Patrick, the owner of a cottage in the region of Rochefort, shows us around his holiday home and tells us about the many bike rides that are possible in the region. Whether you are a great cycling enthusiast or a Sunday amateur, here you will enjoy taking a breath of fresh air on a bicycle!

HELLO PATRICK, CAN YOU introduce yourself IN A FEW WORDS?

I own and manage a cottage for 18 people in the Rochefort region. A few years ago, I decided to change my career path. I lived in Leuven and I worked in the pharmaceutical sector. I sold my house and started looking for the perfect cottage. I fell in love with this old 16th-century farmhouse and its outbuildings. After several months of work, the cottage finally opened in 2017. It is the perfect holiday home for guests wishing to stroll and spend time with friends or family. I am also a sport and recreational instructor. I like cycling, kayaking, walking and archery.

WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN I DO IF I STAY IN YOUR COTTAGE?

Starting from the cottage, there are beautiful trails to do by bike or on foot. You can decide to go for a few hours or a whole day!

DO YOU OFFER BIKES?

I work with Cycle Sport in Rochefort. Guests wishing to go on a bike ride just need to let me know and I can have the bikes delivered at the cottage. They can rent mountain bikes, all-terrain bikes, and even bikes with electric assistance. An electric bike is a good alternative when you are not used to this kind of sport or you do not feel very comfortable with the many hills in the region. But it’s not just that… I also adapt to the potential demands of my guests. If they wish, I can deliver a picnic at a meeting point, or plan a small relaxing activity in the middle of the excursion. Cycling can be combined with other activities.

ARE YOU ALSO A GUIDE?

Some guests are passionate about cycling and sometimes they have everything planned already. Some just ask me for advice and others want me to go with them. Organized excursions have some advantages. I know the region, so we take quieter and less dangerous roads. Guests do not have to stop all the time to read their map and especially since I know all the beautiful spots (he laughs).

AND IF ONE CHOOSES TO GO WITHOUT A GUIDE, HOW CAN ONE FIND THE WAY?

I give guests a whole series of maps, in particular for walks between 5 and 20km. It goes from the topographic map to a satellite map via Google Maps. There are many possibilities. These are walks that I did with my parents when I was younger…

WHAT IS THERE TO SEE IN THE REGION?

In a radius of 10 to 15km, there is a lot to see. There are very pretty villages like Mirwart with its fish farm and its castle. There is also the domain of the furnace Saint-Michel, it is also possible to take a break and visit the Museum of Rural Life in Wallonia and the Museum of Iron and Old Metallurgy. For me, the most beautiful thing to see is nature. There are woods, fields, great viewpoints of the valley of Lesse and l’Homme. We do not get bored!

WHAT CAN GUESTS DO TO RELAX IN YOUR COTTAGE?

You can enjoy the wellness area with its jacuzzi and sauna. I have also built a nice large bar, where you will find local beers. Some guests prefer to spend time on the terrace, others will discover one of our many wooden games. There are plenty of activities to do to relax and have a great time with family or friends.