Welcome to the La Reid Charmille,
the longest in Europe (573 meters)!
What is it, a charmille?
The charmille is a plantation of trees called “charmes”, made in double rows so that when the trees grow, they form a vault resting on a metal structure.
Why is there a charmille here?
In 1878, Michel Nys, owner of the Domaine du Haut-Marais, decided to embellish his park with a charmille nearly 1,000 meters long (with about 4,700 “charmes” plants). In 1940, the German tanks destroyed a large part of this plantation, which will never be rebuilt.
Is it necessary to maintain a charmille?
This charmille, fallen into oblivion and abandoned before 1975, was classified in 1979 and fully restored before 1985. It is thanks to the diligent maintenance of the students from the Agronomic school of La Reid that it is now cited as one of the most beautiful tree-arrangement in Europe.
The Merveille de la Charmille
In 2016, thanks to an effective collaboration between the Syndicat d’Initiative de La Reid and the cooperative (located in Theux) Vins et Élixirs de Franchimont, was born the Merveille de la Charmille, a liqueur created with buds of charms from the Charmille of La Reid.
When to come to the Charmille?
La Charmille is accessible free of charge throughout the year. His walk is pleasant whatever the season, because the colors vary from white to different greens through all shades of gold!
Text: Jean-Luc Seret – SI de La Reid
Where is the Charmille?
Some pictures
Syndicat d'Initiative de La Reid 