Attractions and Places To See around Hensies - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hensies offer a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. The municipality's landscape is characterized by the Hensies-Pommeroeul Canal and the Haine River, alongside numerous green spaces and ponds. Wetlands formed from past mining activities contribute to unique natural reserves. Archaeological vestiges from Gallo-Roman habitation have also been found in the area.
Best attractions and places to see around Hensies
- The most popular attractions is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a natural monument that is a 25 meter high stone planted on a ridge. This rock is steeped in local legend.
- Another must-see spot is Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve, a natural monument and the largest reed-covered area in Wallonia. It is home to over 300 observed animal species.
- Visitors also love Mer de Sable State Reserve, a 22-hectare protected area renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. The reserve offers marked trails for observing exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants.
- Hensies is known for natural monuments, nature reserves, and unique natural phenomena. The region offers a variety of landscapes and cultural points of interest to explore.
- The attractions around Hensies are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 200 upvotes and 70 photos shared.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Le Caillou-qui-Bique
Highlight • Natural Monument
A little step back in time...
Saint-Ghislain completes the construction of its abbey.
The devil decides that he will take advantage of the inauguration day to destroy the abbey and its occupants, by throwing an enormous stone found in the Pyrenees at the community.
An angel warns Saint-Ghislain of the imminent danger weighing on the abbey.
He gathers as many pairs of worn shoes as possible, which he slips into a huge bag and takes to the road to meet the evil one.
Coming across a poor fellow in rags with holes in his shoes at this place, the devil, quite exhausted by the heavy load, questions him: “Is the abbey of Saint-Ghislain still far away? ".
- “I’m coming from there, if it’s far!” » replies the old man while emptying his bag, filled with threadbare shoes, in front of the devil.
Discouraged and disappointed, Satan preferred to give up, dropping his heavy stone on the ground and walking away blaspheming, fooled by the subterfuge.
An hour and a half.
N.B.: some historians say that this is the legend of Saint Remacle, during the construction of Stavelot Abbey.
You are therefore free to substitute Remacle for Saint-Ghislain since this substitution does not modify the spirit of the story.
In both cases, the devil is defeated.
Cfr de informatiesteen ter hoogte van Le Chalet de Garde.
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Stambruges MTB Playground
Highlight • MTB Park
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Mer de Sable State Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Source: visitwapi.be/nl/moeras-van-harchies
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The bubbling spring of Stambruges and its mysteries.
Highlight • Natural Monument
The legend of the sunken coach
the boiling fountain of Stambruges hides the legend of the sunken coach. This unusual phenomenon has fueled a tragic legend linked to the place. In fact, it is said that in the past, one of the princes of the house of Ligne, to which Beloeil castle belongs, not far from here, was nicknamed the great devil. A nickname due to his reputation as an unrepentant gallant. He invited a young lady to spend a romantic evening on Good Friday. The unfortunate woman never returned to her home ... Coach, horses, coachman and young girl disappeared body and well in the waters of the spring. Nobody knew that she was the cause of the accident… divine punishment or jealousy… Some murmured that the mad coachman in love with his mistress could not bear that she gave herself thus to this prince so depraved… He then rushed all his crew in the dark waters, reputed to engulf forever objects and living beings trapped in the sands that sleep at the bottom ... This is how since midnight, every Good Friday, it is said that the coach reappears for a short time. We then hear the driver cracking his whip ... Before he dives again until the following year ...
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Tips from the Community
Attention change of regulation, a part of the reserve is forbidden to bicycles. I saw it this morning.
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Mountain biking in this forest is fantastic! You could spend hours here before you've seen everything!
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Ideal playground for practicing.
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The Mer de Sable nature reserve is a 22-hectare protected area, renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. Formerly a pond that dried up in the 19th century, the site is home to exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants such as the sundew. The reserve, classified as a major heritage site in Wallonia, offers marked trails for hiking and observing local biodiversity.
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in the forest of Stambruges (forêt indivisée) - in the area of the 'mer de sable - you can cycle up and down hills to your heart's content, there is some sand and some only real forest land, there are also spontaneous MTB riders who make small hills and jumps. be careful for many walkers, especially on sunny weekend days. This is also a popular place in autumn/winter. update Nov 2023 - storm Ciaran has had an ugly havoc and a few of the access paths to the MTB playground are more difficult to reach due to fallen trees.
