Pondrôme Through the Four Seasons: Meet Catherine Aubry

Our series highlighting the godmothers and godfathers of Beauraing’s walking trails takes us this time to Pondrôme, where we meet Catherine Aubry, godmother of Trail No. 2. A passionate nature lover and long-time resident of Beauraing, Catherine invites us to discover one of her favourite walks, combining heritage, open landscapes and beautiful Ardennes views.

Pondrôme: A Village of Stone, Heritage and Scenic Landscapes

Nestled at an altitude of 240 metres on the Calestienne ridge, between the Famenne region and the Ardennes, Pondrôme is a village rich in natural beauty and history. Crossed by the Ry de Snaye stream, it is surrounded by hamlets and landmarks that reflect the area’s unique character.

One of these places is Thanville, known for its impressive limestone and brick viaduct, the largest engineering structure in the municipality of Beauraing. Nearby, the Chapel of Esclaye, visible from several local walking routes, stands as another reminder of the region’s rich heritage.

Catherine Aubry: A Pioneer of the Trail volunteer Network

Catherine Aubry has lived in Beauraing for more than forty years and has developed a deep attachment to the area, which she considers her adopted home. Passionate about walking and actively involved in local life, she played a key role in creating and developing the network of volunteer trail godmothers and godfathers who help monitor and maintain Beauraing’s marked walking routes.

What Catherine loves most about Trail No. 2 in Pondrôme is its open landscapes, natural light and the feeling of freedom offered by its wide-ranging views. Her favourite section lies between meadows and woodland edges, where walkers can enjoy peaceful scenery stretching across the countryside.

The route is also suitable for cycling and changes character throughout the year. Catherine often compares it to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, as colours, sounds and atmospheres evolve with each season. Between mid-March and mid-April, walkers can also enjoy a particularly beautiful sight: wild daffodils blooming along parts of the trail.

A Walk Through Pondrôme, Revogne and Ardennes Landscapes

Trail No. 2 begins near the church of Pondrôme. From the very first steps, visitors are drawn to the impressive Chapel of Mary Queen of the Universe overlooking the village.

The route then alternates between woodland paths, open meadows and scenic countryside before reaching the hamlet of Revogne. Along the way, walkers pass the unusual “bat cabin”, a discreet yet intriguing feature of the landscape.

A short detour in Revogne allows visitors to admire the historic Gate of Revogne, a reminder of the village’s past, as well as the peaceful surroundings of the Wimbe stream.

On the return journey to Pondrôme, beautiful views of the Ardennes gradually unfold. A bench along the route provides the perfect place to pause and fully appreciate the surrounding scenery.