Hargnies, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Located in France, the Monceau-Saint-Waast brewery produces traditional high-fermentation beers like ‘L’Avesnoise’, ‘L’abbaye de Maroilles’ and bespoke beers like ‘des Nuits Secrètes’. Fun is guaranteed at the ValJoly tourist resort, which is located on the edge of the largest lake in northern France. Stop by MusVerre, a real hub for artistic glass that hosts the largest public collection of contemporary glass creations in France. We then return to Belgium and the bucolic little town of Sivry-Rance. It’s a real oasis of greenery and peacefulness, in which you can discover the history of marble at MAgMA. 

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.

Located in the center of a village in the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts-Pays, this gîte is the perfect place to discover the curiosities, landscapes, and specialties of this little-known area on the French-Belgian border. Put on your sneakers or hop on your bike to find the "caillou-qui-bique," wander through the villages and sunken paths, admire the hedged landscapes, meet local craftsmen, visit breweries, and taste the regional specialties. Don't forget the cultural and recreational activities offered by Mons, Valenciennes, and Bavay.Welcome to this house, redesigned for families or groups of friends, featuring 6 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 14 people.The well-equipped kitchen, large dining room, two lounges, as well as the terrace with barbecue, the storage for your bikes and motorbikes, the table football, and the sauna will all contribute to enhancing the quality of your stay.

Located in the Nature Park of the Hauts-Pays in the village of Audregnies, the cottage has been created in the old, character-filled buildings of the former family farm.Adjacent to the owners' residence, it is comfortably furnished and features a private terrace and a large garden.It is the perfect starting point for many walks or bike rides.Close to Mons, Tournai, Valenciennes, and other numerous tourist attractions, it is the ideal base for a stay with family or friends.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options. You can also enjoy the rural setting, where it is easy to relax and recharge your batteries in peace.  

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.

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.

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.

A Rich and Diverse EcosystemSouth of the Scientific Adventure Park (SPARKOH!), the Terril du Crachet stands in a semi-rural setting. Much of its surface is covered by pioneering woodland, while preserving beautiful open areas of grassy wasteland and ponds. This site hosts exceptional flora, including remarkable species such as:The common twayblade (Listera ovata)The tuberous pea (Lathyrus tuberosus)The nodding thistle (Carduus nutans)The proximity to urban areas also encourages the presence of exotic plants, further enriching the site’s botanical diversity.Remarkable FaunaThe Terril du Crachet is also a haven for local wildlife, especially herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles). Eight species of amphibians, including the rare natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), and two species of reptiles have been recorded here. This natural heritage makes it a prime observation site for biodiversity enthusiasts.Discovery TrailsA marked trail takes you to the top of the terril, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The starting point is at SPARKOH!, where you can find all the information you need to fully enjoy the walk.Access to the Terril du CrachetLocation: Located north of Frameries, along the Mons-Frameries road, on the right when coming from Mons.Directions: From Mons, follow the direction of Frameries and the signs for "SPARKOH!". You’ll arrive directly at the foot of the Terril du Crachet.

