Discover Soignies, Hainaut, Hainaut: a city to explore

This tour, marked out with signposts, promises an enjoyable discovery of the surroundings of Mignault. A visit to the village, to the open countryside, to the surrounding farms or just to the forest – the diversity of the walking routes promises a pleasant tour. This tour is offered by www.leroeulxtourisme.be.

This romantic and charming castle, a real treasure typical of the nineteenth century, bears witness to the daily life of the « Belle époque » era. The guided tour takes you from the salons to the dressing rooms of the ladies of the castle, and on to the dungeon where the linen was ironed. The old kitchen, which is a « must », used infilms such as « Germinal » by Claude Berry and « Angel » by François Ozon, evokes the copious meals of the period. In an English-style park, drawn by L. Fuchs in 1870, the visitor will find remarkable hundred-year-old trees.

The Blue Stone Documentation Centre aims to help visitors learn about working with stone through archive and current documentation, books, photos, films, tools, samples….all relating to the blue stone quarries and related trades in Soignies. Visitors will also find an accurate reproduction of a stone-cutter's shed, such as it existed at the beginning of the twentieth century, and a magnificent and unique collection of fossils.

Nestled against the Collegiate Church, the museum reveals the Canons’ treasures of the 12th and 17th centuries. This museum houses many different collections: paintings, wood and stone sculptures, silversmith pieces, liturgical ornaments and much more.

Soignies, city of medieval origin, has lived for nearly nine centuries at the hour of the Canons of Saint-Vincent, who made rise during the 11th century an impressive Collegiate Church. Primitive Romanesque style, its high walls in rubble stone and its two massive towers topped by aloof spires give the building strength, majesty and elegance. With a furniture of the 17th th century and of Baroque style (truth pulpit, stalls, paneling), is completed by a Virgin Mother of the 14th century and by an Entombment of the 15th century.

On the Saturday before the third Sunday of October, it is the festival of Mononk Simpelourd, the simple and clumbsy uncle. A folk procession goes through the streets of the city, escorting Simpelourd, a local flesh and blood person, disguised and made-up, who arrives at the station at around 7.00 p.m. and heads to the city centre, hailing the crowd and throwing CARABIBIS, a kind of local sweet. The burning of the Simpelourd takes place on the Tuesday evening at 8 pm.

At the heart of the Old Cemetery, which has become nowadays a public garden, stands a chapel of the 12th and 17th centuries, reassigned into a museum in 1896 by the Circle of History and Local Archeology. Its rich and diverse collections plunge the visitor in the history, the art and its techniques. Since its creation, the Museum of Old Cemetery has kept its soul of curiosity cabinet.

Closely linked with the cult of St Vincent (7th century), the former collegiate church of Soignies is built in a mixture of sandstone and limestone. Its chancel has a straight east wall, and an 11th-century groin-vaulted ceiling. The baroque high altar honours the remains of St Vincent, kept in an upper chapel. The transepts (with an imposing lantern tower above), westwork, nave and aisles show the development of the Romanesque style in Hainaut. The bell-tower and the chapels of St Hubert and the Holy Name of Jesus are Gothic, but the jubé (choirscreen) is Renaissance and the wooden choir-stalls are baroque. The Musée du Chapitre displays some of the church’s treasures. Building listed by Order of the Secretaries General (10-11-1941) Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia

  St Martin's church is a Romanesque and Gothic structure built in the 12th and 13th centuries using blond sandstone. The 19th and 20th centuries saw various restoration programmes on the building, the last of which was completed in 1969. The square porch tower is characteristic of the period between Romanesque and Gothic. The tower has very few openings. In particular, some crown arches have been filled in to the north and south. The ground floor ceiling was modified at the end of the 13th century into rib vaulting. In the 18th century, when the organ case was installed, a stair turret was also added. The Romanesque nave dates from the second half of the 12th century and is made of six spans with Gothic arches and quadrangular pillars. There is a wood ceiling – a copy of the original – and the masonry is still of the period. The side aisles were restored in the 19th century based on remains still in place, in particular the profiled modillions of the cornice. The chancel with flat chevet in the Gothic style is lower than the nave. It consists of three bays and both its gutter-bearing walls and the chevet are lit by three crown arch windows. In the second half of the 16th century, a side porch characteristic of the Gothic period was added to the south side aisle. The lowered Gothic arch door is framed by an archivolt. Sculpted lions were restored on each side in the 20th century. The church roof is of slate bâtière construction with a stone modillion cornice. Some items of the church furnishings are well worth seeing: the stalls, pulpit, a reredos in white French stone featuring the legend of St Hubert, as well as the organ. Listed: 24-12-1958  

Café des Étangs is a bucolic place, a small rustic house facing a quiet pond bordered by tall trees. It stands in the middle of a wood surrounding the old Abbaye de Saint-Denis (500 hectares!), in an old hamlet of charming houses and small ponds. It’s a stone’s throw from Obourg with Mons just beyond it. The location is ideal for a quiet stroll after a meal!Café des Étangs also offers you beers from breweries in the region and elsewhere.

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!

Les Vedettes welcome you in a completely renovated 1950s SNCB type M2 wagon.The wagon is air-conditioned and has ample parking. The terrace is open in summer.

The Arenberg Tavern stands on the grounds of the Great Mill in Rebecq.Don't hesitate to stop by to discover the local beers and specialties proposed there, including 'carbonnades à la Barbar' (beef stewed in beer from the Lefebvre brewery in Quenast) or Tilquin Gueuze.Friendly and flavourful. Give it a try!

The Arenberg Tavern stands on the grounds of the Great Mill in Rebecq.Don't hesitate to stop by to discover the local beers and specialties proposed there, including 'carbonnades à la Barbar' (beef stewed in beer from the Lefebvre brewery in Quenast) or Tilquin Gueuze.Friendly and flavourful. Give it a try!

Creative, seasonal cuisine from the regionAt La Cour des Dames, we are committed to offering dishes prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to ensure impeccable quality. Our menu changes with the seasons, bringing you creative dishes that highlight the authentic flavours of the region while delighting your taste buds.An ideal setting for your eventsBeyond its fine dining restaurant, La Cour des Dames is also the perfect venue for private and professional events. With its warm and elegant atmosphere, it is the ideal place to celebrate special moments, whether it’s a gourmet brunch, a festive evening, or a business meeting.Book your table now at La Cour des Dames and discover a place where gastronomy and conviviality come together for truly exceptional moments.

This chip restaurant is located at the entrance to Rebecq.

In the quiet setting of an old 17th-century farmhouse, Jean Ureel, Iocif Iacob and Jules Cloots provide a quality eating experience. A personal welcome, an exceptional and peaceful location and a covered terrace and garden (in fine weather) make this somewhere to come and enjoy relaxing with family or friends.

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.