Background

Poilvache Castle: A Cliffside Medieval Fortress

Explore the dramatic cliffside ruins of Poilvache Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the Meuse River valley.

4.3

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Meuse River, the ruins of Poilvache Castle offer a glimpse into a turbulent medieval past. Explore the remains of this once-mighty fortress, which played a strategic role in regional conflicts and boasts stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Discover its history as a 'state fortress' and its eventual destruction, leaving behind a captivating historical site.

A brief summary to Poilvache Castle

  • Saturday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the castle ruins is uneven.
  • Visit during the golden hour for stunning sunset views over the Meuse River.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic areas surrounding the castle.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From the E411 highway, take exit 19 for Spontin. Follow the road towards Yvoir (10 km), and when you reach the village of Evrehailles, turn left onto a small country road (2 km). This road leads directly to Poilvache Castle. Parking is available on-site. Note that a specific parking area for buses is located approximately 200 meters from the entrance. Parking is free.

  • Train

    Take the train to Yvoir station, which is on the Brussels-Namur-Dinant line. From Yvoir station, Poilvache Castle is approximately 2 km away. You can walk or take a short taxi ride to the castle. A taxi from Yvoir station to Poilvache Castle will cost approximately €8-€12. A single train ticket from Namur to Yvoir costs around €4-€6.

  • Walking

    From the village of Houx in the Meuse valley, a pleasant walking trail leads to Poilvache Castle. The path climbs the limestone hillside, offering scenic views along the way. The walk is approximately 3 km and is considered easy, taking about 1 hour. Follow the red and blue rectangle markings.

Unlock the Best of Poilvache Castle

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Poilvache Castle

Poilvache Castle, also known as Château de Poilvache, is a ruined medieval castle situated in the Walloon municipality of Yvoir, Belgium. The castle's strategic location atop a cliff overlooking the Meuse River made it a significant stronghold in the region's history. The earliest known castle on this site was called Château d'Émeraude (Emerald Castle) and dates back to the 10th century. Poilvache was not the property of an independent lord but rather a fortress of the provostship, serving as a medieval military, judicial, and administrative center. It functioned as a 'state fortress,' originally belonging to the County of Luxembourg. The castle was first mentioned in 1228. Over the centuries, Poilvache was besieged multiple times until it was destroyed in 1430 by the militia of the Prince-Bishop of Liège. Despite its destruction, the provostship remained an administrative entity through various periods until the French Revolution. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of Poilvache Castle, including walls, semi-towers, and a well. The site provides a captivating look into the past and offers panoramic views of the Meuse valley. The castle is open weekends and holidays from April to October and daily during school breaks in Wallonia.

Popular Experiences near Poilvache Castle

Popular Hotels near Poilvache Castle

Select Currency