beer - The Belgian Tourist Office
Transcription
beer - The Belgian Tourist Office
u o rs v a l a Fes l of F tiva in Wallonia and in Brussels www.beer2005.be A brochure by the Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie – Bruxelles Belgium celebrates 175 years of independence T he old lady was born in 1830, but she has never been so full of life. With her customary vigour and more than a touch of audace, she has lived through all the tumultuous times, but now she takes a look back at her topsy-turvy life. The witnesses of her history are legion. After all, do they not say that Belgium, despite being a relatively small country, has a rich and varied cultural and natural heritage that is the envy of many? To celebrate Belgium’s 175th anniversary, many museums and centres of artistic excellence in Brussels have decided to focus all the energy generated by their truly original programs on the theme of this special year. From the Art Nouveau of the late 19th century to the Belgium of tomorrow, not forgetting the colonial period, the reign of Léopold II and the romantic period, gastronomy, the world of comic strips, avant-garde fashion... in a word, everything that makes Belgium what it is today: a country that is constantly reinventing itself! The Moules Nature Exhibition From 4 May 2005 to 30 June 2006 at the Natural Science Museum Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/ 627.42.38 www.sciencesnaturelles.be For more informations: The brochure and the website: www.175-25.be Within the framework of the theme of beer that has been selected for 2005 in Wallonia and Brussels, ‘Moules Nature’ is a not-to-be-missed exhibition all about mussels, a culinary speciality so dear to the Brusselers. And of course, what better way to enjoy this cultural dish than to accompany it with our national beverage… TABLE OF CONTENTS General introduction by Christian Deglas, President of the Association of Belgian Brewery Journalists Belgium’s beer regions: Brussels A pint-sized history of beer Province of Walloon Brabant The Trappist Order Province of Hainaut Map of Wallonia – Brussels Province of Namur How beer is made Province of Liège Beer sampling and types of beer Province of Luxembourg Calendar of “Beer” events Useful addresses Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels is an initiative of Attractions et Tourisme and of the Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles . This project was made possible thanks to the support of the tourist federations of the Walloon provinces (C.A.T.P.W.), the B.I.-T.C. (Bruxelles International – Tourisme Congrès), the Walloon Region and the Commission of the French-speaking Community of the Region of Brussels-Capital. Important note: We have taken the utmost care in collecting information and compiling this brochure. However, we decline any responsibility in the event that any changes are made after publication. For this reason, before you set out on your tour, we suggest that you check that the information given is still valid. www.beer2005.be 3 WE’RE ALWAYS BETTER… BY A FULL HEAD! What better ambassador could our country have than beer? For some, beer is an object of curiosity, while for others it is something to be venerated. However, one thing that can be said is that it leaves no one indifferent. Beer is everywhere in this country. However, we never tire of it, and it always brings pleasure and sparks interest. Dupont Brewery © JL Flemal Drinking beer is a social ritual, and as such it brings people together. However, the real secret of its enchantment is hidden, even to initiés. Indeed, sometimes the most ordinary beer can conceal a whole fascinating palette of colourful tastes and aromas, each reflecting some facet of the local terroir: blonde, ambrée or brune, bitter, mild or sharp. Some have close ties with regional traditions, others with local legends. In fact, the very names of different beers are often synonymous with some aspect of local history. every taste, and brewing is an art that knows no limits. There was a time when Belgium had more breweries than churches and when practically each house was an estaminet! In every region, in towns, villages and hamlets, ale was brewed, and every variety was quite different. Brussels was famed for its rather sharp beers made from Lambic using spontaneous fermentation without yeast, while Wallonia, with its springs of exceptionally pure water, It is not by chance then that in Brussels and Wallonia 2005 was declared the Year of Beer, clearly acknowledging the importance of a historic beverage that to this day gives so much pleasure. Dubuisson Brewery © JL Flémal Cantillon Brewery © JL Flémal 4 A very well-known Belgian political orator, who was also a great connoisseur of the hop leaf, once put in a nutshell the important social role of beer: `A wine-lover talks to his glass, but a beer drinker talks to his drinking companion!' Beer is not just the result of a chemical process; it is a form of alchemy, the product of the passion and ingenuity of brewers. There is a beer for offered amber nectar lovers an impressive variety of distinctive beers. It should be remembered that there were formerly endless fields where hops were grown by small homesteads on the banks of the river Sambre Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels local beer, which of course was the case in the past. Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal Brewery « des Fagnes » © JL Flémal and in some parts of Gaume (close to Virton in particu- lar). In fact, some of these farms are still operating, but production is much less widespread than in the past. Over the years, the marvellous magic of these potions aroused more and more passion, and as a result many Chimay © JL Flémal more beer-lovers became brewers. This led to the creation of “micro-breweries”. In fact, nowadays this phenomenon has become so popular that there is reason to believe that soon every town will once again be able to boast that it has its own Certainly, no one will be complaining, because this added diversity of Belgian beers will bring tourists and encourage many more to discover our beautiful regions. While it may be said that a local beer tells us something about its region, the reverse is also true, because it has become an inevitable ritual for visitors to be invited to savour a régionale after they have toured the district. In addition, more and more tourist offices in Brussels and Wallonia are offering tours that include local history, traditions, the gastronomy of the terroir... and beer. Also, regional brewers are encouraging this trend, as it allows visitors to discover a somewhat less well-known facet of a region in a way that everyone with a liking for beer will appreciate. The result is a rather surprising form of alchemy that imprints on the visitor's memory a geographical location where he tasted a particular beer, becau- www.beer2005.be se taste generates memories that we never forget. We therefore always remember where we tasted something for the first time. With all this in mind, needless to say the Year of Beer is not the end of the story. Rather, it is simply one step along the way. The future looks bright for Belgian brewers. They still have many surprises up their sleeve, and Belgians - the King and his children - will always be proud of this typically Belgian product that is popular the world over. Another good omen perhaps is that the Year of Beer falls on the 175th anniversary of Belgium's independence, giving brewers an additional opportunity to promote this thirst-quenching piece of heritage. Long live the beer of our land! Here's to your health! Christian DEGLAS President of the Association of Belgian Brewery Journalists. AJBB. 5 Trendy Brussels, a tour with a difference for people looking for a bit of ambiance. Quartier Saint-Jacques et Saint-Géry, Rue Dansaert, Place Sainte-Catherine, Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains, Canal. 1 Just a hundred yards or so from Brussels’ Grand’Place, the Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés is - perhaps rather symbolically - the startingpoint for this tour. After all, it was from here that mail was dispatched in the 18th century. Nowadays, in addition to the International Jacques Brel Foundation, the square boasts a number of trendy breweries, including the Cap and the Novo, which are well Halles Saint Géry © R. Houben-TCM St-Géry/Van Artevelde International Jacques Brel Foundation • Vieille Halle aux Blés 11, 1000 Brussels Open: every day, except Mondays, from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)2/511.10.20 - www.jacquesbrel.be Halles Saint Géry • Place Saint Géry 1, 1000 Brussels Open every day, except Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Tel.: +32 (0)2/502.44.24 – www.hallessaintgery.be – [email protected] Jijé Comic Strip Museum • rue du Houblon 43, 1000 Brussels Open: every day (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)2/513.33.04 - www.jije.org - [email protected] 6 worth a visit at any time of the day or night! Next we suggest you head for the Saint-Jacques district, which is Brussels’ answer to the Parisian “Marais”. This colourful district of the city has a distinctive atmosphere due to its mixture of artists, gays, local residents and tourists. It is here that you will find not only the celebrated Manneken Pis, but also the striking comic strip walls. You will find what you’re looking for in the newly opened Un Lombard or in the not-to-bemissed Plattesteen, which is as famous for its terrasse as it is for its delicious cuisine. In the Soleil in rue Marché au Charbon, the hot jazzy feel radiates far beyond its terrasse. Not far from there, you should stroll along the main boulevards which conceal in their bosom the river Senne, a river that for many years has in fact been vaulted. Here you will find an infinite variety of styles of bars and cafés to suit every taste. This heteroclite collection is the result of an architecture competition that was organised in the 19th century. You will find Neo-Renaissance styling vying with a more classical feel, but you will also notice a touch of Art Nouveau. And don’t forget to visit El Metteko! This tremendous diversity is what sums up the Saint-Géry district, which is in fact the historical cradle of the city. Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels The main square and its Halles are now a place of the most delightful dolce farniente. The cafés of this district have become the favourite haunt of Brussels’ young revellers, who come and have fun till the wee small hours in the morning. When you get here, don’t miss the PP Café, the Mappa Mundo bar and its maps, the Roi des Belges and its DJ, le Mezzo and its live jazz lounge, and the Café Central, its concerts and its cinema. Lovers of stylism will find rue Dansaert most appealing. It is here and nowhere else that you will find young trend-setting artists. This is a street full of fashionable restaurants, fancy stores and designer jewellery shops, but all this does not take away any of the district’s authentic soul. If you want an example, just try the Archiduc. Behind a rather studiously faded turquoise facade, you’ll find a beautiful Art Deco interior. Or if you prefer, try the Greenwich, where you will discover a rather surprising touch of originality - groups of (male and female) chess players! Whatever you do, don’t forget to explore the old port of Brussels - and read the names of the streets! You’ll find that they often hark back to the capital’s former commercial activities: Brick Quay, Firewood Quay, Fishmonger Street... Moreover, the Church of Saint Catherine was erected on one of the last surviving docks in the port of Brussels! Not far from there, you can discover several chic or simply quaint bars and cafés where you will find just what you’re looking for. For starters, try Chez François, La Belle Maraichère or the Paon Royal. If you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, try Viva’m Boma or Monk for size. You won’t be disappointed! When you get back to rue Dansaert, head straight for the very stylish rue Lepage and take in some of the atmosphere of the Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains. Just a few yards from there, you’ll find rue du Houblon. By this time you will no doubt have detected something exquisitely sweet in the air. Yes, you’re just round the corner from Dandoy, where they make the famous Speculoos biscuits, pains à la grecque and other Brussels delights. If you can’t sample them on site*, just drop in to the Musée Jijé and its brasserie. You will savour some delights for your pallet while enjoying some pleasures of a more cultural nature in this recently opened centre dedicated to the memory of the Belgian comic strip genius, Joseph Gillain. Finally, on the other side of the canal, facing the trendy Walvis, the tour closes - as it began - on a symbolic note outside the imposing BelleVue Brewery. You can’t miss this building with its huge white sign on a red background. This brewery contains several thousand barrels of Gueuze, Kriek and Lambics that are just waiting to be enjoyed. www.beer2005.be Bars and cafés in 1000 BRUSSELS Le Cap 28 Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés Novo 37 Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés Un Lombard 1 rue du Lombard Plattesteen 41 rue du Marché au Charbon Le Soleil 86 rue du Marché au Charbon El Metteko 86-88 Boulevard Anspach PP Café 28 rue van Praet Mappa Mundo 2-6 rue du Pont de la Carpe le Roi des Belges 35-37 rue Jules van Praet le Mezzo 18 rue Borgval Café Central 14-16 rue Borgval Archiduc 6-8 rue Antoine Dansaert Greenwich 7 rue des Chartreux Chez François 2 Quai aux Briques La Belle Maraîchère 11 Place Ste Catherine Paon royal 6 rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains Viva’m Boma 17 rue de Flandre Monk 42 rue Sainte-Catherine *Dandoy 11 rue au Beurre et 14 rue Charles Buls Walvis 209 rue Antoine Dansaert Brasserie Belle-Vue (see pages 10-11) 7 Prestigious Brussels, where “authentic” rhymes with “Lambic”. Grand Sablon, Manneken Pis, Bourse, Grand’Place, Galeries Saint-Hubert, Place de Brouckère, Place des Martyrs 2 The place du Grand Sablon is the place to be for lovers of exquisite Belgian chocolate, antiques and galleries! Here you will discover some notto-be-missed venues like Chez Richard or the Café Leffe. Or savour the irresistible charm of the narrow rue de Rollebeek in its fine cobblestone livery. Not far from there, you have an ideal opportunity to get to know the Belgian surrealists in La Fleur en Papier Doré. Then we suggest you take rue du Chêne to see the comic strip walls and our famous (or infamous) Manneken Pis. And don’t forget to drop in to the charming Poechenellekelder! Haussmann, a blend of NeoRenaissance, eclecticism and classicism. Beside the Bourse, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the Falstaff, a mythical Jügendstil brasserie, the mecca of Art Nouveau, where you can choose from a variety of Gueuzes. Just opposite the Falstaff, the Cirio is a place where Bruxellois and visitors to the city enjoy the atmosphere as much as they do the beer! The Church of Saint Nicolas is like a precious gem set in a medieval jewel-case. The path to the church will lead you directly to some old esta- If you now head in the direction of the Bourse (stock exchange) with its ornate features, you will certainly admire the architecture of the wide boulevards designed by Grand Place © BI-TC Belgian Comic Strip Centre • rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels Open: every day (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)2/219.19.80 - www.cbbd.be - [email protected] Brussels on Stage Galerie de la Reine 13-15, 1000 Brussels Open: every day (except Mondays) from 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)2/ 512.57.45 – www.bruxelles-en-scene.be 8 minets with that typical Brussels humour. If you venture along the alleyways in this district, you will feel you have travelled back in time when you come across La Bécasse, A l’Imaige Nostre Dame and au Bon Vieux Temps, with their quaint original pitchers and their wrought iron features. The atmosphere is almost as good as the beer! But lo! There’s the Grand’Place! Here you are following in the footsteps of the likes of Victor Hugo, Verlaine and Rimbaud. This is the haunt of none other than Baudelaire and Karl Marx. Whether you are a tourist, a lover of fine cuisine or a lover tout court, stay a while and soak in some of this magical atmosphere. Nearby, the irresistible Rose Blanche will certainly titillate your taste buds! And if you want to sample a few dishes, drop into the Brouette where you can taste some “flamekueches” or sit next to the king’s horse in the Roy d’Espagne! For a bit of variety, the Brasseurs de la Grand’Place offers carefully crafted planchettes of 4 house beers. And for those who want to know some of the secrets of beermaking, what better way is there than to enjoy the audiovisual presentation of the art of brewing in the Musée des Brasseurs Belges (Museum of Belgian Brewers) and sample the stuff. But now it’s time for some Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels folklore with the puppets of the Theatre of Toone! In the labyrinth of narrow city streets around the “ïlot sacré”, it would be a pity to miss the Delirium Café and its 2,004 types of beer. Just walk down rue des Bouchers and go to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a shopper’s paradise with its classy boutiques, theatre and cinema, not forgetting of course Brussels on Stage, an educational and poetic exhibition where you will discover the many myths of Brussels. You will be charmed by the atmosphere of the Taverne du Passage or the terrasse of the Mokafe. You can relax for a while in this very original and sumptuous atmosphere created by Cluysenaar, with its magnificent glass gallery. At the end of the gallery, you will meet with a form of “sudden death” that you will enjoy: Mort Subite. This is the showcase of Brussels tradition, and it is here that for centuries everyone who is anyone has come to taste delicious tartines oozing with fromage blanc and radishes, washed down with some cool Gueuze beer. A stone’s throw from the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, in rue Fossé aux Loups you will not regret a visit to the prestigious brasserie Belga Queen. The building itself, which was formerly the Hôtel de la Poste, was magically transformed by the decorative artist Pinto. Next on the not-to-be-missed list is the Café of the famous Hôtel Métropole on boulevard Adolphe Max. This building designed by Alban Chambon is a celebration of the Belle Epoque, a magnificent and joyous explosion of candelabras and amber. Finally, you should visit the Corbeau, which will be your last stop on this tour of “authentic” Brussels. This is a brasserie that exudes all the impish humour of Brussels! Here you can enjoy beer in original one-litre or half-litre chevaliers (these, you will discover, are rather peculiar drinking vessels), but not a syllable more… come and see for yourself! Bars and cafés outside Brussels center, but well worth a visit Le Biercircus rue de l’Enseignement 89, 1000 Brussels This establishment offers several hundred types! Open from 12 noon to 2.30 pm and from 6 pm to midnight. Tel.: +32 (0)2/218.00.34 - www.biercircus.com L’imprimerie chaussée de Saint-Job 666, 1180 Brussels (Uccle) Open from 6 p.m., closed on Mondays. A trendy micro-brewery. Tel.: +32 (0)2/372.93.25 - www.limprimerie.be - [email protected] www.beer2005.be Bars and cafés in 1000 BRUSSELS Chez Richard 2 rue des Minimes Café Leffe 46 Place du Grand Sablon La Fleur en papier doré 55 rue des Alexiens Poechenellekelder 5 rue du Chêne Falstaff 17-21 rue H. Maus Cirio 18 rue de la Bourse La Bécasse 11 rue Tabora A l’Imaige Nostre Dame 8 rue du Marché aux Herbes Au Bon Vieux Temps 12 rue du Marché aux Herbes La Rose blanche 11 Grand’Place La Brouette 2-3 Grand’Place Roy d’Espagne 1 Grand’Place Les Brasseurs de la Grand-Place 24 rue de la Montagne Théâtre de Toone 6 Impasse de Schuddelveldgang Delirium Café Impasse de la Fidélité Taverne du Passage 30 Galerie de la Reine Mokafé 9 Galerie du Roi A la Mort Subite 7 rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères Belga Queen 32 rue du Fossé aux Loups Le Café Métropole 31 Place De Brouckère Le Corbeau 18 rue Saint-Michel De Bier Temple (specialised boutique) 56b rue du Marché aux Herbes 9 Brussels from top to bottom: enjoy some quaint breweries with more than a touch of culture. Porte de Namur, Quartier Saint-Boniface, Matonge, Place Fernand Cocq, Place Flagey, Etangs d’Ixelles 3 The Porte de Namur is the place for anyone looking for trendy stores, high-quality cinemas and brasseries, like Le Trappiste or la Taverne Toison d’Or. Not far from there is the quartier SaintBoniface. This district grew in the 19th century around its beautiful church. Over time, other features were added to embellish the decor, in particular some Art Nouveau houses designed by the architect Ernest Blérot, whose colourful sgraffitos, wrought iron balconies and bow windows are among the features that you can still admire while savouring any of the countless cool beers served in the Ultime Atome. Cantillon Brewery © JL Flémal Museum of Gueuze Cantillon Brewery 56 rue Gheude, 1070 Brussels Open during the week from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. This is the only remaining working traditional brewery in Brussels. You will definitely enjoy visiting this museum with its amazing facilities for the production of Lambic, Faro, Kriek and Gueuzes, and of course you can sample the products! Nothing has changed here for centuries. (Ask about the historical walk from Brussels Grand’Place to the Cantillon Brewery) 10 Opposite this bar, it would be a pity to miss the intimist atmosphere of Eat&Love, where you can enjoy cuisine that is as carefully and fashionably crafted as the decor. For something quite different, try Belgo belge, a place that specialises in mussels. Once you have finished a plate of this delicious seafood, visit the eminently Neo-Gothic Church of Saint Boniface, which was the first of its kind in Brussels. For a touch of the exotic, try Matonge, the African district of Brussels, which is famous for its countless hairdressing salons, cafés and grocery stores. In these typically African stores, take the time to admire the stalls that are literally overflowing with succulent mangoes and sweet potatoes. You will be instantly bathed in African sunlight. Halfway along chaussée de Wavre, you should make a point of visiting Beermania, a place that is a paradise for beer lovers. Here you can buy over 400 traditional Belgian beers. But now it’s time to get back to chaussée d’Ixelles. This time, visit the comic strip stores, the impeccable residence of the violinist de Bériot and his wife, the cantatrice La Malibran. On your left, you will notice the place that has become a mecca for lovers of good food with beer, the Volle Gas. Alternatively, there is Imagin’Air Art Café. Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Here the atmosphere is quite different. This establishment has just started serving a selection of natural and traditional nouvelle cuisine. L’Amour fou, a place that can definitely be described as cool, has a new Zen decor that is quite unique. We have now reached the end of the tour. You will be glad to know that from now on it’s downhill all the way! The next stop is the Flagey building, a quite imposing multicultural 21st-century “steamship”. Take a final leisurely stroll around the lakes of Ixelles, where you will notice the amazing architecture of the surrounding townhouses. A few yards from the square, you should take the time to visit Le Pantin, the first philosophical cafétheatre in Brussels. The proprietor of this establishment has mastered what amounts to alchemy by putting art and beer on his menu. Then, for a typically Art Deco brasserie with a Sixties feel, try Le Fourquet. Last but definitely not least, pop into Belga, which is on the ground floor of the Flagey building, the former National Institute for Radio Broadcasting. You can’t miss it - it’s that huge edifice with the modernist decor. Practical information for 1050 Brussels: Le Trappiste 3 av. de la Toison d’Or Taverne Toison d’Or 2 av. de la Toison d’Or Ultime Atome 14 Place Saint-Boniface Eat&Love 11 rue Saint-Boniface Belgo belge 20 rue de la Paix Beermania (specialised boutique) 174 Chaussée de Wavre Volle Gas 21 Place Fernand Cocq Imagin’Air Art Café 6 Place Fernand Cocq L’Amour fou 185 Chaussée d’Ixelles House of Brewers © OPT/JP Rémy Museum of the “Belgian Brewers” Grand’Place 10, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/511.49.87 - www.beerparadise.be Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. This 18th-century brewery boasts state-of-the-art technology. Here you can learn the art of brewing - and, yes, sample the stuff! Le Pantin 355 Chaussée d’Ixelles Le Fourquet 13 Place Flagey Belga 18 Place Flagey Schaerbeek Beer Museum Avenue Louis Bertrand 33, 1030 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2/241.56.27 Open Wednesday and Saturday from 2pm to 6 pm. This museum occupies 800 square metres and displays a variety of glasses, bottles, enamel plates and machines that still produce “Schaerbeekoise” that you can try. Belle-Vue Brewery Quai du Hainaut 43, 1080 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/410.19.35 Important note: Visits for groups of 15 to 50 people by appointment only! www.beer2005.be © OPT/Kouprianoff 11 Saint-Gilles - 19th century, a blend of Art Nouveau and tradition. Porte de Hal, Parvis, Barrière de Saint-Gilles, Hôtel de Ville. 4 Porte de Hal © BI-TC Would you like to go back several centuries and travel to foreign parts - in the space of a few yards? Or would you like to leave the city centre behind and explore some quaint yet exciting districts? If so, Saint-Gilles is the place for you! This is a district that at the same time is part of the city and a village in its own right. It is the favourite haunt of artists, immigrants, poets and Brussels’ trendy young set. It is brimming over with discreet Art nouveau or Renaissance cafés where you can savour a Trappiste in the typical bistrot atmosphere of yesteryear or enjoy an original Brussels Zwanze in the very best tradition. The Porte de Hal is rather like a feudal castle whose stark outline stands proudly against the sky. This is a building that exudes all the mystery of its venerable age. It dates from the 14th century and is all that is left of the second wall of Brussels. It was originally a military structure, but its function changed over the years, initially becoming a grain silo, then a Lutheran church and even a prison, until 1847, when it became one of the first museums in Europe. It is still a successful museum. A little further on, you might like to take a pleasant stroll down rue Jean Volders to enjoy its 19th-century archi- Museum of the Porte de Hal boulevard du Midi, 1000 Brussels Open every day (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)2/534.15.18 www.kmkg-mrah.be [email protected] 12 tecture. Here you will find not a drawbridge, but curved wrought ironwork. These features, which are the hallmarks of Art Nouveau and of Ernest Blérot, like the coloured sgraffitos, are the ornamentations typical of this revolutionary architectural school. All this may be difficult to resist, but don’t put up too much of a fight! The Porteuse d’Eau invites you to relax and to sample some fine fare under a truly impressive “well of light”. The Verschueren Brewery stands in the shadow of a church. Here you will see a tremendous change not only in the ambiance but also in the people who frequent this establishment: trendy young people and more sedate habitués have one thing in common… they enjoy the beer. Here it is the Art Deco chandeliers that set the tone. But, yes, there is something interesting on the wall: football form tables! At the other end of the Parvis Saint-Gillois, which is famous for its cheerful morning market, the Brasserie de l’Union offers a variegated picture of Brussels’ life and characters: football fans and beer, but also visitors from every corner of the world. Cheers! But something that should not be missed is the roundabout at the Barrière de SaintGilles and its fountain. The water in this fountain, with its Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels little water carrier, was formerly used to water the horses of passing coaches. The sculpture is the work of Julien Dillens. It encourages passers-by to continue on their journey and points them in the direction of the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). This sumptuous building designed in the French Renaissance style is the work of the architect Dumont. Here there is also the Brasserie de la Renaissance, which was clearly inspired by the beauty of the neighbouring richly carved and decorated municipal building. The Brasserie is a most attractive building in any season: mouldings with golden tints in winter, the terrasse in summer. Not far from there, take the time to visit one last waterhole: Moeder Lambic, the “temple” of cervoise (barley beer). This is a must for aficionados of Belgian beer, but even beginners will appreciate the range of no fewer than 250 beers, including ten types of draught beer. Organised tours: D-TOURS Chaussée de Waterloo 94, 1060 Brussels A chance to tour the city with a CD guide: a sound experience that accompanies the sights, leaving you somewhere between the dream and the reality. Tel.: +32 (0)2/538.90.20 www.d-tours.org [email protected] PRO VELO Rue de Londres 15, 1050 Brussels A tour of Brussels by bicycle to discover its old breweries (sampling of products). Tel.: +32 (0)2/502.73.55 www.provelo.org [email protected] Bars and cafés: Brasserie Breughel 45-146 boulevard du Midi, 1000 Brussels La Porteuse d’Eau 48 rue Jean Volders, 1060 Brussels La Brasserie Verschueren 11-13 Parvis de Saint-Gilles, 1060 Brussels La Brasserie de l’Union 55 Parvis de Saint-Gilles, 1060 Brussels La Brasserie de la Renaissance 39 avenue Paul Dejaer, 1060 Brussels Moeder Lambic 68 rue de Savoie, 1060 Brussels In the area : • De skieven Architek 50 Place du Jeu de Balle 1000 Brussels • Restobières 32 rue des Renards 1000 Brussels • ‘t Werm Woeter 25 rue des Renards 1000 Brussels BUS BAVARD Rue des Thuyas 12, 1170 Brussels Guided tours of quaint Brussels estaminets and the “review of Belgian beers” Tel.: +32 (0)2/673.18.35 www.busbavard.be [email protected] LA FONDERIE Rue Ransfort 27, 1080 Brussels Guided tour: “The Beers of Brussels: from Gueuze to Pils” Tel.: +32 (0)2/410.99.50 www.lafonderie.be [email protected] St Gilles Town Hall © BI-TC www.beer2005.be 13 A “PINT-SIZED” HISTORY OF BEER Antiquity Beer has been brewed since time immemorial. It is thought that it was first made in Palestine around ten thousand years ago, in 8000 BC, by macerating barley bread in water. © Malagne Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal The Sumerians developed no fewer than ten varieties of beer, and the Babylonians added at least 34 more. Later on, the Egyptians developed what can be called government breweries, making brewing a state monopoly. These “barley wines” were used as offerings to the gods. Pharaoh Ramses II, who is referred to as the “brewing Pharaoh”, imposed very strict rules on the making of beer. Beer made its way to Europe around 5000 - 4800 BC along two routes: the Danubian route (Eastern Europe) and the Mediterranean route (south of France). Contrary to what is generally believed, beer was brewed and consumed very early in Greece and Rome until it was to some extent replaced by wine. However, while the Romans were more fond of wine, this did not prevent them from appreciating beer, in particular in the northern regions, where conditions were better for barley fields than for vineyards. For example, the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa were found to contain a brewery dating from the 3rd or 4th century. Among Belgium's ancestors, the Gauls, the brewing of bar- ley beer was a cottage industry; it was brewed within the family by the women. It was the Gauls who came up with the idea of replacing recipients made of pottery by wooden barrels, which, by the way, they invented. They called malt “brace”, a word that has come down to us in the French terms brassin (beer mix), brasseur (brewer), etc. