Attractions and Places To See around Cerfontaine - Top 20

The primary natural attraction is the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure, Belgium's largest lake complex, offering 600 hectares each of water, forests, and meadows. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of water sports, hiking, and cycling. Another unique natural feature is the Fondry des Chiens Gorge near Nismes, an exceptional nature reserve with a narrow gorge up to 20 meters deep, formed by erosion.

The Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure are a hub for water sports. You can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and diving in the Plate Taille lake. For more structured fun, the Spin Cable Park offers water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding, while the Aquacentre provides general water-based entertainment. Don't miss the unique experience of Le Crocodile Rouge, an amphibious bus ride on the lakes.

Yes, the region has several historical points of interest. You can visit Fort de Leveau, a significant witness to the Battle of Maubeuge in 1914, which now houses a museum. Other notable sites include the historic Moulin Guillaume, a water mill dating back to 1609, and the impressive Blaimont Viaduct, an 1856 railway structure. The Museum of Local Life in Cerfontaine also offers insights into the region's past.

Families will find plenty to do, especially around the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure. Natura Parc offers adventure with tree-climbing courses, zip lines (including two over the lake), and a pendulum jump. The Aquacentre provides water-based fun, and the amphibious bus ride on Le Crocodile Rouge is a unique experience for all ages. The Fort de Leveau also has a museum that can be engaging for older children.

The region around the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure offers numerous trails for hiking and cycling, including a pleasant RAVeL network that circles the lakes. For more options, you can explore routes like 'The Lord's Mill loop from Ferrière-la-Petite' or 'Hiking loop from Rousies'. Find detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Cerfontaine guide. Cyclists can enjoy the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, a picturesque greenway, or routes along the Sambre Valley.

Yes, the Fondry des Chiens Gorge near Nismes is a remarkable natural monument. This narrow gorge, up to 20 meters deep, was formed by rainwater erosion over millions of years and is known for its rich biodiversity. It's an exceptional site within the Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park.

The Sambre Valley features a quiet and picturesque river that flows through southern Belgium. It's an excellent location for cycling, with routes that allow you to enjoy the scenic landscapes. The river plays an important role in the Wallonia region, winding through cities like Charleroi and Namur.

Yes, the Erquelinnes Marina is described as a nice, quiet place to take a short break, offering picnic tables and benches. It's conveniently located at the crossroads of two RAVeLs, making it a good stop for cyclists and walkers.

Yes, you can take a guided tour of the impressive Plate Taille dam. This tour allows you to explore its galleries and ascend a 107-meter-high tower, which offers panoramic views of the entire lake complex. It's a great way to learn about the dam's engineering and enjoy breathtaking scenery.

The Voie verte de l'Avesnois is a greenway, over 100 kilometers long, offering a safe and picturesque route for cyclists. It crosses varied landscapes of forests, meadows, and charming villages within the Avesnois Regional Natural Park. Part of it uses an old railway line, providing a rejuvenating experience in nature.

Yes, the Solre-le-Château Church is known for its distinctive bulbous and tilted tower, which is associated with local legends. Additionally, the church of Saint-Vaast at Daussois and its surrounding cemetery wall are protected heritage sites in the Cerfontaine municipality.

The Cerfontaine Tourist Office is a good resource, providing tourist guides, walking maps, and an exhibition space. The area also hosts local festivals and events, such as the Saint-Eugène beer festival in Fontenelle and the Sainte-Anne folkloric march in Silenrieux, which you can inquire about at the tourist office.