Marche-en-Famenne: Guide, Hotels, Map & Photos
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EUR 93 - 280 Quartier Latin
 In the heart of Marche-en-Famenne, just one hour from Brussels and Luxembourg, you will find the enchanting Quartier Latin, established in an authenti… MoreEUR 62 - 97 Hotel Le Manoir
 With a refined restaurant and a wonderful terrace, this romantic hotel offers an elegant base in its monumental building, dating back to 1616. Benefit… MoreEUR 60 - 150 B&B Ardennen-gevoel
 This stone-built farmhouse bed and breakfast, just outside Marche-en-Famenne, is situated in a tranquil countryside setting. Ardennen-gevoel has free … More | ||||||||||||||||||
Marche-en-Famenne: Guide
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Marche-en-Famenne is a Municipalities of Belgium|municipality located in the Belgium|Belgian Provinces of Belgium|province of Luxembourg (province of Belgium)|Luxembourg. It is the capital of the Famenne region, sandwiched between the Condroz, former land of the Condrusi, to the north and the Ardennes to the south.
The Marche-en-Famenne municipality includes the old communes of Aye, Grimbiémont, Hargimont, Hollogne, Humain, Lignières, Marloie, On, Roy, Verdenne, and Waha.
History
Middle Ages
In the early Middle Ages, Marche was just a little hamlet on the Marchette brook, one of the dependencies of the nearby Abbey of Stavelot. In the 12th century, this territory was made part of the County of La Roche-en-Ardenne|La Roche. It was ideally located, on the main road between Namur (city)|Namur and Luxembourg (city)|Luxembourg, and quickly evolved into a town, which obtained its charter in the 13th century. At the end of the century, in true medieval fashion, it acquired a complete system of defensive walls, with two gates, a series of watchtowers, and a keep. The market place and religious organizations, such as the Carmes convent founded in 1473, could thrive inside the closed city.
After 1500
When in 1555 Philip II of Spain, son of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V, inherited his father’s empire, the freedoms of Spain’s Seventeen Provinces to the north were reduced considerably, giving rise to the Eighty Years' War. In the aftermath of the Pacification of Ghent, Don John of Austria, Philip II’s half brother, granted the city the “Perpetual Edict of Marche” in 1577. The edict allowed for the departure of the Spanish troops and recognized most of the city’s freedoms, with the notable exception of religion. The war started again and Don John died a year later near Namur.
The castle and defensive walls were dismantled at the end of the 17th century on the orders of Louis XIV. A century later, the French Revolutionary troops entered the city and closed the convent. Today, with its schools, light industries, military complex, and tourist attractions, Marche is a vibrant regional centre.
Sights
The city centre includes a few interesting buildings, such as the St Remacle church and the old Carmes convent.
The city is the home of several museums, including a lace museum, which is housed in one of the last remnants of the city’s medieval walls and commemorates the hundreds of lace workers that lived in the Marche area in the 18th century.
The Famenne museum gives a good overview of the region’s art and history.
Festivities
The Grosse Biesse (Great Beast) carnival takes place every year in February. It features the beast, as well as the city’s mascot Gugusse, traditional giants, and several other groups of joyful characters.
(in French language|French)
This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikipedia article "Marche-en-Famenne". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
A folkloric group called La Plovinette (Fine Drizzle) specializes in traditional Walloon dancing.External links
(in French language|French)
(in French language|French)
(in French language|French)