Page 219 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

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eastern wallonia

Known above all for its slice of the ardennes, eastern
Wallonia is a dramatically hilly area of farmland and
forests, threaded by fast-flowing rivers and dotted with
tranquil towns and villages. Comprising the provinces of
liège and luxembourg, this once remote region now attracts
many visitors, who come to walk or cycle through the beautiful
landscape or go kayaking on its swift rivers.

Throughout much of its history, Liège formerly belonged to the Duchy of
traced a path different from that of the Luxembourg, but under the Treaty of
rest of Belgium. Ruled by prince-bishops London of 1839, the Duchy was split
since the 10th century, it was a principality in two. The eastern part became an
of the Holy Roman Empire, but was independent country, the Grand Duchy
fiercely proud of its autonomous status. of Luxembourg, while the western part
Its territory stretched at times right was incorporated into Belgium. Similarly,
across the central band of Belgium to the having been intermittently in Belgian
French border. Liège retained its prince- possession, Eupen and the German-
bishops until they were over thrown by speaking community in the Cantons
rebels during the French Revolution in de l’Est have been reclaimed into the
1789–94. In 1830, it joined Belgium in Province of Liège since the end of
the struggle for independence. The World War II.
Belgian industrial revolution also began Over the years, the once sparsely
near Liège, kick-started by the English pop ulated region of Eastern Wallonia
entrepre neurs William and John has become pop ular with holiday-
Cockerill, who brought the age of steam makers and outdoor enthusiasts. In
to Wallonia’s textile industry in the 1800s winter, skiers flock to the highest areas
and set up iron mills just outside the city. of the Ardennes, around Spa and the
Maps have been repeatedly redrawn in Haute Fagnes. Several medieval castles,
the border areas between Belgium and modern battlefields and museums
its neighbours. The Province of Luxembourg attract summer visitors.

The immaculately maintained and serene Abbaye d’Orval, a functioning Cistercian monastery
The river Semois running through a valley in Bouillion, Eastern Wallonia

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