Attractions and Places To See around Gognies-Chaussée - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Gognies-Chaussée highlight its unique position straddling the French and Belgian border. This area features historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural points of interest shaped by centuries of treaties. Visitors can explore ancient Roman roads, significant churches, and sites reflecting the region's industrial past.
Best attractions and places to see around Gognies-Chaussée
- The most popular attractions is Crachet slag heap, a natural monument that is a Site of Great Biological Interest and part of…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Crachet slag heap
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Fort de Leveau
Highlight • Historical Site
Fort Leveau is one of six forts (Sarts, Boussois, Cerfontaine, Bourdiau, Hautmont and Leveau) built on the outskirts of Maubeuge to protect the border. It was built …
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SILEX'S Museum
Highlight • Historical Site
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The SparkOH silo
Highlight • Monument
The sorting and washing machines were mainly operated by female workers and made use of gravity. …
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Colfontaine Forest
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Between point 6, the Sauwartan site, and point 7, there are now no-entry signs. From point 6, leave the woods and join an asphalt road, take the first right and follow it to point 7.
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The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes constitute a vast flint extraction and knapping center covering around a hundred hectares. They were exploited for almost two millennia between 4350 and 2300 BC. They have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Find all the information here: minesdespiennes.org
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The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes constitute a vast flint extraction and knapping center covering around a hundred hectares. They were exploited for nearly two millennia between 4350 and 2300 BC. They have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Find all the information here: https://www.minesdespiennes.org
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The enormous size of the site (nearly 100 ha), its age and its archaeological richness have led to the Spiennes site being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 2000. This puts the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes next to buildings such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India or the cemetery of Machu Picchu in Peru. So it is worth driving by! https://www.visitmons.nl/uitstap-naar-een-vuursteenmijn
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This imposing concrete monolith housed the washing house and storage bunkers for the coal. The sorting and washing machines were mainly operated by female workers and made use of gravity. The material extracted from the mine was then transported to the top floor of this building via a conveyor belt. On the upper floors, the coal was separated from the ore-poor rock. On the middle floors, the coals were then sorted by size. On the ground floor, the end product was stored in funnels: silos in the shape of an inverted pyramid. Railcars drove under the funnels to fill them with coal. In the basement, the small funnels were used to sell coal to the local coal merchants. (information board)
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This is a summit climb. Especially on the adventurous side. There are ropes there to hoist you up. The other side is a nice wide walking path. In my opinion, the most beautiful slag heap on the GR 412.
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The Crachet slag heap is a Site of Great Biological Interest (SGIB). It is also part of the Natura 2000 network to protect its exceptional fauna and flora. Located a stone's throw from the SPARKOH science museum! (former PASS), the slag heap is a fabulous educational tool which regularly welcomes school visits but also families looking for calm and nature. Thanks to its marked and well-equipped paths with stairs, small bridges, duckboards and ropes, its ascent is easy despite a difference in altitude of around 70 m. Relatively wooded, the Crachet sometimes gives way to magnificent grassy wastelands and a few ponds which encourage the development of great biodiversity. Its summit, located at an altitude of 140 m, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Borinage slag heap range as well as the SPARKOH! site, built by the architect Jean Nouvel. In this place, the ground is adorned with red and black. Smoke can even be observed in certain places because the heap is still burning more than 60 years after the closure of the site. coal mining. https://www.destinationterrils.eu/nl/terril-du-crachet
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THE LEVEAU FORT Fort Leveau is one of six forts (Sarts, Boussois, Cerfontaine, Bourdiau, Hautmont and Leveau) built on the outskirts of Maubeuge to protect the border. It was built between 1882 and 1884 according to the defense principles of General Séré de Rivières. Now owned by the town of Feignies, it is one of the last witnesses to the Battle of Maubeuge in August-September 1914. The Fort de Leveau museum is largely devoted to the First World War. From local history to a more global vision of the conflict, the daily life of the soldiers and the living conditions of the Poilus are presented from the first days of the war in the forts to the mud of the trenches. The Fort de Leveau Safeguarding Association ensures the safeguarding and enhancement of this fort. The dormant bridge, destroyed by a shell on September 7, 1914, was rebuilt with the support of the Agglomeration, 100 years later with respect for heritage. Association Safeguarding the Fort of Leveau B.P. 51068 FEIGNIES 59606 MAUBEUGE CEDEX Such. / Fax: +33(0)3 27 62 37 07 Email: contact@fortdeleveau.fr URL: http://fortdeleveau.fr/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Gognies-Chaussée itself?
