Moustier-en-fagne, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

This hike starts before the sumptuous Macon Château-Farm that was built in 1616. By walking up by the ‘Couture’, you will reach the Imbrechies peak, protected by its château and the coal forest. From this magnificent view, you can see a dozen Belgian and French spires. Nearby, is the 40-44 Lieutenant Cook war museum. You then enter the valley of the Helpe Majeure’s source, which then flows along the three lakes to join the old Imbrechies foundry and its furnace. Here you are again in the village of Macon with its many 'potales’ or small chapels, its Wicher Square and magnificent lime trees.

This 25-kilometre equestrian itinerary begins in Montbliart, the smallest and hilliest village in Sivry-Rance, and offers exceptional views and diverse landscapes. This route allows you to discover the village as a whole, as well as a wooded section of the municipality of Chimay. Discover the small chapel made from local blue stone, with its red Rance-marble alcove. After passing through the woods, admire an expanse of water at the pond by the mill, as well as a lovely view of the village of Rance. You will find Bois Massart forest at the Ostennes ponds – which were formerly a forge and furnace. There, you’ll find the arbre des quatre frères. After a quick trip to Eppe-Sauvage in France, return to the Bois de Bruyère forest and the village of Montbliart. 

Montbliart, the smallest village in the municipality of Sivry-Rance, is located in a hilly landscape with valleys forged by the Helpe Mineure and Ry de Fromont rivers. Starting from the church, the walk will take you to the green countryside to discover old dwellings and Les Bruyères, a 19th century hamlet. You will then follow the Grand Chemin, the main road of the village, which linked the foundries to each other in the Middle Ages. Take the time to observe the chapel, built in 1681, whose niche is built from Rouge de Rance (red limestone) from the neighbouring village whose quarries were mined until the middle of the 20th century. 

This route immerses you in the bocage landscape, an important part of the ecological network. After leaving the church, the itinerary leads you to explore the ‘château’, which was home to a Forge Master during the 17th century and converted into a farmhouse in the 19th century. The Sorbait bridge, which spans the Ry de Froment, is named in memory of Paul de Sorbait. Born into a humble family in 1624, he became a doctor in Vienna in 1652, then a professor, and finally ended his career as rector of the University of Vienna. Wander away a little along a forest trail and you will reach the ‘Fountain of the Sick’. In the 15th century, this fountain took its name from its curative properties for treating the plague, which was present in Montbliart at the time.

The old village of Montbliart is located on a hill overlooking the surrounding woodlands and is a very pleasant starting point. Located on the outskirts of the great forest, between Val Joly Lake and the Eau d'Heure Lakes, this section will allow you to gently immerse yourself in the large wooded areas of the main loop. From Montbliart to Sautin, you follow the Ry de Fromont, a charming little river that forms a beautiful reservoir at the foot of Château Doyen, a residence built during the 19th century. There are covered barbecue areas in this leisure area. A path through the woods then takes you on the RAVeL network as far as Froidchapelle.

Located within lush nature, the Naturia Ecocamp campsite offers you a stay that combines relaxation and nature. You can erect your tent, park your mobile home or hire a fully equipped safari tent. Two beautiful bodies of water open up the space and encourage relaxation. The wood is a great place to get out of the heat. Marked hikes and cycle paths available. The beautiful city of Chimay is located a few kilometres away and can be easily accessed on foot or bike via RAVel 109/2. Virelles lake and its Aquascope are 7 kilometres away. The Eau d’Heure lakes are a 20-minute drive away.

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.  

Le Chalet is located two kilometres from the village, in a verdant and peaceful natural setting at the edge of the forest, close to sign-posted trails and walks. Ideal for R&R and ecotourism enthusiasts. The mezzanine, outdoor balconies, terrace and pergola, as well as the open central fireplace and the lawn, which is bordered by a stream, add to its visual charm. Upon leaving this pretty and comfortable furnished holiday rental, you can go for a walk, cycle or horseback ride along the trails and paths through authentic and untamed landscapes. An ideal place to recharge your batteries and for a dynamic or relaxing getaway with family or friends.

Located near the Eau d’Heure Lakes site and Chimay, this comfortable holiday rental comprises a house with four stone and brick façades. It is surrounded by a gorgeous garden. This comfortable and inviting establishment promises a peaceful stay enjoying nature and the countryside without being far from everything. Lounge around on the veranda which overlooks the stunning garden and the playground, stretch out in the meadow, breathe in the aromas of the natural world, pick flowers, and more. Choose Le Petit Coin de Paradis, where peace, serenity, a back-to-basics approach and local flavours will be the cornerstone of your rural getaway. 

