Discover the charms of Sivry-Rance, Hainaut, Hainaut

The second starting point for the great crossing, Sivry is an ideal place for nature tourism, thanks to its wooded landscapes. The itinerary for the great crossing assumes a rustic element with its scrub-like hedges. You will follow a short stretch of the Véloroute des lacs, a bike path that runs between the Eau d'Heure lakes and the lakes in Val Joly in France to reach Bois de Bruyère. You will eventually pass through the villages of Sautin and Rance, before reaching the former train station in Froidchapelle. This relaxed route soon bypasses the Eau d’Eppe and begins to pass through Bois Robert. The great crossing runs across the Fagne de Chimay, a vast schist depression with poor-quality soil, for a few kilometres. Upon reaching the village centre in Virelles, you will join the Virelles-Nismes section of the great crossing. Two camp sites are located in this section: the Château Doyen camp site and the Bois de Hernoy camp site.

The forests of Sivry-Rance are part of the forest range of the Forêt du Pays de Chimay. The Bois de Bruyère forest and its 2.5-kilometre educational/environmental trail enable you to discover forest life, its exploitation, its rich natural heritage, the inhabitants of the forest and how to pick mushrooms, thanks to the different information panels that line the bucolic route. The Bois de Bruyère forest is a ‘Natura 2000’ zone, with a wide variety of trees, in particular oak trees and hornbeams. The arboretum houses nearly eighty different species of woody plants. The environment is also favourable for black woodpeckers in the beech forests.

Follow in the footsteps of the Emperor Napoleon’s route taken with his troops during the last days before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The Route in Wallonia is 56 miles long, with its history, museums, heritage, folklore, UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenery, regional gastronomy and more. Specific signposts will guide you along this historic route. Visit this route at walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/waterloo1815

Departing from the centre of Sautin, in front of the former town hall, the Promenade de la Pierre qui Tourne (‘turning stone walk’) leads you to discover a route with an uneven relief that runs through woods and meadows. Upon leaving the village, you will discover the Tree of Youth, which was planted in 1650. The story goes that parents launched a search after the disappearance of their daughter. It was then that the youth of the village discovered her half-asleep. Grateful for this miracle, they planted this oak stem. The itinerary passes close to Château Doyen, which was constructed at the end of the 19th century, on the site of a low-shaft furnace. The route ends at the so-called ‘Pierre qui Tourne’, where two large stones, which are probably Neolithic in origin, are found. 

We start in Sivry-Rance, a charming little town with village streets, meadows, forests and lakes. Not to mention the many remnants of red marble mining. Walk along the RAVeL network through the Eau d’Heure lakes site, a real jewel of Walloon tourism thanks to its many water sports and other recreational and sporting activities. Nearby, the Silenrieux brewery offers beers brewed from spelt and buckwheat. On the heights of Froidchapelle, Queuwys farm sells tasty products made from certified organic raw haymilk: butter, fresh cheeses and hard cheeses. Enjoy a yoghurt or ice cream on the farm.  

This 25-kilometre equestrian itinerary begins in Montbliart, the smallest and hilliest village in Sivry-Rance, and offers exceptional views and diverse landscapes. This route allows you to discover the village as a whole, as well as a wooded section of the municipality of Chimay. Discover the small chapel made from local blue stone, with its red Rance-marble alcove. After passing through the woods, admire an expanse of water at the pond by the mill, as well as a lovely view of the village of Rance. You will find Bois Massart forest at the Ostennes ponds – which were formerly a forge and furnace. There, you’ll find the arbre des quatre frères. After a quick trip to Eppe-Sauvage in France, return to the Bois de Bruyère forest and the village of Montbliart. 

The old village of Montbliart is located on a hill overlooking the surrounding woodlands and is a very pleasant starting point. Located on the outskirts of the great forest, between Val Joly Lake and the Eau d'Heure Lakes, this section will allow you to gently immerse yourself in the large wooded areas of the main loop. From Montbliart to Sautin, you follow the Ry de Fromont, a charming little river that forms a beautiful reservoir at the foot of Château Doyen, a residence built during the 19th century. There are covered barbecue areas in this leisure area. A path through the woods then takes you on the RAVeL network as far as Froidchapelle.

