A RICH BREW OF HISTORY AND TRADITION

Distillerie de Biercée © MT Val de Sambre

We are not responsible for possible price changes. Please contact the organiser before you go.

The tour begins with a visit to a quite exceptional site, the family-run micro-brewery of Erquelinnes. The tour continues with a visit to the Castle of Fosteau. This building dates back to the 14th-15th century.
In the village of Ragnies you will find the Biercée Distillery, the only Belgian distillery that makes fruit brandy and liqueurs.
In the medieval town of Beaumont you will find the chateau of the princely family of Caraman-Chimay. The nearby tourist office offers guided tours of the town on the theme of Charles V. Upon your arrival at the princely city of Chimay you will definitely notice the proud Chateau des Princes de Chimay.
The route continues to the Abbey of Scourmont. Also pop by in the Auberge de Poteaupré and discover some regional products.

Comment:

Erquelinnes, Leers en Fosteau, Ragnies, Beaumont, Chimay, Scoumont. (54 km) - car - bike.
Practical info:
Brewery of Erquelinnes - Rue de Maubeuge, 197 in 6560 Erquelinnes.
Tel.: +32 (0)71/ 55.86.66 - angelus.br@swing.be
Castle of Fosteau - Rue du Marquis, 1 in 6530 Leers et Fosteau
Tel.: +32 (0)71/ 59.23.44 - www.chateaufosteau.be
Distillery of Biercée - Ferme de la Cour in 6532 Ragnies
Tel.: +32 (0)71/ 50.00.50 - www.distilleriedebiercee.com
Château des princes de Chimay - Rue du château, 14 in 6460 Chimay
Tel.: +32 (0)60/ 21.44.44 - www.chateaudechimay.com
Abbey Notre-Dame de Scourmont - Route du Rond-Point, 294 in 6464 Forges
Tel.: +32 (0)60/ 21.05.11 - www.chimay.com
Auberge de Poteaupré - Rue de Poteaupré, 4 in 6464 Chimay
Tel.: 060/21.14.33 - www.chimay.com

Extra information:

Places of interest in the surroundings
The abbey of Aulne, the Belfry and its gardens, the Museum of Inland Water Navigation, the Tram Museum (THUIN); Collegiate church (LOBBES); Museum of the Mine and Nail (FONTAINE L'EVEQUE); la Tour Salamandre (BEAUMONT); the Museum of Marble (SIVRY-RANCE); les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure; the Aquascope; the Butterfly Barn (VIRELLES); Museum 40-44 (MOMIGNIES).

Bike hikes "Gourmandises" (Gastronomy).
Discover the local products by bike.
Pro Velo - tel:+ 32 (0)71/53.58.50 - Charleroi@provelo.be

Tourist Office of Val de Sambre et de Thudinie - Place Albert Ier, 2 in 6530 Thuin
Tel: +32 (0)71/59.54.54 - info@mtvaldesambre.org
Tourist Office of Botte du Hainaut - Rue de Noailles, 4 in 6460 Chimay.
Tel: +32 (0)60/21.95.54 - maisontourismebotte@swing.be

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AQUASCOPE VIRELLES (VIRELLES) © Anne Sansdrap Space in discovery of the life in the pond - screening of the film "The 4 seasons of Virelles" - during the WE and school holidays, projection of images with live comments from a nature guide - playful and scenographic outdoor trails at the edge of the pond ("Wall of Moïse", discovery trail of the water environments, summit trails, look-out posts, labyrinth…) - playground - barbecue - pick nick areas - point of departure for walks - free access to the tavern-restaurant - nature shop - temporary exhibitions - nature events. Address: Aquascope Virelles Rue du Lac 42 6461 VIRELLES (CHIMAY) Tel.:+32 (0) 60 21 13 63 know more...

AUBERGE DE POTEAUPRE (BOURLERS) © Auberge de Poteaupré The Auberge de Potaupré, a stone's throw from the Abbey of Scourmont and on the same estate as the sources of the Oise, is the perfect stop to sample the Trappiste products of the Abbey of Scourmont. Address: Rue de Poteaupré 5 6464 BOURLERS (CHIMAY) Tel.:+32 (0) 60 21 14 33 know more...

CASTLE OF THE PRINCES OF CHIMAY (CHIMAY) © FTPH - c. Carpentier Already in the year 1000, the old chronicles refer to a donjon destined to watch over the valley of the Eau Blanche. This will be the principle point around which the Castle of Chimay will be constructed. The donjon, with its surbased vaults, is the most interesting architectural part. The façade still has scars from the slides supporting the suspended bridge. The Guard Room has conserved its ancient vaults as well as an ornamental tiling made up out of 45 000 slates. The theatre, constructed in 1863, reminds us, by its decoration, of the one king Louis XV had built at the castle of Fontainebleau. Every year the Prince and Princess of Chimay organise an International Baroque Chants Competition (October) and a Baroque Music Festival (June) there. Address: Château des Princes de Chimay & Parc du Château Rue du Château 14 6460 CHIMAY Tel.:+32 (0) 60 21 44 44 know more...

COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAINT-URSMER (LOBBES) © FTPH - c. Carpentier This church was consecrated in 697 and rebuilt in the 9th century. The nave and the western parts are rare examples of Carolingian architecture in Belgium and are set within an otherwise Mosan architectural whole. Address: Rue de l'Eglise 1 6540 LOBBES Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 26 93 know more...

DISTILLERY OF BIERCEE (RAGNIES) © Distillerie de Biercee Unique in Belgium! Come and discover the secrets of distillation: how 10 kg of fresh fruit are transformed into one bottle of eau-de-vie or liqueur, and how for example Eau de Villée and the P'titPeket are brewed. Programme: Distillers room: collection of ancient stills, tools and old books, slide show with sound, space for sampling and smelling (smell, touch, look, recognize), the distillery of Biercée: guided visit of this still active distillery, sampling in the Grange des Belges. Everything in the splendid Ferme de la Cour. Address: Ferme de la Cour Rue de la Roquette 36 6532 RAGNIES (THUIN) Tel.:+32 (0) 71 50 00 50 know more...

ECOMUSEUM OF INLAND WATER TRANSPORT: THE THUDO (THUIN) © Office du Tourisme de Thuin asbl The love story between Thuin and inland water transport is old and long. At the start of the 20e century, Thuin had some 1100 boatmen as heads of family on a population of 5000 inhabitants. We offer you an opportunity to come and visit the fascinating world of inland water transport. Discover on board of our barge-museum the life of the boatmen in Thuin, scale models, documents from events during the war... Address: Place Albert I 2 6530 THUIN Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 54 54 know more...

FOSTEAU CASTLE (LEERS-ET-FOSTEAU) © Van Hoonacker A. At the summit of an undulation the silhouette of the castle of Fosteau appears. This imposing fortress from the XIVth century still has got 4 tours. The lords of Semousies, Sars, and after them de lords of Zwenne, Marotte, de Henry, de Jamblines and de Aoust developed the living quarters around the central donjon. Inside we find one of the finest gothic rooms in Belgium. The gardens - sober, French and laid out in terrace - go as far as the lake. The castle is considered a monument since 1979. Address: Rue du Marquis 1 6530 LEERS-ET-FOSTEAU (THUIN) Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 23 44 know more...

HANGING GARDENS (THUIN) © Photos Empain The Thuin poet Mathieu Anciaux, writing under the pseudonym "Jean de la Biemelle", has left a vivid account of the past splendours of the hanging gardens of Thuin: cascading down the slopes, the terraced gardens set out their abundant plants, fruits and flowers between the river and the sky. This was a marvel in the days when the fortunate owners grew vines here and other necessities of life. Restored at present, they offer visitors an unrestricted view. Nice walk enlivened by 11 explanatory signs. Address: Place Albert Ier 2 6530 THUIN Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 54 54 know more...

MARBLE MUSEUM (RANCE) © Musée du Marbre - Rance Come and discover the amazing history of marble: geology, palaeontology, social history, history of techniques, of art. Exhibition of marble realisations. Temporary exhibitions. Museum was recently renovated. Address: Grand Rue 22 6470 RANCE (SIVRY-RANCE) Tel.:+32 (0) 60 41 20 48 know more...

MICROBREWERY OF ERQUELINNES (ERQUELINNES) © Alain Brootcoorens The Brewery Brootcoorens produces natural, pure malt, non filtered beers. Beers: ANGELUS blond, ANGELUS brown, ANGELUS special Christmas and LA SAMBRESSE (beer of Sambre and tenderness…). On request also personalized brewing (unique recipe) as from 450 litres… All the produced beers are brewed and bottled on the site of the brewery. Events: Hop Festival the 2nd weekend of September. Anniversary of the Brewery the 2nd weekend of December. Competition of the best gatherer, unique in Wallonia! Address: Rue de Maubeuge 197 6560 ERQUELINNES Tel.:+32 (0) 71 55 86 66 know more...

MINING AND NAIL MAKING MUSEUM - GASHOLDER (FONTAINE-L'EVEQUE) Nail Making Museum - 170 years ago, Fontaine-l'Evêque was a blazing centre of nail making, renowned all over the world for its nail manufacturing, both for its quality and diversity. Mining Museum - Professors, engineers and miners accomplished the reconstruction of the mine in a subterranean gallery of the seigniorial Castle. The Gasholder - Thanks to Pierre-Camille Montigny, Fontaine l'Evêque was one of the first Belgian cities that had coal-gas lighting. Address: Château Bivort 6140 FONTAINE-L'EVEQUE Tel.:+32 (0) 71 54 81 58 know more...

