Chimay : Découverte des incontournables

The Ardennes town of Chimay, located in the province of Hainaut, in the limestone band of the Calestienne, is full of activities of all kinds: walks , sports , visits , discovering local producers .

You've probably already heard of its abbey, as well as Chimay beer and cheeses. But the town has plenty of other activities to discover, whatever the weather.

In this practical guide, we have compiled the must-see places to visit in the region.

Around the town of Chimay, you have the opportunity to go for a walk in the heart of the Ardennes countryside, in the woods or on paths crossing the fields. If you prefer to soak up the atmosphere of the region's picturesque villages, several routes will also take you there.

Here are the different walks and natural sites to discover in the region.

To explore the beautiful natural landscapes and surrounding villages, there are numerous fully marked walking trails, ranging from 5 to 25 kilometers. Whatever your fitness level, you'll find routes to suit you. For cycling and horseback riding enthusiasts, it's also possible to find a more suitable route. Visit Visitchimay.be to see the itineraries .

The municipality of Momignies is located next to the one in Chimay. There are 117 kilometers of marked trails. A booklet details the routes of 17 walking circuits: you can obtain it at the non-profit organization Tourisme de Momignies .

Nature and geology enthusiasts will particularly enjoy spending a day or a few hours exploring the Oise springs. One of the two springs is ferruginous, while the other is more calcareous. There is a marked 4-kilometer trail , which you can find on the Visit Chimay website. .

The Eau d'Heure Lakes are a pleasant place to relax, especially during the summer months. Visitors can unwind on the beaches , cycle around the lakes, take a tourist train , enjoy mountain biking trails, take advantage of the on-site wellness center, as well as the playgrounds and golf course.

And if you love water sports, you'll find what you're looking for: kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, water skiing, and even diving! You also have the opportunity to visit the largest dam in Belgium and admire the 360° view overlooking the entire region.

In addition to the walks and various activities mentioned above, in Chimay you have the opportunity to have fun in an unusual way thanks to various sporting activities.

If you are visiting Chimay during the winter season, don't hesitate to go to Escaillère or Rièzes. In the heart of the Chimay Forest, you can enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Equipment can, of course, be rented on site.

The Chimay region is also very rich in terms of agricultural production. local and artisanal products. We have gathered them for you. Local artisans who are worth a visit.

La Ferme du Mouligneau is a traditional family business specializing in the production of dairy products: cheeses, butter, yogurt, ice creams… Artisanal products to enjoy during your stay in Chimay.

The Chimay pralines are a sweet local specialty. The Gillot Chocolate Factory was founded twenty years ago and can be visited (by group). You can sample the various chocolate treats on site.

From April to October, once a month from 9am to 1pm, the Marché d'Antan (Old-Fashioned Market) takes place in Virelles. This is the essential event to get your hands on local products , and meeting the Local artisans . A true return to the roots with authentic products and rediscovered crafts.

This little A family-run, artisanal brewery located in L'Escaillère, producing seasonal beers using... Traditional brewing techniques are used. Three flagship beers are brewed here: Paternel, Thomassine, and Gratouille. Throughout the seasons, other original creations are regularly added. Don't hesitate to join the tour, which naturally concludes with a tasting!

In Chimay, you can also discover a rich heritage (abbeys, castles, etc.). You can also visit fascinating museums. Here's what to expect in the region.

For a return to childhood, or to introduce the little ones to it toys of yesteryear , the The Musée du Grand Méchant in Rièzes is bringing back a collection of toys and accessories dating from before the 1970s. This is an opportunity for some of you to relive your childhood memories, for an afternoon on Sunday, or by appointment during the week.

This museum This is a monument in memory of the American soldiers who fell in 1944, during the Second World War. It is located on the Crête d'Imbrechies where you can admire a beautiful panorama .

In addition, if you wish to entertain the children, or simply have fun, the town of Chimay also has various leisure spaces, for all ages and tastes.

As a team, solve the riddles , in order to find the Le Trésor de l'Abbaye which is hidden in the actual dungeons of the town of Chimay. An exciting challenge to take on with friends or colleagues. It's a unique experience in the world of Chimay Trappist beers.

If, during your stay, you'd like to explore the area around Chimay, we highly recommend venturing out for a stroll through the nearby villages. Here are our favorites:

Lompret is considered one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia . Stone houses, the ruins of a feudal castle, its 18th century bridge… It is located not far from the Aquascope of Virelles, the Petite Suisse breeding farm, as well as the Franc Bois natural site (classified as exceptional heritage of Wallonia).

Fagnolle, a pleasant village for a stroll, is situated in an area of remarkable biological and scenic interest. You can admire listed sites such as the Church of Saint-Martin, the presbytery, and the wash house. Don't hesitate to also take a look at the ruins of Fagnolle Castle.

If you enjoyed Chimay, other locations in the Ardennes might also appeal to you. Depending on your preferences, you could choose a stay closer to the forests, a lively village, a scenic viewpoint, a lake, or a hiking trail.

At Ardenne Résidences, we help you find the accommodation that matches your travel style: quiet, with family, with friends, with a garden, a wellness area or a setting conducive to hiking.

Discover also our selection of holiday homes in the Ardennes to find the address that suits you.