Explore Bucilly, Aisne, Picardie and its delightful surroundings

Take a forested trail from Place de Courquain – the setting of Dany Boon’s film “Nothing to Declare” – towards the Great Crossing of the Forêt du Pays de Chimay. The picturesque atmosphere of this vast forest is peppered with rural valleys, which have been shaped by the Helpe, and a series of ponds, the largest of which is the Fourchinée. The source of the Eau Blanche is found nearby. This river guides you between woods and meadows to the stately city of Chimay, via a short urban route towards the Grand Place. Three camp sites are located in this section: the Nouveau Monde, the Sentier des Pins and the Crayats camp site.

You start this stretch in the border village of Macquenoise, the most southern and westerly point of the Chevauchée trail in the Pays des Lacs region. This former Franco-Belgian Hirson-Macquenoise customs house was made famous by the popular comedy ‘Nothing to Declare’. It was renamed the Courquain Customs House for the film. This region has been a crossroad for centuries, as evidenced by the scattered Roman ruins. You leave the village through the Chimay Forest and reach Seloignes from the north. You then pass near the charming Fourchinée pond. This reservoir supplied a furnace until the 18th century. Today, it is a nature reserve home to incredible flora and fauna. Finally, you reach Forges near the Rue des Sarts.

In the municipality of Macquenoise, and specifically near to this hike, many prehistoric remains have been discovered, including a glassworks in the place named ‘Fourmatot’. Along the stream of the same name that you cross several times, glass debris from the 2nd century has been uncovered. The glass furnace was in operation from the start of the 12th century, and was closed since 1780. The hike starts and finishes a stone’s throw from the Courquains customs post, that was made famous by the film ‘Rien à déclarer’ (Nothing to declare). 

Pleasant 6km walk, mainly in the Beauwelz wood. The name ‘Beauwelz’ comes from ‘Beau Vallon’ or ‘beau welz’ which means ‘lake’. In the 17th century, they said ‘Biauwez’. This is the name kept by our Walloon dialect. Many small streams snake through the wood. The high point of the route is: the ‘Surgineté’, where there used to be a luxury glassworks, two of whose most beautiful pieces were given to Charles Quint and the future king Philip II, when he travelled through in 1549. Once in the wood, it’s a real breath of fresh air with its pools and its magnificent alpine newts, etc. 

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. 

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.

Nestling in the heart of nature at Momignies in the Chimay region, the La Demoiselle Ô Bois lodge promises a relaxing and cosy stay. Sandrine and Hugues will give you a warm welcome and provide you with all the tourist information you need. This spacious, light-filled residence built from local stone is a successful blend of old-world character and modern-day comfort. Outside, there are magnificent views of the forest from the vast, charming garden. Outdoor play areas with boules and an indoor pool table and darts. Everything you need for a successful stay with family and/or friends. There are numerous signposted walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention Chimay and its charming castle, or the verdant Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park. 

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.

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.  

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.

During the summer of 1850, a small group of monks came to reside on the wild Scourmont plateau, near Chimay. A farm, a brewery and a dairy were set up around the monastery. This Cistercian abbey, erected in 1850, is above all renowned for its famous Trappist beer that is still brewed on site in the greatest secrecy. Open visit to outhouses, the monk’s cemetery, the gardens and the church. In our hyperconnected times, it’s also an excellent place to spend a calm and soothing moment.

Seventeen monks came from Flanders, from Westvleteren Abbey, where they already made a Trappist beer, to found a Cistercian abbey in the midst of a lost, marshy and inhospitable region. No problem! In 12 years, they built a monastery and a brewery producing a divine nectar: Chimay beer, known throughout the world.

Do you want to get in touch with your inner child? Dive into an imaginary world where old toys, sometimes older than two hundred years, tell you their story. Museum of old and collectable toys with repair workshop. The museum has a fabulous collection of more than 250 old dolls (porcelain, combined materials and celluloid) that have been carefully restored. There are also accessories (prams, shops, etc.), old teddies, etc.

A journey to the heart of the secrets, the history and the treasures of the production of Chimay Trappist beers and cheeses. Over 150 years of tradition, authenticity and brewing know-how.

With a tablet, Chimay Experience, located near to Notre-Dame de Scourmont abbey, welcomes you to discover the secrets, history and treasures of Chimay trappist beer and cheese making. Permanent, interactive exhibition. You will find an animated model of the abbey, a virtual guestbook, an ingredients chest, etc. Taste a Chimay from the barrel at the end of the visit. New: “Chimay with your eyes closed”: discover Chimay artefacts in the dark. Try to recognise the artefacts that have been placed on four shelves using only your sense of touch. Place your hand on the object... if you do not recognise it, it will be explained!

