Cousolre, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

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. 

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

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.

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.

This charming rural lodge is very spacious and is located in the village of Solre-Saint-Géry in Beaumont. The owners of Vel’ Eau d’Heure will extend a warm welcome in their lovely house, which is dripping with character and boasts refined and contemporary décor. There is a lovely heated indoor pool and a very large garden with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. This lodge is particularly suitable for families or small groups that want to enjoy an active break in a verdant setting. Nature lovers will be fans of the beautiful marked pedestrian/cycle routes. Just a few kilometres away, the Eau d’Heure lakes offer recreational and sporting activities. 

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 Merbes-le-Château, Le Pré en Bulles offers calm and relaxation in the heart of the countryside. This lodge is very cosy and is surrounded by a large garden and the owners’ cattle farm. The atmosphere is very welcoming and pleasant, with very tasteful décor. Their bubble bath guarantees relaxation. That's not to mention the spacious terrace, the garden with an unrestricted view and the possibility of enjoying the pool during good weather. Ideal for an intimate couples getaway or even a trip with family. Refreshments are available on-site thanks to their local farm products from regional artisans and producers.   

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.  

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

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 https://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.

Visit Salamandre Tower, the dungeon of the old fort, as a family or among friends. Come and discover the city’s past with its history and regional craft museum. You will great Charles V and the three Auvergnats. You will meet Charles de Croÿ and his famous miniatures. You will relive Napoleon’s visit to this city and the life of the “Caraman-Chimays”. Not to mention the stunning view you will have from the top of the walls across the Beaumontois countryside.

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 http://chateaudesolresursambre.hautetfort.com/

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

In Lobbes, in the heart of the peaceful countryside, this restaurant offers French brasserie-style cuisine at an attractive price. The setting is modern with a nice view of the gardens and the pond and a superb 52-seat suspended terrace. They offer dishes of the day, various set menus, business lunches, seasonal menus, etc. This includes ultra-fresh ground beef tartare, grilled swordfish steak seasoned with herbal oil and foie gras. The menu is updated every season. There are set menus adapted to your needs: banquet, communion, marriage, birthday, etc.

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.

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

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.

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... https://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/au-crapaud-charmant-bb-labuissiere

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.

This charming rural lodge is very spacious and is located in the village of Solre-Saint-Géry in Beaumont. The owners of Vel’ Eau d’Heure will extend a warm welcome in their lovely house, which is dripping with character and boasts refined and contemporary décor. There is a lovely heated indoor pool and a very large garden with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. This lodge is particularly suitable for families or small groups that want to enjoy an active break in a verdant setting. Nature lovers will be fans of the beautiful marked pedestrian/cycle routes. Just a few kilometres away, the Eau d’Heure lakes offer recreational and sporting activities.