Le Livre d’or du Risoux

In the heart of the Risoux forest, names, dates and initials dating back to the French Revolution are engraved on the walls of this soft, smooth stone. Often, the engravings are surrounded by a frame in the shape of a small house or a funeral monument bearing a cross. This wall, also known as the Falaise des Trépassés, was probably the place where the inhabitants of the surrounding villages chose to honour their dead, following the decision taken by the young French Republic to close the places of worship in November 1793. The relatives of the deceased would meet to celebrate mass at the foot of the cliff, and then engrave the date, the initials and the cross on the rock. Some dates after the Revolution were inscribed on this wall. There is even a figure wearing a bishop's mitre; it is the only inscription representing a man. It is possible that this rock has acquired a blessed or sacred character like that of a cemetery

The Golden Book of Risoux is also located on an old smuggling route. It would therefore seem that some marks were made by smugglers to mark their exploits. Sometimes, because of the winter, the snow cover reaches 3m, which may explain the height of some engravings..
Be careful, you who pass by, respect these engravings which may still have stories to tell us... and don't leave any trace !

Hiking
A 20km walking trail to discover this viewpoint from Bois d'Amont is offered by the Tourist Office. You can buy the circuit sheet at the Tourist Office (sheet n°31) or download it : http://www.openrunner.com/index.php?id=2056249.