The best family-friendly hikes and walks around L'Eau d'Heure

The lock, designated as the Sluis van La Plate Taille, was built as part of a large-scale water project developed in the second half of the 20th century. This project aimed to buffer water, prevent floods, create drinking water reserves, and provide a stable basis for energy production through hydropower. The lock allows water to be moved in a controlled manner between different levels and compartments of the lake system. Technically, the lock functions on the principle of water level regulation between two basins with different levels. Using sluice gates and lock doors, water can be slowly let in or drained, allowing ships (where applicable) or water masses to be moved safely without sudden pressure differences. In this specific case, the emphasis is less on shipping and more on hydrological control within the reservoir complex. Its location at La Plate Taille is hydrologically strategic. This lake serves as a central reservoir within the Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure and directly influences the water balance of the surrounding region. The lock helps regulate water levels, especially during heavy rainfall or dry periods, thus supporting the broader water management system. Ecologically, the lock indirectly contributes to the management of the ecosystem in and around the lakes. Controlled water movement affects the quality and distribution of water, which in turn impacts fish populations, aquatic plants, and bank vegetation. Managing the water level is therefore not only a technical but also an ecological responsibility.

The origin of the dam lies in the need to regulate water flows in the region. In a landscape characterized by calcareous soils, hilly relief, and fast-reacting watercourses, floods and seasonal water fluctuations were a recurring phenomenon. The construction of weirs and small dams like the one at Féronval therefore served to stabilize water levels, distribute water, and in some cases also support energy or irrigation.

The murder of the guard Augustin Rouard in Cerfontaine In the 19th century, Cerfontaine was shaken by a particularly violent event: the murder of the 30-year-old garde-champêtre Augustin Rouard. He was a municipal field guard, responsible for overseeing forests, fields, and properties — a role that was often dangerous at the time due to conflicts with poachers and wood thieves. According to the historical reconstruction in Soirmag, Rouard was “lâchement assassiné”, a phrasing typical of the newspapers of the time that emphasized the seriousness of the act. He was attacked and killed while carrying out his duties, presumably by individuals he caught engaging in illegal activities. The murder deeply affected the local community, which relied heavily on law enforcement during a period when rural crime was a real problem. In memory of Rouard, a kruis d’occis was erected — a traditional Walloon memorial cross placed at the site where someone had met a violent end. Such crosses are often simple but carry great symbolic value: they not only mark the place of the tragedy but also remind us of the vulnerability of daily life in earlier times. The cross of Augustin Rouard belongs to the series of small, often forgotten monuments scattered throughout the villages and forests of Wallonia. They form a silent testimony to local history, tragedies, and popular devotion. Thanks to the article, his name is brought to light again, and the story of this young guard is preserved.

The Féronval dam is part of the impressive Les Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure lake complex, the largest artificial lake area in Belgium. These dams and reservoirs were built in the 1970s to improve water quality in the region, support the flow of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, and make the Charleroi–Brussels Canal suitable for larger inland vessels. The Lac de Féronval, formed by the dam, is one of the smaller but important links within this hydrological system. The dam is located near the N907, where various hiking and cycling routes pass. The surroundings are quiet, green, and very popular with recreational users. Anglers like to come here because fishing from a boat on Lac de Féronval is permitted, which is not possible on all lakes in the area. Several beautiful walks start around the dam. A popular route is the Balade du Grand Cerf, an accessible tour of about eight kilometers that starts at the Féronval pre-dam. The walk leads through forests and open fields and regularly offers beautiful views of the Lac de l’Eau d’Heure. There are picnic spots and ample parking along the way, making it an ideal outing for families or leisurely walkers. Also

Beautiful views from the cycle path

From the cycle path there are always beautiful views of the lakes

Nice place for barbecue, not very respected unfortunately.

Location of jetski activities