The impressive town of Huy

Here’s a riddle: this town is famous for its Roman roots, fort, collegiate church and interminable wall that’s a challenge for even the most seasoned cyclists. Have you guessed it? Welcome to Huy, of course!

When you reach Huy, your breath will be taken away by the beauty of the site. First of all, there’s the imposing Notre-Dame Collegiate Church standing at the foot of the Meuse river, nearby which is a splendid stone bridge. Then, overlooking this already stunning view is its majestic fort, which emphasises the hills surrounding it. Without any doubt, Huy is impressive. Whether on foot or by bike, the Mosan town holds wonderful surprises in store, including its magnificent Grand-Place, or not far away, Mont Mosan. This recreational animal park offers mini-golf, pony rides, a bouncy castle, playgrounds, and of course, otters, parrots and seals. But Huy is also a destination that attracts many cyclists who are ready to climb its famous ‘wall’, which owes this nickname to the Flèche Wallonne cycling race and its 26% gradient! But let’s return to the heart of the town... Where should we start? We’re spoilt for choice...

The mark of time

Listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia, it took two centuries to build the Notre-Dame and St Domitian Collegiate Church. Combining various Gothic styles, it also has the largest Gothic-style rose window in Belgium and magnificent stained-glass windows. And the fort’s allure is just as proud. Built between 1818 and 1823 on the site of the old castle ‘Li Tchestia’, it is now home to the Museum of the Resistance and Concentration Camps. A voyage to the beginning of the 1940s when the Germans transformed the premises into a detention camp: a glacial corridor takes you back to the Nazi era, with its sinister isolation cells, washrooms and interrogation rooms... A visit full of emotion before enjoying the panorama and a walk, your footsteps getting you lost within this pleasant town...

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / VisitArdenne