Upper Ourthe Valley from La Roche to Houffalize

In the upper valley of the Ourthe to the south of La Roche-en-Ardennes the river describes narrow bends through steep rock formations so that this section of the valley is the most wildly romantic. This region, as far as Bastogne to the south, was one of the most violently disputed areas during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944 and January 1945, and there were many victims, especially among the civil population, caused by the atrocities of the SS and by bombardment; these events still remain vivid in the memory of the local people.