Top 7 Castles around Lens
Castles around Lens offer a diverse range of historical sites, extending from France into the nearby Wallonia region of Belgium. While prominent castles are limited directly within Lens, the surrounding area features several notable châteaux. These properties include estates that evolved from medieval fortresses into pleasure castles and 18th-century neoclassical châteaux. The region provides opportunities to explore historical architecture and extensive parklands.
Best castles around Lens
- The most popular castles is Beloeil Castle, a castle that has been the residence of the princes of Ligne for centuries. This magnificent castle is sometimes referred to as the Versailles of Belgium due to its grandeur and extensive grounds.
- Another must-see spot is Château of Thoricourt, an 18th-century classical complex built in 1768. Visitors can observe its red facade and explore the 15-hectare park featuring 4 ponds.
- Visitors also love Attre Castle, an 18th-century château built in the French neoclassical style. Its interiors are decorated in a French, mainly Louis Quinze, style.
- Lens is known for its medieval fortresses, neoclassical châteaux, and 18th-century country houses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, showcasing different architectural styles and historical periods.
- The castles around Lens are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 73 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Château de Beloeil
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/! \ the domain is not cyclable
more details on: chateaudebeloeil.com/chateau-de-beloeil-le-versailles-belge
(source Website of the castle) The castle of Beloeil has been established for eight centuries in the middle of its moats, in the land of Hainaut. The vast stately home of the Line princes was first a medieval fortress but over the centuries has been transformed into a pleasure castle. (...)
The castle is not an anonymous, static museum. The objects it contains bear witness to their variety and the evolution of art in general. The very rich library contains 20,000 books, from the invention of printing to the present day. The furniture is a sampling of the works of the best French cabinetmakers of the 17th and 18th centuries
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Château of Thoricourt
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This castle, whose red facade can only attract attention, was built in 1768 on the site of an old manor. ⠀
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It was Charles-François de la Marlière who built it and was the first to live there.
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In 1830, an orangery was built and 4 ponds were created in the 15 hectare park. ⠀
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The current owner bought the domain of Thoricourt a little more than 15 years ago and undertook very long renovation works.
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Attre Castle
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The present château at Attre was built in the middle of the 18th century by Count François Philippe Franeau d’Hyon van Gomegnies, on the foundations of a medieval castle that had been in the hands of the family since 1520. The structural work was finished in 1752, and Count François died shortly after in 1755. His son François Ferdinand Franeau d’Hyon continued the work of his father and saw to it that the interior decorations were finished. It took more than 30 years before the interior was completely decorated.
The present building is in a Neo-Classical style and the interiors are French, mainly Louis Quinze.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attre_Castle
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Ruins of Château d'Ormeignies
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Louvignies Castle
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A beautiful castle in front of a cobbled street
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Located in the province of Hainaut, the Château de Thoricourt is an elegant example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture, built by Count Henri-Gabriel de la Barre d'Erquelinnes. This imposing castle with its symmetrical facade and rustic yet refined appearance is set amidst extensive gardens, charming ponds and avenues lined with old trees. The interior, normally closed to the public, is renowned for its beautiful rococo details and original decorations, which reflect the grandeur of the past. For lovers of heritage and nature, the castle and the surrounding park offer a special place to go back in time and enjoy serene beauty.
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Ormeignies Castle, located in the village of the same name in Wallonia, is a historic residence built in the mid-19th century by Édouard de Rouillé. Initially an 18th century manor house, it was rebuilt after a fire in 1866 by his son Adhémar, in a neoclassical style by the architect Désiré Limbourg. The castle and its estate were sold in 1934 and dismantled shortly after. Today, only a side wall with a staircase remains, visible from the public road.
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The oldest fountain in Beloeil dates from 1824. Neo-classical style. At the top of the pillar, a cartouche bears the following inscription: "Princeps Henricus Oriens Populo Elargitur Unsam XVIMA octobris". This means that the pump was opened to the public on the occasion of the birth of Prince Henri de Ligne on October 16, 1824.
