Did you know that Europe’s longest plant tunnel is in Belgium?

Nestled deep in the nature heartland of Wallonia, in a village at the crossroads of numerous walking paths, you can find the longest natural tunnel in all of Europe. 

The setting is the picturesque La Reid, sandwiched between Theux to the north, Aywalle to the west, and the world-famous Spa to the east. All of that verdant vegetation that the Ardennes are so well-known for is perhaps outshone by La Charmille (French for “the arbour”), over half a kilometre of walking underneath and through nature, 573 metres to be exact, but who’s counting? Never mind the fact that it was twice as long when initially planted. 

This natural tunnel is made up of nearly 5,000 hornbeams and most of them have been growing there for over a century. The French word for “hornbeam” being “charme”, you can see why they would be called as such when visiting this impressive natural tunnel that could make you feel like you’re in the Shire or in some magical kingdom far away from the troubles of the big city. 

The Charmille is kept in pristine condition by the students of a nearby agronomy school and takes about a month’s work every year. What’s more, the steel that gives the trees their frame was forged by a local. In other words, it’s really the pride and joy of the whole community. 

Camera-worthy, wouldn’t you say?