Baives, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

This hike starts before the sumptuous Macon Château-Farm that was built in 1616. By walking up by the ‘Couture’, you will reach the Imbrechies peak, protected by its château and the coal forest. From this magnificent view, you can see a dozen Belgian and French spires. Nearby, is the 40-44 Lieutenant Cook war museum. You then enter the valley of the Helpe Majeure’s source, which then flows along the three lakes to join the old Imbrechies foundry and its furnace. Here you are again in the village of Macon with its many 'potales’ or small chapels, its Wicher Square and magnificent lime trees.

Momignies and its beautiful bandstand, now the epicentre of enjoyable festivals, are the starting point for a beautiful journey through the Chimay countryside. You then arrive in the centre of Chimay, a must-see with its little local shops and café terraces. Not to mention the sublime castle of the Princes of Chimay. After a woodland crossing to Froidchapelle, you’ll arrive in Rance, a village famous for its red marble.

Enjoy the wild, lush and silent nature of the landscapes of the Oise valley with its steep slopes dotted with charming farms and rustic villages. Along the RAVeL trail of line 156 is a pretty arboretum with indigenous and exotic tree species, as well as a pool that is home to extremely diverse fauna and flora. Along this node way, trees still reign along the Beauwelz wood, a traditional oak grove with hornbeams, and the Masure wood, a stone’s throw from the French border.    TO DO :Learn about forest management with the Forest Fun app in Momignies; follow the customs trail; visit the Courquain customs post; play a round of mini-golf at the Heureux Abri centre; sample escabeche from Val d’Oise.TO SEE :The Oise valley; the oak-tree forests; the arboretum in Momignies; the mixed woodlands and pastures of Thiérache.

This short itinerary takes you to the Arbre des quatre frères (four brothers’ tree), which takes its name from its silhouette. A stone tablet is erected at the entrance to the woods, in memory of the owner, Arthur Massart, who, upon his death, bequeathed the 200 hectares of woodland in his possession to the municipality. A little background: in around 1860, after the death of Marquis de Pange and his wife, his heirs sold La Fagne to ‘Société Lamarche’. This company aimed to nearly completely clear the woods, with the goal of establishing a centre for cereal crops. During the clearing process, the main forest ranger noticed a very beautiful oak tree, its main trunk split into four completely distinct and symmetrical trunks. In 1870, this oak tree stood alone among the vast cereal crops. A few years of growing cereals was enough to realise the project was a failure. Société Lamarche declared bankruptcy. La Fagne was divided up and sold. The least productive sections were replanted and the others were converted into pastures. As a result, the ‘Des quatre frères’ oak tree is the last testament to the original La Fagne. 

Between woods and greenery, in the charming municipality of Momignies, the owners of the Les Arpents Verts lodge warmly welcome you to their accommodation built from magnificent local stone, enhanced by its wooden doors and window frames with plenty of character. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged with a décor combining the warmth and authenticity of wood with modern furniture. A lovely terrace with a splendid view over the garden and the neighbouring countryside. Ideal for a romantic getaway. Nearby, the charming principality of Chimay with its château, succulent cheeses and Trappist beers. Twenty minutes from the Eau d’Heure Lakes recreational site.  

Located within lush nature, the Naturia Ecocamp campsite offers you a stay that combines relaxation and nature. You can erect your tent, park your mobile home or hire a fully equipped safari tent. Two beautiful bodies of water open up the space and encourage relaxation. The wood is a great place to get out of the heat. Marked hikes and cycle paths available. The beautiful city of Chimay is located a few kilometres away and can be easily accessed on foot or bike via RAVel 109/2. Virelles lake and its Aquascope are 7 kilometres away. The Eau d’Heure lakes are a 20-minute drive away.

Located in the heart of the countryside in Momignies, the La Blanche Epine holiday home promises you a change of scenery in the heart of peaceful natural surroundings. The rooms in this charming residence are well laid out with refined, contemporary décor. You can relax in the private garden in fine weather. The pellet stove in the living room creates a cosy atmosphere in winter. Hiking enthusiasts will delight in this region recognisable from its hedgerows, pastures and rolling hills. Close to the forest (300 metres) and the RAVeL network (500 metres). Not to mention the magnificent Principality of Chimay, the Virelles lake, the Fondry des Chiens and its 20-metre-deep chasm and the Eau d’Heure lakes with their recreational and watersports activities.

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.  