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The Versailles of the Borinage. Beautiful Castle that could use a scaffolding refresh - or is that part of its charm?
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Château de Thoricourt, known as Château Obert de Thieusies. ⠀ This castle, whose red facade can only attract attention, was built in 1768 on the site of an old manor. ⠀ ⠀ It was Charles-François de la Marlière who built it and was the first to live there. ⠀ In 1830, an orangery was built and 4 ponds were created in the 15 hectare park. ⠀ ⠀ The current owner bought the domain of Thoricourt a little more than 15 years ago and undertook very long renovation works.
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The Château de Louvignies is a magnificent example of Walloon architecture. This region boasts many ancient buildings, although not all of them are as impressive and well-preserved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the main castles located in relation to Lens?
While the city of Lens itself does not have major historical castles, the most notable châteaux are found in the surrounding region, particularly in the nearby Wallonia region of Belgium. These include Beloeil Castle, Attre Castle, and Château of Thoricourt.
What makes Beloeil Castle a must-visit attraction?
Beloeil Castle, often called the 'Belgian Versailles,' is the ancestral home of the Princes de Ligne. It features a vast collection of art, an impressive library with over 20,000 books, and a magnificent 25-hectare French formal garden designed in 1664. It offers a rich experience for history and garden enthusiasts.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Lens?
Yes, several castles in the region are considered family-friendly. Beloeil Castle and Attre Castle are both categorized as family-friendly, offering extensive grounds and historical insights that can engage visitors of all ages.
What kind of historical architecture can I expect to see?
The castles in the region showcase a range of architectural styles. Beloeil Castle evolved from a medieval fortress into a luxurious pleasure castle. Attre Castle is an authentic 18th-century château in the French neoclassical style, while Château of Thoricourt is an 18th-century classical complex with a distinctive red facade.
Can I explore the parks and gardens around these castles?
Absolutely. The castles are renowned for their extensive parklands. Beloeil Castle boasts a 25-hectare French formal garden. Attre Castle features a 17-hectare park combining English and woodland styles with unique ruins. Château of Thoricourt includes a 15-hectare park with four ponds.
Are there any ruins or less-preserved historical sites to visit?
Yes, for those interested in ruins, the Ruins of Château d'Ormeignies offer a glimpse into a 19th-century neoclassical castle that was largely dismantled. Today, only a side wall with a staircase remains visible from the public road.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Lens offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Château of Thoricourt – Drève du Château de Thoricourt loop' or 'Pond on the Eastern Dender – Tumulus d'Erbaut loop.' For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like 'Château de Beloeil – Quiet Country Road loop' and general cycling routes including 'Attre Castle – Path Between the Fields loop.' You can explore more options in the hiking, road cycling, and cycling guides around Lens.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the grandeur and extensive grounds of castles like Beloeil Castle, often referring to it as the 'Belgian Versailles.' The well-preserved interiors and unique parkland features of Attre Castle are also highly appreciated. The tranquil settings and historical ambiance, combined with opportunities for walks, are common highlights.
Is there a specific 'Château de Lens' in the city of Lens?
It's important to clarify that while there is a historically significant 'Domaine de Lens' in Saint-Symphorien (Deux-Sèvres), this is a different commune than Lens in Pas-de-Calais. The Domaine de Lens is a private property and not generally accessible for public tourism. The prominent castles for visitors are located in the broader region, particularly in Belgium.
Are dogs allowed at the castles?
Policies vary by castle. For instance, at Beloeil Castle, dogs are generally allowed in the park but not inside the castle buildings. It's always best to check the specific castle's official website for their most current pet policy before your visit.
When is the best time to visit the castles around Lens?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for visiting, as the extensive gardens and parks are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration. Some castles, like Beloeil Castle, host seasonal events, such as an Amaryllis Competition in spring, which can enhance the experience. Always check individual castle opening hours, as some may have limited access or closures during certain seasons, particularly in winter.
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