Located in the Main Square in Sivry, with lush greenery opposite, this family accommodation is ideal for hikers with the RAVeL network nearby. Le Marronnier's interior comprises refined furnishings and décor, adding a feeling of peace and serenity to your stay. If it takes your fancy, you can explore tourist attractions a few kilometres from this accommodation: the marble museum, the Natural Space in the Botte du Hainaut region, the Bressant chocolate factory, the Salamandre guided tour, the Aquascope and the impressive flora and fauna found there, and much more. Don’t forget the magnificent Eau d’Heure Lakes and Val Joly, as well as all of the water sports, outdoor and recreational activities on offer there.   

Housed in a former 18th-century farmhouse that has been completely restored, Le Temps d’un Souffle holiday rental promises a relaxing stay in a calm, verdant setting. The owners of this charming building, which is made from local stone, will extend a warm welcome, and offer advice about tourist attractions in the region. The rooms are bright and spacious, with décor that blends wood and contemporary furnishings. There is a games area with table tennis and darts. The garden has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an area for barbecuing. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. It is located close to the Eau d’Heure Lakes site and beautiful sign-posted walks.  

Located in the charming little village of Sivry, close to Virelles lake and the Eau d’Heure lakes, this functional lodge is the ideal place to unwind with family and/or friends. The owners of the L’orée des Près lodge offer a warm welcome in their cosy and comfortable establishment. Outside, on the terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the meadows and forests that decorate this breathtaking setting. Perfect for a relaxing stay in the heart of nature. The location is ideal for hiking and cycling. The owners will be happy to provide you with the best information on the region’s many tourist attractions.

Located at the entrance to the village of Sautin, a stone’s throw from the RAVeL network and surrounded by the national forest, these unique rooms allow you to escape to the heart of nature, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. À la carte treatments, a private spa and treatment packages complement this original and reinvigorating offering. The owners of Terre Insolite offer guest rooms with unique décor and unusual accommodation where you can come to recharge your batteries, reconnect with nature, have time to yourself, or enjoy relaxing time together. Enjoy a nice breakfast and/or a hearty meal in your own room or outside, surrounded by nature.

Located near the Eau d’Heure Lakes site and Chimay, this comfortable holiday rental comprises a house with four stone and brick façades. It is surrounded by a gorgeous garden. This comfortable and inviting establishment promises a peaceful stay enjoying nature and the countryside without being far from everything. Lounge around on the veranda which overlooks the stunning garden and the playground, stretch out in the meadow, breathe in the aromas of the natural world, pick flowers, and more. Choose Le Petit Coin de Paradis, where peace, serenity, a back-to-basics approach and local flavours will be the cornerstone of your rural getaway. 

In Anne’s writing workshops, you take pleasure in writing and putting your thoughts on paper, in a space that is conducive to creation, with a great group dynamic. This activity can be organised in many locations and, in partnership with many sporting activities (yoga, sophrology, etc.) or cultural activities but also on a walk for a trip to discover tourist or city sights. Inspiring places: castles, boats, water’s edge, forest lodges, treetops, museums, etc. are obviously of great interest but the workshop is also possible at Anne’s home, in a simple living room or a beautiful garden.

Espace Nature houses a remarkable collection of naturalised animals from Belgium and around the world, with a special focus on Natura 2000 species and symbolic Walloon species, in a fully -renovated setting. Permanent themed exhibitions. Guided tours on request. Eco-educational walks in hedgerow, forest, grassland or aquatic environments. School activities based on the programmes. Special activities (night-time and early morning walks, etc).

The Emperor entered the existing Walloon territory through this little village. It was here where he made a legendary encounter with an audacious young villager who tried to convince him not to continue on his way. A little stele near the Pont de la Tannerie bridge, is a reminder of this “conversation”. Stele - Rue de la Tannerie • 59740 Hestrud, France

The Emperor entered the existing Walloon territory through this little village. It was here that he made a legendary encounter with an audacious young villager who tried to convince him not to continue on his way. The little standing stone , near the Pont de la Tannerie (bridge), is a reminder of this premonitory conversation. Standing stone - Rue de la Tannerie • 59740 Hestrud, France

Located in Leugnies, within Beaumont, the owner of ÂnimanimÔ promises you a wonderful experience with her donkeys. On the guided walks, you will meet Le Trio d’Enfer (The Infernal Trio): Ernest, Pompom and Cadichon. Whether it’s for a simple family outing or a birthday celebration, you’ll enjoy moving slowly and responsibly while taking in landscapes that are often inaccessible to motorised vehicles. What’s more, the walk fosters respect for local flora and fauna and promotes environmental and community values. And above all, it’s about discovering this loyal and endearing animal! And at the same time, restoring the donkey to its rightful place. Activities available on request: children’s days such as birthdays, themed days, corporate events, etc.