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Ornithological nature reserve, with magnificent species. Several observation points set up for bird watching. accessible to PMR.
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Special, that sandy area and a nice place to eat (there is also a restaurant)
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This rock formation is very special in the forest!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural reserves can I explore in Hensies?
Hensies is home to significant natural reserves. You can visit the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve, which is Wallonia's largest reed-covered area and a haven for over 300 animal species, ideal for birdwatching and cycling. Another notable reserve is the Mer de Sable State Reserve, a 22-hectare protected area known for its peat moors, young birch forests, and exceptional flora like heather and carnivorous plants, offering marked trails for exploration.
Are there any unique natural phenomena to see in Hensies?
Yes, Hensies features the intriguing Bubbling Spring of Stambruges. This unique spring constantly agitates with fine bubbles, caused by air crossing a sandy layer through a fault. It's accessible via dirt roads and marked paths, offering a serene and mysterious natural encounter, and is also associated with a local legend of a sunken coach.
Where can I find good hiking or walking trails around Hensies?
For walking and hiking, the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve and the Mer de Sable State Reserve both offer marked trails suitable for exploring their diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes in the region by checking out the MTB Trails around Hensies guide, which also includes walking paths.
What cycling opportunities are available in Hensies?
Hensies offers excellent cycling opportunities, particularly along the Hensies-Pommeroeul Canal and the Haine River, which provide peaceful settings for rides. For those interested in specific types of cycling, you can find detailed routes in the Gravel biking around Hensies, Road Cycling Routes around Hensies, and MTB Trails around Hensies guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Hensies?
Yes, the Mer de Sable State Reserve is considered family-friendly, offering marked trails for observing nature. The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve is also suitable for families interested in birdwatching and gentle walks. Additionally, the Multicultural Vegetable Garden, while not a traditional attraction, offers a unique community experience that can be interesting for all ages.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit in Hensies?
Hensies has a rich historical and cultural heritage. You can see the **Moeschal Signal Monument**, a 57-meter-tall artwork symbolizing Franco-Belgian friendship. The municipality also boasts significant religious heritage, with restored organs in the Saint-Georges and Saint-Martin churches open to the public. For a cultural immersion, consider visiting during the '19th Century Festival' in August, which revives past traditions.
Is there any local folklore or legends associated with Hensies' attractions?
Absolutely. The prominent Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a 25-meter-high natural rock formation, is steeped in local legend involving Saint-Ghislain (or Saint Remacle) and the devil. Similarly, the Bubbling Spring of Stambruges has a tragic legend of a sunken coach and its occupants.
What is the best time to visit Hensies for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Hensies for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring and summer are ideal for exploring nature reserves, hiking, and cycling, as the flora is in bloom and birdwatching is excellent. The '19th Century Festival' takes place in August, offering a cultural highlight during the summer months.
Are there any specific challenges or technical terrains for mountain biking in Hensies?
Yes, for mountain biking enthusiasts, the Stambruges MTB Playground offers technical terrain with short, steep, and sandy slopes, ideal for fine-tuning your technique. You can find more challenging routes in the MTB Trails around Hensies guide.
What kind of local crafts or products can I find in Hensies?
Hensies highlights its dynamic and authentic character through local crafts and products. You can find farm products, florists, and homemade charcuterie, reflecting the region's agricultural traditions and community spirit.
What is the significance of the Hensies-Pommeroeul Canal and Haine River?
The Hensies-Pommeroeul Canal and the Haine River are integral to Hensies' landscape, contributing to its harmonious blend of water and nature. They offer peaceful settings for walks and cycling, and their presence is a key feature of the region's natural beauty.
What is the '19th Century Festival' in Hensies?
The '19th Century Festival' is a cultural event celebrated every second weekend in August at the former farm-brewery 'La Noyelle'. It revives past traditions with activities like countryside walks, performances, artisan displays, a pig race, and vintage carousels. A special beer, 'La Grande Noyelle,' is brewed for the occasion, adding to the timeless charm.
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