Travel Guide Rochefort

The region's tourist vocation dates back to the last decades of the 19th century, when the railway was in full development. Jemelle, in the Rochefortoise area, was the most important railway centre on the axis linking Brussels to Arlon. At the same time, Han-sur-Lesse benefited from the establishment of a vicinal line linking the village to Rochefort. The immeasurable jewel of its caves was then to be opened up to the whole of Belgium. Rochefort is still famous throughout the country for its Trappist beer, even if its production remains relatively confidential and the brewing activity remains secondary. In this monastery, which was destroyed and rebuilt many times, the walls sheltered nuns until the 15th century. They then sold their abbey to monks, who established Rochefort's reputation. Access to the Cistercian site of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy is still part of the Way of the Cross for the ordinary lay person, but the church remains accessible at the time of the services. The tourist train of Rochefort takes its passengers on a guided tour of the city, lasting about an hour. In the local specialities section, the cheese supports the famous Trappist beer from Rochefort. Made according to the recipe of an old Roubaix cheese, it is made with milk from the Ardennes and matured in Rochefort.