Discover Chièvres, Hainaut, Hainaut and Its Surroundings

The town of Mons has a number of valuable assets to draw you in. Its many museums – show everything from pride of place to current or latter-day artistic creation (Fine Arts Museum) to reverence for wartime history (Mons Memorial Museum). Its architectural heritage and old streets give it the charm of a historic town and can be seen wherever you look: The Belfry, listed by UNESCO, the ‘Sainte-Waudru’ Collegiate church, the ‘Grand Place’ (Town Square).. Tournai is one of the oldest towns in Belgium. It retains many traces of its millennial history. In terms of heritage, you can notably admire the oldest Belfry in Belgium as well as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, legacies from the medieval period and both on the UNESCO list. Don’t miss the ‘Halle aux Draps’ (former cloth trading building) known for its pretty Baroque and Renaissance facade and, more recently, the many Art Nouveau buildings that line the streets.

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

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

Ath, a city of history and traditions! Its ducasse, its monuments and its museums bear witness to the riches that the city has to offer.At night, blue diodes light the way to lead you along the ancient path of the Dender. They will take you along the light-guided route and introduce you to the town’s unmissable attractions. After your walk, you can stop off in the Grand-Place to try some giant’s beer, “La Gouyasse”, and venture into some of the nearby streets for a spot of shopping.

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

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

Going through the forest of Stambruges and its heather heathlands and its populations of leafy trees and conifers amounts to going through fairy tale landscape! In the heart of the forest is a pond, with crystal-clear water, which bubbles and burbles… The latter geological feature gives rise to very many myths and legends and creates a rather mysterious atmosphere…

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

Between mountains and valleys, the White Mill of Ostiches emerges from several angles throughout the walk. But the landscape is not the only attraction of this hilly green region: it is also known for its good produce and its traditional rural heritage. Still in operation, its forge teaches you about iron work and bladesmithing. The mill, meanwhile, comes alive on Sundays in summer and transports you to another time. Also enjoy the charms of place d’Ostiches, its old brick and limestone farmhouses and its sun terraces.Hike nodes : START 91 - 92 - 1 END

A local breakfast made with quality products is available to start the day. Upon reservation, a simple and friendly table d’hôtes can be served in the evening, perfect after a busy day.Housed in a mid-19th-century building with a classified façade, this property was a boys' school until the 1980s, giving it the name La Récré de Bauffe.Bicycles and motorcycles can be securely stored in a protected parking area, either under a carport or in the garage.Families are warmly welcomed. A travel cot for babies, a high chair, a changing mat, and a microwave for warming bottles or meals are provided. For young children, an adjustable bed is available, while a mezzanine with 2 sleeping spaces can accommodate teenagers.The large 70 m² terrace is perfect for enjoying sunny days. The shared lounge offers relaxation with board games, books, or planning the next day's activities. The region is brimming with attractions and activities to discover.The room, decorated with a school theme focusing on geography, features a private bathroom, a separate toilet, a television, and free Wi-Fi. Hot drinks (coffee, tea) and water are also available.This location provides peace and tranquility in the countryside, ideal for a rejuvenating stay.Special rates are available for companies working in the region for stays from Monday to Friday (minimum 2 nights).

Figures of giants were first used in Ath in the 15th century to celebrate the consecration of the church of Saint-Julien. At that time widespread in Europe, the giants performed in religious processions so as to give religious instruction to a largely illiterate population. Nowadays, the Ducasse parade in Ath is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is an exuberant combination of worldly and religious elements. In line with tradition, the Ath giants (Goliath, Samson, Ambiorix, the two-headed eagle…) are still carried on men’s backs rather than transported on mobile platforms, even though they each weigh over 100 kilograms!The Maison des Géants is the only museum specifically dedicated to giants in Belgium and France, and also serves as Ath’s tourist office and as a centre for study and research on popular traditions concerning large human and animal figures. The exhibition explains the history and techniques used to make and carry the giants. You will see the frame of a giant and even get the chance to try to carry it! In addition, you will discover the history and atmosphere of this beautifully renovated city (historic spots, shopping streets, mediaeval Burbant tower, Gallo-Roman Museum) following the Circuit des Lumières along the former course of the Dendre river.ACTIVITIES: La Ducasse d’Ath (4th weekend of August).

On display are the only Gallo-Roman boats that have so far been restored in Belgium and that were discovered at Pommeroeul (an archaeological site from the 2nd century located about twenty kilometres from Ath) in 1975. The museum boasts three Celtic barges including a dugout and an exceptional barge over 9 metres long listed as a “treasure” of the "Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles" of Belgium. These vessels are the centrepieces of this museum, which focuses on inland navigation.Accompanied by Rufus, boatman from ancient Pommeroeul, you will discover life in the Roman era thanks to scale models, frescoes, milestones and interactive games for children. Numerous activities, workshops, temporary exhibitions and demonstrations are organised for youngsters as well as for families.

