Top 19 Lakes around Chimay

The Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure form Belgium's largest lake district and is a place where nature, water, and space come together in a special way. Spread across the border region of the provinces of Namur and Hainaut lies a landscape that was once created purely for functional purposes but today feels like a vast nature reserve with an almost foreign atmosphere. The lakes were created in the 70s and 80s by the construction of several dams, of which the Plate-Taille Dam is the largest and best known. What began as a water management project to regulate the water level of the Sambre grew into one of Wallonia's most important recreational areas. The area consists of five interconnected lakes, including Lac de la Plate Taille, Lac de l’Eau d’Heure, Lac de Falemprise, Lac du Ry Jaune, and Lac de Féronval. Together, they cover approximately 1800 hectares, creating an open and spacious feeling rarely encountered in Belgium. The Plate Taille lake, in particular, stands out due to its size and depth, being the largest and deepest lake in the country and forming the central point of the entire area. What immediately strikes you upon arrival is the tranquility and scale. The shores are alternated by forests, meadows, and small beaches, while the water stretches to the horizon. Due to the slight elevation differences in the landscape, you have views over the lake from many spots, which provides an impressive sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. Mist slowly rising from the water and the soft light reflecting on the surface give the area an almost cinematic atmosphere. The nature around the lakes has developed significantly over the years. Where there was once agricultural land, you now find a mix of deciduous forests, reed zones, and open water habitats. This makes the area attractive to numerous animal species. Waterfowl such as grebes and cormorants are often seen here, while roe deer and foxes live in the surrounding forests. The combination of water and forest creates rich biodiversity and makes the area interesting for nature lovers and hikers. For those who like to be active, the area offers countless opportunities. Hiking around the lakes is perhaps the best way to truly experience the landscape. The routes vary from short, relaxed walks to long treks, where you walk for hours along the water and through the forests. For someone who loves long, quiet walks with varied terrain, this is an ideal place. The paths are often well-maintained and lead you past quiet bays, open plains, and viewpoints where you can stop for a moment to take in the landscape. Besides hiking, the area is also popular with cyclists, with routes that run around the lakes and wind through the hilly landscape. Road cyclists will find challenging sections here, while recreational cyclists can enjoy longer, flatter routes. The combination of nature and infrastructure makes it accessible without feeling crowded or overdeveloped. The water itself naturally plays a central role in the experience. The Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure are the most important center for water sports in Belgium. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and swimming are all possible here, often in specially designated zones so that nature and recreation remain in balance. Unlike many other places, the use of motorboats is limited, which contributes to the quiet and natural atmosphere of the area. Various facilities have also been developed around the lakes to make the area accessible to visitors, such as marinas, beach areas, and accommodation. Yet, the whole remains surprisingly open and quiet, especially if you venture a little further from the busiest spots. It is precisely this balance between development and nature that makes the area so attractive.

The Plate-Taille Dam is located in southern Belgium in Wallonia, on the border of the provinces of Namur and Hainaut. The dam is situated near the villages of Froidchapelle and Cerfontaine and forms the central element of the Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure lake district, the largest artificial lake complex in the country. This area covers approximately 1800 hectares and consists of several interconnected lakes that together form a unique landscape of open water, wooded hills, and extensive recreational zones. Due to its location between the Ardennes and the Fagne, the area has a varied and gently rolling terrain. The origin of the dam dates back to the 1970s when Belgium faced water management problems. The Sambre River, an important waterway for industry and shipping, experienced highly fluctuating water levels. During dry periods, the water level dropped too low, which had economic consequences. To solve this problem, an ambitious project was launched, including the construction of a series of dams on the Eau d’Heure River and its tributaries. The construction of the Plate-Taille dam began around 1974 and was completed in 1981. As a result of its construction, five lakes were created: * Plate Taille (the largest and deepest) * Eau d’Heure * Falemprise * Ry Jaune * Féronval The construction brought about a major change for the region. Certain areas were submerged, and residents had to relocate. At the same time, this project laid the foundation for a new economic model based on tourism and recreation. The Plate-Taille dam is the largest dam in Belgium and an impressive example of modern hydraulic engineering. The Plate Taille lake itself has a surface area of approximately 350 hectares and is the largest and deepest lake in Belgium. The dam holds back an enormous mass of water and literally forms the heart of the entire lake district. One of the dam's main functions is energy generation through a pumped-storage power plant. * Capacity: ± 140 megawatts * Number of turbines: 4 (reversible) * Type: pumped-storage power plant System Operation The system operates on a clever principle: * During low energy demand, water is pumped to a higher reservoir. * During high energy demand, the water flows back down through turbines, generating electricity. This makes the plant particularly valuable for stabilizing the electricity grid, especially in combination with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Around the dam lies a surprisingly rich nature reserve. The combination of water, forests, and open plains ensures great biodiversity. The landscape is characterized by: * Dense deciduous and coniferous forests * Open grasslands * Reed beds along the banks * Quiet bays and small islands Animals found here include: * Roe deer * Foxes * Waterfowl such as grebes and cormorants * Birds of prey The creation of the lakes has led to new ecosystems where flora and fauna have adapted to the water-rich environment. For someone who enjoys long and challenging hikes, like myself, this area is ideal, and you can easily create routes of several hours here without much crowds. 🚴‍♂️ Cycling and Recreation Besides hiking, the area is also popular with: * Road cyclists (hilly terrain) * Mountain bikers * Families (flat cycling paths around the lakes) There are well-maintained cycling routes that connect the entire lake district. 🚤 Water Sports and Activities The Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure are the center for water sports in Belgium. Possibilities: * Sailing * Kayaking * Windsurfing * Diving (in certain zones) * Swimming Motorized water sports are permitted to a limited extent, which contributes to a relatively calm and natural atmosphere. 🧭 Tourist Facilities The area is highly developed for visitors without losing its natural charm. Key attractions: * Skywalk Plate-Taille – a panoramic tower with views over the entire area * Natura Parc L’Eau d’Heure – adventure park with climbing routes and zipline * Marinas and beach areas * Holiday parks and campsites This makes the area suitable for both day trips and longer stays.

Beautiful hike, I was just expecting to see the lake but that is not the case, we go around it but not close!

quietness of the pond where we observe birds

A really great lake landscape, you just have to see it.

Via a short but tiring slope you reach a viewpoint on Lake Virelles, where you also have the Aquascope. Opposite the bench on the blue walking trail you can continue a few meters in the direction of the lake. There you have the best view, which is also marked on the map as a viewpoint.

Great site, beautiful body of water, beautiful walks. If you go as far as Lompret, the Eau Blanche restaurant is very good, remember to book in advance as it is very popular.

From the dam, you can take the Ry de Rome Dam loop trail. You can enjoy views of the water and the forest, and cross the dam itself, which gives you an exceptional viewpoint.