Allowing passage to the other bank, the reservoir regulates the flow of the Eastern Ourthe just before it joins the Western Ourthe at the confluence.

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Rensiwez Viewpoint

At this point, the view plunges down towards the valley... giving an idea of the height difference since the mill.

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Lemaire Mill

In the late 18th and 19th centuries, Houffalize was an important tanning and milling centre. The remains of the Lemaire mill and tannery can still be seen along the Ourthe, in Rue du Moulin Lemaire. The mill dates back to the 18th century, while the Lemaire tannery was founded around 1830 and "made strong leather", which was used to make soles, while another neighbouring tannery "made uppers and corroirs".

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Les Crestelles

Take a moment to relax. The beauty of this superb landscape is enough in itself. However, if you'd like to find out more, there's a landscape interpretation table available for all to use.

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