Set off with Maya to discover the flora of the beautiful Beaumont countryside! On this walk, you’ll harvest the best wild plants and flowers to make your own massage oil and skin balm. At the beginning of the workshop, our enthusiastic artisan will explain how to pick plants ethically and safely. You’ll also learn about the unique properties of the plants you’ve chosen and their many benefits. After picking the plants, you’ll head to the cosmetics workshop to make your own products using natural, skin-friendly ingredients. At the end of the activity, you’ll leave with your creations, plant identification cards and a detailed recipe sheet so you can continue the experience at home.   

As a family or among friends, come and discover the fabulous history of marble: geology, palaeontology, social history and techniques, children’s library, marble creations, building site and workshop... you will explore all these aspects at MAGMA. The museum is also a documentation centre and has a rich library full of various information about the history of marble. Several specialist publications by the museum are also available. Playground for children. Visits with a trilingual audioguide.

Plants have been part of a witch's arsenal since early civilisation. Carabistouille, the friendly hedge witch, warmly invites you to explore her mysterious and fascinating world. With her ancestral knowledge of flavours, you’ll discover the treasures of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park. Did you know that it is home to more than 80% of the biodiversity in the Walloon Region? While harvesting, you’ll learn more about identifying wild plants, their uses and their virtues. On the programme: wild picking, cooking over a fire, learning about edible and medicinal plants, reconnecting with nature, and more. It’s an excellent way to prepare herbal teas and other preventive, curative or purifying concoctions. 

Napoleon and his troops spent the night of the 14th to the 15th of June 1815 in Beaumont. The soldiers set up their camp at the foot of the Salamander Tower, which was built in the 11th century. It now houses a small local history museum including a room dedicated to Napoleon’s passage. The Emperor stayed nearby in the mansion of Maurice Gabriel Joseph Riquet de Caraman, the Prince of Chimay. A plaque on the façade of the building reminds us of this event (Grand Place 12). Tour Salamandre • Rue de la Poterne • 6500 Beaumont visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/tour-salamandre?cookie_lang=en-gb

At Beaumont, a Mediaeval town, Salamandre Tower, rising proudly above the small village bears witness to its rich past. Walk through the paved alleyways and climb the many steps to reach the top of the tower and discover the fantastic views over the valley of Hantes, the ramparts and listed buildings. The audioguided tour will recount testimonies of this local heritage with evidence that can still be seen today. The tour is in four languages (FR, NL, EN and DE), with an adult version and another guide that is more appealing to children. There are two options possible: an urban circuit of around 1.6km which takes 1 hour 30 mins, with an additional loop of 1 km along our ramparts. You can get the audioguides from the Beaumont Tourist Office.

The Le Court Tournant friterie offers delicious “home-made” dishes for all ages, with a wide range of à la carte dishes, dishes of the day, drinks and desserts. Everything is prepared on the same day with high-quality ingredients. This family establishment boasts beautiful facilities in a refined cottage setting. When the weather is good, they open their wooden terrace and children can play in their playground.

The name Le Cœur literally means what this restaurant represents: the beating heart of Landal Village L’Eau d'Heure. Located on the holiday village square, the friendly managers welcome you in a modern and refined setting. Treat yourself to a coffee, a pastry, a good beer or a delicious meal before or after your walk in the magnificent Eau d’Heure lakes. When the weather is fine, you can eat on the terrace with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. Close to beautiful signposted walks and the authorised and supervised swimming area of the Espace Fun. Not to mention the many fun and sporting activities available on site.    

In the heart of the Eau d’Heure lakes site, Iwago 66 offers various snacks and nibbles to take away or eat on site. There is something for everyone: pure grilled beef burgers, cheeseburgers, chips, a wide range of sauces, sandwiches, desserts, drinks, and more. A snack bar with vintage American decoration, with booths, a jukebox and photos of Elvis Presley. Not far from the snack bar, there are sports, aquatic activities and relaxation activities to delight young and old alike.

During your stay in, or visit to, the Eau d’Heure lakes, why not enjoy a culinary break at "La Brasserie des Lacs"? Located in the Golden Lakes Hotel, a cosy setting, refined decor, with a bay window offering a breathtaking view of the lake and refined no-frills cuisine. Whether on the terrace or inside, you can unwind by enjoying a drink or stay longer and savour an excellent selection of dishes, which are carefully prepared by the chef using local produce (vegetarian options also available). This culinary break will be enriched by the 180° view of the peaceful lake setting and its verdant environment.