Discover the farmhouse gîte "Le Fournil", ideally located in Montignies-Lez-Lens, just 15 km from Mons, Ath, and Soignies. This charming house, fully renovated in 2017, is set in an independent annex at the back of "La Ferme du Parc", a classified monument since 1976 by the Walloon Region. This peaceful and authentic place is perfect for a relaxing stay, offering all the comfort needed for 2 to 4 people.The gîte features a fully equipped kitchen with a real pizza oven and an indoor barbecue, a cozy dining room heated with pellets, a spacious bedroom with high-quality bedding, a modern bathroom, and a comfortable living room. A private parking space is available, along with exclusive access to a gravel terrace furnished with garden furniture, a parasol, and an outdoor barbecue. You can also enjoy a shared garden with the owners.On request, we provide baby equipment (travel cot, changing mat, high chair, bathtub, etc.). If you are traveling with your horses, stables are available for rent upon prior reservation.Come and recharge at "Le Fournil", a haven of peace where authenticity and comfort meet.

Located between Mons and Ath, just minutes from Pairi Daiza and near the Baudour forest, the two gîtes offer a pleasant and friendly stay.The gîtes feature private parking, a garden, a game room, and a playhouse bed for children.The perfect setting for a family or friends' vacation, combining comfort and nature.

  St Martin's church is a Gothic building of the 14th and 16th centuries. The church was rebuilt between 1504 and 1543 by the bailiff of Chièvres, Jean Delmont. At that time, there was a high tower enclosed between corner turrets and the nave was underpinned in Hainaut Gothic. The church then underwent various restoration programmes from 1872 until the Second World War. Built from local blocks and Tournai stone, it consists of a west tower, extended by a nave with three bays and side aisles and ending with a chancel with chapels. The tower rises to four levels. The façade has a Gothic arch doorway typical of Hainaut architecture at the end of the Middle Ages and beginning of the 16th century (for its prismatic bases and mouldings). The first level has a large window with tracery. The second features a sound hole. The tower is flanked to the south-east by a stair turret. The nave features large Gothic arches supported by columns that are typical of Hainaut Gothic architecture. The side aisles are vaulted with lancet arches (16th and 17th centuries). The transept adjoins a deepening of the side aisles. These have a bâtière roof perpendicular to the roof of the nave. This is one of the oldest examples in Hainaut of this particular type of roof that is found in particular in Brabançon Gothic architecture of the 15th and 16th centuries. The chancel has three bays and a barrel vaulted roof. It is flanked by chapels or side aisles and linked to the south and north with sacristies. Note the Gothic eagle lectern (1403), the seated Christ in white stone (1500) and the baptismal fonts. Listed (9-11-1949)  

Built in 1752 by a local aristocrat, the façade of the château is rendered and has thirteen bays on two storeys, with a slightly projecting central section surmounted by a triangular pediment. The interior of the castle features a highly symmetrical interior with original parquet flooring, wood panelling, marble fireplaces, wall coverings (wallpaper and silk fabrics) and elegant plasterwork. In the park, its base submerged in a pond, stands the Rock, with its cave and two underground passages leading to a hollow at the foot of a tower, which is accessed by a footpath along a ridge. A terrace, 25 metres above, overlooks the whole park. Building and site listed (17-10-1962 and 19-07-2002) Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia

Listed in Wallonia's major heritage register, this castle is one of the most authentic vestiges from the 18th century. Completely furnished in Louis XV style, it has preserved its rocaille interior, its collections and its original neoclassical decoration. The castle is characterised by the homogeneity and the clear layout of the rooms. The simplicity and sobriety of the lines of the French formal garden in front of the building are in contrast with the 17 ha English landscape park, listed as an “exceptional garden of Wallonia”. The latter boasts several man-made curiosities including a rockery constructed in 1788, a concrete expression of 18th-century Romanticism. The 33-metre high grotto was used as a lookout by Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria during rabbit hunts! Only guided visits are possible.

In a 17th-century farm, renovated in the 19th century, 42 rooms tell stories about the tough life of our ancestors. The museum shows the techniques and living conditions in the countryside in an authentic setting. Collection of old implements. Audio-visual guides for iPod are available at the reception so you can enjoy the stories of locals and have an entertaining and instructive visit.The former village school is the room that meets with most success! Your visit ends in "Au barbechin", an authentically furnished café where you can savour a regional craft beer. Weather permitting, you can enjoy the terrace in the farmyard. You can see threshing, goat milking, traditional bread baking and many other activities during our demonstrations on the last weekend of July.ACTIVITIES: “Le musée s’anime” (demonstrations on the last weekend of July).