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the church took control of the land. The monks took an interest in this beverage, and eventually it appears that there were breweries in every abbey in Christendom. And brewing also went on in inns, castles and homesteads. The Middle Ages In spite of barbaric invasions, brewing never quite disappeared from our regions. As early as the 7th and 8th centuries, the first monastic communities consumed beer, which had by then become a popular beverage. At that time, monks lived just like everyone else, but of course they were isolated from society. In the region of the Meuse, the oldest monastery appears to be the Grand-Axe, which is first mentioned in documents in the year 805. As we have just seen, the first Belgian abbeys already each had their own brewery. This was the case for Villers-la-Ville, which had a community of monks from 1146. The immense abbey they built was inspired by the architecture of the Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal 14 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Cîteaux (the order of the Cistercians). The brewery, in the Romanesque style, was built in the first half of the 13th century. However, the abbey was laid waste in the religious wars of the 16th century and the French Revolution. Also around this time, the first guilds were set up. The purpose of guilds was to maintain the quality of products and to ensure respect for traditions based on strict rules. Breweries then proliferated in the 14th and 15th centuries, as beer became a popular beverage. Around this time, it was commonly believed that it was better to drink beer than water, because epidemics like cholera and the plague could be transmitted by water, while the cause of these diseases was eliminated in the brewing process. The Renaissance (around the 16th century) was the golden age of brewing. Their corporations were very rich. In Brussels, brewers bought the “Arbre d'or”, a fine building that is now the “Maison des Brasseurs” (House of Brewers) on the Grand’Place. They restored this dwelling and embellished it in the 17th century. Although it was completely destroyed in the bombarding of Brussels by the Marshal de Villeroy, it was quickly rebuilt, at great expense, in the 18th century, when it was adorned with the facade that is still admired to this day by countless tourists. It was sold off by the French revolutionaries in the 18th century, and then in 1954 after some radical conversion work it once again became the “Maison des Brasseurs”. From the 17th century until the Second World War In the 17th century, many different types of beer began to appear up and down the country. Each variety was characterised by the specific ingredients used and the quality of the water. Small breweries flourished at this time, and as in those days there were no sophisticated means of preserving the product, each village had its own brewery. At the end of the 18th century, a historical event took place that was anything but beneficial to the tradition of brewing: the French Revolution. In addition to the fact that it put an end to brewers' guilds, the Revolution led to the destruction of many monasteries and abbeys, effectively wiping out much of the brewing industry. However, with the arrival of Napoleon on the scene brewing took off again thanks to a general economic recovery, although from that time on brewing would no longer be reserved for monks. It became a fully-fledged industry in its own right. At the end of the 19th century, the scientific progress achieved by Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) in the study of yeast and the preservation of food by “pasteurisation” gave breweries new impetus for some time. And these discoveries not only made it possible to preserve beer more efficiently, but they also improved the quality of beer, as the various types of yeast produce different flavours. By the year 1900, there were www.beer2005.be 3,223 registered breweries in Belgium, including Wielemans' Brewery in Forest (Brussels), which was considered to be the biggest and most modern in Europe. It was also in Brussels (in the brewery called the Grande Brasserie de Koekelberg, to be precise) that the first bottom-fermenting beer (Pils) was brewed in 1886. After the First World War, there was a considerable drop in the number of breweries. In fact, by 1920 there were only 2,013. The reason was that there was a dearth of the raw materials and manpower needed for brewing, and the few breweries that resumed production had to be mechanised. In the 1930s, the economic crisis made the situation even worse, and the Second World War caused a further reduction in the number of breweries. As a result, in 1946 Belgium had only 755. From the Second World War until today After the Second World War, the number of breweries continued to fall. The small breweries had in fact disappeared or had been taken over by larger concerns, so much so that by 1983 there were only 134. Nowadays, the brewing industry is characterised by two main trends: firstly, at a global level, major mergers between large groups of breweries and, secondly, at a regional level, the revival of small and mediumsized breweries developing a variety of products whose characteristics are linked to the terroir. There are now around a hundred breweries in Belgium that offer a range that includes around 500 different products. 15 Brewing - the perpetuation of a monastic tradition. Villers-la-Ville, Genappe, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve. (30 Km) 1 The tour starts at the Abbey of Villers, one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Founded in 1146 by members of the community of Clairvaux, the abbey underwent changes for over six centuries and therefore reflects all the successive architectural styles that have graced our regions. The abbey was abandoned in 1796, and over the years nature took over and the ruins took on the romantic atmosphere that you can Abbey of Villers-la-Ville © FTPBW/Altitude Photo savour today. Visitors can discover the old hostelry that was used as a brewery from the 16th century. Beermaking in Villers-la-Ville is attested to since the Middle Ages. A few miles from Villers, La Tourelle, a cheese farm in Ways (Genappe), invites you to come and sample some fine fare. Why not try some Lothier beer with Genappe’s gastronomic speciality, Lothier tart. The recipe for this delicacy is kept secret by the confraternity of the same name. You can also visit the goat farm (by appointment only). In Belgium, rural landscapes alternate with modern towns. In the heart of one town, Louvain-la-Neuve, a well-known university Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Napoleon’s last headquarters (GENAPPE) • First Wing Museum ( BEAUVECHAIN) • Park and Chateau of the Domaine Solvay and Folon Museum/Foundation (LA HULPE) • Site of Louvain-la-Neuve, the Aula Magna and the Museum (LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE) • Chateau of Rixensart, Lake of Genval and Museum of Water and Fountains (RIXENSART) • Geographic centre of Belgium (WALHAIN) • Waterloo battlefield and Wellington Museum (WATERLOO) • Adventure Park and Walibi (WAVRE) 16 Other breweries (please inquire before you set out!): Brasserie Lefèbvre in Quenast Tel.: +32 (0)67/67.07.66 www.brasserielefebvre.be [email protected] Brasserie du Brabant in Baisy Tel.: +32 (0)67/79.18.79 www.labrasseriedubrabant.tk [email protected] Brasserie d’Ecaussinnes Tel.: +32 (0)67/34.22.77 www.brasserieecaussinnes.be [email protected] Brasserie Friart in Le Roeulx Tel.: +32 (0)64/31.18.18 www.st-feuillien.com [email protected] Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels centre, the micro-brewery Brasse-Temps was founded in 2001 by one of the oldest working breweries in Wallonia, the Dubuisson Brewery, which brews the renowned Bush Beer. The Brasse-Temps itself makes three types of beer: “Cuvée des Trolls”, “l’EmbrasseTemps” and “Blanche”. You can sample this nectar in the café next to the micro-brewery. Nearby, you can visit a 65hectare paradise, the Domaine provincial du Bois des Rêves in Ottignies. Bois des Rêves © FTPBW/Kouprianoff Practical information: Abbey of Villers Rue de l’Abbaye 55 1495 Villers-la-Ville. From 1/04 to 31/10, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 1/11 to 31/03 every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Tuesdays. Admission fee. Louvain-la-Neuve © FTPBW/Kouprianoff This is a verdant estate that has become very popular for its play park, keep-fit circuits, mountain bike track and swimming pool with paddling pool (in July and August) as well as its gardens, wood, lake, etc. Keen walkers will appreciate the ‘didactic’ paths and the leisure circuits set in a picturesque area full of interesting flora and fauna. From May to August 2005, there will be a special exhibition on beer in the estate pavilion Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Villers en Walloon Brabant Rue de l’Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville Tel.: +32 (0)71/87.98.98 [email protected] de Waterloo Chaussée de Bruxelles 218, 1410 Waterloo Tel.: +32 (0)2/352.09.10 www.waterloo-tourisme.be [email protected] des Ardennes brabançonnes Rue de Nivelles 1, 1300 Wavre Tel.: +32 (0)10/23.03.52 www.mtab.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Tel.: +32 (0)71/88.09.80 www.villers.be [email protected]. La Tourelle, cheese farm Rue E. Hecq 20, 1474 Ways (Genappe). Guided tour (for groups and by appointment). Sampling room open on Sundays from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)67/77.27.17 Micro-brewery Brasse-Temps Place des Brabançons 4 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve. Open from Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. and on Sundays from 7 p.m. Guided tour (for groups and by appointment) Tel.: +32 (0)10/45.70.27 [email protected]. Domaine provincial du Bois des Rêves Allée du Bois des Rêves 1 1340 Ottignies-L-L-N. From 1/10 to 31/03, open from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 1/06 to 31/08 from 8.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and in April, May and September from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Park accessible free of charge but admission fee for facilities. Tel.: +32 (0)10/41.60.72 www.brabantwallon.be. 17 The ambiance and gastronomic delights of the “Roman Païs”. Nivelles, Ittre, Tubize, Rebecq, Braine-le-Château, Nivelles. (58 km) 2 Less than 25 kilometres from Brussels, the Roman Païs is the ideal place to get away from it all and discover a region with a rich history and a wealth of sensations and savours. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, is set in the heart of Nivelles, a town with an enviable tradition that is known for its savoir-vivre and its famous “Al djote” tart washed down with some abbey beer. The history of Nivelles runs parallel with that of the abbey founded in the 7th century. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude (1046) is one of the most important Collegiate Church Ste Gertrude © OT Nivelles Romanesque churches in Europe. The various archaeological substrata have yielded the remains of five successive churches that were built between the 7th and the 10th century. The quartier Saint-Jacques, the brewers’ district, still bears many features that recall the presence of Nivelles’ old breweries. Why not take in the atmosphere of this remarkable town? The nearby small towns of Ittre and Tubize stand witness to a prestigious industrial history, but they also hold out the promise of a pleasant stroll in delightful natural surroundings. In the centre of Rebecq, on both banks of the Senne, the mills of Arenberg are part of this village’s unique atmosphere. Built towards the end of the Middle Ages, the Great Mill still has on Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • The Parc de la Dodaine, the Church of Saint Jean and Saint Nicolas and the Récollets complex, the Municipal Museum (NIVELLES) • The Maison du Bailli, the Pilori, the Banal Mill (BRAINE-LE-CHATEAU) • the Forge-Museum and the hamlet of Fauquez (ITTRE) • the quarry of Quenast, the Petit Train du Bonheur (Happy Little Train) (REBECQ) • the Door Museum, the Fountain of Saint Renelde in Saintes (TUBIZE) 18 Dodaine Park © FTPBW/Kouprianoff Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels show some truly impressive machinery that operates by means of a huge paddle wheel. This mill is the setting for some exciting temporary exhibitions, and the Taverne du Grand Moulin offers a unique opportunity to sample the beer brewed by Rebecq’s Lefèbvre Brewery. This venerable brewery produces Barbär, Bonne Espérance and several other well-known beers such as Floreffe, Saison 1900, etc. Next stage of the tour: The village of Braine-le-Château welcomes you with open arms for a tour of its many feudal remains. You can then return to Nivelles for a final gastronomic experience. A 3-circuit guide (in French and Dutch) giving a complete description of this circuit is available from the Maison du Tourisme (tourist office) of the Roman Païs. Practical information: The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude Place Albert 1er 1400 Nivelles Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Sunday mornings. Guided tours for individuals during the week at 2 p.m., at the weekend at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Guided tours for groups (by appointment). Tel.: +32 (0)67/22.04.44 www.tourisme-nivelles.be [email protected] The quartier Saint-Jacques, brewers’ district Description and map of the walk: Nivelles tourist office. Possibility of guided tours for groups. Tel.: +32 (0)67/22.04.44 www.tourisme-nivelles.be [email protected] The mills of Arenberg Rue Docteur Colson 8 1430 Rebecq In the tourist season, demonstrations of flour production at the Petit moulin. Info: Syndicat d’initiative of Rebecq and Tourist office of the Roman Païs. Tel.: +32 (0)67/22.04.44 and (0)67/63.82.32- www.rebecq.be Lefèbvre Brewery Chemin du Croly 54, 1430 Quenast. Maison du Bailli in Braine-le-Château © FTPBW/Kouprianoff Maison du Tourisme du Roman Païs Rue de Saintes 48, 1400 Nivelles Tel.: +32 (0)67/22.04.44 www.tourisme-roman-pais.