Explore Erquelinnes, Hainaut, Hainaut: A Hidden Gem

A stone’s throw from the French border, enjoy this gem of the Haute Sambre and its magnificent rural landscapes, the Hantes and the Thure rivers, its woodlands and its rich and remarkable monuments. The Church of Saint-Georges, a semi-classical building with a Roman choir dating to the 12th century, contains beautifully distinctive features, such as the Bonne-Espérance coat of arms, a stone dated 1716, an image of Christ carved into oak, and more. The Erquelinnes military cemetery has a large memorial lawn for WWI soldiers, including 66 soldiers from England, 4 from France and 11 from Germany. At the end of the route, you will follow the Sambre river. A harbour basin is found right before the border. The ambiance of the pleasure boats waiting for their next outing invite you to unwind. 

This itinerary begins at the foot of the fortified castle in Solre-sur-Sambre. Located at the meeting point of the Thure and Sambre rivers, the castle’s construction dates to the early 14th century. The castle defended the border. A testament to the Mediaeval military architecture of Hainaut, the castle has retained its quadrilateral design, with circular towers highlighting the four angles. The Thure river supplies the water for its moats. The Church of Saint-Médard stands proudly at the curve of the path that circles the castle and straddles the Thure. On the second Sunday in June, Saint-Médard accompanies the procession during the Entre-Sambre-et Meuse folk march. Once you reach the main road, pause before the bell tower farmhouse. It was erected in 1792 and its tower is a listed building. After crossing the fields bordering the woods, you can discover the Thure Abbey farmhouse, the last remaining vestige of an Augustinian canonesses’ abbey that was founded in the 13th century. 

Take a breath of fresh air within the forest range of the Solre woods, with a magnificent view of the former quarries. The Solre woods are a range that primarily comprise oak stems, beech trees and hornbeams, not to mention the oldest tree in the forest: an oak that is more than 400 years old. Along this route, old Dutch boundary markers outline the borders between France and the Netherlands in 1819. Located within a forest range on the right-hand bank of the Thure river, areas of biological interest invite relaxation, with ponds and bodies of water in which no fewer than nine species of amphibian breed. 

Start near the Mosan Gothic-style Church of Saint-Martin, which has been listed since 1970. It boasts a bulbous bell tower and a 15th-century tabernacle. Follow a narrow path that provides access to the trail to ‘Gros Rouloy’. This itinerary is popular for its humid grasslands. Part of the Sambre river is ‘Natura 2000’-listed, due to the exceptional flora and fauna found there. Tarpans and a Shetland pony help to maintain the reserve without mechanical assistance. The wetlands are a site used by aquatic birds, as well as the northern crested newt, for breeding, migration and overwintering. Small white and yellow water lilies add a pretty splash of colour to the landscape.

Created when the hamlet of Hantes and the village of Wihéries became one, Hantes-Wihéries is characterised by its limestone rubble. This itinerary immerses you in the heart of the Hantes valley. Stray away from the route for 200 metres and you will discover the Arcole bridge, which dates to the 19th century. You will pass the Grand Pré farm, which comprises a former mill and a main building that is dedicated to tourism and gastronomy. As you return to the village, spare some time for the cemetery, where French and German soldiers who died in 1914 during WWI have been laid to rest. Finally, admire the classic architecture of Château de Robaulx, the former residence of the lords of Hantes during the 17th century. The 18th-century Church of Saint-Rémi is home to statues of Saint-Roch and Sainte-Barbe. 

The Sambre Valley offers some surprising landscapes as it meanders through locks. From Merbes-le-Château to Thuin, passing by the collegiate church of Saint-Ursmer de Lobbes and its Folcuin garden, the towpath provides a sense of satisfaction and well-being. Thuin and its UNESCO-listed Belfry will be a must-see, with the hanging gardens and boatmen’s quarter. Stop off at the Aulne Abbey, where you can sample a traditional abbey beer, before discovering Ham-sur-Heure, known like Thuin for its cult of Saint-Roch.

