Discover Proix, Aisne, Picardie and its hidden gems

Between forest and rolling plain, this walk takes you into the land of druids and korrigans. After some fine views of the crowned mountain, you cross the Marle state forest, characterized by its relief and some pretty twists and turns. At the end of the route, we recommend a detour to "Verzieux de Gargantua", a four-metre-high menhir.

This quiet excursion has a wide range of viewpoints that extend to the imposing butte de Laon Neglecting the modest relief, the route pleasantly combines the valley of the Péron and the Serre by spanning the flattened hills and letting itself be guided by the railroad. Courted by Mesbrecourt, caressed by the Serre, the itinerary deviates at the exit of a wood to regain Montigny.

In the hollow of the valleys of the Serre and Vilpion, this easy mountain bike route follows good tracks in the land of sugar beet. Marle, the economic engine between Laonnois and Thiérache, has an important architectural richness. After following the railway line, the discovery is enriched by the Romanesque church of Dercy and the massive water mill of Erlon. Half of the route, which can be split in two at Voyenne, is on flat ground.

This short and peaceful stroll, circumscribed on the right bank of the Serre, presents no major difficulties, with minimal differences in level that allow the transition between urban and rural areas. Resolutely grassy, the route offers beautiful green perspectives that border the river, with a mill as a backdrop.

The Battle of Le Cateau (26th August 1914). Following the defeat at Mons, the British Expeditionary Force continued its retreat and forced march towards France. At Le Cateau, one general decided to disobey orders and stand and face the German forces. What would be the consequences of this decision?

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.  

Located in the heart of the countryside in Momignies, the La Blanche Epine holiday home promises you a change of scenery in the heart of peaceful natural surroundings. The rooms in this charming residence are well laid out with refined, contemporary décor. You can relax in the private garden in fine weather. The pellet stove in the living room creates a cosy atmosphere in winter. Hiking enthusiasts will delight in this region recognisable from its hedgerows, pastures and rolling hills. Close to the forest (300 metres) and the RAVeL network (500 metres). Not to mention the magnificent Principality of Chimay, the Virelles lake, the Fondry des Chiens and its 20-metre-deep chasm and the Eau d’Heure lakes with their recreational and watersports activities.

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

The gîte, "L'Air Pur", sleeps between 2 and 4 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts Pays. The gîte is the barn belonging to a former farmhouse, with a sofabed in the living room, a dining room that seats 4 people, a kitchen with a freezer, a woodburner, a bathroom with a separate WC and a bedroom. It also has a television and Wi-Fi. Outside, you can enjoy the terrace with an orchard, outdoor games, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. This lovely gîte is the prefect base from which to explore the regional natural parks of the Hauts-Pays on the Belgian side and Avesnois on the French side.

Between woods and greenery, in the charming municipality of Momignies, the owners of the Les Arpents Verts lodge warmly welcome you to their accommodation built from magnificent local stone, enhanced by its wooden doors and window frames with plenty of character. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged with a décor combining the warmth and authenticity of wood with modern furniture. A lovely terrace with a splendid view over the garden and the neighbouring countryside. Ideal for a romantic getaway. Nearby, the charming principality of Chimay with its château, succulent cheeses and Trappist beers. Twenty minutes from the Eau d’Heure Lakes recreational site.  

We welcome you year-round to Rubigny, a charming, quiet, and rural village located in the Ardennes. La Charmille is a traditional holiday home featuring a heated pool, fitness room, garden, children's play area, and a fireplace. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 people and offers high-quality amenities. Just a few hours from Paris, Reims, or Chalon, the cottage is perfect for family holidays or festive getaways with friends. If you need a break and want to escape from your daily routine, we invite you to book a massage session and come relax during a wellness stay in the Ardennes. Set off with peace of mind, as the beds will be made for your arrival, and we provide a Welcome Kit with everything you need to start your vacation right. Rent Cottage Abel, the neighboring cottage to La Charmille, to accommodate groups of up to 12 people!

