Lost in the Trappist Triangle
Sat 01 August 2026
Italics are the tour description from Beer and Bikes* tours
Day 1: August 1st
Joining day. We arrived yesterday from France, and today is a chance to get some laundry done and relax before a bike fit and test ride. Went up to the local abbey (no tours, but an interesting site). No photos today :(
Dinner down the street in Rochefort.
Day 2: August 2nd
You'll pedal through rolling hills, charming villages, and peaceful forests before reaching medieval Bouillon, perfectly combining scenic cycling with the promise of exceptional beer ahead!
Experience the charm of Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III, located in the historic center of Bouillon. This beautifully restored hotel features elegant rooms, stunning views of Bouillon Castle, and a terrace perfect for relaxation. Enjoy regional cuisine at the on-site dining options while exploring local attractions.
Ride was fun today (a bit hot). We stopped for a picnic lunch mid-trip. Bullion sits in a valley, so the final bit was a fun free-wheel into town.
We met up (after everyone showered and cleaned up) at a cafe next to the hotel for a couple of Belgian beers. Dinner was on our own, so Grace and I found a nice outdoor Italian cafe on the river.
Day 3
Orval Loop
Embark on a scenic bike ride from Bouillon to the stunning Orval Abbey. As you pedal through picturesque landscapes, enjoy the serene beauty of the Belgian countryside. The route takes you along winding paths, with lush greenery and charming villages dotting the way. Upon arriving at Orval Abbey, take a moment to marvel at its stunning architecture and rich history. Don't forget to sample the famous Orval Trappist beer! After soaking in the serene atmosphere, head back to Bouillon.
Experience the charm of Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III, located in scenic Bouillon near the historic Bouillon Castle. This beautifully restored 19th-century hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms and an on-site restaurant serving local delights. Enjoy stunning views of the Semois River and immerse yourself in the area's rich history.
It was extremely hot today. The group decided to skip the ride back (loop) from the Orval Monastery. We shuttled back to Bullion; Grace and I walked up to the fortress and did the tour.
Views from the castle were stunning. The courtyard had several raptor birds for a hawking demonstration - including a bald eagle. We weren't there when they performed. Dinner was at the hotel (included dinner).
Day 4: Bouillon to Chareleville-Mezieres
Wander through the rolling countryside and wooded hills of the Semois Valley National Park, on quiet backroads winding past verdant fields, forested ridges, and the gentle curves of the Semois River, offering classic southern Ardennes scenery of river valleys and highland plateaus; the route undulates with a mix of moderate climbs and flowing descents, linking small villages and tranquil pastoral landscapes as you make your way toward Charleville-Mezieres, a quiet Ardennes commune just over the border in northern France, blending serene natural beauty with the sense of a long day's journey between historic and rural highlights of this cross-border region.
Experience the charm of La Grande-Ourse, a historically rich building in the heart of Charleville-Mezieres. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and personalized service that prioritizes your satisfaction. With its authentic French decor and cozy communal spaces, this inviting retreat offers easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Fun(ish) ride today. We started by climbing out of the valley. It was harsh with cold legs. However, once that climb was finished, the rest of the ride was mostly flat and downhill.
Day 5: On to Chimay
A delightful blend of serene countryside views and vibrant greenery. As you pedal along the well-marked trails, take in the fresh air and the sounds of nature surrounding you. Stop along the way to capture breathtaking photos or enjoy a picnic by a tranquil stream. Finish with a night at the Abbey's hotel and enjoy Chimay at the source.
Experience the vibrant charm of Chimay at Hostel Poteaupre Espace Chimay. Enjoy affordable lodging surrounded by stunning nature, local breweries, and cultural hotspots. The unique thematic rooms and on-site cafe enrich your stay with local flavors, while guided tours offer deep dives into the area's rich history.
Up and down riding today on our way to Chimay. We stayed at a boutique hotel near the abbey. It's the tourist outlet for the abbey. Good beers (flight) and dinner.
Day 6: Chimay to Dinant
The road wiggles through quiet villages and forested valleys, your wheels humming like a warm-up act, until Dinant suddenly appears in full jazz mode - cliffs rising, the Meuse gliding by, and saxophones everywhere paying tribute to Adolphe Sax. You roll in feeling heroic (and maybe a little thirsty), having traded Chimay's monastic calm for the lively birthplace of Leffe, where the only sensible finish is a beer and a laugh at how cycling and abbeys somehow make perfect sense together.
Experience the charm of Maison Leffe, ideally situated in the heart of Dinant. This unique accommodation celebrates the legacy of Leffe beer, offering guests an on-site brewery experience. Enjoy stunning views of the Meuse River and a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation. Explore local attractions with ease to make your stay truly memorable.
We started the morning by walking to the Abbey grounds before breakfast.
Lunch stop at the Windmill. A brewery and cafe. The bridge had a series of saxophone sculptures. The citadel was impressive, but we didn't have time to climb up and tour around the town.
Day 7: Dinant back to Rochefort
Experience the enchanting ride from Dinant to Rochefort, where the scenic beauty of the Meuse River valley unfolds before your eyes. As you travel along winding roads, lush green hills and charming villages dot the landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop. The journey offers captivating views of the stunning rock formations and the serene river.
Hotel La Malle Poste, located in the heart of Rochefort, provides easy access to local attractions. This charming historic building features original 18th-century architecture and on-site dining showcasing regional cuisine. Enjoy cozy lounge areas and personalized service that ensure a memorable stay.
The tour ends tomorrow morning, and we'll continue to use Bob's bikes and do a self-supported trip to cycle Luxembourg.
A few days in Paris