Gognies-Chaussée offers several historical points of interest. You can walk along the ancient Chaussée Brunehaut, a Roman road that forms the village's central street and the Franco-Belgian border. Visit the Saint-Quentin Church, an 1843 edifice with an 18th-century pulpit and a 17th-century painting. Don't miss the Tree of Liberty, an oak planted in 1789 symbolizing the French Revolution, and the Monument to the Dead in the village square. The unique Chemin des Exilés also highlights the historical intricacies of the border.
Are there any museums or significant historical monuments near Gognies-Chaussée?
Yes, there are several significant historical sites nearby. You can visit Fort de Leveau, a part of the Maubeuge fortifications built in the late 19th century, which now houses a museum largely dedicated to the First World War. Another must-see is the SILEX'S Museum, showcasing the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes, a UNESCO World Heritage site exploited for millennia.
What natural attractions or outdoor spaces are there around Gognies-Chaussée?
For nature lovers, the Crachet slag heap is a notable natural monument and a Site of Great Biological Interest. Its summit offers panoramic views of the Borinage slag heap range. Further afield, you can explore the Regional Natural Park of Avesnois (about 20 km away) or the Regional Natural Park Scarpe-Escaut (about 39 km away), both offering opportunities to enjoy nature. The vast Forest of Mormal is also within reach, providing many kilometers of trails.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Gognies-Chaussée?
The region around Gognies-Chaussée is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Circuit Moneuse' or loops around Quévy. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Perfect spot for a picnic – Erquelinnes Marina loop' for gravel biking or the 'Avesnois Greenway' for road cycling. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling around Gognies-Chaussée.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Fort de Leveau, with its museum dedicated to WWI, offers an educational experience. The SILEX'S Museum, showcasing ancient flint mines, is also considered family-friendly and provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistory. Additionally, the Crachet slag heap has marked and well-equipped paths, making its ascent easy and an engaging outdoor activity for families.
What is the significance of the Franco-Belgian border in Gognies-Chaussée?
The Franco-Belgian border is a defining feature of Gognies-Chaussée. The central street of the village, the ancient Chaussée Brunehaut, literally serves as the physical border between France and Belgium. This division, established by treaties centuries ago, has shaped the village's unique identity and is evident in its shared infrastructure, like the Saint-Quentin Church, whose maintenance costs are shared by both French and Belgian communes.
Can I find any ancient Roman remnants in the area?
Absolutely. The most prominent Roman remnant is the Chaussée Brunehaut, an ancient Roman road that once connected Bavay to Tongeren. It runs directly through Gognies-Chaussée, forming its main street. Additionally, the nearby town of Bavay, approximately 11 km away, is known for its important Roman forum and other Roman ruins, offering a deeper dive into the region's Roman past.
What is the Crachet slag heap and what can I do there?
The Crachet slag heap is a former coal mining spoil tip that has transformed into a natural monument and a Site of Great Biological Interest, part of the Natura 2000 network. It features marked paths with stairs, bridges, and ropes, making the ascent relatively easy. From its summit at 140 meters, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Borinage slag heap range. It's also an educational tool, regularly welcoming school visits and families looking for nature and calm.
Are there any unique cultural sites or points of interest in Gognies-Chaussée?
Beyond the main landmarks, Gognies-Chaussée has unique cultural sites. The Old Water Mill, dating back to 1766, is an ancient brick mill near the Wampe river, now converted into a dwelling. There's also an Oratory dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows on Rue Pasteur, featuring stone engravings. The historical Chemin des Exilés is another unique point, a paved path that historically allowed cross-border movement for religious services without customs interference.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gognies-Chaussée?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique blend of history and nature. The Crachet slag heap is appreciated for its panoramic views and biodiversity, with some finding the summit climb adventurous. The historical depth of sites like Fort de Leveau and the UNESCO-listed SILEX'S Museum also receive high praise for their educational value and insight into the region's past.
Is there a place to learn about the region's industrial past?
Yes, the SparkOH silo is a significant man-made monument that housed the washing house and storage bunkers for coal. It offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage, detailing how coal was sorted, washed, and stored. The nearby Crachet slag heap, a remnant of coal mining, also provides context to this industrial history.
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