Maredsous : Découverte des incontournables
19 October 2026
Visiting the abbey, cycling, tasting local specialties... Everyone will find something to punctuate their stay in the beautiful Maredsous region.
Located on the banks of the Molignée River, Maredsous is a hamlet in the village of Denée, which itself belongs to the municipality of Anhée, in the province of Namur. The region abounds with diverse activities, ensuring an unforgettable stay, whatever your interests and the weather.
A visit to Maredsous Abbey , walks, bike rides, or horseback riding with beautiful viewpoints, a rich historical heritage including medieval castles, local flavors to savor in a good restaurant, a former railway line now used for leisure activities such as rail biking on the Molignée and the RAVeL network… Incredible discoveries await you in the Maredsous region. This guide explains the must-see points of interest in the area.
In the heart of Maredsous Abbey.
Maredsous is located in the heart of the Molignée Valley. A peaceful place where you can recharge your batteries amidst lush nature, close to medieval castles.
A stroll through the Annevoie Water Gardens is an immersion in a serene and beautiful setting. This site has been a listed historical monument since 1982. Indeed, for 250 years, fabulous water features and sublime gardens have enchanted this place.
To enjoy a wide variety of natural surroundings , landscaped gardens , and swimming areas when the weather is nice, Lake Bambois is a particularly pleasant spot. Furthermore, this 48-hectare site is located just steps from the RAVeL network. You can therefore easily stroll along the shore, relax on the beaches, and participate in various activities.
The RAVeL (autonomous network of slow roads) that passes through the Molignée Valley is one of the most beautiful in the region ( line 150 from Anhée to Aisemont ). A 20-kilometer section, starting from the village of Bouvignes-sur-Meuse, runs alongside the ruins of fortified castles. Explore it on foot, horseback, or by bicycle.
A bucolic atmosphere at the ©Jardins d'Eau d'Annevoie
The area around Maredsous is absolutely magnificent to explore on a marked or guided walk. The Anhée Meuse-Molignée Tourist Office has compiled all sorts of routes on its website: walking maps , guided tours in the Molignée Valley, the Transmolignée trail from Annevoie to Maredsous… Don't hesitate to take a look.
All wikiloc routes in the Maredsous region can be viewed on wikiloc.com.
If you're staying in Maredsous for several days, you might want to try an unusual sport in the heart of the Molignée Valley. Several sporting activities are available to you in this verdant setting.
A truly unique sporting activity! (© Facebook page Les DRAISINES de la Molignée)
An essential way to fully immerse yourself, for an hour or two, in the picturesque landscapes of the Molignée Valley: embark on the Molignée railbikes ! Follow, with family or friends, a route of 6 to 14 kilometers (from Warnant to Falaën, from Falaën to Maredsous, or Warnant – Falaën – Maredsous).
If you'd like to learn to dive or try an extraordinary experience, head to the Rochefontaine Quarry diving center . This former red marble quarry , located a thirty-minute drive from Maredsous, was in operation until the 1980s. Various objects (a sailboat , a tugboat , tools, a wooden cabin, etc.) as well as a wide variety of aquatic animals (carp, perch, newts, etc.) can be observed there.
Make the most of your stay in the Maredsous region and get your dose of adventure! Agimont Adventure , located around a medieval castle, offers fun activities such as paintball , airsoft , laser paintball , and an adventure course . There is also a wildlife park on site.
Exploring the Molignée Valley on horseback is an excellent idea. Several riding schools offer equestrian activities in the region. You can find their addresses on the Anhée Meuse-Molignée Tourist Office website.
Take the RAVeL of La Molignée and set off on an unforgettable two-wheeled ride along this former railway line! Didn't bring your bike with you? Cycles Adnet offers bike and mountain bike rentals (including electric bikes ).
Get a taste of local flavors by exploring the region's producers: cheese, beer, snails, vegetables, honey, cosmetics… Some treasures are worth tasting or trying!
Are you visiting Maredsous during the holiday season? If so, you'll certainly appreciate the magical atmosphere of the Christmas market at Maredsous Abbey . Christmas chalets , street performers , a pop-up restaurant , illuminated abbey, an ice rink … Don't miss it!
Don't wait any longer to taste the cheese and beer of Maredsous Abbey . Enjoy these products directly in the visitor center's cafeteria, or purchase them at the counter to take away. You'll also find a traditional, artisanal bakery and pastry shop there, following monastic methods.
Typical of regional cuisine, the small grey snails of Warnant are raised at the Warnant Snail Farm . Follow the guide to learn more about snails, and end the visit with a small tasting on the terrace. Purchase the farm's various products directly on site: profiteroles, snails in jars, "perles de gris" (a type of snail paste), terrines, snail slime gel, and more.
Maredsous beer tastes even better on the terrace! (© WBT - Bruno D'Alimonte)
If you're looking for edible plants typical of the region, Ortie-Culture is the place to go. This nursery produces herbs, vegetables, tomatoes, and edible flowers.
The Ferme Apicole des Neuf Bonniers is the place to find artisanal honey as well as other Bee Tasty hive products: nougat , gingerbread, natural candles, chocolate honey, mead, honey beer … The farm can be visited by appointment.
This artisanal, family-run soap factory has been creating natural, organic cosmetics since 2017. Soap, hand balm, body balm, solid shampoo, facial care, deodorant balm, lip balm, conditioner… You'll find everything you need for your body and face.