La Tour du Lait Buré, située à l’orée de la Forêt domaniale de Colfontaine, est un lieu chargé d’histoire. Au début des années 1900, Achille Tillier, architecte et fondateur de la brasserie Tillier, fait l’acquisition d’une pâture à la commune d’Eugies. Il construit alors, suivant ses plans, un bâtiment baptisé La Tour du Lait Buré (selon André Capron et Pierre Nisolle, auteurs d’Essai d’illustration du parler borain, « lait buré » signifierait « lait battu »). Le propriétaire installe dans ce lieu pittoresque un cabaret, qui se transformera rapidement en guinguette dans laquelle il décide de vendre ses diverses bières (Stout Cedar, Saison, Belge, Blanche, Grisette,…). À l’origine, cette bâtisse était pourvue d’une toiture plate permettant entre autres d’observer la nature, de chasser ou d’installer des musiciens (jusqu’à l’arrivée du tourne-disque qui remplacera l’orchestre après la Première Guerre Mondiale). Ce n’est qu’en 1955, que Victor-Léon et Léon-Willy Tillier, respectivement fils et petit-fils d’Achille Tillier, font réparer et modifier la toiture par une entreprise hollandaise pour lui donner une forme conique (toiture qui sera refaite une seconde fois dans les années 85). En septembre 1972, La Tour du Lait Buré est entièrement rénovée et inaugurée en présence du Collège Communal, dont le Député Bourgmestre Arthur Nazé. Cette rénovation permit d’installer notamment un comptoir construit en fonction de la forme circulaire de la taverne et de l’accès (central) à la cave à boissons, d’ajouter une annexe baptisée « Gambrinus » pouvant accueillir une vingtaine de personnes et d’aménager une terrasse et une aire de jeux. Depuis, La Tour du Lait Buré a conservé tout son charme et s’est transformée en un lieu rustique dans lequel il fait bon se reposer après une balade au cœur de la nature.

What if you discovered the farm Pype-Lievens with Ingrid and Patrick? : They will be happy to immerse you in the core of their family farm. On the programme: -Guided tour of the farm and its facilities -Discover the animals and various types of breeding -Explanation of the product lines made with the milk from the farm -Explanation of the conservation of the silo and feeding the animals (very different in winter and summer) -Explanation of the standards and regulations updates -Tasting ice cream and yoghurt Only by appointment on Tuesday and Friday afternoon! From minimum 7 to maximum 25 persons Duration: 2 hours Price: € 2/person

  The house of the people in Wihéries was inaugurated in 1922. It was built on the initiative of the "La Ruche Boraine" cooperative company (founded in 1902) by Maurice Mailleux (who was also the architect for the house of the people in Boussu). The building, which is right in the heart of the village, is striking for its generous size and its colour scheme (red and white bricks). Its classical structure features Art Nouveau decoration. The building is on two levels and takes up nine bays. The central section, with three bays, is flanked by two turrets rising to three levels and two wings, each of two bays. The building has a bâtière roof, with the exception of the turrets, which have roofs shaped like a beehive.  The sgraffito in the central bay illustrates this link to the world of bee-keeping. In fact a beehive is depicted in it, framed by scrolls under the words "Société coopérative". Under the bees are the words "La Ruche Boraine / Maison du peuple". Just below the balcony appear the words "Liberté", "égalité" and "Fraternité". Other sgraffiti depicting floral and plant motifs are also visible above the doors and windows on the ground floor. The house of the people once had a meeting room, reception room, café, room for selling bread, a bakery and a kitchen. The way the space is organised remains unchanged today, with the exception of the café which has been enlarged. Note the fanlights of the doors and windows alternating with yellow and green tinted glass. Listed: 29-09-1982  

Belgium's First Natural Swimming Pool in Dour!Set in the lush surroundings of the Belvédère sports and recreation center, discover Belgium's very first natural swimming pool, a unique spot with exceptional charm. This pool, as large as an Olympic swimming pool, uses layers of volcanic rock and plants to filter the water, offering you a healthy and eco-friendly swim. With its three different depths and playful water jets, there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for relaxation or fun.During your visit, also enjoy the VITA trail that surrounds the site and explore the two tennis courts. Don't miss the Malakoff tower, a historic symbol of the region, as well as the slag heap, which is an integral part of this recreational complex. In the summer, a dive into this natural pool is a must for a refreshing experience in nature!