A must-see historical site located near the city of Ath (Province of Hainaut), the château d'Attre is one of the most authentic witnesses of the second half of the 18th century in Belgium. Its 17 hectares estate, lined by the Dendre river, is quite stunning. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/chateau-d-attre

This stylish cocktail and wine bar offers a wide selection of creative drinks, sharing platters, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere – perfect for afterwork drinks, a night out with friends, or a romantic date.A Local Favourite in HainautWhether you're just passing through or live nearby, Be Well Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a quality cocktail, share delicious tapas, and spend a pleasant evening in great company. A trendy bar in Lens that blends hospitality, craftsmanship, and relaxation.

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/

Southwest cuisine full of flavorsAt Le Funambule, each dish is a true culinary masterpiece, crafted with care and passion. Innovative and traditional, the chef’s cuisine takes you on a journey with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dishes, as beautiful as they are delicious, will captivate you with their refined presentation, where aesthetics perfectly complement the taste.A warm and rustic atmosphereThe atmosphere at Le Funambule immerses you in a rustic, peaceful setting, perfect for a convivial culinary experience. The paintings and artworks adorning the restaurant’s walls add an extra dimension to your meal, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment.A culinary pleasure to shareFar from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Le Funambule offers an authentic dining experience where every bite invites you to share memorable moments. The fair and accessible prices make this restaurant the perfect place to discover Southwest cuisine in a welcoming setting.An unforgettable experience to shareWhether you come with family, friends, or as a couple, every meal at Le Funambule becomes a unique moment. Let yourself be enchanted by generous, flavorful, and elegant Southwest cuisine, and leave with the desire to share your experience with others.

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!

A Michelin-starred cuisine inspired by traditionLed by the talented chef Éric Fernez, the restaurant offers an elegant and authentic cuisine, highlighting noble and high-quality products. Among the must-try dishes, you will find iconic specialties such as sole, pigeon, and pig’s trotters, enhanced by exquisite sauces. Each plate is an ode to classic flavours, reimagined with finesse.A warm atmosphere and impeccable serviceIn a welcoming and refined setting, D’Eugénie à Émilie is the ideal place for exceptional dinners, celebrations, or simply an unforgettable gourmet experience. The chef, faithful to his roots, loves sharing his passion by personally greeting guests in the dining room, making the experience even more personal.A family heritage and a passion for cuisineInspired by his grandmother Eugénie, Éric Fernez passes down his expertise and love for cooking to his daughter Émilie, ensuring a family continuity in the pursuit of excellence. This heritage is reflected in every dish, blending tradition with modernity.A restaurant member of Les Grandes Tables du MondeRecognized for its excellence, D’Eugénie à Émilie is part of the prestigious Les Grandes Tables du Monde, reinforcing its status among the world’s top gastronomic establishments.Practical information and reservationsLocated near Mons, D’Eugénie à Émilie is easily accessible for a gourmet getaway. Be sure to book in advance to enjoy this unique experience.Discover D’Eugénie à Émilie, where each meal becomes a journey into the heart of flavours, tradition, and culinary emotion.

A varied menu for all tastesWith a rich and diverse menu, Le Faitout ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy, whether it’s a classic meal, a culinary discovery, or a convivial moment around delicious dishes. The menu is designed to satisfy all desires, from lovers of local specialties to fans of traditional cuisine.An exceptional wine cellarTo complement your meals, Le Faitout offers an outstanding selection of over 250 wine references, carefully chosen to enhance every dish. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine wines or seeking new discoveries, the wine list will meet all your expectations.An ideal place for groupsLooking for a venue for your group meals? Le Faitout offers special packages tailored to host your events in the best conditions. Whether it's a gathering with friends, a family reunion, or a corporate event, the restaurant guarantees careful planning and a welcoming atmosphere.Discover Le Faitout, a brasserie where tradition, quality, and generosity come together to create unforgettable moments around the table.

The Maison d’à Côté is a converted farm right in the heart of the countryside, where there are plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. The gîte can sleep 6 people including a baby, and has 2 bedrooms, a shower room, a living room, a dining room with a library, and a kitchen with everything you could possibly need. There are plenty of shops nearby, as well as unmissable attractions: Beloeil Castle, the Rural Life Museum, Aubechies Archésoite® and Museum, Pairi Daiza, the centre of Ath, the car museum at Leuze, and much more. The Maison d’à Côté boasts the “Bikes Welcome” label, as well as a barn where you can keep your bikes after a ride along the Blaton-Ath canal, or an adventure following the “points-noeuds” in the beautiful countryside of Chièvres.