5.4 km | 6.2 km-effort
This wood is part of a specific region called Thiérache. This corresponds to the western
part of Ardenne and is distinguished by its oceanic climate and relatively smooth terrain. The flora is abundant and quite unusual: it includes species such as the bluebell.
This hamlet, as its name meaning "scratch stone" indicates, owes its name to stone work. The hamlet was a place where iron ore was extracted before the end of the 16th c. on the French side.
The Gratte-Pierre house was called "Maison Rouge" ("Red House") by the village elders. This "Red House" is named after the colour of the stones with which it was built.
These stones, residues of local mines, contain iron and become rusty in wet weather. The external walls then take on reddish shades. Finally, we should note that the small reserve of Gratte-Pierre is one of four places in our country where gold could be found.
Walking
Randonnées au coeur d'une nature préservée GUIDE+