L'Espace Chimay, dedicated to Chimay cheese and beer, presents the Chimay Experience, an interactive visit of the brewery. To be consumed with no moderation! visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/lespace-chimay-discover-how-trappist-beer-made

visitwallonia.com/en-gb/3/where-to-go-in-wallonia/walloon-towns-and-cities/chimay

Bring your family and friends to discover the fabulous history of Chimay Castle. Its 1,000-year history is revealed through a film presented by Stéphane Bern. This film can be discovered in the Maison des Artistes in Chimay Castle, which reveals the role played by Chimay, the Castle and its occupants in European history. Enjoy the Princes’ terrace and savour a Chimay Trappist beer during your visit. Explore the thousand-yearold Chimay Castle, via a mobile app bound to delight young and old alike. Become acquainted with the castle, its past and present occupants and get spirited away by the audiovisual show available in the Theatre setting.

A belt with pockets locked with a padlock, an orientation booklet and accessories. These are the only tools available to players off to discover the secrets of Chimay. This new game takes players on a trail that leads them to the key locations in Chimay. To move forward from one point to another, participants have no other choice than to solve the clues on their path. For around one hour and a half, adventurers will go off to find the secret of Chimay. You can only discover the secret once you have solved all the clues. Crack the codes, solve the puzzles and observe the intricacies of the millennial heritage.

Just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey, taste the local Trappist products. Want to know everything about how they are made? Don't miss a visit to the Espace Chimay on the same site. chimay.com/espace-chimay/

L'Espace Chimay, dedicated to Chimay cheese and beer, presents the Chimay Experience, an interactive visit of the brewery. To be consumed with no moderation! visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/lespace-chimay-discover-how-trappist-beer-made

The Auberge de Poteaupré, a brewery/restaurant/hotel in Espace Chimay, is an ideal stop to savour the products of the Scourmont Abbey and those of the Chimay region. Just a short walk from Notre-Dame Abbey in Scourmont, Auberge de Poteaupré has been welcoming guests in a walk and rural atmosphere for over 100 years. Between tradition and gastronomy, the atmosphere is that of an English pub where Chimay beers and cheeses are the guests of honour.

Located just a short walk from Notre-Dame Abbey in Scourment, La Ferme des 4 Saisons is a family restaurant lovingly cooking wonderful dishes for almost 30 years. From fish to beef to lobster, discover the chef's creations inspired by Belgian-French classics. La Ferme des 4 Saisons changes its menu several times each season and uses raw market products carefully prepared by the team. All this in the comfort and warmth the restaurant is known for in a setting rich in colours and authentic and modern materials.

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.

The small princely town and its Bistrot de Terroir is ready to serve you. This brasserie with a friendly atmosphere and unusual decor is located in the former Ormeaux casino in Chimay. A collection of photos depicts the life of Chimay residents and the evolution of the casino over the years. The brasserie manager offers local dishes such as Chimay escabeche, Chimay terrine, Abbé Gourmand trout or other dishes of the day. The terrace is very pleasant when the weather is good.

Eating and drinking well should not just be a pastime for the elite. With this in mind, François Nicolas and his wife Angélique welcome you to La Malterie. You will discover traditional cuisine with a modern presentation, using fresh and local produce, with utmost respect for the seasons and different flavours. The shop sells artisanal and natural products from Chimay and its region. There are also catering services: tailor-made products created according to customers’ tastes and the market produce available.

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.

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. 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. 

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. 

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.  

In a little village of Thiérache, a detached, entirely renovated house. On the ground floor, everything is adapted for disabled people : 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, a bathroom and separated WC. Equipped kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave). Dining-room/lounge with woodstove. On the first floor, 2 double bedrooms, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 bedroom with 3 single beds. Garage. Shops 7 km away. Along the tourist route of the fortified churches of Thiérache and next to the massif of the Ardennes. Bed-sheets renting possible. Taxes and heating included.

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.

Nestling in the heart of nature at Momignies in the Chimay region, the La Demoiselle Ô Bois lodge promises a relaxing and cosy stay. Sandrine and Hugues will give you a warm welcome and provide you with all the tourist information you need. This spacious, light-filled residence built from local stone is a successful blend of old-world character and modern-day comfort. Outside, there are magnificent views of the forest from the vast, charming garden. Outdoor play areas with boules and an indoor pool table and darts. Everything you need for a successful stay with family and/or friends. There are numerous signposted walks and cycle rides nearby. Not to mention Chimay and its charming castle, or the verdant Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park. 

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.