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Tours of the brewery (for groups by appointment). Syndicat d’initiative of Rebecq and Tourist office of the Roman Païs. Tel.: +32 (0)67/67.07.66 and (0)67/63.82.32 www.brasserielefebvre.be [email protected] 19 The abbeys and beers of the Walloon Brabant. Hélécine, Jauchelette (Jodoigne), Villers-la-Ville . (46 Km) 3 The Domaine provincial d’Hélécine covers an area of almost 30 hectares. It formerly housed the Premontres Abbey of Heylissem, which was founded in 1129 and then rebuilt in Louis XVI style. You are bound to be impressed by the 18th-century neo-classical chateau. The estate around the chateau is open to the public. Stroll around the 4-hectare site with its 19th-century icehouse, a giant sundial and a number of places to relax, including a rustic bar where you can savour the delights of Heylissem abbey beer. There is one place where you should stop on the way to Villers-la-Ville: the Ferme de l’Abbaye de la Ramée in Jauchelette (Jodoigne). This splendid Brabant farm dates from the 13th century, when the Cistercian nuns made it their home. Like all the abbeys in the country, la Ramée had its share of battles. It was in fact destroyed in the strife that racked the country during the wars of religion, especially in the 17th century. It was burned down in 1650 and rebuilt in the 18th century. The abbey was closed in 1706. Following the French Revolution, the abbey was partly demolished. The abbey farm escaped destruction. The Grange Dimière (barn dating from Domaine Provinciale d’Hélécine © FTPBW Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) 20 Folx-les-caves Caves © FTPBW/Kouprianoff • The Armand Pellegrin Museum (close to the Domaine provincial) (HELECINE) • Caves of Folx-les-Caves, a regional archaeological museum (ORP JAUCHE) • Mélin, officially one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia’ (JODOIGNE) • the First Wing Museum - Historical Center (BEAUVECHAIN) • Provincial estate of the Bois des Rêves (OTTIGNIES), • Adventure Park and Walibi (WAVRE) Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information: The Domaine provincial d’Hélécine Rue Armand Dewolf 2 1357 Opheylissem Estate open all year. The chateau is closed between Christmas and New Year. Bar open every day in July and August and from 15/03 till 15/11 (Wednesday afternoons and weekends). Restaurant open on Sundays from May to September. Tel.: +32 (0)19/65.54.91 www.brabantwallon.be [email protected] Farm of the Abbey of La Ramée rue de l’Abbaye 19 1370 Jodoigne Farm of la Ramée © Province du Brabant-Wallon the early 18th century) is regarded as the most the important in the country. The farm and the barn are listed among Wallonia’s exceptional heritage sites. (apple trees, pear trees, cherry trees, etc.) are protected and carefully maintained. Only the outside of the site is accessible to the public. The ‘Fruiticum’ in the old orchards of the abbey contains a wide range of species of fruit trees. In fact, over 300 different varieties The Abbey of Villers is one of the greatest Cistercian monasteries in Europe (see description on page 16). Guided tours (for groups and by appointment) only the outside is accessible to the public. Tel.: +32 (0)10/88.02.22 www.ramee.com [email protected] The Abbey of Villers (information on page 17) Maisons du Tourisme de la Hesbaye brabançonne Grand’Place 1, 1370 Jodoigne Tel.: +32 (0)10/22.91.15 [email protected] du Pays de Villers en Walloon Brabant Rue de l’Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville Tel.: +32 (0)71/87.98.98 [email protected] www.beer2005.be Abbey of Villers-la-Ville © FTPBW/Kouprianoff 21 THE TRAPPIST ORDER Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal Abbey of Orval © Abbey of Chimay © Evrard & Bastin 22 The Trappists belong to the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The order was founded in the 12th century in the monastery of Cîteaux in Burgundy. These monks adhere to the Rule of St Benedict, which dates from the 6th century. They have historical ties with the Abbey of the Grande Trappe in Normandy, hence the name Trappists. The origin of the Trappist brewers dates back to a reform which made it possible for monks to consume the regional beverage if it was found that the water was undrinkable. In our regions, the monks therefore had the choice between skimmed milk, buttermilk or beer, and of course they made the right choice! Brewing is a relatively recent activity for the Belgian Trappists. At the start of the 20th century, Trappist beers were so successful that there were many imitations around, but since 1962 they have been protected by law. In fact, they must meet various conditions. In particular, they must be brewed in a Cistercian abbey under the supervision of monks belonging to the Trappist Order. In Belgium, there are 12 Trappist abbeys, 6 for monks and 6 for nuns. Five have their own brewery: 2 in Flanders (Westmalle and Westvleteren) and 3 in Wallonia: Chimay, Orval and Rochefort. There is only one outside Belgium: in the Netherlands, the Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven, with its brewery “De Schaapskooi”. CHIMAY the Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont (Hainaut) The Abbey of Chimay was founded in 1850 by Trappists who had come from Saint Sixtus in Westvleteren. It was built on a plateau over a very pure water table. The abbey started to brew beer in 1862 to provide for the needs of the monks and to provide employment for the region. Their beer is now Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels © JL Flémal known as the “Burgundy of beers” and, like Burgundy wine, has its own “vintage”. The monks of this abbey were the first to market their beer outside the walls of the Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal monastery. The brewery was modernised in 1990. The abbey is not open to the public. In fact, visitors can see only the bottling phase. ROCHEFORT the Abbey of Our Lady of Saint Remy (Namur) This abbey was founded by Gilles de Walcourt, the Earl of Rochefort (1220-1247). The first Cistercian nuns settled there in 1230. However, as the environment was too harsh for the nuns, in 1464 they were replaced by monks. In the middle of the 17th century, the abbey was pillaged several times. During the French Revolution, the monastery was dissolved and the abbey's property was seized. Half of the buildings were destroyed. However, the abbey re-emerged in 1887, when a group of Trappists settled there. There has been a brewery in this abbey since 1595 for the personal use of the monks. The existing brewery dates back to 1899, while the facilities date from 1960, the year in which the monks began to market their products. The abbey cannot be toured. the high point in the history of the abbey. It was subsequently destroyed during the French Revolution, and it was not until 1926 that a new monastery emerged, and the construction work was not completed until 1948. The abbey started making beer again in 1931. It now produces only one type of beer that involves the use of German and English techniques, including “dry hopping” (raw hopping). The abbey is now one of the most important tourist sites in the Province of Luxembourg. Although it is not possible to tour the abbey itself, the ruins of the old buildings can be visited. The Mathilde Fountain owes its name to the legend of Mathilde of Tuscany, who lost her gold ring in the water. A trout returned it to her after she implored the help of Our Lady. She then exclaimed: “This is a Val d’Or” (Golden Valley); hence the name Orval. ORVAL, the Abbey of Our Lady of Orval (Luxembourg) Chimay © JL Flémal This site has been occupied by religious communities since the year 1070. In 1132, the buildings were brought into harmony with the requirements of the Cistercian order. The 18th century was www.beer2005.be Orval Brewery © JL Flémal 23 From Tournai to Beloeil Tournai and “Belgian Picardy”. 1 a b Starting-point: the historic heart of Tournai: Tournai, Pipaix-Leuze, Aubechies, Beloeil. (42 km) Tournai, Mouscron, Comines. (52 km) Discover on foot the historic heart of Tournai, one of the oldest cities in Belgium, an artistic town with no fewer than 7 museums. This itine- rary starts with a 20-minutelong multimedia presentation at the tourist office. After a tour of the belfry you will discover 2,000 years of the The historic heart of Tournai © M. Langrand Maisons du Tourisme city's history reflected in its many interesting buildings with their varied architecture. The tour includes the cathedral, with the belfry, which is in fact a UNESCO "world heritage site". NEXT STOP BELOEIL: In Pipaix-Leuze, in addition to the Dubuisson Brewery, which can be toured only by groups and by appointment, you can visit the Mahymobiles Museum. This museum houses a collection of vehicles which is among the most impressive in the world in terms both of sheer number and of variety. You will discover many aspects of the world history of the automobile from 1895 to today. In the same town, you can discover everything you ever wanted to know about steam brewing in the Steam Brewery (brasserie à vapeur), which can be visited by appointment only. In Aubechies, one of the du Tournaisis Placette aux Oignons 20, 7500 Tournai Tel.: +32 (0)69/35.42.85 [email protected] de la Picardie Place Gérard Kasiers 15, 7700 Mouscron Tel.: +32 (0)56/86.03.70 [email protected] 24 Other breweries breweries (for tours, please inquire before you set out!): Brasserie de Brunehaut - Tel.: +32 (0)69/34.64.11 www.brunehaut.com Brasserie Caulier - Tel.: +32 (0)69/36.26.10 Brasserie Dupont - Tel.: +32 (0)69/67.10.66 www.brasserie-dupont.com Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels most beautiful villages in Wallonia, you can discover an archaeological reconstruction, the Archéosite d'Aubechies. The Archéosite features various "habitats" that illustrate the life and times of our ancestors from the arrival of the first farmers of the Neolithic era until the Gallo-Roman period. Finally, in Beloeil, you can admire the Chateau of the Princes de Lignes, a traditional stately home surrounded by a moat and exquisite French-style gardens that were designed in 1664. This has been the residence of the de Ligne family since the 14th century. NEXT STOP COMINES: In Mouscron, the Folklore Museum invites you to take a trip back in time. You will no doubt enjoy the museum's interior reconstructions, its craftsmen and its thematic collections (this Practical information: Historic heart of Tournai Office du tourisme de Tournai Vieux Marché aux Poteries 14 7500 Tournai Open all year - Belfry closed on Mondays - The 7 museums are closed on Tuesdays. Tel.: +32 (0)69/22.20.45 www.tournai.be Dubuisson Frères Brewery Chaussée de Mons 28 7904 Pipaix - Leuze Tours: by appointment, all year round, Saturdays at 3 p.m. admission fee (sampling included) Tel.: +32 (0)69/67.22.22 www.br-dubuisson.com [email protected] Dubuisson Brewery © JL Flémal year on the subject of beer). In Comines, you can discover the Musée de la Rubanerie (Museum of Ribbon Making), a living museum with its aesthetic working machinery. Former ribbon-makers accompany the visitors and explain the different exhibits. After that, there's just enough time to savour a local beer at the Pavillon du Tourisme, near the Soete Mill. Mahymobiles Rue Erna 3 7900 Leuze-en-Hainaut Tours from Thursday to Monday from 1/04 to 30/09 Tel.: +32 (0)69/35.45.45 www.mahymobiles.be Steam Brewery (Brasserie à vapeur) Rue du Maréchal 1 7904 Pipaix-Leuze Tours: by appointment, from the end of March to the end of October, Sundays at 11 a.m. Admission fee (sampling included) Tel.: +32 (0)69/66.20.47 www.vapeur.com [email protected] Folklore Museum Rue des Brasseurs 3, 7700 Mouscron Open from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)56/86.04.66 www.mouscron.be - [email protected] The Archeosite of Aubechies Rue de l’Abbaye 15 7972 Aubechies Guided tours in 4 languages, workshops, demonstrations, thematic weekends. Tel.: +32 (0)69/67.11.16 www.archeosite.be Museum of Ribbon Making Rue du Fort 50, 7780 Comines Open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., except in August and on public holidays during the week. From May to the end of October, guided tour on Saturdays at 3 p.m., on Sundays at 4 p.m.; for groups all year round by appointment Contact the tourist office: +32 (0)56/55.56.00 [email protected] Chateau of Beloeil Rue du Château 11 7970 Beloeil Tours from mid-May to midOctober, every day Tel.: +32 (0)69/68.94.26 www.beloeil.be www.beer2005.be 25 From the tankard... to the beer. 2 Châtelet, Jumet, Binche, Thuin. (59 km) Come join us on a tour on that takes you from the container... to the contents... and back. Think of a stoneware tankard brimming with light, sparkling beer. Then think of the different people who worked to produce this beverage with its veritable riot of tastes. Our tour begins in the Centre of Pottery Interpretation in Bouffioulx. This interesting site allows you to discover the rather surprising history of ceramics through the centuries. Centre of Pottery Interpretation © MT du Pays de Charleroi Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Scientific Cultural Centre of the ULB (COUILLET) • Cazier woods (MARCINELLE) • Arboretum of the Parc de la Serna (JUMET) • Arboretum of the Chateau of Monceau • The walls of Binche and the ruins of the palace of Marie of Hungary, the Mask Museum (BINCHE) • The Abbey of Aulne, the Belfry and hanging gardens, the Ship Museum, the Tram Museum, the Biercée distillery, the Chateau of Fosteau (THUIN) • The Collegiate Church (LOBBES); • The Museum of Mines and Nails (FONTAINE L'EVEQUE). 26 From deep in the earth, the potter extracts the sandstone and carefully controls the different stages that will transform the raw material into a work of art. Visitors can enjoy an audiovisual presentation that pays tribute to the genius of traditional craftsmen, those men and women who perform an amazing form of alchemy with water, fire and salt that "makes the earth sing". You will also have an opportunity to tour the nearby Dubois Pottery. The very high-quality clay in the district is still worked by Bernard Dubois, who is the living representative of 13 generations of potters. During your tour of the workshop, you will discover everything you ever wanted to know about pottery and the skill of the potter. A stone's throw from this little village, your next destination is the Brasserie l'Union in Jumet. This brewery was established in Jumet back in the days of the steam engine in 1864. Then, in 1923 it chan- PRO VELO Rue du Grand Central 57 6000 Charleroi Other tours: in the regions of Thuin-Chimay and Charleroi-Thuin Tel.: +32 (0)71/53.58.50 [email protected] Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information: Pottery Interpretation Centre Rue Général Jacques 4 6200 Bouffioulx Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: + 32 (0)71/39.51.77 Dubois Pottery Abbey of Aulnes © MT Val de Sambre ged its name for social reasons. The Union is now one of Belgium's most specialised breweries in the art of top-fermenting brewing. The tour then continues in the direction of Binche, more particularly the La Binchoise Brewery. The brewery at the foot of the walls of the town of Binche decided in 2000 to allow the public to discover the brewing room, where visitors can sample beer in a working maltery that dates from the start of the 20th century. This traditional and authentic brewing room testifies to the rich history of brewing in this part of the country. In this brewery you can discover 7 different beers (the type depends on the season). The next stage of the tour (last but not least) is a visit to the Val de Sambre Brewery. Set in the prestigious Cistercian Abbey of Aulne, this small traditional brewery opens its doors to allow you to discover its secrets in an atmosphere of pleasure and relaxation. You can witness the brewing of the renowned ADA abbey beers. Carefully blended and matured according to ancestral traditions, these varieties of lager and brown ale won first prize in the 1998 Wallonia Traditional Beer Competition. The abbey can also be toured. You can also do this tour by bicycle. Just ask for the circuit map or join the guided group tour. Maisons du Tourisme du Pays de Charleroi Avenue Mascaux 100, 6001 Marcinelle Tel.: +32 (0)71/86.61.52 (in 2005: Place Charles II, 6000 Charleroi) du Val de Sambre et de Thudinie Rue E. Hermant 20 6200 Bouffioulx Open from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: + 32 (0)71/38.17.61 Brasserie de l’Union (Brewery) Rue Derbecque 7 6040 Jumet Open from May to September, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month tour