Attractions and Places To See around Dour - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Dour offer a blend of historical mining heritage, natural spaces, and cultural events. This municipality in the Belgian province of Hainaut features a landscape characterized by forests, streams, deep valleys, and former mining slag heaps. Visitors can explore sites reflecting the region's industrial past alongside diverse natural environments. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Best attractions and places to see around Dour
- The most popular attractions is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a natural monument that is a 20 to 25 meter high rock composed of fragments of several natural elements. A legend has been perpetuated for generations on this stone, which appears to balance on a ridge.
- Another must-see spot is Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve, a natural monument and wetland area. This reserve is one of the better ornithological sites in Wallonia, with more than 300 bird species observed.
- Visitors also love Stambruges MTB Playground, a challenging mountain bike park. This spot offers technical terrain with short, steep, and sandy slopes, ideal for fine-tuning mountain biking techniques.
- Dour is known for its natural monuments, mountain bike parks, and diverse natural reserves. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical sites to protected natural areas.
- The attractions around Dour are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 highlights receiving 223 upvotes and featuring 70 photos.
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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Le Chalet Du Garde
Highlight • Cafe
A growing number of tourists encouraged Léon Laurent to build a café restaurant in 1892 with a billiard room and bedrooms. It was the time of the arrival in the Bois d'Angre of the couple Mr. and Mrs. Verhaeren, famous poet and figure of the place who participated in the development of the site. Le Caillou-qui-Bique becomes the address to know.
In 2020, Aurélie Vilain is taking over "Le Chalet Du Garde" and intends to perpetuate the history of this emblematic place.
"Originally from Roisin, I grew up in the green valleys of Hauts-Pays and Caillou-qui-Bique, so it was only natural that this place came to the fore."
SCHEDULE :
OPEN ALL YEAR
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m.
IN JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Other adventures around Dour
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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cafe in the middle of the woods, very friendly owner with cozy terrace. definitely recommended.
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Ideal playground for practicing.
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Very friendly welcome! Ideal place during a hike or a stroll in the surrounding area to drink a local beer, Daffodil.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Dour?
Dour offers a variety of natural features. You can visit Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a unique 20 to 25-meter high rock with a local legend. The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve is a significant wetland area, known for its diverse bird species. Another notable spot is the Mer de Sable State Reserve, a protected area featuring peat moors and unique flora. Additionally, the Saint-Antoine Slag Heap provides accessible trails for walking and offers panoramic views.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Dour and its surroundings?
Yes, Dour has a rich mining heritage. The Malakoff Tower, a former coal mining shaft, is an architectural symbol of this history. Nearby, you can explore The Grand Hornu in Boussu, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 19th-century industrial architecture. The Grand-Place de Mons, a historic central square, is also within a short drive.
What outdoor activities are available near Dour?
The Dour region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. The Saint-Antoine Slag Heap offers trails for hiking and jogging. For cyclists, the RAVeL L98 and L98A paths provide safe routes on former railway lines. Mountain bikers can challenge themselves at Stambruges MTB Playground, known for its technical terrain.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Dour area?
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. The Mer de Sable State Reserve has marked trails suitable for families to explore nature. The Belvédère Sports and Recreation Center features Belgium's first natural swimming pool and other activities. For a larger outing, Pairi Daiza, a highly-rated animal park, is located approximately 20 km from Dour.
Where can I go hiking around Dour?
There are several hiking opportunities around Dour. You can explore trails around the Saint-Antoine Slag Heap for easy and accessible walks. For more structured routes, consider trails like the Vhello – Blaugies Chapel loop or the Le Sauwartan slag heap loop. You can find detailed hiking routes and guides at Hiking around Dour.
What cycling routes are available near Dour?
Cyclists can enjoy the RAVeL L98 and L98A paths, which are built on former railway lines and offer a safe way to explore the surroundings. For more extensive road cycling, routes like the Boucle du Haut-Pays - Le Chabaud Sauvage or the Abbaye des Rocs Café – Terril Saint-Antoine loop are popular. Discover more options at Road Cycling Routes around Dour.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Near Le Caillou-qui-Bique, you'll find Le Chalet Du Garde, a cafe and restaurant known for its friendly welcome and local beers. The Mer de Sable State Reserve also has a restaurant on-site. Many local villages also offer cafes and pubs.
What is the best time of year to visit Dour for outdoor activities?
The Dour region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural reserves. The Dour Festival, a significant cultural event, takes place in July.
Is the area around Dour suitable for mountain biking?
Absolutely. The Dour area is well-suited for mountain biking, particularly at Stambruges MTB Playground, which offers challenging technical terrain with steep and sandy slopes. You can also find various gravel biking routes, such as the Mur de Spienne – Hyon Waterfall and Ponds loop. Explore more routes at Gravel biking around Dour.
Are there any accessible natural reserves or viewpoints?
The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering viewing huts for observing birdlife. The Saint-Antoine Slag Heap also provides accessible trails and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Dour?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The unique geological formation of Le Caillou-qui-Bique and its accompanying legend is a highlight. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the rich biodiversity of the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve and the distinct landscape of the Mer de Sable State Reserve. The challenging terrain of Stambruges MTB Playground is also a favorite among mountain bikers.
Are there dog-friendly trails around Dour?
While specific dog policies vary, many natural areas and trails around Dour are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. The Saint-Antoine Slag Heap offers open trails suitable for walks with your dog. It's always recommended to check local signage for any specific restrictions in nature reserves.
Most popular attractions around Dour
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