We welcome you year-round to Rubigny, a charming, quiet, and rural village located in the Ardennes. La Charmille is a traditional holiday home featuring a heated pool, fitness room, garden, children's play area, and a fireplace. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 people and offers high-quality amenities. Just a few hours from Paris, Reims, or Chalon, the cottage is perfect for family holidays or festive getaways with friends. If you need a break and want to escape from your daily routine, we invite you to book a massage session and come relax during a wellness stay in the Ardennes. Set off with peace of mind, as the beds will be made for your arrival, and we provide a Welcome Kit with everything you need to start your vacation right. Rent Cottage Abel, the neighboring cottage to La Charmille, to accommodate groups of up to 12 people!

Situated in the peaceful village of Seloignes, just a few kilometres from Chimay, this 18th-century clogmaker’s house offers a relaxing stay with a change of scenery guaranteed. Le Nogal owes its name to the remarkable walnut tree in the property’s garden. The owners of Le Nogal warmly welcome you to their charming, character-filled, stone-walled and timber-framed house, which has been completely renovated. The rooms are bright and well laid out, with three themed bedrooms inspired by their travels and time living abroad. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. There are some great walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention the magnificent Château des Princes de Chimay, Scourmont Abbey, Aquascope and the Eau d’Heure Lakes.

Palluel's main asset is the natural wealth that surrounds it. The lush green setting of its pond is an invitation to relax. Explore the narrow streets of the village and look for the boundary stones scattered around the foot of some of the buildings that once demarcated the village. Enter the cemetery to admire this 17th-century sandstone cross, the pride of the village. For a complete break from it all, Ecoland is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake, and offers a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation.

Discover the history of the Botte du Hainaut during the Second World War. Relive this war and the Liberation in the barn where the first American officer, Lieutenant Cook, died during the Liberation of Belgium. Three didactic spaces, with three stories told through objects and reconstructions: the Thiérache resistance, the B-17 Susan Ruth and the battles of the Liberation. You can visit the Canadians’ wagon in Momignies station.

An immersion into the world of VerhaerenThe exhibition showcases numerous excerpts from Verhaeren's work, along with bilingual (French-Dutch) explanatory texts and Braille folders. Visitors will also discover a selection of 25 historical documents and 13 paintings illustrating the special connections the poet had with avant-garde artists and writers of his time, including Neo-Impressionists and renowned literary figures of the 19th and 20th centuries.In the footsteps of Verhaeren: the "Circuit des Pierres"From the museum space, visitors can follow the "Circuit des Pierres", a 4-kilometer walk leading to emblematic sites linked to Verhaeren, including the famous Caillou-qui-bique. This circuit and the exhibition can be guided upon request by enthusiasts from the non-profit organization Mémoire d’Emile Verhaeren in Roisin.A museum exploring a great Belgian poetThe Emile Verhaeren Museum Space invites visitors to discover or rediscover one of Belgium's greatest writers. Between 1899 and 1914, Emile Verhaeren regularly stayed in Roisin, in the Hauts-Pays, where he found peace and inspiration in a farm-inn near the Caillou-qui-bique. The buildings where he stayed still exist today on the provincial site of the Caillou and now house this museum space.An exhibition supported by the Tourism FederationThis exhibition was designed by the Tourism Federation of the Province of Hainaut, with the documentary support of the Archives & Museum of Literature non-profit organization.

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. 

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.

An Exceptional Natural and Cultural HeritageThe park is a constant invitation to explore. You’ll be charmed by picturesque villages with traditional architecture and a rich, well-preserved cultural heritage. This area is also home to remarkable flora and fauna, a haven for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts.Walks for EveryoneExplore the Park at your own pace! Whether you prefer a hike through fields and forests or a peaceful stroll at an iconic natural site like the Caillou-qui-Bique, there’s an adventure for every level. Discover the walking map and plan your route on the park’s official website.A Strong Commitment to Sustainable DevelopmentThe Nature Park of "Les Hauts-Pays" works daily to preserve and promote the sustainable development of its territory. Its key missions include:Protecting and managing natural, cultural, and landscape heritageSustainable land managementEconomic and social developmentPromoting sustainable tourismHosting, educating, raising awareness, and informing the publicEncouraging experimentation and innovationLet Yourself Be Tempted by an Authentic Escape!The Nature Park of "Les Hauts-Pays" is more than a destination: it’s an immersive experience in the heart of nature. Combining beauty, tranquility, and heritage, it promises unforgettable moments. Come breathe, explore, and recharge in this authentic land where nature reigns supreme.

