Louvignies-quesnoy, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

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.

Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since July 2012, the Grand-Hornu is a jewel of the European industrial heritage of the 19th century. Property of the Province of Hainaut since 1989, this historical landmark is today one of the most significant windows of contemporary art in Belgium. In addition to promoting the architectural riches of this unique site, the MACS and the CID teams focus their activities on contemporary art, offering large, high-quality international exhibitions of contemporary art and design. Guided tour available by reservation and audio guide rentals available.

With capacity for two to four people, the bed & breakfast La Chrysalide welcomes you 5km from Mons. The room, fitted on the ground floor of a house in a cosy atmosphere, has a double bed, wifi and a private bathroom with shower. You can also enjoy the garden and terrace where the owners provide you with garden furniture, a barbecue, games for children and adults and bikes. In addition, a delicious and hearty breakfast with tea, coffee and water are offered to you in your bedroom. La Chrysalide is the ideal starting point for many activities such as visits to Havré Castle and Spiennes Mines, hiking or cycling in Malogne wood or on the Ravel L98 or GR 412 but also exploring the historic heart of Mons and all the cultural heritage of the city.

Discover the cozy "Hélène" cottage, which can accommodate up to 3 people.You enter a hallway with a toilet, leading to a comfortable living room with a fully equipped kitchen and a pellet stove for a warm ambiance.Upstairs, you will find two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a separate toilet.Each bedroom is equipped with two single 'boxspring' beds. In one of the two rooms, it is possible to arrange a king-size double bed.Relax and enjoy the soothing view of the fields from your private terrace.Enjoy all the modern comforts with free Wi-Fi.Parking spaces are available on the property grounds.

In Péruwelz between the cities of Mons and Tournai, the Saint-Daniel Hotel was opened in 2013. It is located in the peace and quiet, in the immediate vicinity of the station (±150m) and just a few minutes from the downtown area. Converted from a former seed trade establishment, the hotel offers warrm, contemporary and comfortable rooms. For relaxation, a private recreation area is envisaged as well as the reception’s bar.

The Emile Verhaeren centre, opened in March 2010, provides a 60m² home for a large number of extracts of the poet’s work, along with explanatory texts (Fr-Nl and Braille), a series of reproductions of 25 historic documents and 13 canvases illustrating the close ties Verhaeren had with the representatives of avant-garde art and literature of his generation, with the neo-impressionist painters and great writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. From the museum, visitors can walk in the poet’s footsteps along the Circuit des Pierres: a 4km walk that goes through the famous Caillou-qui-bique. Guides are available on request for the museum and the walk. They are passionate members of the not-for-profit organisation Mémoire d’Emile Verhaeren in Roisin. The museum invites you to meet or get to know better one of Belgium’s most important writers. Between 1899 and 1914, the poet, Emile Verhaeren, stayed in Roisin in the Hauts-Pays. He came to stay at a farmhouse near Caillou-qui-bique looking for peace and inspiration. Today, these buildings are still standing on the provincial site of Caillou and house the Emile Verhaeren Museum. The exhibition was designed by the not-for-profit organisation Fédération du Tourisme de la Province de Hainaut, with documents contributed by the not-for-profit organisation Archives & Musée de la Littérature.

In Wallonia, the expression "natural park" refers to "a rural area of great biological and geographical interest, subject to measures designed to protect its environment, in harmony with the aspirations of the populace and the economic and social development of the area in question." Officially recognised on July 20, 2000, the Haut-Pays Natural Park is one of nine natural parks in Wallonia. The Haut-Pays natural Park spans land belonging to six villages: Colfontaine (the forest of Colfontaine); Dour (the rural former districts of Blaugies, Petit Dour, Wihéries and South Elouges); Frameries (Sars-la-Bruyère, South Eugies and Noirchain); Honnelles; Quévy; and Quiévrain (the former districts of Baisieux and Audregnies). The park is about 38 795 acres big, with 20 000 inhabitants. It includes the water divide of Belgium's two main river basins: the Scheldt River and its tributary the Haine and the Meuse River and its tributary the Sambre, in its French course.

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.

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  

  The house of the people in Élouges was built in 1895. It was originally the property of the "Union, Ordre, économie" cooperative company. The building features an extended design facing the road. Its classical layout is made up of a central section of three bays, adjoined by two symmetrical wings, each with four bays. There are two levels and a bâtière roof with dormer windows. The façade is defined by pilasters and string courses in bluestone, in strips on the ground floor and fluted on the first floor. Note also on the ground floor that the windows are capped by a lowered arch while the windows on the first level are rectangular, with an entablature and pediment. Below the balcony in wrought iron, the entry door has retained its original decoration illustrating miners' tools. The house of the people, which still is one, was once occupied by a bread shop and an office (in the bays on the left), as well as by a grocer's and butcher's (in the right-hand bays). The central section accommodated the house of the people itself. The porch allowed access to the internal courtyard where the bakery, reception room and stables were located. Listed: 21-12-1983  

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.

"Freshness, simplicity and diversity" have been the values behind their cuisine for almost seven years now. Located in the largest tree-filled square in Belgium, you will easily find space to enable you to stop off there and to come and enjoy our Greek culinary specialities. In a warm and cosy atmosphere, in a setting in which the decoration has been freshened up, thanks to professional hosting, you will be able to discover freshly-prepared dishes straight made to order at the foot of the Acropolis or sip an ouzo while biting into feta with that lovely taste of Kolymbari olive oil with an uninterrupted view of the town of Oia in Santorini. Place 31 specialises in grilled dishes, and all dishes are carefully home-made. Dolmades, soutzoukakia, keftedes, kokalakia giouvetsi, to mention but a few: names that will surely remind you of pleasant evenings spent on holidays in Greece. Place 31: an opportunity to go back to Greece, without even having to get on a plane! Take advantage of this chance to visit the Haut Pays area, which is less than 20 minutes from Mons. Place 31 has two outdoor seating areas and a private garden.

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?

Our good old Belgian potatoes have finally been honoured! The brasserie restaurant PATATE HOUSE does your potatoes differently! It’s a new concept likely to appeal to a large number of gourmets! Guests can enjoy a wide variety of baked potatoes with the fillings of their preference. They have the tantalizing names “fromagère” (cheese maker), “chevrière” (shepherdess), “chicorée” (chicory), “marseillaise” (Marseillaise) and “nordique” (Nordic). There’s the full works! For those who don’t like potatoes, delicious salads are also available in various formats with each more original than the next. Grilled fish and meat complete this menu which can still vary with the seasons! All this in a welcoming environment where you can also have a delicious glass of beer or a bottle of wine selected by the manager, along with some home-made snacks that are also at attractive prices! Testing PATATE HOUSE... Is to adopt it!

A little village in the heart of the country, just a few minutes from Mons and 15 kilometres from Bavay (France), Les Gourmands, in Blaregnies, wishes you a very warm welcome! In a peaceful, welcoming setting, Les Gourmands invites you to relax, with your family or friends. Two people share the work in the kitchen. Didier Bernard creates the impressive, tantalising dishes that will give your taste buds a real treat, followed by the most mouth-watering desserts you can imagine prepared by Lydia Glacé. Front of house and in charge of drinks, Carlo Zecchin, Premier Sommelier de Belgique, is the man responsible for an amazing cellar with around 1,500 bottles.

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.

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.

TOURIST Camping open during the season (April - September)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.

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.

The gîte, Le Montagnard, sleeps between 6 and 8 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. Lovingly decorated, the gîte has a living/dining room, a kitchen equipped with everything you need, a bathroom and a shower room with 2 separate WCs, 3 bedrooms, a utility room and a garage. You can also enjoy the garden and terrace with a barbecue and games for the kids. In an enchanting setting, the gîte is the perfect starting point for lots of activities in the great outdoors. Whether you’re into mountain biking or hiking, you can explore this lush green setting in the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. Check out the RaVEL routes and soak up the well-protected diversity of nature.