La nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle

Liège

A few strides away from the Place Saint-Lambert, in the heart of Liège, stroll along the pathways and old walls, for a journey back in time...

A walk full of surprises, courtyards, steps, terraces, gardens, paths, fields and orchards which make the Coteaux de la Citadelle, the slopes of the Citadel, a world of their own, right in the heart of the City centre…

At the edge of the historical centre of Liège, the Coteaux de la Citadelle cover, over an area of over 86 ha, on the south side of one of the steepest hills which lie along the alluvial plain of the Meuse.

With their 60 monuments and 5 listed sites, the Coteaux de la Citadelle are a unique reminder of the city’s ancient landscapes. Enclosed since the XIIIth century by the city walls, the side of the hill has always been part of Liège. Spectacular sites are to be found, such as the famous Montagne de Bueren steps or the panoramas visible from the boulevards of the Citadel. Walking along the Coteaux de la Citadelle, is a spellbinding experience: go backstage and see the town as you have never seen it before, behind the curtain of its facades. Cross a collection of courtyards, steps, and alleyways, to reach the light and tranquillity of the terraces. See the silhouette of the city’s roofs up close… A privileged area for the visitor seeking green spaces and peaceful surroundings, at the very heart of the town!

Routes have been organised on the 28 ha situated directly at the edge of the town’s historical centre. Five well marked circuits of various duration are offered:

Practical information

Walks open to all, FREE access
For the Sentier de Favechamps, we recommend taking your walking shoes.
In general, we recommend being careful. The terraces supporting walls are several metres high.

(*) Certain routes are only accessible at the following times:

TERRACES: from 9am to 6pm (5pm in winter time)
FAVECHAMPS, at the bottom of the site:
(C4) Passage through La Ferme de la Vache (exit Rue Pierreuse): weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment for groups (Tel. +32(0)4 223 11 96).
(C6) Passage through the Ruelle des Capucins (exit Rue Volière): being prepared.

Welcome on site
rue Pierreuse, 38: access to the Terraces.
Saint-Roch chapel, Rue Volière: exhibitions, concerts, shows

Guided visits and discovery
The Office du Tourisme organises guided visits.
The game « Les Visiteurs » offers an interactive playful way to discover the area which allows young visitors to see the multiple facets of the Coteaux.

On sale at the Office du Tourisme:

Office du Tourisme
Féronstrée, 92 – 4000 Liège
Tel. : +32(0)4 221 92 21 – Fax : +32(0)4 221 92 22
E-mail : office.tourisme@liege.be
Weekdays from 9am to 5pm – Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm

Maison du Tourisme
Place Saint-Lambert, 32 – 4000 Liège
Tel. : +32(0)4 237 92 92 – Fax : +32(0)4 237 92 93
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm

Renovation of the Coteaux

Over the last 15 years, private owners and public authorities have been working on the renovation and valorisation of this extraordinarily well preserved natural and architectural heritage. The Municipal Council of Urban Development, Environment, Tourism and Sustainable Development of the City of Liège has undertaken to restore the ancient pathways and improve safety and ease of use for these walks. As a result, extensive work has been carried out on the site with the help of the Minister for Tourism of the Walloon Region and the European Union:

• Refurbishment of the Parc Saint-Léonard
• Creation of a liaison between Favechamps and Rue Pierreuse
• Restoration and development of the Terrasses des Minimes
• Providing an information system for all walks
• Opening up a new access route to the terraces via Rue Pierreuse, 38, opposite the steps which give direct access to Place Saint-Lambert near the reception of the Archéoforum and the Maison du Tourisme.
• Restauration of the Impasse des Ursulines and of the Bois des Mineurs
• Creation of the Vivegnis pathways
• The restoration of the Chevaliers Teutoniques Terraces and the passage to the Tour des Vieux Joncs
• The building of the Citadel viewpoint and its liaison with the Bois des Carmélites

Lastly, the creation of a space for meetings, exhibitions and concerts in the Chapelle Saint-Roch, situated Rue Volière, has also been planned. The chapel contains a Robustelly organ noted on the Exceptional heritage of Wallonia listing. The location will be part of a new walk, beneath Favechamps, once the restoration of the Licorne buildings has been completed by the Fonds du Logement wallon.