  The house of the people in Dour, which is still used as such, was built by the architect Alphonse Van Craenenbroeck in 1928-1929, commissioned by the "Les Socialistes Réunis" cooperative company. The wish of the company was to provide a modern place for people to meet, where the recreational and festive side could take precedence over the commercial side. The building seeks to express the leadership role played by the cooperative. Making beautiful use of the language of Art Deco, the building is designed according to a triangular plan with a semi-octagonal outcrop housing a café. The café is lit by large windows with recessed frames and there is a terrace above with a balustrade. The gable façade features a tower at its centre capped by a geometric amortisement. This style is also used for the tops of the pilasters and gables on the three façades, as well as for the friezes with angular motifs that underlines the elevation. Originally, there was a performance auditorium, which is no longer there. The austerity of the façade with its marked vertical thrust is in contrast with the richness of the interior, both in terms of form and colour (frieze, exotic timber panelling, stained glass windows, etc.). The octagonal pillars are transformed into stylised palm trees and the ceiling is animated with moulded profiles. The ceiling reflects the floor with its red and white chequerboard pattern. Note the two entrance areas decorated with stained glass windows, the benches marrying the base of the pilasters and the geometric frieze decorating the upper part of the walls. Listed: 29-09-1982  

221 Rue Wilson in Colfontaine“J’ai loué une petite maison où j’aimerais bien habiter tout à fait seul mais, pour l’instant, comme Pa trouve préférable, et moi-même aussi, que je loge chez Denis, elle ne me sert que d’atelier ou de cabinet de travail.” (translation in English: "I rented a small house in which I would really like to live absolutely alone but, for the moment, since Pa thought it preferable, and I did as well, that I stay with Denis, I only use it as a studio and as a place of work."(Vincent Van Gogh, writing to his brother Théo, letter dated 4 March 1879)It was in March 1879 that Vincent Van Gogh first refers to the house at 81 Rue du Petit Wasmes, which today is Rue Wilson in Colfontaine. Upon his arrival in the Borinage area a few months earlier, in December 1878, the evangelist Benjamin Vanderhaegen quickly found this house for him. The house belonged to a baker by the name of Jean-Baptiste Denis and was to play an extremely significant role in the artist's career.It was there that he experienced his "companionship" with miners. He made coal-mining the subject of his first attempts at sketches. It was also in his house that he wrote letters to his brother that were to, like his reading, orientate his life towards an extraordinary artistic destiny. These precious things which allow us to piece together the character of Van Gogh and which are part of history, in conjunction with the fact that the places referred to are still in existence, serve to add to our duty to preserve the house which belonged to Denis, which remains one of the few things that bear witness to the presence of Van Gogh in the Borinage area, and in particular at Wasmes (now Colfontaine).Public-interest heritageIn general, what remains for us today of Van Gogh, apart of course from his oeuvre, are traces of his career in the form of buildings – the house where he was born in Groot Zundert, the vicarage in Nuenen, the house in Cuesmes, the hospital in Saint-Rémy and the inn at Auvers-sur-Oise. The house at Colfontaine has now just completed this "pilgrimage way".To complete your tour, feel free to book a visit of the Van Gogh House in Cuesmes and the Marcasse site, two iconic locations of Van Gogh's time in the Borinage.The Van Gogh House in Cuesmes is also accessible with the Van Gogh Pass, available for purchase at visitMons or directly on site.For more information about the artist’s time in the region, visit our Van Gogh in the Borinage website.

Culinary SpecialtiesLe Fourquet offers indoor grilled dishes, as well as meals prepared with fresh, local products selected according to the seasons. Some dishes are made with the brewery’s craft beers, providing a unique and local dining experience.Tailor-Made EventsWould you like to organize a business lunch, a family celebration, a seminar, a promotional dinner, or a banquet for patronal feasts? Le Fourquet offers customized event planning, tailored to your needs, budget, and tastes.Why Choose Le Fourquet?The family-friendly atmosphere, the high quality of the cuisine, the professionalism and availability of the staff, the peaceful forest setting, as well as easy access and parking, are all assets that ensure the success of your event. Additionally, indoor and outdoor play areas are available for children, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