Palluel's main asset is the natural wealth that surrounds it. The lush green setting of its pond is an invitation to relax. Explore the narrow streets of the village and look for the boundary stones scattered around the foot of some of the buildings that once demarcated the village. Enter the cemetery to admire this 17th-century sandstone cross, the pride of the village. For a complete break from it all, Ecoland is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake, and offers a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation.

Water is at the heart of Écourt-Saint-Quentin. The commune is literally surrounded by the marshes of Saudemont, Becquerel and Grand Clair. Hiking and cycling trails invite nature lovers to get away from it all! Are you ready for a complete change of scenery? The town's heritage preserves traces of Écourt's rich past, including its beautiful porch farms and curiosities such as the Merovingian tomb on display in the recently renovated church.

The Rampemont Castle-Farm is a piece of heritage situated in the Haut-Pays Nature Park. This enormous four-sided medieval-looking building has a unique pastoral charm thanks to the presence of farm animals and an exceptional medicinal plants garden. Rampemont is now the property of Mr. & Mrs. Schneider, who have been maintaining and restoring it for almost twenty years. Since then, it has been open to the public by appointment.

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).

Un véritable estaminet dans le Laonnois ! (50 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Une cuisine brassicole, populaire et locale ! (210 couverts + 90 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Une bonne adresse pour les amateurs de houblon !

Le nouveau restaurant sur Laon proposant de la cuisine traditionnelle thaïlandaise, à proximité de la gare ! (24 couverts + terrasse)

Des plats fabriqués maison grâce à des produits naturels, et le tout à proximité de la gare ! (50 couverts + terrasse)

Votre halte privilège en ville basse de Laon, dans un cadre contemporain pour apprécier une cuisine raffinée et sophistiquée ! (50 couverts / animaux acceptés)

Bienvenue à Sama Keur Yaay, votre refuge gastronomique sénégalais au cœur de la ville, tout près de la gare de Laon ! (20 couverts)

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.  

Tucked away in the charming municipality of Momignies, the Moulin de Bourges consists of two accommodation options: a large holiday rental and a smaller alternative. The larger option is immediately appealing thanks to its façade made from beautiful local stone and its mezzanines. The interior is very cosy, combining an authentic, rustic side with the stunning wooden beams on the ceiling. The rooms are bright and fitted with refined and contemporary décor. There is a charming terrace for relaxing with your family and/or friends. The smaller holiday rental promises a few days of escape, thanks to its charming bedroom and terrace with a view of the garden. Beautiful sign-posted walks are located near the accommodation. 

Located in the heart of the countryside in Momignies, the La Blanche Epine holiday home promises you a change of scenery in the heart of peaceful natural surroundings. The rooms in this charming residence are well laid out with refined, contemporary décor. You can relax in the private garden in fine weather. The pellet stove in the living room creates a cosy atmosphere in winter. Hiking enthusiasts will delight in this region recognisable from its hedgerows, pastures and rolling hills. Close to the forest (300 metres) and the RAVeL network (500 metres). Not to mention the magnificent Principality of Chimay, the Virelles lake, the Fondry des Chiens and its 20-metre-deep chasm and the Eau d’Heure lakes with their recreational and watersports activities.

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. This home formerly belonged to a blacksmith and showcases stone from the region. It also boasts the old hearth from that home. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the ground floor, at the foot of the fish-farming ponds and offers a fantastic view of them. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the first floor and boasts a panoramic view of the ponds and breeding tanks from the Cendron fish farm. This is an ideal location for a pleasant and relaxing getaway with family or friends. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. Located on the ground floor, opposite the owners’ house, the fully renovated Rêve d’Eau III holiday rental boasts large private spaces in a relaxing setting. It is an ideal location for a pleasant getaway with a small group.

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

The gîte, "L'Air Pur", sleeps between 2 and 4 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts Pays. The gîte is the barn belonging to a former farmhouse, with a sofabed in the living room, a dining room that seats 4 people, a kitchen with a freezer, a woodburner, a bathroom with a separate WC and a bedroom. It also has a television and Wi-Fi. Outside, you can enjoy the terrace with an orchard, outdoor games, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. This lovely gîte is the prefect base from which to explore the regional natural parks of the Hauts-Pays on the Belgian side and Avesnois on the French side.