It starts as a tough climb from Dinant on the Montagne de la Croix. But then the path levels out to cross a high plateau above the River Meuse.
The old pilgrimage route from Dinant to Foy-Notre-Dame, seven kilometres long, takes you through ancient woods and rolling meadows. Along the way you pass nine stone shrines with small statues of the Virgin. Some date from before the French Revolution. Others are more recent.
The baroque church spire you see in the distance belongs to the pilgrimage church of Foy-Notre Dame, built in 1609 to hold a miraculous statue of the Virgin found hidden in a tree trunk. The tiny statue is still on display in the church surrounded by flickering candles lit by pilgrims.
You can stop for lunch or even spend the night in the restaurant and B&B Le Vieux Maronnier. Located next to the church, it is a friendly Ardennes inn with a traditional atmosphere.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
