A sensory cocktail from the cité notre-dame to the cité Vauban
Description
A lit path through the underground galleries of Philippeville, built by Vauban, takes you straight to the heart of the 17th century, a time when great dynasties shared Europe. Hear the melodious pealing bells of the Sainte-Materne basilica in Walcourt with its atypical bulbous bell tower that can been seen from several miles around. Along this node way, intoxicating aromas waft from our producers’ charming boutiques with their products of sumptuous texture and gourmet flavour.
TO DO :
Wander through the underground tunnels of Philippeville; sample the different flavours of the pressed cheeses from Carine at the Après L’Vallée farm; drink a beer from the brewery and/or enjoy local cuisine at L’Père Sarrasin; take a ride with the donkeys from Anes & Co; explore the Sainte-Materne’s Basilica in Walcourt; make your own perfume at Oô Parfums; discover produce from the La Machine goat farm.
TO SEE :
Place d’Armes in Philippeville; the statue of Saint-Pierre in Villers-Deux-Eglises; the Romanesque tower of the church in Daussois; the defensive walls in Walcourt.
Technical informations
37 km
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max. 293 m
min. 168 m
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Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Oô Paradis des Sens - perfume workshops
Whether simply to relax or be transported to another world, create your own perfume! ÔÔ Paradis des Sens is a unique chance to awaken your 7 senses through one-of-a-kind interactive and olfactory experiences. Guided tour of the facilities with a tasting of tea-based specialities , perfume-making workshops, etc. An unforgettable sensory experience to be enjoyed with family, friends or colleagues!
Walcourt, the medieval town
Built on a rocky spur between Eau d' Heure and Eau d' Yves, Walcourt is a fortified village of medieval origin. It used to have a castle, a collegiate church, a Cistercian abbey, mills, etc. breweries, etc. Remnants of the rich legacy can still be found like walls, old gates, watchtower, Walking tour of the ramparts. During this excursion you will discover the medieval fortifications, the Basilica of St. Maternus and its remnants, such as watchtowers, narrow alleyways, old doors, enz.
Saint-Materne's Basilica
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Walcourt is a fortified town. The only remnant of its rich history is the minor basilica dedicated to St. Maternus. An acknowledged special thousand year-old pilgrimage site thanks to the worship of our Lady of Walcourt, its Roman a statue is one of the oldest miraculous statues in the Western world. Its rich artefacts include : the rood screen - patronage of Charles V, the stalls, the laying in the tomb, the stained-glass windows, etc.
Underground passages of Philippeville
In 1656, Vauban, a military engineer under Louis XIV, made all the changes to the Philippeville Fortress. He developed its defences and emphasised the site’s star shape. Part of the underground network still remains from these works. Precisely ten kilometres, of which 400 metres can be visited. There are galleries located 10 or even 15 metres deep which are two metres wide. Entirely built by hand from the region’s stone, they have rounded ceilings. In practice, they connected the guard posts outside the main building in the Philippeville stronghold. Before the guided tour (around 1km), visitors will see a film that relates the story of the region, the city and the underground galleries.
Donkey & Co - Riding on a donkey
The owners of Anes & Co organise donkey hacks on reservation. Learn to lead your donkey, put on the packsaddle, brush your donkey and prepare it for the hack, before going off on an adventure, an unforgettable experience for the whole family. You will discover the magnificent landscapes of a region famed for its rolling hills. Let yourself be guided by the pace of the donkey, a sensitive and mild-natured companion. The hacks are guided and suitable for all ages.
Additional information
Signalétique (EN)
N2 bis (Connection points) - Green
Data author
