Damousies, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options. You can also enjoy the rural setting, where it is easy to relax and recharge your batteries in peace.  

Located in the Main Square in Sivry, with lush greenery opposite, this family accommodation is ideal for hikers with the RAVeL network nearby. Le Marronnier's interior comprises refined furnishings and décor, adding a feeling of peace and serenity to your stay. If it takes your fancy, you can explore tourist attractions a few kilometres from this accommodation: the marble museum, the Natural Space in the Botte du Hainaut region, the Bressant chocolate factory, the Salamandre guided tour, the Aquascope and the impressive flora and fauna found there, and much more. Don’t forget the magnificent Eau d’Heure Lakes and Val Joly, as well as all of the water sports, outdoor and recreational activities on offer there.   

Housed in a former 18th-century farmhouse that has been completely restored, Le Temps d’un Souffle holiday rental promises a relaxing stay in a calm, verdant setting. The owners of this charming building, which is made from local stone, will extend a warm welcome, and offer advice about tourist attractions in the region. The rooms are bright and spacious, with décor that blends wood and contemporary furnishings. There is a games area with table tennis and darts. The garden has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an area for barbecuing. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. It is located close to the Eau d’Heure Lakes site and beautiful sign-posted walks.  

Located in the charming little village of Sivry, close to Virelles lake and the Eau d’Heure lakes, this functional lodge is the ideal place to unwind with family and/or friends. The owners of the L’orée des Près lodge offer a warm welcome in their cosy and comfortable establishment. Outside, on the terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the meadows and forests that decorate this breathtaking setting. Perfect for a relaxing stay in the heart of nature. The location is ideal for hiking and cycling. The owners will be happy to provide you with the best information on the region’s many tourist attractions.

The Emperor entered the existing Walloon territory through this little village. It was here where he made a legendary encounter with an audacious young villager who tried to convince him not to continue on his way. A little stele near the Pont de la Tannerie bridge, is a reminder of this “conversation”. Stele - Rue de la Tannerie • 59740 Hestrud, France

The Emperor entered the existing Walloon territory through this little village. It was here that he made a legendary encounter with an audacious young villager who tried to convince him not to continue on his way. The little standing stone , near the Pont de la Tannerie (bridge), is a reminder of this premonitory conversation. Standing stone - Rue de la Tannerie • 59740 Hestrud, France

The small port of Erquelinnes is a pretty harbour located on the RAVel 2 route, a stone’s throw from France. Located near the Tourist Office, it provides moorings for boats for the year or just when passing through. This docking facility has practical conveniences: electric charging stations, drinking water, showers, toilets, washing machines, etc. And you can have a drink of a nearby café terrace. There is a small park with picnic benches.

In Anne’s writing workshops, you take pleasure in writing and putting your thoughts on paper, in a space that is conducive to creation, with a great group dynamic. This activity can be organised in many locations and, in partnership with many sporting activities (yoga, sophrology, etc.) or cultural activities but also on a walk for a trip to discover tourist or city sights. Inspiring places: castles, boats, water’s edge, forest lodges, treetops, museums, etc. are obviously of great interest but the workshop is also possible at Anne’s home, in a simple living room or a beautiful garden.

Espace Nature houses a remarkable collection of naturalised animals from Belgium and around the world, with a special focus on Natura 2000 species and symbolic Walloon species, in a fully -renovated setting. Permanent themed exhibitions. Guided tours on request. Eco-educational walks in hedgerow, forest, grassland or aquatic environments. School activities based on the programmes. Special activities (night-time and early morning walks, etc).

The battle of Charleroi came to its most bloody conclusion in Montignies-saint-Christophe the 24 august 1914. Facing the French infranty, the German artillery pounded the village and its surroundings for more than 10 hours. With it large "pelouse d'honneur" for the soldiers of 1914-18, the cemetery also contains the tombs of 66 English, 4 French and 11 German solfiers.There are no names on the tombs of the German soldiers or the date they fell; only the words "ein deutscher soldat". Recognised as an English military cemetery, it has guestbook for visitors to write a message.

Tools from trades that disappeared long ago such as clogmaker, wheelwright, pit sawyer, etc. lie next to the strangest household utensils, our army’s smart uniform, our grandmothers’ lace, cameras, toys, typewriters that have recently been replaced by computers, etc. This museum bears witness to the life of our grandparents and great grandparents. You will discover rare and curious things there such as “Bruneau’s mask”, that was used to kill horses, the ultraviolet treatment kit for rheumatics, etc.

