Royale Mosane

Travelling along the Meuse shows you the rich heritage it has left behind over time.

The official and suggested start of the route is in Valkenburg. Famous for its cycling culture, Valkenburg hosts the finale of the Amstel Gold Race every year, and was the stage of the 2012 World Championships. The atmosphere there, in the country where the bike is king, is just right for the start of an adventure.

After some ten kilometres on the perfect roads of the Amstel, you cross Maastricht and then ride gently up the Meuse towards Liège. Between greenways and bucolic little roads, keep your eyes wide open: the wonders are many.

As you leave the Netherlands, you will glide across the Hesbaye plateaus, but beware of the wind! Perched on these rural balconies, you only just avoid entering “La Fabrique”, the industrial zone that made the history of the Meuse basin. Between Huy and Liège, the traces of the steel industry are everywhere: proof that the Meuse has been, and will remain, a route cherished by people for its trade and for the development of the region.

Past Huy, the adventure takes a turn: the arrival in the Condroz via Namur and its heights will charm you from the start. The cliffs above the Meuse may hide a sunrise or a sunset. So choose your start time well to enjoy these delights.

Between Namur and Dinant, let yourself glide along the towpath and stop looking at your computer. Only the flowing water and the breeze on your cheek should rule the passing time. As you venture further inland, you will discover some hidden gems from the past. Breathe in the absolute tranquility as you cycle through the most beautiful corners of Wallonia: Sosoye and the Molignée valley.

Take the time to feel time passing at Maredsous Abbey, before enjoying the Meuse air on the greenway that takes you south.

You are in Dinant, the city of the great Sax, the father of the saxophone. Take the opportunity to refuel on the promenade, taste its famous couques, and why not take a pedalo ride?

Joking aside, this is where things can get tougher: the way back north will be anything but restful. You will ride from village to village on gentle slopes, sometimes in the forest, sometimes exposed to the wind. The Condroz will show you its finest roller coaster all the way to Andenne, where you will find a little calm along the Meuse.

After a compulsory pilgrimage to the Mur de Huy, the Royale Mosane invites you into the Liège country. But watch out for its rugged terrain! Up and down the hills of the former prince-bishopric, you will notice the towns growing denser. A new atmosphere opens up in this urban landscape.

We have thought of you, and tried to show you the secret passages of the province to reach the terraces of Dalhem via the Pays de Herve.

You have left some strength on the hills of the Meuse and in the Liège hinterland. You deserve a break before finishing this royal adventure. Once in Visé, all that is left is the cherry on the cake: returning to the Netherlands on the roads of the Amstel Gold Race is a dessert that will leave your thighs feeling sweet.

In the Netherlands, the roads are perfect and cyclists are kings. Tulips, windmills, delicious little valleys. Sit up, and admire the palette of colours in front of you.

One last climb: the Cauberg. Mathieu van der Poel is waiting for you there. Soak up the heady atmosphere of the Amstel, before enjoying an ice-cold beer on one of the terraces of Valkenburg. That’s it, the Royale Mosane is yours. Well done!