Discover the charms of Antoing, Hainaut, Hainaut

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

In Wallonia Picardy, the Grand Large of Péronnes is one of the inescapable destinations for a ride at the water’s edge. This artificial 45-hectare lake which controls the water level between the Scheldt and the Nimy-Blaton Canal constitutes a favourite setting for bicycle rides on the RAVeL (green route). This 14.4km circuit along the new canal and in the woods is ideal for families with small children, the principal section of the circuit being closed to motor traffic. Barges and boat lifts add interest to the ride all along the way. Picnic area in the vicinity.Cycle nodes: START 73 - 55 - 74 - 21 - 45 - 93 - 90 - 68 - 56 - 94 - 73 END

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.

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.

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

What to see? Tournai’s UNESCO-worthy belfry and cathedral, the lakes at Cerfontaine, the Château in Beloeil and Hitler’s hideaway in Brûly-de-Pesche. Where to drive? The N598 over the tranquil lakes, the N59 to sample Wallonia’s customary mix of open fields and close-set villages, the roads around Brûly for compact twists in a tunnel of green. Just eight kilometres from the French border and 90 minutes from the Channel Tunnel, the city of Tournai is the medieval gateway to Wallonia. Clustered around the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, itself a UNSECO world heritage site that mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, the centre delights with open squares, cobbled streets and cultural sights. The remains of the 17th century citadel commissioned by King Louis XIV and the art gallery that houses a range of Impressionist works demand attention, but the city’s most remarkable story is almost invisible. Besieged in 1513 and held for the next ve years, Tournai is the only continental European city to ever fall under the control of Henry VIII. One of the main towers built during the occupation – the Grosse Tour – still stands in the north of the city. Spy it from Rue de Rempart, then pick up the N7 for a leisurely cruise east through Leuze-en-Hainaut and the N526 heading south. The pace soon slows, the route wandering through the centre of Belœil, and a keen eye might spot the entrance to the local château. A multi-era building that sits within acres of pristine Baroque garden, it’s well worth a stop. Nearby Chemin du Major oŸers another angle on the estate, skimming along the perimeter to oŸer a glimpse of the grounds’ imposing water features. If it’s tranquil vistas you’re after, the N90 and N59 track over open land to the expansive Lakes of Cerfontaine but that’s no reason to miss Mons. Hungry travellers will welcome the restaurants that ¡ank the main square here, while the Biercée Distillery in nearby Thuin will satisfy passengers looking for something stronger. Fast twists lead on into Chimay where glimpses of Armco and coloured kerbing reveal that you’re on the route of the Chimay road circuit, once host to Maserati 250Fs and straight-eight Bugattis, now a classic motorcycle racing venue. The town’s streets fuss with antique terrace housing and the local Abbey is renowned for its brewery. Amble south through the trees and turns of the Rue des Parconniers and Brûly-de-Pesche eventually appears. A short walk in the forest brings you to Wolf’s Gorge – the secret base where Hitler resided in May and June 1940. His walking route and emergency bunker have both been preserved; to walk into the sparse concrete interior is unsettling but highly recommended. Dinant, the birthplace of saxophone inventer Adolf Sax, echoes to jazz. The medieval fortress towers above the town, the local scenery rewards a Meuse river cruise and the restaurants tempt with popular moules marinière.

The Centre de la Tapisserie, des Arts Muraux et des Arts du Tissu (Centre for Tapestry, Mural Arts and Textile Arts) is one of the five contemporary centres established by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in the field of textile art. The fact that it is established in Tournai is not insignificant, as the “capital” of Wallonie picarde was one of the country’s main centres of tapestry production in the 15th and 16th centuries. The TAMAT is housed in a beautiful mansion in neo-classicist style, the Museum of Tapestry of the City of Tournai.The collections of the TAMAT are an accurate reflection of the diversity of textile art. More than 250 items from 6 centuries of textile production are exhibited, from old 15th-century tapestries – remarkable heritage of the City of Tournai - over items from the post-war movement “Forces Murales” to contemporary works.The TAMAT also houses research workshops. Every year scholarship holders come here to work in total artistic freedom. A documentation and study centre welcomes researchers, students, teachers and the general public within the context of historical or biographical studies. Moreover, a conservation and restoration workshop, open to the public, enables visitors to gain an insight into the painstakingly slow and meticulous work done by the restorers, who will gladly answer any and all questions.

