Explore Ellezelles, Hainaut, Hainaut and its gems

This sporty outing will take you along the new RAVeL des Collines green way ! The former railway line (line no. 87) has been completely redeveloped and today links Ellezelles and Flobecq. You will pedal through green and bucolic countryside and take in great views of the Pays des Collines. On your way, the Brasserie des Légendes brewery, the Medicinal Plants House or the Lahamaide Ecomuseum will give you a warm welcome and provide you with a thirst-quenching drink ! The route is flat along the whole of the RAVeL green way but gets slightly rolling when you leave it and venture into the Natural Park of Pays des Collines.Cycle node: START 84 - 85 - 83 - 90 - 77 - 87 - 40 - 70 - 8 - 11 - 14 - 23 - 13 - 22 - 52 - 3 - 7 - 6 - 13 - 10 - 12 - 11 - 2 - 1 - 75 - 27 - 26 - 21 - 88 - 86 - 84 END

The idea behind the Weird and Wonderful Trail comes from someone with quite an active imagination: Jacques Vandewattyne (1932-1999), otherwise known as Watkyne.This artist launched Folk Art, and strived to revive the emotions and fears that we felt as children… Inspired by the folklore of Ellezelles, he filled the Weird and Wonderful Trail with characters from our oldest beliefs… Will your scepticism still be intact at the end of the experience, or will Watkyne’s fantastical little beings have overturned your certainty ? This map card is only available in French and in Dutch.

This circuit is only available in French and in Dutch. Please feel free to download the FR map card.

In the heart of Pays des Collines, this bucolic route lets you explore the most beautiful landscapes of the region but also its fantastic folklore. Starting from Maison Pays des Collines, you’ll plunge into a supernatural atmosphere. Trails guide you through woods and meadows, along the RAVeL des Collines and small country roads. Along the way, Brasserie des Légendes is an important place to taste good local beer. But beware: witches are never far away. Hike nodes : DEPARTURE 5-12-82-10-40-18-85-49-84-20-19-41-24-15 END

The gentle undulations of the soft hills surrounding Ellezelles add to the beauty of this gorgeous rural area, where life is simple and the air is sweet around these small hamlets of western Hainaut. The “Pays des Collines” region has a high geographic interest. By following the brand “points-noeuds” network, you can explore its stunning surroundings by taking this bucolic stroll. Moving away from the village, the path makes beautiful arabesques in the middle of the meadows. With each twist and turn, you will discover a new panorama. Old paths and hedgerows have also been reopened and retraced through the meadows: all part of heritage that has been rehabilitated by the Natural Park. The Ellezelles region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and precious areas to explore on foot, with this soothing rural side and its benevolent nature.

This circuit is only available in French and in Dutch. Please feel free to download the FR map card.

This route takes you to the tops of the Pays des Collines and provides breathtaking views of the nature park. It is in these regions that the famous witch Quintine, burnt at the stake in 1610, is said to have transmitted her book from generation to generation. This fabulous book is said to be the origin of the hop drinks of the Brasserie des Legendes, ...to be enjoyed throughout the circuit! The Maison du Pays des Collines, the Maison des plantes médicinales, the Ecomusée du Pays des Collines and numerous typical pubs are ideal for breaks on your way to enjoy the region. Cycle Nodes: START 77–87–8–11–14-23–13–22–3–7–6-13–10–12–11–2–1–27–26–21–20–81–80–84–85–83–90-77 END

In just a few years, members of local associations have restored about twenty footpaths in the Pays des Collines. Formerly, these trails were used by the natives in their daily travels. Then, with the advent of the car, they were abandoned. Invaded by brambles or turned over to cultivation, any trace of them gradually disappeared. Motivated volunteers who love nature and the Pays des Collines have cleared, cleaned, built bridges, etc., restoring life to these forgotten paths. From the fog trail to the shepherd’s trail, everyone has a story to tell. Explore them on this varied route and let the rolling landscapes guide you along. Hike nodes : START 91-90-46-45-43-4-5-6-9-22-16-91 END

Departing from the village square, you’ll discover the Flobecq countryside once known for its “simple” culture. The angelica, chamomiles and burdocks which once covered the area have today given way to fields and meadows, offering you a quiet and relaxing environment conducive to walking. Here, herbalists and healers shared their knowledge on the benefits of plants and nature. On your way, the Medicinal Plants House will tell you a little more about the history of therapeutic herbs. Take advantage of its garden with its sunny terrace, where you can relax and have a drink. Hike Nodes : DEPARTURE 42 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 30 - 42 END