Allow yourself to be seduced by the rural countryside of Labuissière on this route, which covers a little over 3,000 hectares. The drawbridge and its manual lock are sure to grab your attention. The gable of the white house at no. 2, Rue Max Buset, houses a statue of Saint Martin from 1828. The twists and turns of the Sambre river gently guide you to Fontaine Valmont and its church. Merbes-le-Château is home to large farms, which were once renowned for the quality of the workhorses bred there. The small chapel of Saint-Pierre was restored in 1842.

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.  

Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, fisher or leisure-seeker, come and enjoy the Au Crapaud Charmant guest rooms. The rooms are spacious and very tastefully decorated. Their garden, which is bordered by the Sambre River, encourages you to relax or try your hand at fishing. Breakfast, which is made from local produce, is varied and vegan and vegetarian options are available. It will be served in the veranda, which overlooks the garden and the Sambre River, or under the pergola. Beautiful trails for walking, cycling or horseback riding are located nearby. Don’t forget the RAVeL network, which is located right across the way, and the Haute Sambre nature reserve, which is located one kilometre away from the establishment, as well as the GR129.

Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, fisher or leisure-seeker, come and enjoy the Au Crapaud Charmant guest rooms. The rooms are spacious and very tastefully decorated. Their garden, which is bordered by the Sambre River, encourages you to relax or try your hand at fishing. Breakfast, which is made from local produce, is varied and vegan and vegetarian options are available. It will be served in the veranda, which overlooks the garden and the Sambre River, or under the pergola. Beautiful trails for walking, cycling or horseback riding are located nearby. Don’t forget the RAVeL network, which is located right across the way, and the Haute Sambre nature reserve, which is located one kilometre away from the establishment, as well as the GR129.

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.

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 chateaudesolresursambre.hautetfort.com/

With a surface area of 15 Ha, the Labuissière Nature Reserve is part of a vaster domain: the Haute-Sambre Nature Reserve, lying at the confluence of the Thure, the Hantes and the Sambre rivers which extends over 75 Ha. It has lakes, gulleys and rivers. It is the site of one of the last marshes that lay in succession in the valley. It has three main sites extending on the right and left banks of the Sambre river from Solre-sur-Sambre to Labuissière. You can observe a few large birds such as the grey heron, the great egret and the great cormorant and see tarpans, wild horses which are a precious help in fighting reforestation. The Labuissière site, which is the only one accessible to the public, offers viewpoints and an observatory over the reserve. 

The Labuissière nature reserve, South West of Charleroi, stretches over 50 hectares. and features and ictredible mosaic of wet lands. It is managed in the eco-friendliest way, with 3 horses from the Camargue, 10 Tarpans and a Shetland poney. This marshy area is home to countless nesting and migrating birds, among which: Grey herons Kingfishers Common snipes walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/nature-reserve/natural-space/nature-reserve/9383

Founded in 1130 by the canons of the Order of Prémontré, the Norbertine Bonne-Espérance Abbey, in the municipality of Vellereille-les-Brayeux in Estinnes, is the only one in Hainaut that was spared from the ravages of the French Revolution. As it stands today, it is a remarkable example of 18th century architecture, which has managed to keep intact all the elements of Gothic architecture from the 13th and 16th centuries such as the cloisters, the chapter house and the kitchen. Designed by the famous architect Laurent Dewez, the abbaliale church, promoted to the ranks of basilica, was built in a Neoclassical style. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Hope, whose polychrome stone statue dates back to the 14th century. Bonne-Espérance Abbey has now achieved real cult status, welcoming pilgrims including the Dauphin Louis XI, King Philip II of Spain and the archdukes Albert and Isabelle.

