2. DIG DEEP

Entertaining roads deliver you from one fascinating destination to the next, with charming towns and villages along the way

Tournai to Marche-en-famenne Distance 216km Time 4hr 30min Lovely as they may be, there’s more to Wallonia than castles and lakes. A 20minute blink from Tournai, Leuze-enhainaut snares unsuspecting petrolheads with the excellent Mahymobiles museum – expect coachbuilt Packards, the Alfa Romeo RL SS that took a podium at the 1926 German Grand Prix and more – and nearby Brugelette stuns with a very different kind of collection. From its 65-hectare site to its status as Belgium’s most popular tourist attraction, the Pairi Daiza zoological gardens know how to live large. This extends to themed gardens and enclosures that can be viewed by path, steam train and suspension bridge.

Now drive east over the N57 to Écaussinnes. From here, the road cuts between the trees to run north along the line of the Brusselscharleroi canal until you reach the Plan Incliné de Ronquières. This mechanical curiosity has been here since 1968 and succeeds the 14 locks that previously carried boats over the local geography. Vessels are now placed on giant crates of water and winched over the incline within minutes and creates a remarkable sight.

Back on the road, the N533’s gentle curves carry you through Nivelle, home to an imposing Romanesque collegiate church, and onto the N237. Quiet Genappe punctuates the drive east and marks the point where the roads get twister and forest views more dramatic. Fast and challenging, the next ten minutes are all about driving. You’ll roar back into the light just above Abbaye de Villers to pick up the southbound N275. Villers-la-ville passes in a flash, before a hard left onto the N93.

Namur – a medieval city that sits between the Meuse and Sambre rivers and hosts an extensive citadel – is the target now. The centre is best explored on foot, so park up and marvel at the belfry, cathedral and cavernous 16th century Halle al’chair butcher’s building. Finish at the Saint-loup church and you’ll save the best for last. Giddyingly excessive, the 1621 Catholic church exhibits the Baroque works of Huyssens.

The Meuse snakes away from the city, the N947 a rollercoaster along its every move, and you pass through the villages of Wépion and Rivière until the signs to Crupet appear. The village has been voted one of the prettiest villages in Wallonia – while the road east bumbles past churches and townhouses before merging into the twisty and engaging N944. Progress gets faster over the open, flowing roads of Ciney and Buissonville, then Marche-en-famenne appears to complete the route. Nearby Château Jemeppe offers a fittingly grandiose overnight stop for groups. All 77 rooms are uniquely appointed and the classically-appointed common areas evoke Belgium’s most famous fictional detective.

MUST-SEE Mahymobiles Leuze-en-hainaut

Mahymobiles holds a remarkable collection of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, 300 of which are on public display. Walk into the entrance hall and you’re greeted by a dusty Delahaye. Look out for the unique De Mola coupé, a Rolls-royce Phantom III and a Delaunay-belleville. Belgian brands such as Minerva add variety. Address: 3 Rue Erna, 7900 Leuze-en-hainaut More Info: Open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between April and September, plus selected other dates, entrance €8. Website: mahymobiles.be

MUST DRIVE N947, Profondeville to Rivière South of Namur

The signs are already good – smooth Tarmac, varied angles and deep cambers. Foot to the floor, hear the exhaust bellow off the rock faces, feel the chassis dance through fast chicanes and let the steering lighten over crests in the road, turn round at Rivière and do it again!