7 km | 9.5 km-effort
Hierges is among the most beautiful villages of France. It was the seat of a barony comprising eight villages. At the time it was part of the duchy of Bouillon. Hierges was only annexed by France in 1772 through the Traité des Limites (Border Treaty). The first fortress, erected on a rocky peak, goes back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the castle had 365 windows at the time and was built in one night by the fairy Mélusine. In fact, it was built in the 12th century by the order of the Manassès of Hierges, which distinguished itself during the second crusade in particular. A new castle was built in the 16th century. On Place de la Fontaine, the monumental ruined towers are all that can be seen, with no trace of the blue stone lodge built in the 19th century, or the terraced gardens. The estate is still occupied by a baron.
Source:Topo-guide de la Grande Traversée de la Forêt du Pays de Chimay (guide to the Great Crossing of the Chimay Forest)
Walking
Randonnées au coeur d'une nature préservée GUIDE+