The Premonstratensian monks arrived in 1128, and in the 13th century they erected the Gothic abbey buildings, of which the cloister, kitchen and chapter house remain. The abbey was damaged by fire in 1568 and rebuilt in the early 17th century. Undamaged during the French Revolution, the buildings still comprise a seventeenth century entrance gate, an area for receiving visitors, wings of the main courtyard, the chauffoir (the only heated room in the abbey), refectory and the church, in which the 14th-century statue of Notre Dame de Bonne Espérance is venerated. In 1829, the Tournai seminary turned the abbey into an educational establishment. Building listed (22-01-1973) Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia (2009)  

Within the Abbey’s estate, the windmill, brewery and bakery are typical examples of 18th century architecture, managing to be both functional and attractive at the same time! The oven has been preserved, where delicious sweet tarts are still cooked today, as has the millstone that continues to grind wheat. On the terrace next to the pond, you can taste beer, traditional loaves, slices of bread with cheese, the Abbey’s cheese, and many other local products and snacks including crêpes, country platters, croque-monsieurs and “escavèche”. A number of tradesman (selling lavender, products from Quebec, second-hand books and wood carvings) sell their wares in the field next to the Windmill. Do you fancy a cultural adventure? The guides at the Maison de la Mémoire are here on Sundays at 3.30pm to show you all the nooks and crannies of these stunning buildings that are packed full of treasures. For tours of the Windmill (free of charge), please check the dates on the site www.moulin-bonne-esperance.be. The Windmill is run by the not-for-profit organisation Compagnons de l'Abbaye. The profits are ploughed back into maintaining and renovating the Abbey.

This superb abbey, founded in 1126 in the countryside near Binche, is the only one in the Hainaut region to have survived the French Revolution intact. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/bonne-esperance-abbey-vellereille-les-brayeux-hainaut

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.

With its brick walls, exposed wooden beams, and abundant natural light, the setting is both authentic and welcoming. During warmer months, the large terrace overlooking the countryside offers a peaceful dining experience.The menu changes regularly with the seasons, showcasing fresh local ingredients. Expect perfectly grilled meats, crispy homemade fries, refined dishes, and indulgent desserts.A unique destination in the Hainaut region for lunch, dinner, or a friendly night out.

A unique atmosphereSet in a former nightclub, the décor pays tribute to Italian and Hollywood cinema, with vintage cameras, Oscar statues, and a cozy, cinematic vibe. Perfect for dinner as a couple, with family, or among friends.Comfort & servicesGuests enjoy easy parking, a sunny terrace, a children’s play area, and a climate-controlled dining space. Takeaway and delivery services are also available for enjoying Italian favorites at home.A must-visit near Mons for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and welcoming setting.Reservation recommended.

oboulo.be/fr

Restaurant, café and terrace in the heart of Ferme de la Cour, which adjoins the Biercée Distillery. Ideal for a gourmet break and spirit tasting in a remarkable site along the Route Napoléon. www.lagrangedeslegendes.be/

This brasserie-restaurant, which is located adjacent to Distillerie de Biercée and in the magnificent Ferme de la Cour, serves typical Belgian cuisine. Don't forget its artisanal alcohols and beers, which are made from fresh fruit. This incredible vaulted setting houses an exceptional collection of old enamelled drinking plaques. The history of Belgian advertising in the last century is illustrated here, adding a charming vintage touch that enthusiasts will enjoy. A very pretty outdoor terrace has games for kids. 

In its summer attire, Brasserie d’Éole offers a menu of modern and refreshing flavours, to be enjoyed indoors or while soaking up the sun on the new terrace, nestled in the heart of the vineyards, with a glass of Chant d’Éole or Éole Belgian Spritz in hand!From October, Brasserie d’Éole dons its winter coat to welcome you into a cozy setting, where fondues, raclettes, and comforting dishes delight food lovers!

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.  

This charming B&B, awarded 3 épis for its quality, is located in Labuissière, a little village in the entity of Merbes-le-Château. The house, by the river, is a pure invite to relax... walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/au-crapaud-charmant-bb-labuissiere