The locality is considered exceptional by the quality of its architecture, typical of French Lorraine although it is in Belgian Lorraine. This peculiarity for a Walloon village has largely contributed to its recognition. There is a significant quantity of buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries recognizable by their device of large Moellons of Bajocian limestone, sometimes still covered with brush in warm colors, as well as their roofs covered with channel tiles, originality in the province of Luxembourg where the slate mainly dominates. These roofs have the particularity of adopting a very low slope of maximum 24 ° of gradient so that the tiles do not slip in case of high wind.
Perched on a rocky peak, this Walloon village gives you a disconnection surrounded by nature
An old heritage. If the large part of the Torgny building dates from the last centuries, the village has a much more distant history. The surroundings are indeed very rich from an archaeological point of view: a Roman villa and a Merovingian cemetery were discovered there. The nucleus of homes located to the south could be the oldest, medieval and religious. There is the Lassus court where, in all likelihood, the Maison de Bar de Bar, in all probably, would have been erected in the region. The church, dedicated to Saint Martin de Tours, is however much more recent. It was built between 1942 and 1951 in limestone, following the destruction of a sanctuary dated 1777. The rest of the village consists of two types of habitat: long low farms or farms with dominant house. Among the beautiful agricultural farms, let us quote the quadriced farm vintage 1838 characterized by its pink brush. Classified in 1970, it is preceded by a “outing”, a free user space located between the house and the road and typical of the Gaume. The building has an exceptional development in length. The house is preceded by several outbuildings made up of two stables, a stable and two barns.
Among the other goods of importance in the village is the old wash house, built in neoclassical style in 1902 and classified in 1982. Public building born in our regions in the 19th century, the wash house must meet certain needs. Carried by seven pillars linked together by high walls, that of Torgny houses two large bins. A 18th century ordeal is attached to the central pillar of the facade. The old mill, located in Cavé Street, is one of the highest buildings in the village. A small vintage dependence 1786 informs us about the time of its construction.
La Gaume, land of beliefs. Dozens of village houses and farms are characterized by their vintages engraved on the front. Most of them date from 18th and 19th centuries. The fact of affixing a vintage was a way of marking, in the eyes of all, the unique character of his home compared to those of others, but also to place his house under good protection. Indeed, the figures are often equipped with a symbol (sun, star …), which reminds us that Gaume is a land of beliefs, myths and legends.
Symbols of popular fervor, the crosses and calvaries punctuate the streets and alleys of Gaume. Torgny has several, one of the most beautiful is undoubtedly the Labore cross. Placed on a high monolith base, it brings an inscription indicating that it was erected on the initiative of the parish priest of Torgny in 1794 at the request of Jean Reumont and Marguerite Loup, couple of bourgeois from the village. It is decorated with a vegetable decoration in the corners and at the top of the hug. Above a second base is this time bearing the date of 1791 this time and itself surmounted by a scene of crucifixion. Let us also quote the cross of the little end, which marks the limit between the villages of Torgny and Lamontteau. Erected in 1782, it features a small bare marquee crowned with a cherub on which the cross rests.
Another witness to popular fervor, the very beautiful Notre-Dame de Luxembourg chapel, also called chapel of the Hermitage, was built in 1636 following an epidemic of plague. Enlarged in 1729 then in 1840, it was surmounted by a slate roof summoned with a beautiful bell. Inside is preserved a large number of statues representing all the saints generally invoked in popular piety.
Torgny definitely does not lack cultural, natural, heritage or gastronomic assets. This pearl of the Gaume undoubtedly deserves the visit.
Organize your visit
The websites of the association The most beautiful villages in Wallonia and the Maison du Tourisme de Gaume are full of information to organize your visit. Located on Place Albert Paul, the Torgny initiative union will be able to inform you about the walks to be made and the many places where local gastronomy enjoy. He also regularly organizes various events (gourmet fairs, exhibitions, conferences, etc.). Many accommodation, restaurants and brewery are also offered. Take advantage of this summer to cover our most beautiful Walloon villages. Have a good trip!
