Roche aux Faucons

Roche aux Faucons is a rocky outcrop and viewpoint in the municipality of Neupré, in the province of Liège, about ten kilometers south of the city of Liège. It rises roughly 120 meters above the Ourthe valley and ranks among the most distinctive scenic spots in this part of Wallonia.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to peregrine falcons, which once nested on these cliffs. The birds disappeared from the site in 1958, yet the name has endured as a lasting reminder of the birds of prey that once ruled the crag above the river.

What is the rock made of?

Roche aux Faucons is an outcrop of dolomitic limestone dating back to the Devonian period. The rock is hard and compact, and it has resisted erosion for millions of years, which is why it still forms a sharp, steep spur overlooking a bend in the Ourthe. Because of its natural value, the area is part of the Natura 2000 network, meaning the habitats and species found here are under protection.

How was the site formally recognized?

In 2015, Roche aux Faucons was inscribed on the list of Wallonia's exceptional landscape heritage under the newly created "Grand Site Paysager" label — the first such designation awarded in the region. This recognition confirms the site's importance not only as a viewpoint but as a landscape feature of regional significance.

Why is this spot known to cyclists?

The slope leading to the top of Roche aux Faucons is one of Belgium's better-known cycling climbs. It stretches about 1.3 kilometers, with an average gradient of nearly 11 percent and sections reaching as steep as 15 percent. Since 2008, the climb has been a regular feature of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, one of the oldest and most prestigious classic races in professional cycling. For many amateur riders, tackling Roche aux Faucons has become something of a rite of passage and a test of form.

What can you see from the top?

From the summit, a broad view opens over the meander of the Ourthe river and the wooded hills surrounding it. The panorama takes in the valley's characteristic bend from a considerable height, making the spot one of the more photogenic viewpoints in the Liège region.

What hiking options are nearby?

Roche aux Faucons serves as both a starting point and a destination for numerous hiking trails running through the Ourthe valley. The routes vary in length and difficulty, but most of them offer, at some point, a view of the rock itself or from its summit over the surrounding countryside. This makes the site appealing both to casual walkers and to those looking for a more demanding hike.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb at Roche aux Faucons? The rock is known among climbers as a training spot, though most visitors come primarily for the view and the cycling climb.

How far is it from Liège? The site lies about ten kilometers south of central Liège, within the municipality of Neupré.

Is the cycling climb difficult? Yes — with an average gradient of nearly 11 percent and stretches up to 15 percent, it is one of the more demanding climbs in the region and has been a fixture of Liège–Bastogne–Liège since 2008.