A rich heritage awaits discovery in Maredsous and the Molignée Valley. Numerous medieval castles are located there, and you will also see some vestiges of the Middle Ages.
Maredsous Abbey is undoubtedly a must-see if you're in the area. Founded in 1872 by Benedictine monks, it exudes a sense of serenity. Guided tours are available . Don't miss the small cheese museum either. Conclude your visit with a tasting of the Abbey's products while the children play in the playground .
Located on one of the hills overlooking the village of Maredret, Maredret Abbey is a major element of religious heritage in Belgium. It cannot be visited, but various activities are organized there ( workshops for making natural cosmetics, introductions to essential oils, concerts , days of relaxation, etc.).
Exploring the ruins of Montaigle Castle... (© WBT - Pierre Pauquay)
Located in the village of Falaën, the ruins of Montaigle Castle , reclaimed by nature, have retained their beauty. The ruins can be visited, but the site is also lovely to admire or photograph during a stroll.
Located in Denée, on the banks of the Molignée River and within a splendid park, the Château de Maredsous is actually a private property and not open to the public. However, it can be admired if you are out for a walk in the area.
The Château de Bioul and its vineyard offer a unique wine tasting experience . The wines of Château de Bioul are crafted in the heart of this exceptional heritage site, respecting both tradition and nature. This historic location also hosts various events such as receptions and team-building activities.
This museum , located in the village of Haut-le-Wastia, pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in Belgium during the Second World War. Discover a variety of rare documents and unusual objects , and immerse yourself in the daily lives of these soldiers.
To learn more about the historical, natural, and cultural heritage of the Meuse Valley , visit the Maison du Patrimoine Médiéval Mosan (House of Mosan Medieval Heritage ), located in Bouvignes. Various exhibitions and events are held there.
This is the largest fortified complex dating from the Middle Ages preserved in the Meuse Valley. During your visit to the Poilvache site, admire a splendid panorama of the Meuse.
The view from the ©Poilvache site is splendid.
Located on a rocky spur overlooking Bouvignes, the ruins of Crèvecoeur Castle , dating from 1320, allow you to admire an incredible panorama of the Meuse Valley.
Located in Yvoir, the Archaeological Museum of the Upper Meuse is a listed monument dating from 1623. It invites you to take an "archaeological walk" in the Meuse Valley.
Looking to participate in an original activity with family, colleagues, or friends? If so, discover the entertainment options that await you in the Molignée Valley.
Family relaxation at ©L'Île d'Yvoir
This 2.5-hectare island welcomes you to a verdant setting in the heart of the Meuse River. Enjoy a relaxation area with a terrace , a paddling pool for toddlers, and a playground . You can also try your hand at water sports such as kayaking , water skiing , or pedal boating .
Motorsport enthusiasts will find their paradise in Mettet, at the Jules Tacheny Circuit . Several events are regularly held at the circuit, such as the Elf Moto Superbiker, the Belgian Supermoto Championship, the NRJ E-bike Challenge, and the Belgian RX Championship . Track days are also organized there, offering unique car and motorcycle experiences. Activities also take place throughout the year: introductory sessions for children, cycling, and motorcycle training courses.
Located in Spontin, about half an hour from Maredsous, the Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq takes you on a journey back in time to the 1950s or 1930s. For an hour and a half, embark on an authentic train from line 128, which once connected Ciney and Yvoir, and discover the splendid Bocq Valley.
Dharma City is a Buddhist meditation center located in Florennes. A place for rejuvenation and disconnection, it hosts various events (language courses, cultural events, meditation sessions, etc.). You can also relax at the Tibetan Convention Tea House tea room .
To spend a pleasant time with family or friends during your stay in Maredsous, a round of golf or mini-golf is always welcome.
Swin Golf is a more accessible type of golf that, after an introductory session, allows you to quickly access the course. Find all the information about this sport on the Maredsous Golf Club website.
If you prefer mini-golf , the Moligolf course in Warnant offers a one-hour round. Children also have access to a bouncy castle, while parents relax on the terrace.
If you plan to stay in the Molignée Valley for several days, you'll likely want to explore some of the region's wonders. Two of Wallonia's Most Beautiful Villages are located near Maredsous: Sosoye and Falaën. Here's what they have to offer:
Nestled in the meanders of the Molignée River, Sosoye is considered one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia . An interpretive trail allows you to discover its charming limestone buildings, as well as its church, former brewery, and presbytery. The Sosoye Mountain boasts a remarkable natural heritage.
Falaën is also one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia , near Maredsous, in the Molignée Valley. Limestone buildings await you there, as well as a listed fortified farm . The ruins of Montaigle Castle are also worth seeing in Falaën.
In Maredsous, and within the Molignée Valley, in the province of Namur, you have a large number of treasures to discover, and pleasant activities to try.
Enjoy local produce, stroll along the old railway line, play sports amidst sublime natural landscapes, admire medieval castles , go on lovely walks, participate in events… You will experience unforgettable moments.
Are you planning a stay in the Molignée Valley, near Maredsous, and looking for accommodation that will welcome you properly? We have what you need: a large number of holiday rentals, for all tastes.
Whatever your preferences for your next stay in the region, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation. Whether you're staying with family, friends, as a couple, with colleagues, or even with a large group.
Book with confidence
Quality assured
Authentic photos
Local & Here to help
Clear & Detailed
Family-run & Personal