On the edge of the bucolic forest of Rance, this comfortable guesthouse welcomes you to a rusty, woody and flowery setting.Near to the RAVeL network / Breakfast with local produce / Cot / Bike garage / Permaculture vegetable garden

Located at the edge of the bucolic forest in Rance, these comfortable guest rooms welcome you in a rural, wooded and flowery setting. The owners of Prés du Bois offer a warm welcome, so you’ll feel at home right away. In the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast made from local produce. The breakfast area and lounge are open to you for relaxation purposes. The garden can be accessed by nature lovers at any time; it offers a stunning panorama over the countryside of Rance. Located a stone’s throw from the Eau d’Heure Lakes site, it is the ideal starting point for hiking. 

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.

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.

As a family or among friends, come and discover the fabulous history of marble: geology, palaeontology, social history and techniques, children’s library, marble creations, building site and workshop... you will explore all these aspects at MAGMA. The museum is also a documentation centre and has a rich library full of various information about the history of marble. Several specialist publications by the museum are also available. Playground for children. Visits with a trilingual audioguide.

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).

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.

This superb castle, more than 1,000 years old, is near the Scourmont Abbey which makes the Trappist Chimay beer. History For more than a thousand years the ancestral home of the Princes of Chimay has dominated this ancient town in the rolling hills of the Botte du Hainaut. Set in the square at the centre of the principality, the castle was initially a simple medieval bastion which was then enlarged in the 15th century with 5 towers linked by fortified walls to improve its defensive capabilities... https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/chimay-castle-interactive-and-historical-visit

Relive over a thousand years of history, revealed by an interactive, musical and … 3D route! Discover unusual objects, witnesses to the passions and wars that kept the residence of the Chimays alive.

The present château was built in 1935 on the site of a palace complex which has recently been excavated. It incorporates a theatre founded by Madame Tallien, who became the Princess of Chimay in 1805. Dating from 1863, it has an oval proscenium arch auditorium, with stalls, two balconies and the prince’s box. Its remarkable ceiling has a flattened cupola, painted with scenes of Paradise and with an openwork wood ceiling rose at its centre. The décor is inspired by sketches produced during the reign of Louis XV for the theatre at Fontainebleau. Since 1991, the theatre has been the venue for a well-known international baroque singing competition. Building listed on 24-12-1958 Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia

Dive into the world and imagination of the Trappist Beers of Chimay and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure in the city’s authentic dungeons! Train your team, solve mysteries, find secret passages and, finally, discover the fabulous treasures of the abbey. An innovative idea for an outing with your friends, family and/or work colleagues.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Ideal for those who love walks and water sports activities, this well-appointed holiday rental will entice you with its tasteful décor that combines comfort and well-being. Located at the foot of the Church of Montbliart, the owners of à l'Ombre du Clocher offer a warm welcome to their home, which has been beautifully refurbished with natural materials. You can relax peacefully in the garden or on the terrace and be dazzled by the charm of the surrounding sites and nature. An ideal location for a reinvigorating getaway with a partner, your family or friends, surrounded by magnificent nature, sumptuous landscapes and hilly terrain. 

Located at the French border, not far from the Eau d’Heure Lakes site, this charmingly refurbished former post office is perfect for a getaway with family and/or friends. The owners of Le Bon Temps do everything they can to make holidaymakers feel right at home. The house boasts its own tennis court, sauna and heated outdoor pool in summer. In winter, you can get together around the fire in the living room and enjoy a moment of relaxation. Not to mention the games room, which contains board games for all ages, as well as a park and toys for children. The region is ideal for walking, cycling and mountain biking. 

Located within lush nature, the Naturia Ecocamp campsite offers you a stay that combines relaxation and nature. You can erect your tent, park your mobile home or hire a fully equipped safari tent. Two beautiful bodies of water open up the space and encourage relaxation. The wood is a great place to get out of the heat. Marked hikes and cycle paths available. The beautiful city of Chimay is located a few kilometres away and can be easily accessed on foot or bike via RAVel 109/2. Virelles lake and its Aquascope are 7 kilometres away. The Eau d’Heure lakes are a 20-minute drive away.