Attractions and Places To See in Gaume Natural Park - Top 20

The current castle is very recent. It was built in 1960 at the request of the owners, the Otreppe de Bouvette family, based on plans by architect Emile Godin. The previous castle was severely damaged in both world wars and fell into disrepair.

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

It is between Etalle and Virton, very precisely in Croix-Rouge, that you will find the place called "Trou des Fées". Well known to the inhabitants of the region, this unique site is at the center of many legends relating to the history of D’jean dMady but also and especially to that of the fairies of Gaume.

Unmissable for the Red Cross: Dive into an enchanted kingdom where legends and mysteries weave the fabric of the landscape… This mountain of sand, like a sleeping giant, reveals its heart of stone sculpted by the whims of time. At the dawn of the Jurassic, erosion gently carved out winding galleries, while the main gallery, 15 meters long, arouses a curious fascination. Was it an offering from the ancients, shaped by human hands, or simply the patient work of nature? The flints found nearby whisper echoes of prehistory, silent witnesses of a bygone era. The Trou des Fées, guardian of forgotten secrets, awaits you.

Lots of great walks or mountain bike rides to do, very beautiful site and close to Ravel too. Easy parking near the 4 paths

Magnificent estate of 1721 hectares Located north of Lacuisine and west of Chiny, it belongs to the CPAS of the city of Mons, which inherited it in 1887. This sublime estate includes 1,500 hectares of forests and four artificial ponds fed by several streams, including the Tamij-Austria, a tributary of the Semois. The ponds of the Epioux are the last witnesses of the important metallurgical past of our region. Indeed, for more than three centuries, the estate experienced intense metallurgical activity. Since the end of this industrial activity, the only profitable economic activity has been that of forest production. Today, the large forest of the Epioux is a magnificent forest. Several beautiful walks cross the estate.

Magnificent estate of 1721 hectares Located north of Lacuisine and west of Chiny, it belongs to the CPAS of the city of Mons, which inherited it in 1887. This sublime estate includes 1,500 hectares of forests and four artificial ponds fed by several streams, including the Tamij-Austria, a tributary of the Semois. The ponds of the Epioux are the last witnesses of the important metallurgical past of our region. Indeed, for more than three centuries, the estate experienced intense metallurgical activity. Since the end of this industrial activity, the only profitable economic activity has been that of forest production. Today, the large forest of the Epioux is a magnificent forest. Several beautiful walks cross the estate.

Magnificent estate of 1721 hectares Located north of Lacuisine and west of Chiny, it belongs to the CPAS of the city of Mons, which inherited it in 1887. This sublime estate includes 1,500 hectares of forests and four artificial ponds fed by several streams, including the Tamij-Austria, a tributary of the Semois. The ponds of the Epioux are the last witnesses of the important metallurgical past of our region. Indeed, for more than three centuries, the estate experienced intense metallurgical activity. Since the end of this industrial activity, the only profitable economic activity has been that of forest production. Today, the large forest of the Epioux is a magnificent forest. Several beautiful walks cross the estate.