‘Pale’ comes from the Latin ‘Palus’ meaning ‘a stake’. It is probably where the English word ‘Pole’ and the Dutch ‘Paal’ come from. ‘Pal’ in French sounds similar but comes from elsewhere.
The English expression ‘Beyond the Pale’ refers to an area or region beyond which laws do not apply, where ne’er-do-wells may reside and you enter at your own risk. There is a clear forest path beyond this access marker, but the sign reads ‘Verboden Toegang’ or ‘No Entry’.
Perhaps it is fitting that the valley to the left was named ‘Fond des Braconniers’ or ‘Poachers’ Hollow’ on Stevens’ map of the Forest some 120 years ago.
It marks Reebokweg off Avenue Brassine, Rhode-St-Genèse.