Located in the historical centre of the Town of Tournai, Hôtel Peeters houses an atypical museum which is devoted to puppetry arts in all their forms. The Puppet Centre will take you on a voyage of discovery, during which the Centre's hidden treasures will be revealed to you – treasures from the four corners of the earth. This trip around the world will thus take you in the footsteps of the most popular figures in European puppet theatre, known by the young and the not-so-young alike, but also in the footsteps of the typical characters and techniques found in the puppetry traditions of various African and Asian countries. Apart from the heritage items stored in the museum, the Puppet Centre offering for visitors also consists not only of various temporary exhibitions, educational events (upon request), creative workshops, but also many shows, training sessions and courses for children and adults. NEW! An unaccompanied tour for families entitled "Jack s'est fait la malle" – the puppet called Jack has disappeared! The only evidence of where he has been are the selfies that he has hidden, here and there, in the museum's rooms. We need you to help him to get back to his designated place amongst the other puppets! During your investigation, you will have to solve riddles, experiment with various puppet handling techniques, observe the puppets in detail, imitate their expressions, touch the material they are made of, and so forth. Available every day the museum is open. We prefer that you book in advance (by calling us on +32 (0)69 889 140 or by emailing us at maisondelamarionnette@skynet.be).

This is the private residence of the Princes of Ligne, that housed Philip the Good and Charles the Bold, Dukes of Burgundy, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and many others. Watch closely: if the flag is flying, then the master of the house is at home.This feudal castle dominates the entire Scheldt valley. It is surrounded by fortified walls from the 12th century and the entrance is protected by a barbican (an impressive fortified gateway). In the 19th century the castle was completely rebuilt in neo-Gothic style. Its keep gives it the appearance of a fairy-tale castle. The estate covers 72 ha.Only guided visits are possible. Access to the barbican, the lapidary museum, the dungeons, the great hall, the bedchamber and the top of the tower. The manor is private and therefore not accessible.

Antoing Castle was the stronghold of the powerful family of Melun and then passed to the current line of Princes. Today we can still see a large part of the 12th century enclosure and the bolewerk (fortified bastion) built in the 15th century. In the 19th century, the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc transformed the castle into a magnificent Neo-Gothic house.

Aqua Tournai offers a whole range of possibilities for a relaxing day : indoor and outdoor pool with 4 slides, a cafeteria with outdoor terrace, pedal boats, a barbecue island, a play area for children and "tree climbing"! This is the ideal place to spend time with your family, by the lake and in a nature reserve accessible via walking trails.

A haven of peace at a stone’s throw from the city centre. This recreational site of biological interest offers a whole range of activities for the entire family: indoor and outdoor swimming pool featuring 4 slides, cafeteria with outdoor area, pedal boats, barbecue areas, play area (sand box, rope apparatuses, slides,…), tree climbing, fishing ponds and a walking trail around a vast lake. The perfect place to spend an agreeable day with family or friends. The nearby camp site "le Camping de l’Orient" consists of 50 pitches.

  This row of dwellings, 7.20 metres wide, is a precious example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Built in stone, which as early as the beginning of the 13th century replaced the private dwellings mentioned in the 12th century in the archives of the cathedral chapter as properties owned by the wealthy middle classes operating as money-changers. In the 14th century, the building was divided into three sections, one of which was subsequently significantly altered. In the 17th century, the building passed into the hands of the Jesuits, who used it to accommodate the teachers from their first school in the Low Countries. The modifications made at this time mainly affected the small columns dividing the high quadrangular windows of the two levels of the façade. Some of the windows on the ground floor were removed so that only rectangular openings remained broken up by entrance doors. The second half of the 17th century saw the creation of a foundation designed to provide assistance for orphaned girls. In the following century, it hosted Robespierre's two sisters. The row of houses was then divided between public institutions and private owners before being purchased and restored in the 1980s, guided by prior archaeological research. Listed: 15-09-1936 (houses at  n° 12 and 14) and 30-06-1953 (houses at n° 14b and 16) Exceptional heritage site of Wallonia  

The Centre de la Tapisserie, des Arts Muraux et des Arts du Tissu (Centre for Tapestry, Mural Arts and Textile Arts) is one of the five contemporary centres established by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in the field of textile art. The fact that it is established in Tournai is not insignificant, as the “capital” of Wallonie picarde was one of the country’s main centres of tapestry production in the 15th and 16th centuries. The TAMAT is housed in a beautiful mansion in neo-classicist style, the Museum of Tapestry of the City of Tournai.The collections of the TAMAT are an accurate reflection of the diversity of textile art. More than 250 items from 6 centuries of textile production are exhibited, from old 15th-century tapestries – remarkable heritage of the City of Tournai - over items from the post-war movement “Forces Murales” to contemporary works.The TAMAT also houses research workshops. Every year scholarship holders come here to work in total artistic freedom. A documentation and study centre welcomes researchers, students, teachers and the general public within the context of historical or biographical studies. Moreover, a conservation and restoration workshop, open to the public, enables visitors to gain an insight into the painstakingly slow and meticulous work done by the restorers, who will gladly answer any and all questions.