Situated in the peaceful village of Seloignes, just a few kilometres from Chimay, this 18th-century clogmaker’s house offers a relaxing stay with a change of scenery guaranteed. Le Nogal owes its name to the remarkable walnut tree in the property’s garden. The owners of Le Nogal warmly welcome you to their charming, character-filled, stone-walled and timber-framed house, which has been completely renovated. The rooms are bright and well laid out, with three themed bedrooms inspired by their travels and time living abroad. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. There are some great walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention the magnificent Château des Princes de Chimay, Scourmont Abbey, Aquascope and the Eau d’Heure Lakes.

Nestling in the heart of nature at Momignies in the Chimay region, the La Demoiselle Ô Bois lodge promises a relaxing and cosy stay. Sandrine and Hugues will give you a warm welcome and provide you with all the tourist information you need. This spacious, light-filled residence built from local stone is a successful blend of old-world character and modern-day comfort. Outside, there are magnificent views of the forest from the vast, charming garden. Outdoor play areas with boules and an indoor pool table and darts. Everything you need for a successful stay with family and/or friends. There are numerous signposted walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention Chimay and its charming castle, or the verdant Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park. 

Discover the history of the Botte du Hainaut during the Second World War. Relive this war and the Liberation in the barn where the first American officer, Lieutenant Cook, died during the Liberation of Belgium. Three didactic spaces, with three stories told through objects and reconstructions: the Thiérache resistance, the B-17 Susan Ruth and the battles of the Liberation. You can visit the Canadians’ wagon in Momignies station.

Bring your family and friends to discover the fabulous history of Chimay Castle. Its 1,000-year history is revealed through a film presented by Stéphane Bern. This film can be discovered in the Maison des Artistes in Chimay Castle, which reveals the role played by Chimay, the Castle and its occupants in European history. Enjoy the Princes’ terrace and savour a Chimay Trappist beer during your visit. Explore the thousand-yearold Chimay Castle, via a mobile app bound to delight young and old alike. Become acquainted with the castle, its past and present occupants and get spirited away by the audiovisual show available in the Theatre setting.

This superb castle, more than 1,000 years old, is near the Scourmont Abbey which makes the Trappist Chimay beer. History For more than a thousand years the ancestral home of the Princes of Chimay has dominated this ancient town in the rolling hills of the Botte du Hainaut. Set in the square at the centre of the principality, the castle was initially a simple medieval bastion which was then enlarged in the 15th century with 5 towers linked by fortified walls to improve its defensive capabilities... visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/chimay-castle-interactive-and-historical-visit

The present château was built in 1935 on the site of a palace complex which has recently been excavated. It incorporates a theatre founded by Madame Tallien, who became the Princess of Chimay in 1805. Dating from 1863, it has an oval proscenium arch auditorium, with stalls, two balconies and the prince’s box. Its remarkable ceiling has a flattened cupola, painted with scenes of Paradise and with an openwork wood ceiling rose at its centre. The décor is inspired by sketches produced during the reign of Louis XV for the theatre at Fontainebleau. Since 1991, the theatre has been the venue for a well-known international baroque singing competition. Building listed on 24-12-1958 Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia

Relive over a thousand years of history, revealed by an interactive, musical and … 3D route! Discover unusual objects, witnesses to the passions and wars that kept the residence of the Chimays alive.

Dive into the world and imagination of the Trappist Beers of Chimay and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure in the city’s authentic dungeons! Train your team, solve mysteries, find secret passages and, finally, discover the fabulous treasures of the abbey. An innovative idea for an outing with your friends, family and/or work colleagues.

A belt with pockets locked with a padlock, an orientation booklet and accessories. These are the only tools available to players off to discover the secrets of Chimay. This new game takes players on a trail that leads them to the key locations in Chimay. To move forward from one point to another, participants have no other choice than to solve the clues on their path. For around one hour and a half, adventurers will go off to find the secret of Chimay. You can only discover the secret once you have solved all the clues. Crack the codes, solve the puzzles and observe the intricacies of the millennial heritage.

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Its name is inevitably associated with beer and cheese. However, Chimay hides many other treasures. To walk in Chimay is to reconnect with the peaceful charm of an old princely city dating back over 500 years. The origins of the principality of Chimay are from the 11th century. In 1804, the Camarans inherited it and still live in Chimay Castle. Take the time to discover its historical centre and the symbols of its Principality: the castle, the collegiate church, the Square, the Fountain of Princes, etc. It is also very pleasant and soothing to walk through its luscious greenery.

