A weekend by bike in Brabant Hesbaye

Pastur Castle also goes by another name: Castle of the Count.This is because the castle was the residence of the Counts of Duras from the 11th century. At the time it was just a small fortification set on a rock flanked by the Gette river and Saint Jean stream.This location provided excellent natural defences.In the 15th century the castle had already become a kind of seigneurial farmhouse and underwent several developments during the early decades of the 16th century. In 1730 the count of Romrée commissioned transformations that gave the castle its current classical style. Stables were built (the current Barouche Room) with the walls and impressive double ogival windows, dating back to the Gothic era and lasting to this day, bearing testament to the building’s history.The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1971 and takes its name from the notary Philippe Pastur who was the owner in the 19th century.For a time the castle was used as boarding for the school of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart and the management of a school. Today it houses Jodoigne town hall as well as the public library and toy library.

The current Saint Médard’s church in Jodoigne, dating from the 13th century, is a listed building and justifiably recognised as a jewel of Walloon Brabant. This large Roman and Gothic style building, listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia, was restored to its original splendour in the 1970s.This church was built near the former church, which was bequeathed to the Order of the Hospital in 1180 by Gilles de Duras, and close to a former Gallic religious site.As soon as you enter, the hot and white Gobertange limestone gives the building its glow. From the wide transept, the eye is drawn to the semi-circular apse and simple polychrome statues, including one of the patron saint, Médard, an evangelist bishop born in 457, who had a reputation as a ‘rain maker’. If you stare at the statue of the saint you get the impression that he is smiling at you.

In the historical centre of Jodoigne, a urban guest house in a lovingly decorated 19th century townhouse (in Gobertange stone). Many activities available.

Enjoy a wonderful trip to the Walloon Brabant countryside, staying at “La Miellerie”. This furnished accommodation, located in Huppaye in the municipality of Ramillies, has bicycles that you can borrow, a barbecue and a terrace: all the comforts for an excellent stay!

In the middle of the Château d'Hélécine estate you will find the Pop Up Bar with its wonderful terrace. Your children will love the playground and bouncy castles.

Saints Martin and Adèle church is impressive due to its huge size and the brightness of the Orp stone. It is listed among ‘Walloon Brabant’s Roman heritage’. Along with the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude in Nivelles and Bertem church, it is one of the most representative and comprehensive sanctuaries of Roman art in Brabant. It was actually the abbess Gertrude of Nivelles who sent Adèle to set up a monastery in Orp.

The city of Orp-Jauche has wonderful archaeological and architectural sites as well as a rural landscape which is unmissable for nature lovers.

The restaurant/brasserie La Ligne 147 is located in the now fully restored former train station in Autre-Eglise. This place also charms through its cuisine, with excellent quality and expertise. This is thanks to experience going back generations. Coming from a family of butchers and caterers, we favour local supply chains and authentic cuisine.The reception room can accommodate up to 60 people for dinner or up to 80 people for a cocktail event.

Charming, calm split-level guest house sharing a wall with the owner. Direct access to a large garden.

A protected site on Wallonia’s exceptional heritage list, you cannot miss the impressive site of the old La Ramée Abbey. It is remarkably well preserved and serves as a reminder of the region’s farming architecture. Its spectacular barn (from 1722) is believed to be the biggest in the country! The exceptional size of this building, designed to store harvests, shows the extent of the land belonging to the ecclesiastical institution.La Ramée Abbey is today used to host events, receptions and seminars.It also has a fruiticum where more than 350 species of endangered plants are protected.The property is privately owned.

Belgium’s tallest Gallo-Roman tumulus has had protected heritage status since 1971. It stands at 15 metres tall with a diameter of 52 metres and dates back to the 2nd century. It was probably the tomb of a rich landowner and was placed along an important Roman road. In the past, communal festivals would have been celebrated on the peak and some events still take place today at its foot. For example, Gallo-Roman Days are held there at the end of May and feature many activities including a gladiator combat performance.

At the restaurant/oyster seller Chez Louis, you can enjoy oysters, shellfish, crab, seafood platters...This is local cuisine made with quality produce, genuine and traditional cuisine.The kitchen is open to the room, in good weather up to 75 diners can sit out on the flowery terrace, it is accessible for those with reduced mobility, there is a children’s menu, oysters to take away, a lunch menu from Tuesday to Friday, it is dog friendly and has a large car park.

The Conciergerie at the Manoir de Thorembais is a guest house set in a 19th-century building surrounded by trees, tastefully furnished in 2013 to offer maximum comfort.

This large white brick mill stands on the edge of Opprebais.Formerly made from wood, it was rebuilt in brick by the Gustot brothers, hence its name.This recently restored site is sometimes rented to the municipality for a day.

The stone extracted from here between 1754 and 1975 was quartzite. This is a very hard stone that was used well before the current quarry and can be seen in the municipality’s impressive sites, both natural and man-made. The quarry played a major role in the region’s economy during the industrial period with agriculture and particularly cultivation of flax. It was opened after the Namur-Louvain road was constructed. Today it has a wonderful landscape with an impressive lake from an underground water source, surrounded by rocky ground and plants. The nature walk takes you around it so you can learn about all the different aspects. The Nature House footbridge overlooks the quarry and gives a great view over the whole site. However, the water cannot be accessed and the site is surrounded by a fence. Swimming is not permitted.

Gala, Pinova, Reinettes and Jonagold will delight apple lovers, while pear fans will relish Conference and Doyénée du Comice. Whether you prefer to eat them fresh or enjoy sipping their juice, you will find apples and pears here just for you!