at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0) 71/34.02.22 La Binchoise Brewery Faubourg St-Paul 38 7130 Binche Open all year on Fridays from 7 p.m., Saturdays 3 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. Guided tours (see calendar) Tel.: +32 (0)64/37.01.75 www.brasserielabinchoise.com [email protected] Brewery of the Val de Sambre Rue Vandervelde 273 6534 Gozée Open from April to September from 12 noon to 8 p.m., from October to March during the week from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., except Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)71/56.20.73 www.valdesambre.be [email protected] - Place Albert 1er 2, 6530 Thuin Tel.: +32 (0)71/59.02.05 - [email protected] www.beer2005.be 27 A rich brew of history and tradition. Erquelinnes, Leers et Fosteau, Ragnies, Beaumont, Chimay, Scourmont. (54 km) 3 We invite you to follow our picturesque country roads to visit some of the places at the very heart of the brewing traditions that are closely tied up with some interesting facets of regional history. The tour begins with a visit to a quite exceptional site, the family-run micro- brewery of Erquelinnes (only on Saturdays). This is where they make L’Angélus, a 100% natural beer. The tour continues with a visit to the Chateau of Fosteau. This listed building dating from the 14th-15th century will take you on a journey back through time. Biercée Distillery © MT Val de Sambre Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • The Abbey of Aulne, the belfry and the hanging gardens, the Ship Museum, the Tram Museum (THUIN) • the Collegiate Church (LOBBES) • the Museum of Mines and Nails (FONTAINE L’EVEQUE); the Tour Salamandre (BEAUMONT) • the Museum of Marble (SIVRY-RANCE) • the Lakes of the Eau d’Heure (FROIDCHAPELLE) • the Aquascope; the Grange aux Papillons (butterflies) (VIRELLES); • the 40-44 Museum (MOMIGNIES) 28 In addition to many other interesting features, you will see one of the most splendid Gothic rooms in Belgium. You will no doubt be enchanted by the beauty and sobriety of the terraced French gardens of this delightful chateau. And before you leave, why not enjoy a glass of bière blonde, which is named after the Chateau and is therefore also part of the heritage! In the little village of Ragnies, you will find the only Belgian distillery that makes fruit brandy and liqueurs. The Biercée Distillery produces the quite incomparable Eau de Villée and other types of eau de vie in strictest compliance with a code of practice. The distillery was opened up to the public in 2004. This building set in a superb farm courtyard sells white beer made with the water of Villée and a "Scotch" beer (P'tit Pêket). "Gourmet" bike ride From the Chateau of Fosteau to the Biercée distillery, taking in the traditional chocolate factory "Couleur Chocolat", this cycle tour allows you to discover a variety of Walloon products. Just ask for the circuit map or join the guided group tour. Information & bike hire: Pro Velo - Tel.: +32 (0)71/53.58.50 [email protected] Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels In the medieval town of Beaumont proudly stands the chateau of the princely family de Caraman-Chimay. The nearby tourist office offers guided tours of the town on the theme of Charles the Fifth and the famous legend of the hanged men. A sampling session can be arranged on request to allow lovers of good beer to savour the delights of bière des arbalétriers (archers' beer). Upon arrival at the princely city of Chimay, you cannot fail to notice the towering Château des Princes de Chimay. Follow the road to the centre of this small town, where an exhibition on the theme of the Trappist beers of Chimay awaits you. Next head off towards a place of peace and meditation, the Abbey of Scourmont, where you can discover its chapel and gardens. Before you leave, why not pop in to the Auberge de Poteaupré and discover the regional products and perhaps even sample one of Chimay's Trappist beers. Practical information: Erquelinnes micro-Brewery Rue de Maubeuge 197 6560 Erquelinnes Open all year on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours by appointment on the 2nd Saturday of the month from May to September. Tel.: +32 (0)71/55.86.66 [email protected] Chateau of Fosteau Rue du Marquis 1 6530 Leers-et-Fosteau Open all year on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)71/59.23.44 www.chateaufosteau.be [email protected] Biercée distillery Ferme de la Cour, 6532 Ragnies Open all year, every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)71/50.00.50 www.distilleriedebiercee.com [email protected] Chateau of the Princes of Chimay Rue du château 14, 6460 Chimay Guided tours from Easter to the end of September at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; from October to March: by appointment Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.44.44 www.chateaudechimay.com [email protected] Chateau of Chimay © Freelance Pictures Maisons du Tourisme du Val de Sambre et de Thudinie Place Albert Ier 2, 6530 Thuin Tel.: +32 (0)71/59.02.05 [email protected] Maison du Tourisme de la Botte du Hainaut Rue de Noailles 4, 6460 Chimay Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.98.84 [email protected] www.beer2005.be Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont Route du Rond-Point 294 6464 Forges (Chimay) Tour of the outside of the buildings, the cemetery, the gardens and the chapel Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.05.11 www.chimay.com [email protected] Auberge de Poteaupré Rue de Poteaupré 4 6464 Chimay Open every day, except Monday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel.: 060/21.14.33 www.chimay.com [email protected] 29 From Strépy-Thieu to Mons - a pint of tradition and heritage! Cheers!. 4 Strépy-Thieu, Le Roeulx, Havré, Mons. (20 Km) The district of Hainaut is home to a remarkable Belgian engineering achievement, the funicular barge elevator of Strépy-Thieu, with its impressive engine room, its breathtaking view of the region, its richly decorated permanent exhibition of models and interactive films and games and its interactive tour on the "Land of Geniuses". After that, we invite you on a trip to the nearby SaintFeuillien Brewery. Here you can learn everything you wanted to know about the history of beer, witness all the art and skill employed by the master brewer and enjoy all the delights of real traditional ale. From there, follow the Chaussée du Roeulx through the medieval town of Havré to the historic centre (15th-18th century) of Mons, with its rich civil and religious heritage, its sloping cobbled streets, its parks and gardens and its ancestral popular traditions. Funicular barge elevator of Strépy-Thieu © A. Breyer Things to see Park, Canal and Chateaus •Hydraulic elevators of the Canal du Centre, the inclined elevator of Ronquières, the estate of Seneffe Chateau, the Royal Museum of Mariemont, the coalmine of Bois-du-Luc, the Fortress of Ecaussinnes-Lalaing, the Royal Boch Earthenware Centre, etc. in Mons: •The Museum of Military History, the Mundaneum, the Chapel of Saint Calixte, the Treasure of Saint Waudru Collegiate Church, the Saint Remy Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the House of Van Gogh, the François Duesberg Museum, the Earth and Materials Centre, the Amusette, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Old Nimy and the House of Jazz. 30 At the tourist office, you can enjoy a multimedia presentation on the region of Mons. Still in Mons, the Maison Jean Lescarts, now the Museum of the Folklore and Life of Mons, houses collections on various themes of the life of Mons: public assistance, popular devotion, weights and measures, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on the "Lumeçon" combat and the La Maison des Cyclistes de Mons Rue de la Poterie 17, 7000 Mons Original circuits on the theme of beer and breweries. Tel.: +32 (0)65/84.95.81 www.provelo.org [email protected] Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information: The funicular barge elevator of Strépy-Thieu Open from February to November, every day from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)64/67.12.00 [email protected] © St Feuillien Brewery Procession of the "Golden Coach", which of course can be seen in all its glory on Trinity Sunday. But you can see it here in an audiovisual presentation (French/English). It was in 1931 that this old building became the home of the non-profit association "Maison Jean Lescarts", named in honour of the Burgomaster of Mons who died in 1925. Jean Lescarts worked long and hard to safeguard the heritage of the city of Mons. The Maison Jean Lescarts and its museum were opened on 15 September 1934 and become a municipal museum in 1961. The building was com- pletely renovated in 1988 with the help of the Ministry of the French-speaking Community. The Maison Jean Lescarts is a must for those who want to understand the many centuries of tradition and history of this city. Much-needed consolidation work was undertaken by the city in 1998-1999, allowing the "Maison" to continue its work as the showcase of Montois traditions. Saint-Feuillien Brewery Don't miss the guided tour with the accompanying video presentation and sampling of local beers in the micro-brewery BrasseTemps, which is part of the Dubuisson Brewery in Pipaix. Tel.: +32 (0)65/31.43.57 www.mons.be Maisons du Tourisme Rue d’Houdeng 20 7070 Le Roeulx Visit only by appointment. Tel.: +32 (0)64/31.18.18 www.st-feuillien.com [email protected] Museum of the Folklore and Life of Mons Rue Neuve, 7000 Mons Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Micro-brewery Brasse-Temps Boulevard Initialis 1 (site des Grands Prés), 7000 Mons Open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 2 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)65/84.94.14 www.br-dubuisson.com www.moresto.be du Parc des Canaux et Châteaux Rue de Bouvy 11, 7100 La Louvière Tel.: +32 (0)64/26.15.00 maisondutourisme@lalouvière.be (new premises from 2005: Place Mansart, 21-23 7100 La Louvière) de la Région de Mons Grand’Place 22, 7000 Mons Tel.: +32 (0)65/33.55.80 and (0)65/35.34.88 www.mons.be [email protected] St Feuillien © Carpentier www.beer2005.be 31 Amsterdam Anvers Antwerpen Breda E19 A12 Brugge Oostende Provincie of Hainaut R0 Gand Gent E40 E314 Brussels Comines Waterloo E403 A8 Ath Tournai A54 Beloeil Strepy-Thieu E19 Hainaut 3 Brussels from top to 1 From Tournai to Beloeil bottom: From Saint Boniface to Flagey, enjoy some quaint breweries with more than a touch of culture. - Tournai and “Belgian Picardy”. From Tournai to Comines (52 km). 3 Abbey road. From 2 From the tankard... to 4 Toine Culot - a taste of 4 Saint-Gilles - 19th cen- the beer... From Châtelet to Thuin (59 km). bygone days in the valleys of the Eaux Vives. From Couvin to Nismes (70 km). 2 The ambiance and gastronomic delights of the “Roman Païs”. From Nivelles to Braine-leChâteau (58 km). 3 A rich brew of history and tradition. From Erquelinnes to Scourmont (54 km). 4 From Strépy-Thieu to Mons - a pint of tradition and heritage! Cheers! (20 km). Namur 1 Come and savour the N5 Beaumont 32 Philippevi S Chimay to Floreffe (107 km). Chimay Nismes Couvin Scourmont Liège 1 A land of milk, honey... and beer! From Aubel to Saint-Jean-Sart (25 km). 2 The Barrage du Lion (the Lion Dam). From Jalhay, tour of Lake Gileppe (23 km). delights of our most beautiful villages... From Soulme to Goyet (82 km). 3 The gateway to the 2 The hills and dales of 4 The terrasses of Lesse. From Rochefort to Chevetogne (73,5 km). Liège. The centre of Liège (3,5 km). Eifel. Burg-Reuland, the valley of the Our (6,9 km). 3 The abbeys and beers of the Walloon Brabant. From Hélécine to Villersla-Ville (46 km). R3 Thuin Erquelinnes where authentic rhymes with Lambic. From Grand Sablon to Place des Martyrs (1 km). tuation of a monastic tradition. From Villers-laVille to Louvain-la-Neuve (30 km). Charleroi Binche N6 Paris 2 Prestigious Brussels, Mons N90 with a difference for people looking for a bit of ambiance. From Quartier Saint-Jacques to Canal. 1 Brewing - the perpe- E42 E19 1 Trendy Brussels, a tour Brabant wallon N5 E42 Brussels tury, a blend of Art Nouveau and tradition. From Porte de Hal to Hôtel de Ville. E411 Braine-le-Château Louva Nivelles E19 Villers-La-V N6 Lille London Wavre R0 Luxembourg Discovering the legends of the Ardennes. From Vielsalm to Soy (70 km). 1 Are you ready for the Ardennes? From Soy to Bouillon (110 km). 2 Provincie of Namu In the heart of the valley of the Semois. From Bouillon to Rulles (75 km). 3 The land of the “cuestas”. From Rulles to Toernich (70 km). 4 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Hasselt Anvers Provincie of walloon Brabant Anvers - Provincie of Liege Antwerpen Maastricht E40 Hélécine Aachen Köln E313 E25 Aubel Hannut N80 ain-La-Neuve Ville E40 Verviers Jalhay Liège N90 E42 N6 N6 3 8 Huy Spa Goyet Malmedy Namur Floreffe E42 Havelange Stavelot Durbuy E411 Vielsalm N4 Dinant lle Chevetogne Soy Marche Rochefort en famenne N89 E25 Trier Koblenz Burg - Reuland e ur N3 0 Soulme Saint-Hubert Bastogne 50 km N84 Bouillon N4 Rulles Provincie of Luxemburg E411 Arlon Orval Toernich Luxembourg Virton www.beer2005.be 33 Come and savour the delights of our most beautiful villages... Soulme, Falmignoul, Celles, Purnode, Crupet, Mozet, Thon-Samson, Goyet (82 KM) 1 In the little village of Soulme, most of the farms and traditional houses date from the 18th and 19th centuries, and many bear the hallmark of houses in the Fagne district of Namur: limestone or traditional whitewash facades. The little village of Falmignoul is famous not Gambrinus Drivers Museum © G. Focant Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Pataphony House, the Citadel, cruise on the Meuse, "La Merveilleuse" cave (DINANT) • Domaine du Château de Chérimont, the Léonard Pipe Museum, the Ceramics Museum, the Scladina cave (ANDENNE) Tourist sites dedicated to beer and beer culture • Gambrinus Drivers Museum (Brewery Truck Museum) Fontaine Saint-Pierre 2A, 5600 Romedenne Open from April to October 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., we and on public holidays. In July and Augustus, every day. Tel.: +32 (0)82/67.83.48 - www.gambrinus-driversmuseum.be - [email protected] • Museum of the Abbey of Leffe - Place de l’Abbaye 1 5500 Dinant Tours from June to August: Wednesdays - Saturdays Sundays at 3 p.m. sharp Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.23.77 34 only for its cliffs, but also for its Caracol Brewery, a picturesque traditional brewery that produces beer in the time-honoured manner, on a wood fire. Nestling in a small, picturesque valley, Celles is a village with a history that goes back into the mists of time. It earned its place in the history books with the arrival in 669 of the monk Hadelin. The 11th-century Church of Saint Hadelin is a real work of art in the Romanesque style. You should also visit the Feudal Chateau of Vêves, which is only two kilometres from the village. In the village of Purnode, why not take the time to visit the Du Bocq Brewery A charming hostess will welcome you and reveal some of the trade secrets behind the local speciality, a beer crafted in a splendid traditional brewery founded in 1858 by the Belot family. Gambrinus Drivers Museum © G. Focant Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels A few kilometres from there, Crupet has been occupied since late prehistoric times. This is a charming little village that seems to hang on to the slopes of a narrow wooded valley. It still has many appealing features: sandstone or whitewashed limestone houses and farms dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The village is crossed by the river Crupet. Thanks to its water sources, in the late 19th century the village had a flourishing industry, as shown by the presence of five mills, a paper mill, saltworks, an oil mill, a forge and a brewery. Located on the southern slope of the pretty valley of the Samson, Mozet features the traditional architecture of the Condroz, where limestone grey and slate black are the dominant colours. The centuries-old centre of the village is dominated by Saint Lambert's, a classical-style church that was rebuilt in 1775 with blue stone. Perched on the hills overlooking the valley of the Samson, the village of Thon, with its characteristic limestone facades, retains all its charm of yesteryear. The over 100 metres of rocks in the village, which have been listed since 1944, offer a truly breathtaking view. Only two kilometres from there, why not take a look at the village of Goyet with its well-known prehistoric cave. Thanks to state-of-theart technology, you can rediscover the natural beauty of these wild and mysterious caves. Imagine! You are actually standing in the place where Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon men lived in prehistoric times. Practical information: Caracole Brewery Côte Marie-Thérèse 86, 5500 Falmignoul Tours in July and August: 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)82/74.40.80 www.caracole.be [email protected] The Church of Saint Hadelin Rue Saint-Hadelin 12, 5561 Celles Tours all year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)82/66.62.67 Chateau of Vêves Noisy 5, 5561 Celles Tours from May to September: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)82/66.63.95 Du Bocq Brewery Rue de la Brasserie 4 5530 Purnode Tours in July and August: from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - from 01.04 to 02.11: 3 p.m. at weekends and on public holidays Tel.: +32 (0)82/61.07.90 www.bocq.be [email protected] The archeo-prehistoric site Strouvia 3, Goyet Tours in July and August: 10 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - from 01.03 to 30.11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. © du Bocq Brewery Maison du Tourisme de la Haute-Meuse dinantaise Avenue Cadoux 8, 5500 Dinant Tel.: +32 (0)81/58.85.45 Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie asbl (The Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia) Rue Haute 7, 5332 Crupet Tel.: +32 (0)82/ 22.28.70 www.dinant-tourisme.