2023-07-23 04:00:00
Located about an hour from Picardy Wallonia, the town of Thuin is not lacking in charm. Three walks allow you to discover some of its most remarkable facets: the medieval city (about two kilometres), boat life (one and a half kilometers below the city), and the hanging gardens (three kilometres). We chose to carry out the latter, because it is the longest and because it is unique: the hanging gardens are recognized as an exceptional heritage of Wallonia.
In town, typical alleys that do not lack charm. ©EdA
A map including some explanations is available at the Tourist Office (at the price of 1€). It can also be downloaded (in good quality) from the internet. It is precisely from the Place du Chapitre, where the tourist office is located, that the three walks start. A word of advice: take advantage of overlooking the sambre valley at this time to put your map in the right direction. Because, throughout your journey, we invite you to use both the map and the existing markup (green hashtag on a red background for the hanging gardens) so as not to take a wrong turn: there are a few tricky places.
Don’t be shy about peeking through the typical steel louvered doors.
The walk did not disappoint us. It is relatively short but it also offers beautiful elevations which can be sporty.
Some 230 terraces constitute what are called the hanging gardens. These are an integral part of the fortifications of the medieval town on several of its steep sections. Created in the Middle Ages with the aim of feeding the wealthy inhabitants of the Upper Town, who did not have green spaces, these gardens, mostly located on the north and south slopes, are private. But, we are told at the tourist office, at the bend of a cobbled lane or even above a stone staircase, one should not hesitate to take a look through the typical steel slatted doors. The gardens are nicely maintained, with vegetable gardens or pretty plantations. Others are abandoned: it is not easy to maintain these relatively steep terrains.
Many plots of the hanging gardens benefit from exceptional sunshine and the heat stored by the walls.
Explanatory panels on the history of Thuin mark out the walk. Take a break at the panorama of the Chant des Oiseaux which offers a beautiful landscape with a view of many hanging gardens.
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www.tourismethuin.be
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