In the heart of Pays des Lacs, Le Tri-Marrants stands out thanks to its modern setting and panoramic view of Plate Taille lake. A restaurant cooking cuisine that combines the charm of a bistro with the elegance of fine dining. And all with seasonal local flavours: piglet with "65" Chimay cheese sauce, Lac-Iflette & seasonal salad (potatoes, bacon, La Dame des Lacs beer, cheese from Ferme des Queuwys), Chimay escabeche, etc. From the best Belgian beers such as Chimay and Blond/Brown La Dame des Lacs to the great whiskeys, there is something for everyone at their bar. Available for family parties, birthdays, etc. Private bookings taken.

Close to the Eau d’Heure lakes, Auberge du Coin offers varied gourmet cuisine: a small restaurant, traditional dishes, hearty dishes, etc. Everything is designed for your enjoyment. Recently purchased by Mariane and Ronny who love the region. The couple will be happy to welcome you in a friendly atmosphere. They're passionate about the restaurant business and will delight your taste buds with their cooking and give you a heart-warming welcome. The two are originally from Charleroi and you will be able to taste the beer of the Pays Noir brewery as well as the beers of Chimay or the Brasserie des Fagnes. With a real mingling of flavours, it is also a good place for meeting the locals.

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.

Located at the heart of the charming village of Sivry, just next to the French border, the Chez Bertine holiday rental offers a getaway that combines nature, relaxation and serenity. The owners warmly welcome you to their beautifully furnished, stylishly decorated and well-equipped accommodation. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged. Outside, there’s a terrace with furniture and a barbecue, as well as a charming garden with a stunning view over the river Thure and the surrounding countryside. It’s ideal for a getaway with friends and/or family. Nearby, there are beautiful sign-posted walks, the attractive town of Chimay and the Eau d’Heure lakes for a change of scenery.  

Located in the Main Square in Sivry, with lush greenery opposite, this family accommodation is ideal for hikers with the RAVeL network nearby. Le Marronnier's interior comprises refined furnishings and décor, adding a feeling of peace and serenity to your stay. If it takes your fancy, you can explore tourist attractions a few kilometres from this accommodation: the marble museum, the Natural Space in the Botte du Hainaut region, the Bressant chocolate factory, the Salamandre guided tour, the Aquascope and the impressive flora and fauna found there, and much more. Don’t forget the magnificent Eau d’Heure Lakes and Val Joly, as well as all of the water sports, outdoor and recreational activities on offer there.   

Located in the heart of the Belgian portion of the Thiérache region, at the entrance to the village with its lively social calendar, the rustic Marie-Groëtte holiday rental promises a relaxing getaway in a natural, locale with rich heritage. A south-facing terrace and garden offer peace and quiet, as well as a breathtaking view over the fields and the sound of birdsong. This getaway is all about getting back to basics, nature preservation, ecology, waste sorting and composting, wood and pellet-based fires for heat, etc. It's an ideal starting point from which to explore nature and the forest and lakes with sign-posted trails, the RAVeL network and other activities.

Housed in a former 18th-century farmhouse that has been completely restored, Le Temps d’un Souffle holiday rental promises a relaxing stay in a calm, verdant setting. The owners of this charming building, which is made from local stone, will extend a warm welcome, and offer advice about tourist attractions in the region. The rooms are bright and spacious, with décor that blends wood and contemporary furnishings. There is a games area with table tennis and darts. The garden has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an area for barbecuing. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. It is located close to the Eau d’Heure Lakes site and beautiful sign-posted walks.  

Located in the charming little village of Sivry, close to Virelles lake and the Eau d’Heure lakes, this functional lodge is the ideal place to unwind with family and/or friends. The owners of the L’orée des Près lodge offer a warm welcome in their cosy and comfortable establishment. Outside, on the terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the meadows and forests that decorate this breathtaking setting. Perfect for a relaxing stay in the heart of nature. The location is ideal for hiking and cycling. The owners will be happy to provide you with the best information on the region’s many tourist attractions.

Located at the entrance to the village of Sautin, a stone’s throw from the RAVeL network and surrounded by the national forest, these unique rooms allow you to escape to the heart of nature, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. À la carte treatments, a private spa and treatment packages complement this original and reinvigorating offering. The owners of Terre Insolite offer guest rooms with unique décor and unusual accommodation where you can come to recharge your batteries, reconnect with nature, have time to yourself, or enjoy relaxing time together. Enjoy a nice breakfast and/or a hearty meal in your own room or outside, surrounded by nature.