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Tel.: +32 (0)83/65.72.40 www.beauxvillages.be 35 The hills and dales of Rivers. Rochefort, Han-sur-Lesse, Aveet-Auffe, Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, Vêves, Dinant (Leffe), Purnode, Ciney, Chevetogne. (73,5 Km) 2 When you reach Rochefort, you may prefer to leave your car behind and follow the marked circuit around this quaint town. Alternatively, you may like to spend the morning sampling some of the famous Ardenne salt meat and other specialities of the Trappists. As you say goodbye to Rochefort, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the first foothills of the Ardennes and Han-sur-Lesse, the next stop on your journey. This is an opportunity not to be missed, the chance to visit the famous caves and go on a mini-safari to discover some enchanting countryside and see in their natural environment some of the animals of our forests. You will be fascinated to discover the fauna that formerly could be found here. Before you reach LavauxSainte-Anne, you will come to a particularly pretty spot, Ave-et-Auffe and its SaintPierre chapel (chapel of Saint Peter). Here the devotees prayed to Saint Hélène to cure their fever and to Saint Raymond to protect their cattle. Lavaux-SainteAnne is a very old and somewhat isolated village that dates back to Merovingian times. The village church itself is very old. It was in fact built in 1640 in Dinant © OPT/Kouprianoff Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Archéoparc of Malagne, Château Comtal (Ducal chateau), Lorette Cave (ROCHEFORT) • Cycling Museum (LAVAUX-SAINTE-ANNE) • Pataphony House, the Citadel, cruise on the Meuse, "La Merveilleuse" cave (DINANT) Rochefort Brewery © JL Flémal 36 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels the former barn of the chateau. The chateau is now home to the museum of hunting and nature, the museum of the countryside and peasant ingenuity. Dominating the valleys of the Ry and the Mirande, the Chateau of Vêves is the next stage of your journey. This edifice is one of the best examples of the military architecture of the 15th century. It is completely furnished and well worth a visit. Caves of Han-sur-Lesse © Thill We now leave Vêves and head for Purnode, going through Dinant, Leffe and the valley of the Bocq along narrow zigzagging country roads. A little while later, you will be in Ciney, the capital of the region of the Condroz and the gateway to the Ardennes. As early as 1450, Ciney had two breweries, and by 1538 it had at least ten. All of them sold wine, cervoise (barley beer) and miée (hydromel, or mead) and brewed their own beer. Around the start of the 20th century, there were no fewer than five working breweries. Today, of course, the town has earned an international reputation for its speciality, "Ciney" (in several varieties - blonde, brune and spéciale). A few kilometres from Ciney, the Domaine Provincial de Chevetogne invites visitors to tour its exquisite ornamental gardens, its carefully landscaped lakes and its well-tended groves - an excellent way to end your day... Maisons du Tourisme de la Haute-Meuse dinantaise Avenue Cadoux 8, 5500 Dinant Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.28.70 www.dinant-tourisme.be [email protected] du Val de Lesse Rue de Behogne 5, 5580 Rochefort Tel.: +32 (0)84/34.51.72 www.valdelesse.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Practical information: Caves and animal reserve Rue J Lamotte 2 5580 Han-sur-Lesse Open: in July and August: from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. For the other months, ask for a timetable. Tel.: +32 (0)84/37.72.13 www.grotte-de-han.be [email protected] Chateau and museums of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Rue du Château 8 5580 Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Tours all year - in July and August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)84/38.83.62 Chateau of Vêves Noisy 5, 5561 Celles Tours from May to September: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)82/66.63.95 Museum of the Abbey of Leffe Place de l’Abbaye 1, 5500 Dinant Tours from June to August: Wednesdays - Saturdays Sundays at 3 p.m. sharp Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.23.77 Du Bocq Brewery Rue de la Brasserie 4 5530 Purnode Tours in July and August: at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from 01.04 to 02.11: at weekends and on public holidays Tel.: +32 (0)82/61.07.90 Domaine provincial de Chevetogne Open from Easter to the end of October: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)83/68.72.11 37 Abbey road. Chimay, Hastière, Dinant (Leffe), Maredsous, Floreffe. (107 Km) 3 This circuit starts in the south of the province of Hainaut a few kilometres from Chimay. If you follow the Scourmont road, you will reach the Trappe, the name by which the Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont is best known in the region around Chimay. © Brewery « des fagnes » Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Caves of Neptune (FRASNES) • The steam railway of the 3 valleys (MARIEMBOURG) • Ecomuseum, Museum of prehistory: the Malgré-Tout (TREIGNES) • Pataphony House, the Citadel, cruise on the Meuse, "La Merveilleuse" cave (DINANT) • Museum of wood (MAREDRET) • Museum of the petit chapitre (FOSSES-LA-VILLE) Tourist sites dedicated to beer and beer culture • The Fagnes Brewery (MARIEMBOURG) • The comptoir des Fagnes (COUVIN) • Railway Museum (special "Steam Train" beer), Espace Arthur Masson ("Toine" beer) (TREIGNES) • Caracole Brewery (FALMIGNOUL) • Chateau-farm, "Li Crochon" confraternity, sampling of the eponymous beer (FALAEN) 38 Unfortunately, only the bottling plant can be toured by visitors to the brewery in Baileux, about ten kilometres from Couvin. However, the abbey's products can be savoured at the Ferme Auberge de Poteaupré. If you head up towards the valley of the Meuse, you will eventually come to Hastière, a little village on the banks of the river Meuse. As you approach the village, you will see a Romanesque abbey church. This was formerly a Benedictine priory that was founded by monks who came here from Waulsort in the 11th century. If you continue along the road to Anthée, you will see a narrow path leading to the grottes du Pont d'Arcole (Caves of Arcole Bridge). On the next leg of your tour, simply follow the meandering river Meuse. You will then reach Dinant, a little town that is brimming with charm. Nestling in a very pretty part of town is the Abbey of Our Lady of Leffe. This institution was founded back in 1152 by disciples of Saint Augustin, the Norbertin Fathers. When they arrived at this spot to the north of Dinant, they discovered a wonderfully pure Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels spring of mineral water. They began brewing beer less than one century later in 1240, hence the inscription "Anno 1240" on the labels of every bottle of Leffe. The recipes now used to make this amber nectar are the same as those used by the monks who founded the Leffe Brewery. You will now leave Dinant and head off in the direction of Namur, stopping for a while at the monastery in Maredsous. In 1873, a group of monks founded the abbey which is now the village's main attraction. The abbey's architecture was modelled on the old Gothic Abbey of Villers-la-Ville. The abbey is renowned for its cheese, its beer and its computerised study of the Bible. It is run by a community of Benedictine monks. Leaving Maredsous, take the road to Namur until you reach the Abbey of Floreffe. This is one of the oldest monasteries of the Premontre order. The abbey was founded by Saint Norbert in 1121. The order's splendid stalls can still be seen in the abbey church. Feel free to visit the church and the gardens, and of course savour some of the products of the 16th-century brewery-mill. Practical information: Abbey of Scourmont Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.05.11 Auberge de Poteaupré Rue de Poteaupré 5 6464 Bourlers Open every day, except Monday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.14.33 Chimay Brewery and cheese dairy Route Charlemagne 8, 6464 Baileux From 15/06 to 15/09 : visit from Tuesday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/21.03.11 Estate of the caves of "Pont d’Arcole" Rue d’Inzemont 2, 5540 Hastière Tours from Easter to 30.09 - in July and August: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)82/64.44.01 Museum of the Abbey of Leffe Place de l’Abbaye 1, 5500 Dinant Tours from June to August: Wednesdays - Saturdays Sundays at 3 p.m. sharp Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.23.77 Abbey of Maredsous © ftpn: C. Genard.paysdesvallees.be Maisons du Tourisme de la Vallée des Eaux vives Rue de la Falaise 3, 5660 Couvin Tel.: +32 (0)60/34.01.40 - [email protected] de la Haute-Meuse dinantaise Avenue Cadoux 8, 5500 Dinant Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.28.70 – www.dinant-tourisme.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Maredsous Abbey and Visitors’ Centre Open all year: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Tours of the abbey on request. Tel.: +32 (0)82/69.82.11 Abbey of Floreffe and old MillBrewery Rue du Séminaire 2, 5150 Floreffe Tours of the abbey (July and August from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.) and of the old MillBrewery (all year). Tel.: +32 (0)81/44.53.03 39 Toine Culot - a taste of bygone days in the valleys of the Eaux Vives. Couvin, Petigny (Frasnes), Mariembourg, Fagnolle, Villers-le-Gambon, Mazée, Treignes, Nismes, Couvin. (70 Km) 4 The Maison du Tourisme (tourist office) of the valley of the Eaux Vives in Couvin will be your point of depar- ture and return. And where better to start than the Cavernes de l'Abîme, the entrance to which is only a Couvin © FTPN/Ch. Genard Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • The steam railway of the 3 valleys (MARIEMBOURG) • One of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia (FAGNOLLE) • The chateau-farm (ROLY) • Gallo-Roman Villa (MATAGNE-LA-GRANDE) • Ecomuseum, Museum of prehistory: the Malgré-Tout, Railway Museum (TREIGNES) Tourist sites dedicated to beer and beer culture • The comptoir des Fagnes, beers, cheeses and various regional products for sale (COUVIN). • At the Railway Museum: sampling of the special "Steam Train" beer (TREIGNES) 40 few yards from the tourist office? This prehistoric site can be visited by individuals or by groups. After that, we suggest you venture deep into the countryside and head towards Frasnes. When you reach Petigny, on your right you will see the signs for the Grottes de Neptune (Neptune's Caves). A few hundred metres from there, you will see the entrance to this impressive site. Take the time to enjoy Mariembourg, a town that has a French je ne sais quoi. In 1659, Louis XIV commissioned Vauban to build the town's fortifications, which explains why it looks like a typical French bourg, with its place d'armes, the heart of the fortifications. There are eight streets running from this point. The streets were designed to bring soldiers to man the fortifications. A pleasant country road zigzags its way to Treignes, the town that Arthur Masson adopted as his home. The Espace Arthur Masson is dedicated to his memory. It offers many possibilities for interesting tours but also for sampling products, especially the local speciality, cool Toine beer. Treignes is also Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels years ago, can be visited on a quaint little tourist train. We will now leave Nismes and head t o w a r d s Espace Arthur Masson © Kouprianoff Mariembourg. the village of museums. You On the way, you will pass could easily spend a whole the old Red Mill that is now day here. a brewery, the brasserie In this region rich in des Fagnes. Here you can archaeological and geologi- learn more about how they cal remains, the village of brew Super des Fagnes. After Nismes has made tremen- that, go back to Couvin. Here dous efforts to help visitors you will find many pleasant learn more about the history restaurants where you can of its plateau, Les Abanets. while away the evening The Fondry des Chiens, a remembering the scents and series of natural chasms for- savours of the day. med by the sea millions of Practical information: Caves of l’Abîme Rue de la Falaise 27 5660 Couvin Open all year - in July and August: from 10 a.m. to 12 noon & from 1.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/31.19.54 Caves of Neptune Rue de l’Adugeoir 24 5660 Petigny (Frasnes) Open all year - in July and August: from 10 a.m. to 12 noon & from 1.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/31.19.54 Espace Arthur Masson Rue E. Defraire 36 5660 Treignes Open in July and August: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/39.15.00 Tourist train Rue Vieille Eglise 2 5670 Nismes Tel.: +32 (0)60/31.16.35 Fagnes Brewery Route de Nismes 26 5660 Mariembourg Open all year - in July and August: from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)60/31.15.70 www.brasseriedesfagnes.be [email protected] © Brewery « des Fagnes » Maison du Tourisme de la Vallée des Eaux vives Rue de la Falaise 3, 5660 Couvin Tel.: +32 (0)60/ 34.01.40 [email protected] www.beer2005.be 41 HOW BEER IS MADE INGREDIENTS The water must be pure, with no trace of bacteria. This is vital, because it allows the other ingredients to release all their flavour. 