RAILWAY DISCOVERY CENTRE AND TRAMWAY MUSEUM IN THUIN (ASVI) (THUIN) © ASVi The museum displays a dozen old tramcars, the oldest dating from 1888 (steam engine). It also houses the oldest electric tramcar (1901), built in Belgium. The tramcars run on the line Thuin-Lobbes, which is the last Belgian metric railway line, allowing electric, gasoline and steam tramcars to pass. The line is located in the green settings of Anderlues, Lobbes and Thuin, up hill and down dale. Address: Thuin Ouest Rue du Fosteau 2A 6530 THUIN Tel.:+32 (0) 71 37 00 05 know more...

SALAMANDER TOWER (BEAUMONT) © FTPH - c. Carpentier 11th century's tower built by Countess Richilde of Hainaut. Museum: 4 floors, Gallo-Roman potteries, Charles de Croÿ's miniatures (16th Century), souvenirs from the Caraman-Chimay's Princes, Napoleon, Charles the Fifth, Victor Hugo, trades, Clarisse's cell,... More than 650 items are on display. Having climbed the 136 steps, from the top of the tower, one can admire a panoramic view of the area. Address: Les Roquettes 6500 BEAUMONT Tel.:+32 (0) 71 58 81 91 know more...

THE EAU D'HEURE LAKES (BOUSSU-LEZ-WALCOURT) © ASBL Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure Tourist site of the largest Belgian lakes. 1500 ha for bathing, sports and recreational pleasure. Guided visit of the largest dam, ride in amphibus or tourist train, water sports, mountain biking, cuistax, subtropical swimming pool, beautiful walks and picnic areas. Also holiday village. Address: Centre d'Accueil de la Plate Taille Lac De L'Eau D'Heure 6440 BOUSSU-LEZ-WALCOURT (FROIDCHAPELLE) Tel.:+32 (0) 71 50 92 92 know more...

THUIN AND THE ABBEY OF AULNE (GOZEE) © Alex Kouprianoff Hidden in a steep valley on the right bank of the Sambre river, it is rightly called "Valley of Peace". Its alluvial soil and incomparable riches offers the monks all kinds of wealth. The Sambre river gives them an inexhaustible water reserve, a perfect way of transport and a huge hydraulic source of energy. Therefore they constructed sophisticated hydraulic devices. A haven of peace, where it is good to live… The old vegetable garden, which has been redeveloped recently, was the courtyard of the former infirmary and the garden with medical plants was located at the place of the house of the caretaker. It was also an important source of energy. Address: Rue Vandervelde 275 6534 GOZEE (THUIN) Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 54 54 know more...

WORLD OF THE BUTTERFLY (VIRELLES) © Jean-Pierre Frisque Enter the magical world of the butterfly. Marvel at this marvellous setting where butterflies freely live between the multicoloured tropical plants. Address: Rue de l'Estrée 4a 6461 VIRELLES (CHIMAY) Tel.:+32 (0) 60 21 99 89 know more...

1940-44 MUSEUM - LIEUTENANT COOK (MONCEAU-IMBRECHIES) © P. Delahaye Stable from the 19th c. The second world war and in particular the arrival of the allied troops in the region: pictures, military objects,... Slide show (during 45 min.) in the next room (max. 60 pers.) on request. Battlefield, stele, tombs, Patton M47 tank. Momignies entity of memory. In discovery of steles and monuments: 14-18 Gascogne cadets, 1940 French heroes, 1942 Prisoners of Dieppe, 1944 Arrival and death of the 1st US liberators. Address: Bureau 9 Imbrechies Rue de la Carrière 4 6592 MONCEAU-IMBRECHIES (MOMIGNIES) Tel.:+32 (0) 60 51 19 04 know more...

MAISON DU TOURISME DE LA BOTTE DU HAINAUT (CHIMAY) © S.I. Chimay In Virelles, the nature has conquered the banks of this artificial pool of 90 hectares. It is one of the most immense reed beds of Wallonia and it contains a multitude of animal and vegetal species. It is definitely a very fascinating place in the Province of Hainaut. Address: Rue de Noailles 6 6460 CHIMAY Tel.:+32 (0) 60 21 98 84 know more...

MAISON DU TOURISME VAL DE SAMBRE ET DE THUDINIE (THUIN) © OPT-J.LFlemal The impressive Cistercian ruins of the Abbey of Aulne are part of the most important heritage of Wallonia and the Brewery of 'Val de Sambre' is located there. Next to the numerous walks, you can also enjoy a local beer! Thudinie, Tourist Walks along the Sambre This charming land proves favourable to country walks along the Sambre Valley, particularly verdant and hilly. Address: Place Albert I 2 6530 THUIN Tel.:+32 (0) 71 59 54 54 know more...