The historic town of Tournai is home to TAMAT, the Centre for Tapestry, Wall Arts and Textile Arts of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/tamat-contemporary-centre-textile-arts

"The current Museum of Fine Arts was born from the genius of Art Nouveau architecture, Victor Horta.

  The Museum of Fine Arts is the only building designed by Victor Horta that was originally intended to be a museum. It is also one of the few public commissions bearing witness to the architect's transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. The project for the museum came about from the collaboration between the philanthropist Henri Van Cutsem, who wanted somewhere to ensure his art collection would be kept safe, and the sculptor Guillaume Charlier and Victor Horta. The idea was raised for the first time in1903 but it was not until 1928 that it finally came to fruition. The building's genesis was complex, as the result of successive preliminary drafts being designed by the architect and then reworked to create an increasingly ambitious set of buildings, which in turn threatened the budget allocated for the work. Building did not begin until 1913, only to be halted during the First World War and afterwards for a total of 10 years. In 1923, Victor Horta took the matter in hand again by simplifying his last design for the sake of saving money. The museum, as inaugurated in 1928, consists of a relatively sober building with only a few decorative elements in the entrance portal. The portal itself features a monumental group of statues by Guillaume Charlier. Passing through the large entrance hall, visitors come into large rooms radiating off the entrance and topped by extensive glazing. These windows provide an unusual form of overhead lighting and end with a majority of blind walls featuring decoration that was kept very limited for budget reasons. Listed: 13-10-1980 Exceptional heritage site of Wallonia  

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.

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/

This brewery has been producing artisanal beers for 20 years (4 passionate generations!) already, using local ingredients: Blanche des Sources, La Vieille de Bon Secours (blonde, amber, dark, fruity), Blonde de Noël.

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/

Visit an authentic Belgian brasserie in Blaton. All beers are brewed and bottled on the premises.

Nestled in the lush setting of the 6 Bonniers Leisure Park in Willems, La Guinguette de la Base invites you to enjoy a summer filled with music, good food, and open-air relaxation A Rich and Eclectic Music Line-Up All Summer Long From June to September 2025, enjoy a series of free concerts celebrating musical diversity: French chansons, lively accordion tunes, and modern rhythms with a guinguette twist. Whether you're nostalgic for retro vibes or curious to discover new sounds, there's something for everyone! Delicious Local Cuisine in a Warm Atmosphere Treat yourself to a generous menu crafted with local and homemade products. Settle down on the shaded terrace, share a meal with friends or family, and soak up the laid-back, festive vibe that makes this guinguette truly special.       🪗 A perfect summer escape just minutes from Lille – music, nature, and good vibes guaranteed!

The team at l'Almanach, just a stone's throw from Pierre Mauroy stadium, welcomes you in a warm setting to share a moment of pleasure and conviviality. Our menu features fresh local produce and is updated weekly! For more information, visit Instagram : www.instagram.com/almanach_restaurant/ Site internet : www.almanach-restaurant.com Contact : 03 20 41 06 55

Brasserie. For more information, visit Website : www.restaurant-labrasseriedulac.fr/ Contact : 07 88 91 22 15

Located amid pastures, the gite Oh la vache! is an old renovated farmhouse. Located in calm and relaxing countryside, the accommodation has a lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room and two toilets. On sunny days, enjoy the terrace and the barbecue. In the heart of the Plaines de l’Escaut natural park, the village offers many opportunities for walks and discoveries. You’ll enjoy all the mod cons and many activities nearby, as the gite is located right next to Tournai and Péronnes lake. Only 35km from Lille and Pairi Daiza, 90km from Brussels and from Bruges!

Great campsite (20 ha), 4 km from the city centre with a manmade lake, cafeteria, games, barbecue, pedal boats and swimming pool with waterslide.

In the centre of Tournai, 800 yards from the cathedral, a mansion of the 1920’s proposes a number of themed rooms. gitesdewallonie.be/en/maison-tahereh

Le Roc Paisible is a peaceful B&B in Havinnes (near Tournai). The room (big enough for 3) is located on the first floor of this countryside house: a cosy space with furniture renovated by the owner himself. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/le-roc-paisible-bb-tournai

Town house from the 1920s. The 2nd floor is entirely reserved for guests. Egyptian room, twin beds, washbasin. Separate bathroom and toilet.

Town house from the 1920s. The 2nd floor is entirely reserved for guests. African room, twin beds, washbasin. Separate bathroom and toilet.