Discover the charm of Domaine de Blangy near Hirson

You start this stretch in the border village of Macquenoise, the most southern and westerly point of the Chevauchée trail in the Pays des Lacs region. This former Franco-Belgian Hirson-Macquenoise customs house was made famous by the popular comedy ‘Nothing to Declare’. It was renamed the Courquain Customs House for the film. This region has been a crossroad for centuries, as evidenced by the scattered Roman ruins. You leave the village through the Chimay Forest and reach Seloignes from the north. You then pass near the charming Fourchinée pond. This reservoir supplied a furnace until the 18th century. Today, it is a nature reserve home to incredible flora and fauna. Finally, you reach Forges near the Rue des Sarts.

In the municipality of Macquenoise, and specifically near to this hike, many prehistoric remains have been discovered, including a glassworks in the place named ‘Fourmatot’. Along the stream of the same name that you cross several times, glass debris from the 2nd century has been uncovered. The glass furnace was in operation from the start of the 12th century, and was closed since 1780. The hike starts and finishes a stone’s throw from the Courquains customs post, that was made famous by the film ‘Rien à déclarer’ (Nothing to declare). 

Take a forested trail from Place de Courquain – the setting of Dany Boon’s film “Nothing to Declare” – towards the Great Crossing of the Forêt du Pays de Chimay. The picturesque atmosphere of this vast forest is peppered with rural valleys, which have been shaped by the Helpe, and a series of ponds, the largest of which is the Fourchinée. The source of the Eau Blanche is found nearby. This river guides you between woods and meadows to the stately city of Chimay, via a short urban route towards the Grand Place. Three camp sites are located in this section: the Nouveau Monde, the Sentier des Pins and the Crayats camp site.

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.  

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

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.  

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.

During the summer of 1850, a small group of monks came to reside on the wild Scourmont plateau, near Chimay. A farm, a brewery and a dairy were set up around the monastery. This Cistercian abbey, erected in 1850, is above all renowned for its famous Trappist beer that is still brewed on site in the greatest secrecy. Open visit to outhouses, the monk’s cemetery, the gardens and the church. In our hyperconnected times, it’s also an excellent place to spend a calm and soothing moment.

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! https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/lespace-chimay-discover-how-trappist-beer-made

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/

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.

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.  

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. This home formerly belonged to a blacksmith and showcases stone from the region. It also boasts the old hearth from that home. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the ground floor, at the foot of the fish-farming ponds and offers a fantastic view of them. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the first floor and boasts a panoramic view of the ponds and breeding tanks from the Cendron fish farm. This is an ideal location for a pleasant and relaxing getaway with family or friends. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. Located on the ground floor, opposite the owners’ house, the fully renovated Rêve d’Eau III holiday rental boasts large private spaces in a relaxing setting. It is an ideal location for a pleasant getaway with a small group.

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside.