Eppe-sauvage, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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 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. 

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 at the entrance to the village of Sautin, a stone’s throw from the RAVeL network and surrounded by the national forest, these unique rooms allow you to escape to the heart of nature, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. À la carte treatments, a private spa and treatment packages complement this original and reinvigorating offering. The owners of Terre Insolite offer guest rooms with unique décor and unusual accommodation where you can come to recharge your batteries, reconnect with nature, have time to yourself, or enjoy relaxing time together. Enjoy a nice breakfast and/or a hearty meal in your own room or outside, surrounded by nature.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Located in the heart of Froidchapelle, come and discover French cuisine with their grill specials, such as the home-made beef burger, the classic ribs, the rib-eye steak and their and chicken skewers, as well as scampi and more. Don't forget their traditional dishes, such as cod, meatballs in tomato sauce, vol au vents, steak tartar, spaghetti Bolognaise, etc. There is also a varied wine list. All this in a friendly and welcoming setting.

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.

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.

Located just a short walk from the artificial beach at the Eau d’Heure lakes, Rotiss’heure is an essential restaurant in the area. From the spit to the plate, this is the best of flame cooking (poultry, meat, fish, vegetables, etc). The menu is very varied from rib to bone of beef with its unique roasting in the dining room, as well as dishes of the day cooked with local produce that change according to the market and the seasons. It's enough to satisfy even the most demanding food lovers. The infrastructure is also worth seeing with its modern setting: its large capacity —a terrace for more than 100 people — its extensive opening hours, its large free car park, its breathtaking view of Plate Taille lake and the option of taking dishes away.

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. 

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.  

Located in the heart of the Belgian portion of the Thiérache region, at the entrance to the village with its lively social calendar, the rustic Marie-Groëtte holiday rental promises a relaxing getaway in a natural, locale with rich heritage. A south-facing terrace and garden offer peace and quiet, as well as a breathtaking view over the fields and the sound of birdsong. This getaway is all about getting back to basics, nature preservation, ecology, waste sorting and composting, wood and pellet-based fires for heat, etc. It's an ideal starting point from which to explore nature and the forest and lakes with sign-posted trails, the RAVeL network and other activities.

The La Brasserie rental has been renovated in a former brewery that has been converted to accommodation and is located in the charming town of Sivry-Rance, two kilometres from the French border. This holiday home boasts a terrace with a barbecue and offers a beautiful view across the trees and flowers in the garden. The rooms are very bright and fitted with refined and contemporary décor. Ideal for a family getaway and/or a trip with friends. The owners offer a warm welcome and lots of tips about sites to see in the region. It is located close to shops and not far from the Eau d’Heure Lakes site. It is also close to the Museum of Marble in Sivry-Rance and the Botte du Hainaut Nature Centre. Sign-posted walks are available nearby.  

Located at the heart of the charming village of Sivry, just next to the French border, the Chez Bertine holiday rental offers a getaway that combines nature, relaxation and serenity. The owners warmly welcome you to their beautifully furnished, stylishly decorated and well-equipped accommodation. The rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged. Outside, there’s a terrace with furniture and a barbecue, as well as a charming garden with a stunning view over the river Thure and the surrounding countryside. It’s ideal for a getaway with friends and/or family. Nearby, there are beautiful sign-posted walks, the attractive town of Chimay and the Eau d’Heure lakes for a change of scenery.  

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 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. 

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.