A small family-owned craft brewery. All of the beers produced in our facilities are not filtered and refermented on yeast in the bottle. The adventure began with the parents, Pierre-Alex and Marie-Noëlle CARLIER - POURTOIS, the first brew took place on 24 March 1988. The eldest son, Kévin CARLIER, a biotechnology graduate is now at the head of the brewery with his wife Bérangère DESCHAMPS and his father-in-law Claude DESCHAMPS. The youngest son, Cédric CARLIER, with his wife Stéphanie JUSTE, both graduates of catering school, are at the head of the Restaurant le Fourquet, opposite the brewery. Regional dishes are prepared with local beers. The succession is assured with the two daughters of Kévin and Bérangère, Manon and Ninon, as well as the two sons of Cédric and Stéphanie, Ethan and Mathys. Brewing and bottling of artisanal unfiltered beers, refermented in the bottle on yeast:-the Moneuse, a clear amber beer, pure malt. -the Moneuse Spéciale Noël, a dark amber beer, pure malt. -the Saison d'Epeautre, a blonde beer, from wheat. -the Darbyste, a golden beer, based on figs. -the Vermontoise, a blonde beer, with pronounced bitterness, and a light aftertaste of lemon. Visits are organised on appointment. The opportunity to learn more about brewing and taste a few products. And why not take a few bottles home?

A refined cuisine and gourmet creationsThe restaurant Les Gourmands is run by a passionate couple with a precise division of tasks in the kitchen. Chef Didier Bernard offers exceptional gastronomic dishes that awaken your taste buds and take you on a journey of new flavours. Each dish is a discovery of tastes, elevated by the delicious desserts of Lydia Glacé, which will delight all sweet lovers.A renowned sommelier and an exceptional wine cellarIn the dining room, Carlo Zecchin, Belgium's top sommelier, oversees an exceptional wine cellar with over 1,500 references. His passion for wine and expertise will guide you in selecting the perfect pairing for each dish, enhancing your culinary experience.Book now at Les Gourmands and discover a fine dining restaurant where every dish is a true culinary masterpiece.

The terrace of the Brasserie du Domaine du Chant d'Eole is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of bubbly and a meal in the open air. Guided tours of the vineyard are available throughout the summer by prior arrangement. www.chantdeole.be/restaurant

TOURIST Camping open during the season Located in southwestern Belgium, in the Nature Park of the Hauts-Pays, right on the French border, just 35 km from Mons, 15 km from Valenciennes (France), 12 km from Dour and its famous festival, and 10 minutes from the Caillou-qui-bique site, the CAMPING DE ROISIN is in the heart of the village of Roisin, only a 5-minute walk from shops including a restaurant, brasserie, pizzeria, chip shops, Louis Delhaize supermarket, gas station, and nearby fishing ponds.36 annual rental pitches for caravans, mobile homes, motorhomes, and campers, each equipped with: Electrical connection (16A), Water and sewage connections13 sunny and semi-shaded pitches for short-term campers.Parking, wastewater disposal, and water refill stations for motorhomes.Practical InformationCheck-in: between 2pm and 7pm. and check-out: by 12pm.Reservation REQUIRED via: Email: campingderoisin@gmail.com and Phone: +32 476 92 89 83 / +32 477 18 92 58! The entrance is the same for CAMPING DE ROISIN (Rue du Château de Roisin, No. 14) and LES TOURELLES (Rue du Château de Roisin, No. 12).

Located across from a vast grassy area, this small historic building, typical of the early 20th century, serves as a central point in the village of Roisin. Its overhanging roof, supported by sculpted wooden brackets, evokes the charm of cottages. Inside, you will find a large, spacious room and a fully equipped kitchen, all benefiting from modern renovation and new furnishings. A place that combines character and comfort.

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.

The "L'Air Pur" holiday cottage, with a capacity of two to four people, enables you to stay right in the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts Pays. The holiday cottage, which is located in the former barn of a small farmhouse, has a sitting room with a sofa bed, a dining room which accommodates four people, a kitchen with a freezer, a wood-burning fireplace, a bathroom with a separate toilet and a bedroom. It is also equipped with television and WiFi. Outside, you can enjoy a terrace with an orchard, outdoor games and a table tennis 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.