95% of breweries have their own spring or natural well. In Wallonia, the water has specific regional characteristics: calcareous in Hainaut, more ferruginous in the Ardennes. Barley is a cereal that offers a key advantage: it can be preserved for a long time after harvesting. In order for barley to be used in the making of beer, it must first be malted. It is malted barley that gives beer its characteristic colour and taste. A number of other cereals are used in the brewing of certain types of beer: oats, corn and wheat. Hops or “green gold” come from a climbing plant with male and female flowers; only the female flowers are used. There are various varieties, ranging from very bitter to aromatic. Hops grew naturally in our regions in ancient times, and this plant has been used by brewers since time immemorial. In antiquity, it could be replaced by mixtures of aromatic herbs, in particular rosemary and thyme, which had the same preserving effect as hops but of course gave 42 the resulting beverage a quite different flavour. Yes, it is hops that give beer its characteristic bitterness, and this plant became so successful that in the 18th century all varieties of beer contained hops. Yeasts transform the sugars in the must into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The type of yeast used varies according to the type of beer. There was a time when man had no control over yeasts in beer. Louis Pasteur was able to explain their role in the brewing process, and yeast culture was developed thanks to the work of the Danish scientist Hansen. Nowadays there are two main varieties of yeasts that are used in brewing: saccharomyces cerevisiae and saccharomyces carlsbergensis (bottom-fermenting). Certain other products are used in the making of beer, in particular spices: coriander, ginger, cloves, sage, fennel, mustard seeds, aniseed, cinnamon, etc. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS Malting: the conversion of barley grain into malt The purpose of this process is to encourage the barley grains to germinate so that they can be used in the making of beer. This involves immersing the grains in water then leaving them to germinate for about five days before arresting the germination process using hot air to dry them at around 65°C (kilning). This interruption is necessary to retain some sugar for the brewing process. The malts will develop a different flavour and colour depending on the duration and temperature of kilning. These differences will be reflected in the qualities of the different beers. Germination causes the secretion of enzymes which, when the malt is dissolved in water, will convert the starch into sugars and the proteins into amino acids. Brewing: the production of must The malt grains are first crushed (grinding) so that they will dissolve readily in water. Hot water is then added to this grinding process (3550°C). The temperature of the water is gradually increased to 75°C. At this temperature, the enzymes start to work and convert the starches into sugars and the proteins into amino acids (which, of course, are essential for the yeast). This mix- Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels ture produces a very hot sweet tea-like juice. It is then naturally filtered (the first filtration) through the husks of the crushed barley grains at the bottom of the vat. This produces a liquid, the “must”. The dry residue, which is referred to as the “draff”, is generally used as cattle feed. Hot water is usually added two or three times, then the mixture is filtered to extract as much sugar as possible. The filtered must is then transferred to boiling vats, where the hops are added (110 to 300 grams/hectolitre). Sugar can be added at this stage. Depending on the type and quantity of sugar, a hundred different varieties of beer can be obtained. The heating process sterilises the must by killing off the enzymes. The must is then cooled to allow the yeast to germinate. Fermentation: the addition of yeast Fermentation is achieved by adding yeast to the cooled must. This converts the sugar into alcohol and car- Dupont Brewery © JL Flémal bon dioxide. This process is what mainly determines the taste of the beer. Belgium is the only country that uses three main types of fermentation, according to the type of yeast and the fermentation temperature: Bottom fermentation produces beer of the Pils type (from the Czech city of Pilzen). The process takes between 6 and 10 days. It is called bottom fermenting because at the end of the fermentation process the yeasts settle at the bottom of the vat. This process involves the use of active yeasts of the saccharomyces carlsbergensis type between 8 and 10°C. Top fermenting, or traditional fermenting, takes no more than 5 days and is carried out with yeasts of the S. cerevisiae type, which are active between 15 and 25°C. It is called top fermenting because the yeasts work on the surface of the must and forms a thick, foamy layer. Spontaneous fermentation (used to produce Lambic and Gueuze) is specific to the Brussels area. It involves around a hundred microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria, etc.) which are characteristic of the atmosphere of the valley of the river Senne. After boiling, the lukewarm mixture is pumped into open vats in the brewery loft. It is left there all night to cool and to www.beer2005.be allow the wild yeasts and bacteria to germinate the must. No more yeast is added by the brewer. The product obtained is called Lambic. The final stage: the personal touch Many brewers add different substances to give their beer a characteristic flavour. However, the composition of these substances is one of the many aspects of brewing that are protected by trade secrecy. However, we do know that they can include real fruit, fruit syrup, spices, different types of sugars, honey, etc. Once the must has fermented, the beer still has to mature. Depending on the type of beer, this maturation or secondary fermentation process can last anywhere between one week and several months (and even 3 years for Cantillon Gueuze). The aim of this process is give the beer time to mature and to clear by letting the yeast settle, to saturate it with carbon dioxide and to give it more flavour. The beer is then filtered, except in the case of beers that undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, as is the case with Trappist beers, to allow the flavour to continue to mature. 43 A land of milk, honey... and beer! 1 Aubel, Hombourg, Saint-Jean-Sart. (25 Km) Welcome to the “Pays de Herve”, a land of rolling hills and picturesque orchards. Your tour starts with the Abbey of Val-Dieu. The abbey was built in 1216 by monks of the Cîteaux order. They were looking for a deserted valley with a river to continue their farming and brewing activities. The brewery used the centuriesold recipes developed in monasteries. After a delightful jaunt through the valley of the Berwinne and the Bel, you will reach the village of Aubel, which is the real economic heart of the Herve Country. You will notice in passing a number of fine buildings that stand witness to the rich history of the town, such as the Gothicstyle Church of Saint Hubert, with its 64-metre high belfry. After crossing the Aubel, you should take line 38 to the Grain d’Orge Brewery in Hombourg. Until 1986, this 40-kilometre line carried coal from Fléron to Germany Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • The old coalmine of Blegny-Mine Tel.: +32 (0)4/387.43.33 www.blegnymine.be - [email protected] • The Espace des Saveurs in Herve Tel.: +32 (0)87/69.36.70 • The Liberty Day Museum Tel.: +32 (0)87/68.64.88 Pays de Herve © FTPL 44 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information: Brewery of the Abbey of Val-Dieu Val Dieu 225, 4480 Aubel Visit only group by appointment. Tel.: +32 (0)87/68.75.87 www.val-dieu.com [email protected] The Grain d’Orge Brewery of Hombourg Grain d’Orge Brewery © FTPL and non-ferrous metals from Plombières to the Walloon basin. Nowadays, this section of the line is used by tourists on foot, on bicycle and on horseback (mountain bikes can be hired). The end of line 38 is Hombourg. This village is first mentioned in history in 1070 (spelt “Humborc”). The rather primitive church dates from the 13th century. The Grain d’Orge Brewery, which is located in the village, is a traditional micro-brewery that brews mouth-watering varieties like three-frontier beer, Aubel beer, Joup and Brice. You may by now have sampled some of the local produce and may appreciate a stroll along the sometimes flat, sometimes zigzagging paths and tracks leading to the village of Saint-Jean-Sart that sits on a hillside overlooking the valley. Around 1216, a number of farmers settled here beside the “fountain” near the road to Lammerschot. The church, which was built in 1879, features a 16th-century altar and some 18th-century furniture. After that, head off towards the Abbey of ValDieu along picturesque Centre 16, 4852 Hombourg Open every day, except Tuesday. Tel.: +32 (0)87/78.77.84 roads and paths lined with hedgerows and rich pastures. The final destination and well worth the effort - is the Brewery of the Abbey of Val-Dieu, where you can sample one of the three specialities: blonde, brune or triple! Maisons du Tourisme du Pays de Herve Place de la Gare 1-3, 4650 Herve Tel.: +32 (0)87/ 69.36.70 www.paysdeherve.be [email protected] du Pays de Vesdre Rue de la Chapelle 30, 4800 Verviers Tel.: +32 (0)87/ 30.79.26 www.paysdevesdre.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Pays de Herve © FTPL 45 The Barrage du Lion. (the Lion Dam) 2 Jalhay, tour of Lake Gileppe. (23 Km) At the foot of the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve, you will find great delight in this tour of Gileppe Lake. The lake is in a verdant setting close to the forest of Jalhay. Nature lovers will savour the natural delights of this peaceful and unspoilt spot. The Vervifontaine Brewery in Jalhay is a good place to start this bicycle tour. After crossing the hamlets of Vervifontaine and Fouir and climbing for some way, you will come to the Canadian Monument, which was erected in memory of the Canadian airmen who were killed in Jalhay on 2 November 1944. If you go a Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics Tel.: +32 (0)87/33.16.95 • Museum of Archaeology and Folklore Tel.: +32 (0)87/33.16.95 • Tourist Centre for Wool and Fashion Tel.: +32 (0)87/35.57.03 46 Gileppe Dam © FTPL Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information: The Vervifontaine Brewery Vervifontaine 100 - 4845 Jalhay Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)87/64.83.03 Vervifontaine Brewery © FTPL little further along the main road, you will come to a fork. Take the right fork towards Gileppe Dam, which is also called the “dam of the Vesdre”. This engineering structure was commissioned by the owners of the woolen mills in Verviers around 1857. The reason for this is that the woollen mills required around 40,000 m3 of pure water every day! Built of rough-hewn sandstone, the dam is 235 metres long at the top and 82 metres at the bottom. It has a total height of 47 metres and a capacity of 25,000,000 m3, making it the biggest dam in Belgium. The imposing 13metre-high lion that stands guard on the walls and gazes towards the east is the work of Félix Antoine Bouré. It is made of 183 blocks weighing up to 7 tons each. The Panoramic Tower affords a breathtaking view of the lake and the forest of Hertogenwald. The lake covers a total of 130 hectares. Even though it was made by man, it blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. As you meander along the banks of the lake, you may feel you are dreaming and may be enveloped with a sensation of ineffable freshness and harmony with nature. Here and there along the road that zigzags its way through the wooded hills, there are many “creeks” to be explored. Turn after winding turn, the road more or less follows the contours of the lake. Then, as you reach the end of the lake, you are greeted by a wonderful spectacle the cascade. Water comes thundering out of the tunnel like a geyzer, contrasting with the peaceful lake. The road back to Jalhay is, thankfully, less tiring on the legs. The path wends its way Maison du Tourisme du Pays des Sources Place Royale 41, 4900 Spa Tel.: +32 (0)87/ 79.53.53 www.pays-des-sources.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be across a winding wooded relief that is not too steep. Jalhay was formerly an agricultural town that was reputed for its soil rich in iron ore. For many years, numerous forges exploited this natural resource along the Hoëgne. The village church has a rather unique feature in its 20-metre-high torsaded spire (also called the “clocher tors” - or twisted tower). However, Jalhay also has many shops, while its carnival, its cabbage festival, its beef festival and its festival of old trades (Sart) attract more and more visitors every year. One last push uphill will take you to Vervifontaine Brewery, which is your final destination. For several years, Dominique Thonnard had been making excellent traditional ale in the cellars of the family home until, in 1994, he set up his own micro-brewery in the former cowsheds of an old farmhouse. This small enterprise is now brewing “Bière du Lion” (Lion Beer), “Bière du Fagnard” and “Hervoise”, the latter being a special beer made with genuine Herve syrup. 47 The gateway to the Eifel. 3 Burg-Reuland, the valley of the Our. (6.9 Km) Diversity is the key characteristic in the province of Liège. In the space of a few miles, the flat country fields can be replaced by winding valleys. One of these valleys can in fact be described as the “lost country”: the valley of the Our. The tumultuous riot of this cross-border river is something not to be missed. In this relatively sparsely populated region, there are little hamlets dotted here and there. Far from large, sprawling cities, the valley of the Our has only 12 inhabitants per square kilometre, but this Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • The Beer Museum in Rodt - Rodt 25, 4784 Saint-Vith A veritable treasure trove for beer-lovers, with over 3,000 varieties of bottled beer and matching tankards and glasses! These different beers come from over 60 countries and celebrate traditional brewing on the five continents. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)80/22.63.01 • The Museum of Regional Life Schwarzer Weg, 6, 4780 Saint-Vith Tel.: +32 (0)80/22.92.09 Village of Lascheid © FTPL 48 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels figure is trebled during the tourist season. The region is characterised by the particular architectural style of the walls, which are made of unworked schistose sandstone blocks, arkose in pastel hues and quartzite. The white plaster insulates the wall and protects it from damp. Like every other village in the Ardennes, BurgReuland has adapted remarkably well to the meteorological conditions of this ancient mountain range. As you cross this chateau can be described as royal and even imperial, since it is said that Charlemagne himself stayed there for some time. The fortress itself, which overlooks the valley of the Our, was the site of the victory of the English over the French (Edward III against Philippe VI in 1346). It can still be seen that the fortress has a situation that offers many strategic advantages. We now leave Burg-Reuland behind and head off on the Valley of the Our © FTPL Burg-Reuland, then the village of Lascheid gracing the hillside, you will be instantly charmed by the atmosphere of douceur de vivre, an easygoing feel that permeates this region. The ruins of the fortress dating from the 10th century are an imposing sight. Topped by an old dungeon, the “Begfried” tower, the fortress is a reminder that road that snakes its way through the countryside. At every turn, you will be tempted to stop and admire this enchanted valley. At the start, the path follows the road for around 500 yards. This will give you an appetite for walking, then we’re off across the Ulf over the small bridge. The path leaves the valley and seems to go straight up, but Maison du Tourisme des Cantons de l’Est Place Albert 1er 29a, 4960 MALMEDY Tel.: +32 (0)80/ 33.02.50 www.cantons-de-lest.