JOURNEES DU PATRIMOINE

Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13

Guided Tour by Proxibus “Doors, Porticoes, and Chimneys”

We invite you to cross the thresholds of two iconic places in Marche-en-Famenne:

Hassonville Castle, a 17th-century residence, built in 1687 by Charles Gauthier de la Veranderie, governor of Marche, whose gateway leads into a domain rich in history, and the interior chimneys remind us how fire was once at the heart of daily life, symbolizing home and conviviality. And the Famenne Tower, standing 70 meters tall, has been a strong landmark since its construction in the 1970s, becoming a significant landscape signal. Climbing the tower is also a symbolic passage: leaving the ground to gain height, observe, and understand.

Saturday, September 12 at 10 AM and 2 PM
Sunday, September 13 at 2 PM
Reservation required at www.marche.be
Departure from Hassonville Castle – Route d’Hassonville, 105 in Aye – +/-2h00
Paid refreshments after the tour.

2. Guided Tour “What the Doors Tell” in Marche-en-Famenne

The doors of Marche-en-Famenne are not just passages: they are silent witnesses of history, daily life, and the power that shaped the city. Each portico, each gate, each threshold tells a story, and our journey invites you to discover them.

Porte Basse, Porte Haute – former witnesses of the fortified town, the Laloux House – a listed bourgeois house from 1750, the Tour de la Juniesse – one of the last remnants of medieval fortifications, the Jadot Castle – a wonderful representation of architecture from 1850-1950, the Saint-Remacle Church and its bell tower from 1715 attested by a chronogram on the portal… each door tells a way of inhabiting the world, opens onto a unique narrative, and invites you to traverse time.

Saturday, September 12 at 10 AM and 2 PM
Sunday, September 13 at 2 PM
Reservation required at www.marche.be
Departure from Saint-Remacle Church – Place Albert 1^er in Marche – +/-1h30

3. Fun Trail “Maison Jadot Celebrates 250 Years”

Surrounded by a courtyard, park, and French garden, Maison Jadot is a bourgeois residence housing the Famenne & Art Museum. In a free circuit, sculpted staircase, window seats, interior shutters, stucco ceilings, paintings, and imposts immerse you in the atmosphere of former salons, bedrooms, kitchen, and servants' quarters.
The magnificent fireplaces made with various remarkable marbles from the region particularly testify to the status of the former owners.
Games and challenges await children during a freely accessible fun trail.
Also admire the numerous and varied collections of the FAM that will take you on a journey through the history of Famenne as well as into the surreal world of artist Remy Van den Abeele.

Opening: Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Free fun trail (children must be accompanied)
Famenne & Art Museum – Rue du Commerce, 17 in Marche – 084/32.70.60 – fam@marche.be

4. The Cordaneum: Discovering String Instruments

Located in the Vieille Cense in Marloie, an old farmstead with rural charm, the Cordaneum hosts a permanent exhibition dedicated to the art of lutherie. Between stone walls and a cobbled courtyard, the place combines architectural heritage and artisanal know-how in an authentic, calm atmosphere steeped in history. During this heritage weekend, visitors will explore the permanent exhibition and discover historical replicas of string instruments, almost all made by students of the former Gauthier Louppe International School of Lutherie. An educational section will clearly present the steps of violin making, from wood selection to varnishing.

Opening: Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Free exploration – Rue de la Station, 4 in Marloie – 0497/50.22.50 – cordaneum@marche.be

5. Eucharistic Celebration Followed by the Blessing of Animals