Colleret, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Take a breath of fresh air within the forest range of the Solre woods, with a magnificent view of the former quarries. The Solre woods are a range that primarily comprise oak stems, beech trees and hornbeams, not to mention the oldest tree in the forest: an oak that is more than 400 years old. Along this route, old Dutch boundary markers outline the borders between France and the Netherlands in 1819. Located within a forest range on the right-hand bank of the Thure river, areas of biological interest invite relaxation, with ponds and bodies of water in which no fewer than nine species of amphibian breed. 

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.  

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, fisher or leisure-seeker, come and enjoy the Au Crapaud Charmant guest rooms. The rooms are spacious and very tastefully decorated. Their garden, which is bordered by the Sambre River, encourages you to relax or try your hand at fishing. Breakfast, which is made from local produce, is varied and vegan and vegetarian options are available. It will be served in the veranda, which overlooks the garden and the Sambre River, or under the pergola. Beautiful trails for walking, cycling or horseback riding are located nearby. Don’t forget the RAVeL network, which is located right across the way, and the Haute Sambre nature reserve, which is located one kilometre away from the establishment, as well as the GR129.

The small port of Erquelinnes is a pretty harbour located on the RAVel 2 route, a stone’s throw from France. Located near the Tourist Office, it provides moorings for boats for the year or just when passing through. This docking facility has practical conveniences: electric charging stations, drinking water, showers, toilets, washing machines, etc. And you can have a drink of a nearby café terrace. There is a small park with picnic benches.

The battle of Charleroi came to its most bloody conclusion in Montignies-saint-Christophe the 24 august 1914. Facing the French infranty, the German artillery pounded the village and its surroundings for more than 10 hours. With it large "pelouse d'honneur" for the soldiers of 1914-18, the cemetery also contains the tombs of 66 English, 4 French and 11 German solfiers.There are no names on the tombs of the German soldiers or the date they fell; only the words "ein deutscher soldat". Recognised as an English military cemetery, it has guestbook for visitors to write a message.

Tools from trades that disappeared long ago such as clogmaker, wheelwright, pit sawyer, etc. lie next to the strangest household utensils, our army’s smart uniform, our grandmothers’ lace, cameras, toys, typewriters that have recently been replaced by computers, etc. This museum bears witness to the life of our grandparents and great grandparents. You will discover rare and curious things there such as “Bruneau’s mask”, that was used to kill horses, the ultraviolet treatment kit for rheumatics, etc.

Property of Princes de Merode for more than 250 years http://chateaudesolresursambre.hautetfort.com/

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

With a surface area of 15 Ha, the Labuissière Nature Reserve is part of a vaster domain: the Haute-Sambre Nature Reserve, lying at the confluence of the Thure, the Hantes and the Sambre rivers which extends over 75 Ha. It has lakes, gulleys and rivers. It is the site of one of the last marshes that lay in succession in the valley. It has three main sites extending on the right and left banks of the Sambre river from Solre-sur-Sambre to Labuissière. You can observe a few large birds such as the grey heron, the great egret and the great cormorant and see tarpans, wild horses which are a precious help in fighting reforestation. The Labuissière site, which is the only one accessible to the public, offers viewpoints and an observatory over the reserve. 

The Labuissière nature reserve, South West of Charleroi, stretches over 50 hectares. and features and ictredible mosaic of wet lands. It is managed in the eco-friendliest way, with 3 horses from the Camargue, 10 Tarpans and a Shetland poney. This marshy area is home to countless nesting and migrating birds, among which: Grey herons Kingfishers Common snipes https://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/nature-reserve/natural-space/nature-reserve/9383

Napoleon and his troops spent the night of the 14th to the 15th of June 1815 in Beaumont. The soldiers set up their camp at the foot of the Salamander Tower, which was built in the 11th century. It now houses a small local history museum including a room dedicated to Napoleon’s passage. The Emperor stayed nearby in the mansion of Maurice Gabriel Joseph Riquet de Caraman, the Prince of Chimay. A plaque on the façade of the building reminds us of this event (Grand Place 12). Tour Salamandre • Rue de la Poterne • 6500 Beaumont https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/tour-salamandre?cookie_lang=en-gb

At Beaumont, a Mediaeval town, Salamandre Tower, rising proudly above the small village bears witness to its rich past. Walk through the paved alleyways and climb the many steps to reach the top of the tower and discover the fantastic views over the valley of Hantes, the ramparts and listed buildings. The audioguided tour will recount testimonies of this local heritage with evidence that can still be seen today. The tour is in four languages (FR, NL, EN and DE), with an adult version and another guide that is more appealing to children. There are two options possible: an urban circuit of around 1.6km which takes 1 hour 30 mins, with an additional loop of 1 km along our ramparts. You can get the audioguides from the Beaumont Tourist Office.

Housed in the former barn of a farm, Grange de la Courte is a restaurant focusing on local cuisine. It offers quality produce from the farm or neighbouring holdings. Each table resembles a traditional farm table, overflowing with tasty dishes and intended to facilitate moments of joy. Grills, ratas, casseroles, fish, gourmet desserts, etc. A south-facing terrace, children's playground and proximity to farm animals.

With exotic origins, Vincent and Ling prepare refined, high-quality cuisine. A place of well-being with a friendly family atmosphere, "Le Pré en Bulles" offers innovative cuisine mixing Chinese culture and local produce, mainly from their farm. In good weather, the setting is very pleasant and quiet with the large sun terrace, the view of the lush nature and the playground for children. Ideal for complete relaxation in the countryside.

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.

Restaurant, café and terrace in the heart of Ferme de la Cour, which adjoins the Biercée Distillery. Ideal for a gourmet break and spirit tasting in a remarkable site along the Route Napoléon. www.lagrangedeslegendes.be/

This brasserie-restaurant, which is located adjacent to Distillerie de Biercée and in the magnificent Ferme de la Cour, serves typical Belgian cuisine. Don't forget its artisanal alcohols and beers, which are made from fresh fruit. This incredible vaulted setting houses an exceptional collection of old enamelled drinking plaques. The history of Belgian advertising in the last century is illustrated here, adding a charming vintage touch that enthusiasts will enjoy. A very pretty outdoor terrace has games for kids. 

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

On the rooftop perched at the top of the winery, with a breathtaking view over the vines, be transported by the gastronomic cuisine of chef Benoît Neusy. You can also book a guided tour of the estate. www.chantdeole.be/limperatif-deole

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.  

Located in Leugnies, a border village in the La Botte du Hainaut region in Beaumont, between the cities of Chimay and Thuin, the Gîte de Bonne Espérance is a charming holiday rental made from local stone. It has been converted from a former farmhouse building from the Abbey of Bonne-Espérance with environmentally friendly materials. As part of their environmentally friendly approach, the owners have opted for natural materials: slate, blue stone from Hainaut, clay walls, locally sourced oak, cork and thermofloc insulation, etc. The Gîte de Bonne Espérance boasts a wood and stone terrace, a wood-burning stove and a pretty private garden with flowers. Access to the vegetable and aromatic plant garden is available.

This charming B&B, awarded 3 épis for its quality, is located in Labuissière, a little village in the entity of Merbes-le-Château. The house, by the river, is a pure invite to relax... https://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/au-crapaud-charmant-bb-labuissiere