Pondrôme

Traces of the name Pondrôme can be found as early as 1055 (in the form Pondresmo). This village is situated at an altitude of 240 metres and is located on the Calestienne, a limestone area wedged between the Famenne and the Ardenne. 

Thanville Viaduct 

Built of brick and limestone in 1898/1899 for the passage of the Dinant-Athus railway line, it is the most imposing structure in the commune. It is 300 metres long and the height of the pillars varies from 7.47 to 98.60 metres. It is made up of 15 round arches. The viaduct crosses the Snaye valley and the Beauraing road. 

The Chapel of the Hill 

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Universe, and built in 1943, this commemorative chapel is intended to express the gratitude of the people of Pondrôme for the protection given to the village during the two world wars. 

The church 

This church, dedicated to Saints Cosme and Damien, was built in 1833.

Esclaye : a castle, a farm and a chapel 

Now a hamlet of Pondrôme, Esclaye was once an imposing seigneury and the seat of a large parish.  

• The castle-farm (18th-19th century) was rebuilt in 1820. The castle, which is privately owned, is still occupied by the descendants of the last lords of Esclaye, the de Villers-Masbourg. 

• The farm, The farm has been run by the Henin family for 4 generations. These dairy farmers also produce delicious organic butter and cheese (available in the shops in Beauraing).  

• With its simple geometric forms, the d’Esclaye chapel is in the neo-classical style. The warrior and viscount Ladislas de Villers-Masbourg d’Eclaye had the building constructed in 1827. He had taken part in Napoleon I’s Russian campaign and miraculously escaped death. On his return, he wanted to show his gratitude to the Virgin Mary who had kept him safe. On the roof stands an octagonal bell tower topped by a radiating star, like those Ladislaus saw in India. This chapel was built on the remains of the old church of Eclaye, destroyed by Jacobins during the French Revolution. 

Good to know :

there was also a Gallo-Roman cemetery at Thanville and a Merovingian necropolis at Tombois
there is a superb outdoor playground, with a skateboard track as well as petanque, football and basketball courts

For more information : 

• Pondrôme
• Viaduc de Thanville est plus que centenaire 
• Le test de la Ferme d’esclaye