Top 6 Lakes around Modave
Best lakes around Modave are found in the broader Wallonia region, as the municipality itself is characterized by the Hoyoux River valley. Modave is situated in the province of Liège, offering access to significant lake complexes. The region provides diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Best lakes around Modave
- The most popular lakes is Château de Saint-Fontaine, a castle that is surrounded by a magnificent park and overlooks the valley of the Saint-Lambert stream. The current castle was built around 1820 on the site of a previously burned-down castle.
- Another must-see spot is Amay Gravel Pit, a natural area of 44 hectares, including 21 hectares of water from the exploitation of Meuse gravel. This site is recognized as a Wetland of Biological Interest and is home to more than 120 species of birds.
- Visitors also love Gravière Lake, a lake of 23 hectares in a parcel of an area of 44 hectares, resulting from the exploitation of a gravel pit. A 2.5 km path goes around the lake, punctuated by educational panels.
- Modave is known for its gravel pit lakes and those associated with historical sites. These water features offer a variety of experiences, from nature reserves to scenic walks.
- The lakes around Modave are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and 31 photos shared, highlighting their appeal for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Amay Gravel Pit
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Château de Saint-Fontaine
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Quarry Lake in Parc Naturel Burdinale-Mehaigne
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Gravière Lake
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Development of the lake of the gravel pit
The exploitation of the gravel pit of Amay is finished, leaving us a lake of 23 hectares in a parcel of an area of 44 hectares.
This lake is landscaped with reed beds, gently sloping banks, a walking path, plantations of trees and shrubs.
The lake is home to a Nature area
This Nature zone is supported by the Walloon Region, more particularly by the Nature and Forest Division, it is recognized as ZHIB (Wetland of Biological Interest)
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Vervoz Hamlet and Church
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Popular around Modave
Tips from the Community
The gravel pit is a rich site for photography enthusiasts or walkers who wish to stroll along well-maintained paths and observe birds in peace. It's a recommended spot for walkers and photographers. Please respect the guidelines, such as keeping your dog on a leash (even if some people think it's harmless to let their dog off-leash, be aware that animals have predatory instincts, which could scare away certain ground-nesting bird species like kingfishers) and refraining from swimming so as not to disturb the birds. Thank you to everyone who respects the guidelines, and I wish you a pleasant hike or a great photo outing 🙏.
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Quarries have been a major industry in this region for almost a century. In recent decades, further expansion projects have been planned here in Moha. These have repeatedly met with resistance from residents of neighboring Vinalmont, where the rural hamlets of Wanzoul and Roua are threatened by an expansion of the quarry's current infrastructure. During a public inquiry organized by the local government in 1997, the number of written protests (nearly 1,500) exceeded the total number of residents of Vinalmont (over 1,070). Source: Wikipedia
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Moha's old career
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The current castle was built in 1820 by Count Emile de Liederkerke on the site of a previously burned-down castle, the origins of which likely date back to the 13th century. Many important noble families (Haultepenne, de Eynatten, Horion, etc.) owned the Lordship of Centfontaine. During the nineteenth century, the castle came into the possession of the Cornet d’Elzius family, who gave the facade its current appearance around 1900.
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A beautiful chapel on a lovely estate. Currently undergoing extensive restoration. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public. Legend has it that the chapel was built with perfectly cut stones, without mortar or grout. The crypt is supposedly so rigidly constructed that, despite being below the waterline, it remains bone dry after all this time.
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There is not much to see here. The quarry is also not accessible. Follow the path up to the viewpoint over the quarry with benches (also for picnic), information boards and more beautiful things.
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The Gravière protected site in Amay is a natural area of 44 hectares, including 21 hectares of water from the exploitation of Meuse gravel. This site, recognized as a Wetland of Biological Interest, is home to more than 120 species of birds. The facilities include reed beds, gently sloping banks and a 2.5 kilometer path with educational panels for bird watching and walking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary lake destination near Modave for a wide range of activities?