Built on the Chimay Square, in the time of cathedrals, the collegiate church is certainly one of the most remarkable religious buildings in Hainaut Province. This limestone church has a 13th century Laonnois Gothic choir, a 15th century late Hainaut Gothic aisle extended by two chapels — Gothic to the north and Baroque to the south — and a Baroque tower from the first half of the 18th century. The choir is the oldest part of the church. Dated by archaeologists as being from the 13th century, along with a few remains of the Mediaeval wall, the oldest Chimay monument. Open visit (presentation sheet available at the entrance to the collegiate church) or with a comprehensive guide from the Chimay Tourist Office.

A few steps from the heart of Chimay is a cosy restaurant for food lovers. The menu, composed of traditional classic and modern French dishes, boasts fresh products from local producers (market produce, game, etc). For the summer season, Vincent Gilbert offers a menu to be enjoyed in the garden with his 3-course summer menus as well as lunches during the week. Available for family parties, banquets, seminars, etc.

The small princely town and its Bistrot de Terroir is ready to serve you. This brasserie with a friendly atmosphere and unusual decor is located in the former Ormeaux casino in Chimay. A collection of photos depicts the life of Chimay residents and the evolution of the casino over the years. The brasserie manager offers local dishes such as Chimay escabeche, Chimay terrine, Abbé Gourmand trout or other dishes of the day. The terrace is very pleasant when the weather is good.

Eating and drinking well should not just be a pastime for the elite. With this in mind, François Nicolas and his wife Angélique welcome you to La Malterie. You will discover traditional cuisine with a modern presentation, using fresh and local produce, with utmost respect for the seasons and different flavours. The shop sells artisanal and natural products from Chimay and its region. There are also catering services: tailor-made products created according to customers’ tastes and the market produce available.

Located just a short walk from Notre-Dame Abbey in Scourment, La Ferme des 4 Saisons is a family restaurant lovingly cooking wonderful dishes for almost 30 years. From fish to beef to lobster, discover the chef's creations inspired by Belgian-French classics. La Ferme des 4 Saisons changes its menu several times each season and uses raw market products carefully prepared by the team. All this in the comfort and warmth the restaurant is known for in a setting rich in colours and authentic and modern materials.

The Auberge de Poteaupré, a brewery/restaurant/hotel in Espace Chimay, is an ideal stop to savour the products of the Scourmont Abbey and those of the Chimay region. Just a short walk from Notre-Dame Abbey in Scourmont, Auberge de Poteaupré has been welcoming guests in a walk and rural atmosphere for over 100 years. Between tradition and gastronomy, the atmosphere is that of an English pub where Chimay beers and cheeses are the guests of honour.

Just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey, taste the local Trappist products. Want to know everything about how they are made? Don't miss a visit to the Espace Chimay on the same site. chimay.com/espace-chimay/

L'Espace Chimay, dedicated to Chimay cheese and beer, presents the Chimay Experience, an interactive visit of the brewery. To be consumed with no moderation! visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/lespace-chimay-discover-how-trappist-beer-made

The Le Court Tournant friterie offers delicious “home-made” dishes for all ages, with a wide range of à la carte dishes, dishes of the day, drinks and desserts. Everything is prepared on the same day with high-quality ingredients. This family establishment boasts beautiful facilities in a refined cottage setting. When the weather is good, they open their wooden terrace and children can play in their playground.

Located at the French border, not far from the Eau d’Heure Lakes site, this charmingly refurbished former post office is perfect for a getaway with family and/or friends. The owners of Le Bon Temps do everything they can to make holidaymakers feel right at home. The house boasts its own tennis court, sauna and heated outdoor pool in summer. In winter, you can get together around the fire in the living room and enjoy a moment of relaxation. Not to mention the games room, which contains board games for all ages, as well as a park and toys for children. The region is ideal for walking, cycling and mountain biking. 

Between woods and greenery, in the charming municipality of Momignies, the owners of the Les Arpents Verts lodge warmly welcome you to their accommodation built from magnificent local stone, enhanced by its wooden doors and window frames with plenty of character. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged with a décor combining the warmth and authenticity of wood with modern furniture. A lovely terrace with a splendid view over the garden and the neighbouring countryside. Ideal for a romantic getaway. Nearby, the charming principality of Chimay with its château, succulent cheeses and Trappist beers. Twenty minutes from the Eau d’Heure Lakes recreational site.