General information
La Maison de la Randonnée – GTA – Belgium, listed as a tourist organisation, was initiated in 1985 under the name of « GTA-Belgique » meaning « Grande Traversée des Ardennes » (Great crossing of the Ardennes).
This name identifies the conception of GTA itineraries and the GTA signposting, listed by a decree of the Walloon region concerning the circulation in and out of the forests.
Originally, GTA-Belgium was conceived by linking two cities, La Roche and Bouillon, by crossing the authentic Ardennes via the valleys of the rivers Ourthe, Lhomme, Masblette, Lesse and Semois through the vast forests.
Initiated by Denis Jusseret, this itinerary was conceived with, in mind, the Grande Traversée des Alpes (Cimes – GTA). (The great crossing of the Alps)
Due to various requests by local tourist offices, new GTA paths were created in other regions and the association changed name to become a protected trade mark “La Maison de la Randonnée – GTA Belgique”.
The “La Maison de la Randonnée – GTA Belgique” now offers you itineraries, signposted or not, for hikes, bicycle rides, MTB, horseback or even donkey back rides.
These itineraries can be followed throughout the year, respecting the rules and regulations of forest traffic. Hikes are organized on your own or with an accompanying guide and vary from 2 to 7 days.
Rambling has become part of rural development through tourist activities.
The Maison de la Randonnée and its partners give priority to various aspects of this development.
- Integration in a strategy of lasting development;
- A better grasp of this tourist activity, thanks in particular, to the collaboration with various partners to help set up a graphic chart of signposting in Wallonia, a listing of GTA signposting signs, an appropriate regulation of circulation in and out of the forest;
- The creation of new jobs (signpost laying, itinerary openers, accompanying guides, rural guides…)
- Another look on one’s country, on one’s culture: improving the status of local produce – developing themed itineraries;
- To work in synergy with other actors of tourism (rural accommodation, typical hotels, local producers, renters of MTB, bicycles, horses…;
- Relations with local actors, private and public ( creators of local itineraries- tourist offices, houses of tourism, OPT, local authorities…)
- The official acceptance of the rights of tourist itinerary creators.
In the creation of GTA itineraries, various points particularly attracted the attention of the creator:
- A hiking level adapted to all and anyone;
- Pedestrian laps of 15 to 25 km but also 1 to 2 hour walks;
- Paths and country lanes;
- The enhancement of the image of our heritage and its authenticity as well as the quality of rural produce;
- The quality of the accommodation approved by the Commissariat General au Tourisme and their welcoming abilities.
- Creation of a family ambience around the hike, provide the possibility of discovering the cultural, culinary, environmental and historical richness of the regions crossed;
- Allow the identification of the creators initiatives by the GTA trademark;
- Publish maps in collaboration with IGN, GTA guidebooks, GTA topographic guides or road-books for the non-signposted itineraries.