Île Vas-t'y-Frotte, island in Belgium
Isla Vas-t'y-Frotte is a small island in the Meuse River near Namur, stretching about 700 meters long and covering just under 3 hectares. It features natural vegetation including poplars, alders, and beech trees, with gentle slopes covered in grass and scattered trees creating a simple landscape.
The island was long used as farmland and pasture before serving as a vegetable garden and later for military training by the Belgian army. In 2013, the army sold it to the Walloon regional government, which now manages it as a nature reserve.
The island's name reflects local tradition and its long presence in the region. Today it serves as a place where visitors can observe birds and other wildlife in their natural setting while enjoying the peaceful environment.
Visit with comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as access is possible during low water or by boat. Spring and early fall offer the best conditions, and the island can be viewed from various vantage points around Namur including the citadel.
The island serves as a major roosting site for cormorants, often called a bird dormitory where many gather during breeding season. Visitors can see large groups diving for fish and resting, making it a hotspot for bird watchers.
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