The most comprehensive and closest option for diverse activities near Modave is the Eau d'Heure Lakes. This vast complex, recognized as the largest in Belgium, offers 600 hectares of water and 70 km of banks, providing extensive opportunities for water sports, nature trails, and unique attractions like a skywalk and an Aquacentre. You can find more information about this destination on Visit Wallonia.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Modave?
Yes, several lakes in the broader region are suitable for families. The Eau d'Heure Lakes offer an Aquacentre for water games and a tree-top adventure park (Natura Parc). Closer to Modave, the Amay Gravel Pit (also known as Gravière Lake) features a 2.5 km path with educational panels, reed beds, and gently sloping banks, making it ideal for family walks and bird watching. The area around Château de Saint-Fontaine also offers a magnificent park suitable for family outings.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The region around Modave and its lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. At the Eau d'Heure Lakes, you can enjoy water sports like sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, alongside walking, cycling, and mountain biking on marked trails. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, such as the 'Petit-Modave Circuit' or 'Around the Château de Modave'. You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Modave guide. Cyclists can also find suitable routes, including gravel biking and road cycling, detailed in the Gravel biking around Modave and Road Cycling Routes around Modave guides.
Where can I go for birdwatching near Modave?
The Amay Gravel Pit is an excellent spot for birdwatching. This natural area, recognized as a Wetland of Biological Interest, spans 44 hectares with 21 hectares of water and is home to over 120 species of birds. It features reed beds, gently sloping banks, and a 2.5-kilometer path with educational panels designed for bird observation.
Are there any historical sites associated with lakes in the Modave area?
Yes, the Château de Saint-Fontaine is a notable historical site near Modave. This castle, built around 1820 on the site of an older fortified castle, is surrounded by a magnificent park and overlooks the valley of the Saint-Lambert stream, with a lake mentioned as part of its setting. Additionally, the Vervoz Hamlet and Church is a remarkably pretty village with a small lake nearby, offering a picturesque historical setting.
What unique natural features can I explore at the lakes near Modave?
Beyond the extensive water bodies, you can explore diverse natural features. The Eau d'Heure Lakes are surrounded by 1,800 hectares of woodland and countryside. The Moha Quarry, while an industrial site, features a striking turquoise lake and offers the 'Promenade de la Pierre,' an educational walk with panels explaining the history and uses of marine limestone formed 350 million years ago.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Modave?
While specific seasonal details are not provided for all lakes, the best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports is generally during the warmer months, from spring through early autumn. This period allows for comfortable exploration of trails and full enjoyment of water-based activities at destinations like the Eau d'Heure Lakes.
Can I find walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, walking paths are available. The Amay Gravel Pit (Gravière Lake) offers a 2.5 km path that goes around the lake, punctuated by educational panels. The Eau d'Heure Lakes also feature numerous marked trails for walking, cycling, and mountain biking, covering 1,800 hectares of water, woodland, and countryside.
Are there any lakes further afield in Wallonia that are worth visiting?
While the Eau d'Heure Lakes are the most significant near Modave, other notable lakes in Belgium, though further away, include Lake Robertville in the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve for serene beauty, Lake Genval in Walloon Brabant known for its picturesque setting and Belle Époque buildings, and Lake Butgenbach amidst the High Fens, offering a scenic backdrop for nature lovers.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in the Modave region?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The Amay Gravel Pit is praised for being an 'unmissable little walk in all seasons' and a 'wonderful family walk.' The region's lakes, including those associated with historical sites like Château de Saint-Fontaine, are valued for their scenic beauty and appeal for outdoor activities, as evidenced by over 80 upvotes and 31 photos shared by the komoot community.
Are there any unique attractions at the Eau d'Heure Lakes?
Yes, the Eau d'Heure Lakes offer several unique attractions. These include a visitor center with an amphibus (an amphibious bus), a skywalk 100 meters high with a glass platform providing breathtaking views of the dam, and a scale model detailing the dam's construction, along with underground galleries. For families, there's an Aquacentre and a tree-top adventure park (Natura Parc).
Most popular attractions around Modave
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