Property of Princes de Merode for more than 250 years http://chateaudesolresursambre.hautetfort.com/

Napoleon and his troops spent the night of the 14th to the 15th of June 1815 in Beaumont. The soldiers set up their camp at the foot of the Salamander Tower, which was built in the 11th century. It now houses a small local history museum including a room dedicated to Napoleon’s passage. The Emperor stayed nearby in the mansion of Maurice Gabriel Joseph Riquet de Caraman, the Prince of Chimay. A plaque on the façade of the building reminds us of this event (Grand Place 12). Tour Salamandre • Rue de la Poterne • 6500 Beaumont https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/tour-salamandre?cookie_lang=en-gb

At Beaumont, a Mediaeval town, Salamandre Tower, rising proudly above the small village bears witness to its rich past. Walk through the paved alleyways and climb the many steps to reach the top of the tower and discover the fantastic views over the valley of Hantes, the ramparts and listed buildings. The audioguided tour will recount testimonies of this local heritage with evidence that can still be seen today. The tour is in four languages (FR, NL, EN and DE), with an adult version and another guide that is more appealing to children. There are two options possible: an urban circuit of around 1.6km which takes 1 hour 30 mins, with an additional loop of 1 km along our ramparts. You can get the audioguides from the Beaumont Tourist Office.

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.

Housed in the former barn of a farm, Grange de la Courte is a restaurant focusing on local cuisine. It offers quality produce from the farm or neighbouring holdings. Each table resembles a traditional farm table, overflowing with tasty dishes and intended to facilitate moments of joy. Grills, ratas, casseroles, fish, gourmet desserts, etc. A south-facing terrace, children's playground and proximity to farm animals.

With exotic origins, Vincent and Ling prepare refined, high-quality cuisine. A place of well-being with a friendly family atmosphere, "Le Pré en Bulles" offers innovative cuisine mixing Chinese culture and local produce, mainly from their farm. In good weather, the setting is very pleasant and quiet with the large sun terrace, the view of the lush nature and the playground for children. Ideal for complete relaxation in the countryside.

A little village in the heart of the country, just a few minutes from Mons and 15 kilometres from Bavay (France), Les Gourmands, in Blaregnies, wishes you a very warm welcome! In a peaceful, welcoming setting, Les Gourmands invites you to relax, with your family or friends. Two people share the work in the kitchen. Didier Bernard creates the impressive, tantalising dishes that will give your taste buds a real treat, followed by the most mouth-watering desserts you can imagine prepared by Lydia Glacé. Front of house and in charge of drinks, Carlo Zecchin, Premier Sommelier de Belgique, is the man responsible for an amazing cellar with around 1,500 bottles.

The terrace of the Brasserie du Domaine du Chant d'Eole is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of bubbly and a meal in the open air. Guided tours of the vineyard are available throughout the summer by prior arrangement. www.chantdeole.be/restaurant

On the rooftop perched at the top of the winery, with a breathtaking view over the vines, be transported by the gastronomic cuisine of chef Benoît Neusy. You can also book a guided tour of the estate. www.chantdeole.be/limperatif-deole

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options. You can also enjoy the rural setting, where it is easy to relax and recharge your batteries in peace.  

Located at the heart of the charming village of Sivry, just next to the French border, the Chez Bertine holiday rental offers a getaway that combines nature, relaxation and serenity. The owners warmly welcome you to their beautifully furnished, stylishly decorated and well-equipped accommodation. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged. Outside, there’s a terrace with furniture and a barbecue, as well as a charming garden with a stunning view over the river Thure and the surrounding countryside. It’s ideal for a getaway with friends and/or family. Nearby, there are beautiful sign-posted walks, the attractive town of Chimay and the Eau d’Heure lakes for a change of scenery.  

Located in the Main Square in Sivry, with lush greenery opposite, this family accommodation is ideal for hikers with the RAVeL network nearby. Le Marronnier's interior comprises refined furnishings and décor, adding a feeling of peace and serenity to your stay. If it takes your fancy, you can explore tourist attractions a few kilometres from this accommodation: the marble museum, the Natural Space in the Botte du Hainaut region, the Bressant chocolate factory, the Salamandre guided tour, the Aquascope and the impressive flora and fauna found there, and much more. Don’t forget the magnificent Eau d’Heure Lakes and Val Joly, as well as all of the water sports, outdoor and recreational activities on offer there.