After lives filled with travel, Nicolas and Carine Moulart decided to create their own corner of paradise, their own “Archipel”, in Ellezelles. Located 25 km (15½ miles) from Tournai and 50 km (31 miles) from Brussels, this gîte (holiday cottage) is a stone’s throw from the centre of Ellezelles. This three-épis (an épi is equivalent to a star) accommodation is peaceful and contemporary and is the ideal place to put your feet up right out in the sticks. The brown and cream shades of the two rooms with double beds give the place a cocooning ambiance. You can also prepare your meals in the fully-equipped kitchen in flamboyant colours and relax in the walk-in shower endowed with jets. Finish off your evening on their pleasant closed terrace made from wood and bricks. This renovated farmhouse is the ideal departure point from which to discover the Natural Park of Pays des Collines, by bike or on foot, using the cycle nodes network. “L’Archipel” provides a bike lending service.

The Parc naturel du Pays des Collines nature park is a hilly and mysterious area rich in tradition, folklore and legends. Its idyllic landscapes are dotted with pollard willows and groves, windmills and hiking trails across fields. The territory boasts three art walks: on the Sentier de l’étrange (mystery path), decorated with the fantastic creations of Watkyne, you will follow in the footsteps of Hercule Poirot, the witch Quintine and even the devil… The Sentier enchanté (enchanted path) is inhabited by fairies and other supernatural beings, and sculptures are scattered along the Circuit des plantes médicinales (medicinal herbs tour).At the Maison du Pays des Collines you will find ideas for walks, as well as addresses of good rural accommodations, taverns, producers, artisans and festivities.In addition, you will find tourist information on the region (jardin des plantes médicinales [medicinal herbs garden], Jardins de la Grange, Maison des randonneurs [hikers’ house]), a shop with local products as well as the starting point of the must-do “Sentier de l’étrange” walk.ACTIVITIES: witches’ sabbath (last weekend of June).

In this magical, timeless setting, discover a terrace and restaurant in a majestic architectural structure. www.notredamealarose.be/ latabledalix.be

This brewery, one of the oldest in Wallonia, tells its story through a unique immersive experience. Then enjoy a drink on the Troll & Bush's large terrace in a lush green setting! visit.dubuisson.com/beerstorium/

Discover this old farmhouse with its bric-a-brac décor, just a stone's throw from the Aubechies Archéosite®, a visit the whole family will love. Step back in time as you enjoy a Roman meal on a leafy terrace. www.taverne-saint-gery.be/

Authentic and Accessible CuisineWith a menu highlighting fresh and seasonal ingredients, La Maison du Cocher offers a simple, healthy, and flavourful cuisine. Every dish is carefully crafted to enhance the quality of the ingredients and delight your taste buds.A Renowned Terrace and Spacious ParkingWhen the sun comes out, take advantage of the sunny terrace, known for its peaceful and welcoming ambiance. Plus, a large parking area ensures a hassle-free visit.Enjoy a gourmet getaway in a stunning setting and experience the warm welcome of La Maison du Cocher!

The Biérodrome, located along the Escaut, is fully dedicated to craft beer: the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity about the brewing world... and your tastebuds, of course.

Located in the heart of the Nature Park des Collines, our lodgings invite you to discover the picturesque roads and way-marked trails in the Pays des Sorcières (Witches' land). 'GITE N° 1' - Ground fl.: lounge (TV/DVD, sofa-bed 1x2 p.), dining r., kitch. (electr. cooker, dishwasher, oven, MW), sep. WC, bathr. (batht., washbasin, WC), 2 bedr. (1x2 p.). Centr. heating. Internet. Washing machine and dryer.

Located in the heart of the Nature Park des Collines, our lodgings invite you to discover the picturesque roads and way-marked trails in the Pays des Sorcières (Witches' land). 'GITE N° 2' - 1st fl.: lounge (TV, sofa-bed 1x2 p.), dining r., kitch. (electr. cooker, MW, dishwasher), sep. WC, bathr. (batht., washbasin), 1 bedr. (2x2 p.). Centr. heating. Internet. Washing machine and dryer.