Le Cheslé, Celtic archaeological ruins in Bérismenil, Belgium.
Le Cheslé is a Celtic fortified settlement spread across several hectares of land and surrounded by a double rampart system. The remains of this ancient structure are still visible on the site today and show the architecture of a prehistoric defensive installation.
Archaeological excavations starting in 1960 reveal that this site served as a refuge between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. Findings indicate that local populations used this Ardennes area over several centuries for protection.
The name Cheslé comes from ancient words meaning castle on rock, showing how strategically important this Celtic settlement was in the region. Visitors can still see the remains today and understand why people chose this location for protection.
The site lies near La Roche-en-Ardenne and is only accessible by hiking trails. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and wear sturdy footwear, as the archaeological site offers no special facilities.
The defensive wall at this location was built using a combination of earth, schist, and wood, showing ancient construction techniques. This mixed-material approach was typical for fortifications of that era across Europe.
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