The best traffic-free bike rides around Margny

À l’Ange Gardien is a surprising place; as part of the world-famous Orval site, it undoubtedly contributes to the region's tourism development. The fully renovated and modernized building meets all modern needs and requirements (proximity to parking, accessibility for people with disabilities, Wi-Fi, etc.). Here, you can enjoy the widest selection of Orval products. Both the beer and cheese are at their finest. L’Ange Gardien also exclusively serves Orval on tap, better known as the Green Orval. (À l’Ange Gardien)

The current castle is very recent. It was built in 1960 at the request of the owners, the Otreppe de Bouvette family, based on plans by architect Emile Godin. The previous castle was severely damaged in both world wars and fell into disrepair.

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

Florenville (Gaumais: Floravile) is a city in the Province of Luxembourg. Florenville is situated on a cuesta formed by Florenville calcareous sandstone. Located in the northwest of the Gaume region, at the gateway to the Ardennes, it comprises seven former municipalities: Chassepierre, Florenville, Fontenoille, Lacuisine, Muno, Sainte-Cécile, and Villers-devant-Orval. Its assets are numerous: beautiful sites and landscapes; the discreet charm of its villages and hamlets; clean air; vast forests teeming with wildlife crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails; the extraordinary Semois valley, a beautiful river with changing landscapes; a warm welcome from its residents; a long-standing tradition of tourism; numerous and varied tourist attractions; and a variety of hospitality and accommodation options. (Florenville Tourist Office)

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Florenville, built in 1873 in the Neo-Gothic style, was severely damaged during the bombings of May 1940. Given the residents' deep connection with their church, it was rebuilt in 1951, thus preserving its central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the town. The building is distinguished by its imposing 50-meter-high tower, accessible via 232 steps, which offers a remarkable view of the Semois valley and the surrounding villages. The bell tower houses a carillon of 48 bells, renowned for its remarkable beauty and sound. The interior, adorned with nearly 200 m² of stained-glass windows, depicts regional saints such as Saint Hubert and Blessed Constantine. The church's exceptional acoustics make it an excellent venue for classical music concerts.

Perched atop the church tower, about 50 meters above ground, the belvedere offers unparalleled views: 800 km² to explore. The belvedere offers expansive views of Belgium (the Ardennes and Gaume) and France (the Ardennes and Lorraine). You have to climb 232 steps to reach the top... (Ardenne.org)

A visit to the abbey is worthwhile. You should allow yourself about an hour and a half. Not far away there is a brasserie where you can try the cheese and beer.

Orval Abbey is a monastery of the Trappist Order (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) located in the municipality of Florenville in southern Belgium, near the French border. The name derives from the Basque ar(an) and French val (both meaning valley). The folk etymological interpretation of the French or (as golden valley) gave rise to a legend according to which a Countess Matilda (in some versions Matilda of Tuscany) lost her golden ring in the valley, which was then returned to her by a fish. She founded the monastery in gratitude. The Matilda Fountain can be visited in the ruins of the old monastery. (Wikipedia) Orval is a Trappist beer that has been brewed since 1932 in the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Orval in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. The bottle label and beer mat depict a trout with a golden ring in its mouth, illustrating the legend of the abbey's founding.