The Belgium Countryside – Le Pays de Herve

The Pays de Herve (translated as the lands of Herve) is a 160+ square miles natural region located in the Wallonia region of northeastern Belgium, east of Liege and southeast of Maastricht. This area separates the southernmost part of the Netherlands with Germany. There are a dozens of charming villages scattered throughout this area.

Geographically, the Herve region is in the northern outwash plain of the Maas (Meuse) river channel as it winds its way from south to north and drains the rugged Ardennes Forest. The high plateaus and valleys are suitable for pastureland and diary farms and cheese production flourishes. Herve is home to the Limburger cheese varieties renowned for their strong aroma yet mild taste and a creamy, velvety texture.

Fruit orchards are abundant and apples, cherries and pears have long contributed to a blooming food industry and culture. Apples are grown for the region’s cider and 'stroop' syrup industry and sour cherries are used to flavor the region's unique cherry Kriek beers. Grain production for the beer industry completes the agricultural land use.

Topography, agriculture and back country communities combined with a large number of paths, trails and farm access roads make Herve an electric biker's dreamscape. Relatively undiscovered with no cars, no exhaust, and many fun routes featuring extraordinary landscapes plus a mature locavore food scene make the Herve a joy to explore.