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Practical information: The ruins of the chateau of Burg-Reuland 4790 Reuland Open from 1/05 to 11/11 every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In July and Augustus, until 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)80/42.00.46 what a pleasure it is to reach the top of the hill and enjoy the scenery! The view extends beyond the border and embraces a succession of hills and valleys. In the distance, the wooded hills of the Ardennes are replaced by the dense forest of the Eifel. The road follows the line of the crest before dropping towards Weweler, a hamlet with a quite remarkable building, the late Gothic Church of Saint Hubert, dating from the 15th century and probably one of the most splendid churches in the Eastern Cantons. At the bottom of the hill we reach the village of l’Our. The river, teeming with fish and bursting with oxygen, attracts a remarkable variety of fauna. Moreover, it is one of the only places in Belgium where you’ll find otters. The narrow box-like valley is protected from the prevailing winds and is therefore quite warm; you feel like you are somewhere further south, in France. On the way back, we suggest you follow the old number 47 railroad track instead of the parallel road, as it is altogether more pleasant. 49 The terrasses of Liège. 4 The centre of Liège. (3.5 Km) This tour will take you through the winding alleyways with their quaint estaminets, including the not-tobe-missed A Pilori and Le Petit Paris, which are in the traditionally working-class district around the market square. Ideally, you should start from the tourist office in Saint Lambert Square. In the Archéoforum facing the Palace of the Prince- Bishops, you will come to appreciate the rich history of Liège. This building stands testimony to all the history of the Fiery City (Cité Ardente). The result of the extensive excavation work that has been carried out here is presented in an up-todate and educational sound and light show that brings to life over 8,000 years of history. Breweries to visit in the area (enquire before visiting) • Brasserie artisanale des Bruyères (traditional brewery) Rue sur les Pleins 17, 4020 Jupille Probably one of the smallest breweries in Belgium. “Boteresse” is brewed here. Tel.: +32 (0)4/366.18.62 • Brasserie artisanale et didactique du Flo (for those who want to know more about traditional brewing) Château 21, 4280 Blehen (Hannut) A small traditional brewery that produces “Cuvée Saint-Antoine”. Tel.: + 32 (0)19/51.07.57 50 Just next to the Archéoforum, on the market square, is the “Perron”. In the Middle Ages, this symbolised the freedom and privileges of the Principality of Liège. The square is full of cafés with quaint pavement terrasses. The Town Hall, which exudes the air of a typical 18th-century edifice, expresses a blend of Baroque and Classicism in a distinctive artistic duality. The tour continues along rue des Mineurs around the back of the Palace. What will attract your attention here are the many antiques dealers and small restaurants and estaminets. If you like, you can climb one of the spiral staircases that lead to the Tour des Joncs, at the foot of the hills of the Citadel. We recommend you make your way back to the centre the same way. The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is currently being restored. In 2005, it will house a major exhibition on the Middle Ages, “Gratia Dei”. Beside the church, the Museum of Religious and Mosan Art features a very thought-provoking collection illustrating the development of religious art in the old diocese of Liège and highlighting the characteristics of each major artistic movement. Now Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels make your way along rue Hors-Château. Further on, the “Montagne de Bueren”, with its 373 steps leading to the Citadel, is a tempting challenge. Built in 1881, this imposing stairway leads from the foot of the slope to the very top. But for the more faint-hearted, instead of making your way up these steps, we suggest you turn left at the bottom of the Montagne and follow the winding lanes up through this district. Here you will see a number of quaint old houses, like the Cornet d’Or, a former post relay in rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste. More picturesque features await you further on up this historic street in a maze of alleyways: Venta, l’Ange, Hubart and Vignette. Take the time to enjoy a few moments gazing at the flower-bedecked courtyards and the little houses with their ornate facades. On the right you will see the Collegiate Church of Saint Barthélemy in its new ochre and beige habit. This church was built in the early 11th century and houses many works of art. On the square, take time to admire the work of Mady Andrien, “Les Principautaires”. Practical information: A Pilori Place du Marché 7, 4000 Liège Le Petit Paris Place du Marché 31, 4000 Liège Now make your way back to Saint Lambert Square via rue Féronstrée, where you’ll find the Museum of Amsembourg. Here you can discover the European decorative arts of the 18th century. Further down the street, on the left, a narrow lane called the Potiérue will take you to rue de la Boucherie, that leads to the Halle aux viandes, the former meat market (1546 Renaissance style) and to Vieux Liège (“Old Liège” Maison Havart). The two ship’s masts are reminders of the fact that Liège used to have its own harbour. Archéoforum At Quai de la Batte, turn right towards the roundabout and head for rue Léopold. At the corner there is another interesting landmark, the Casa Ponton. Here you will find Museum of Amsembourg Maisons du Tourisme du Pays de Liège Place Saint-Lambert 35, 4000 Liège Tel.: +32 (0)4/ 237.92.92 www.ftpl.be [email protected] des Vallées de la Burdinale et de la Mehaigne Rue de la Burdinale 6, 4210 Burdinne Tel.: +32 (0)85/ 25.16.96 www.burdinale-mehaigne.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be Place Saint Lambert, 4000 Liège Open every day, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)4/250.93.70 www.archeoforumdeliege.be [email protected] Hills of the Citadel Rue du Palais 62, 4000 Liège From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. from 01/11 to 01/03) Museum of Religious and Mosan Art Rue Mère-Dieu, 4000 Liège Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)4/221.42.25 Féronstrée 114, 4000 Liège Open every day, except Monday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (archaeology and decorative arts) Tel.: +32 (0)4/221.94.02 Casa Ponton Rue de la Cité 7, 4000 Liège Maison du Péket Rue de l’Epée 4, 4000 Liège the Maison du Péket, where you can enjoy a delicious well-deserved meal after your tour of the city! 51 BEER SAMPLING. Before starting a beer-sampling session, there are two important elements that must be carefully controlled. First of all, there is the temperature at which the beer is served. A low temperature breaks the aroma. When sampling beer, therefore, it should not be too cool. This is the opposite of what should happen with “thirstquenching” beers or Pils. The glass is also an important factor. When sampling beer, the shape and depth of the glass will affect the aroma. The beer-sampling process involves three senses. In order of importance, these are sight, smell and taste. The sense of hearing can also be involved (the sound of the cap coming off, the gurgling of the beer in the glass, the sound of the bubbles bursting as you put your ear to the glass, etc.). When you look at a glass of beer, there are three things to look for: the head should stick to the glass, the bubbles should be small and regular and, finally, the colour should be bright, except for beers on lees, such as Blanche (white beer). As for the sense of smell, because beer contains more than 650 aromatic com- 52 pounds, you should first try to detect the dominant fragrance without shaking the glass. You can then swill the beer in the glass to release the secondary aromas. TYPES OF BEER Beer can be divided into three main types, depending on the fermentation method. Bottom-fermenting beer is the most recent type. The process dates from 1840 and produces a specific type of beer, Pils or lager. This type accounts for 90% of worldwide beer production. Pils is a light, clear, golden beer. It has a fresh, bitter and refined hoppy flavour. When you finally sample the beer, the first stage is to compare the difference in taste between the head and the actual liquid. Once the beer is in your mouth, you should try to detect some basic flavours: sweet (on the tip of your tongue), sharp (on the side of your mouth) and bitter (at the back of your mouth). You can also use your tongue to gauge the beer's density and texture. And don't forget that the sides of your mouth will allow you to detect the beer's alcohol content, astringency and sparkle. Once you have swallowed the beer, your tongue will be impregnated with the basic aromas, and then these will disappear fairly rapidly. This is the point when you can finally assess the beer's bitterness. Top-fermenting beer is a much older and more traditional variety. This process is involved in the production of many different types of beer, in particular Amber or “Special Belgian” beer. Originally, this type of beer had the same density and alcohol content as Pils. The amber colour is obtained by using a coloured or caramelised malt. The alcohol content is now slightly higher, and this beer is considered to be typical “sampling” beer. © JL Flémal White beer (bière blanche) is non-filtered and cloudy in appearance. In addition to barley malt, the ingredients include unmalted wheat and sometimes oats. Also, during the heating process, coriander and orange peel are added to give it its characteristic refreshing taste. Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels which the brewer uses even more malt and which undergo triple fermentation, the © JL Flémal © Lielens/visuela News Trappist beers are abbey beers. They are marketed under protected copyright names that belong to the Cistercian Order. This legal protection entails certain rules. This type of beer must be brewed in a Cistercian abbey under the supervision of monks belonging to the Trappist Order. There are various types: blonde, double, dark and triple. Each of the three abbeys has its own recipes. The other abbey beers are marketed under licences which are granted to lay brewers, whose trademark refers to an abbey that may exist or may have disappeared. There are various types of abbey beer: lagers (bières blondes), which are characterised by a mild, slightly malty aroma, a neutral or slightly sweet taste and an often very bitter aftertaste; double or dark (foncée) beers, so called because the brewer uses more malt (nowadays this type of beer is darker and has a sweetish, sometimes sugary taste and a bitter after-taste); and, finally, triple beers, in final stage of fermentation being in the bottle. Strong blonde beers (blondes fortes) are often clear. They are generally served with a large head. They undergo triple fermentation and contain aromatic malts. Seasonal beers (bières de saison) are typically brewed in Wallonia, especially in the districts of Hainaut and Walloon Brabant, and are sparkling and fruity summer beers. They involve the use of raw hopping and sometimes secondary fermentation in the bottle. The regional and special beers are fine examples of the creativity and know-how of our local brewers. They are all very different. Each variety has its own characteristic manufacturing process and ingredients (spelt, honey, Liège syrup, mustard, etc.). Scotch is a beer of AngloSaxon origin which, over the years, has become a speciality of the Walloon Brabant www.beer2005.be and Hainaut district. It is characterised by a very malty and slightly smoky taste. Its sugary taste is due to the addition of candy sugar. Spontaneous fermentation, a process that is characteristic of the Brussels region, is used to produce Lambic. Lambic is a flat beer with no head. It is produced through spontaneous fermentation of the yeasts found specifically in the valley of the river Senne. It matures in barrels made of different types of wood and has a wide range of tastes. Gueuze is obtained by the fermentation caused by mixing “old” Lambic (that has not completely fermented) and “young” Lambic. This new fermentation produces a sparkling, sharp beer, the “champagne of beers”. Fruity beers (bières fruitées) are basically made by mixing different fruits (cherries for Kriek) and Lambic. Traditional Kriek is a mixture of 50 kg of cherries and around 250 litres of Lambic. This mixture matures for 6 months in the barrel and produces a beer with a fruity but not sugary taste. The industrial process involves fruit juice and extract. The result is a sweet, fruity beer. Faro is a sharp Lambic to which candy sugar is added (or sometimes caramel or syrup) to give it a sweeter taste. 53 Discovering the legends of the Ardennes. Vielsalm, Courtil, Achouffe, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Dochamps, Soy. (70 km) 1 This tour from Vielsalm to Soy is an opportunity to discover the hidden beauties of the Ardennes. The route will take you through three splendid valleys replete with exciting legends. From the cave of Macralles to the land of our friendly elf-like characters, the Nutons, we are sure you will be enchanted! Your adventure begins in Vielsalm. Here, according to legend, the local witches (macralles) used to meet for the Sabbath, their tryst with La Roche © FTLB Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes (LA ROCHE) Tel.: +32 (0)84/41.17.25 • Pottery Museum "Les grés de La Roche" and Museum of ham (LA ROCHE) Tel.: +32 (0)84/41.18.78 • Museum of flour-milling (LA ROCHE) Tel.: +32 (0)84/41.13.80 • Salm Archéoscope (VIELSALM) - Tel.: +32 (0)80/21.50.52 • Wild game park (LA ROCHE) - Tel.: +32 (0)84/41.23.14 • The Aisne tourist tram (EREZEE) Tel.: +32 (0)86/47.72.69 • The Coticule Museum (SALMCHATEAU) Tel.: +32 (0)80/21.57.68 54 the devil. This town, which is located in the valley of the river Salm, majestically dominates the lake of the Doyards (14 hectares). Today there is a picnic and play area for your convenience - and no witches! We will now head off towards Courtil, a picturesque little village in which the 3 Fourquets micro-brewery has made its home in an 18th-century building. A little further on, in the valley of the Ourthe you can discover the delights of Houffalize (a clean and flower-bedecked town which is the region's mountain-bike capital). You will enjoy a visit to 'kids' town' or Houtopia, where children learn about their rights and duties in a play-oriented way. The village of Achouffe in the Vallée des Fées (Valley of the Fairies) is not to be missed. Legend has it that this town had as many houses of Nutons (elves) as molehills in the fields. According to legend, a Nuton has never allowed anyone to go thirsty, and if you were thirsty all you had to do was call them and they would appear with a pint of beer in their hand. This friendly little character is now the mascot of the Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels Practical information (for breweries, please inquire before you set out!) The 3 Fourquets micro-brewery Courtil 50 6670 Courtil (Gouvy) Closed Wednesday and Thursday. Tel.: +32 (0)80/64.38.39 www.les3fourquets.be Chlorophylle Park © I. Bonmariage Achouffe Brewery, another place where you can be sure you'll never feel the pangs of thirst. Nestling in the valley of the Ourthe, La Roche-enArdenne has many features that appeal to discerning tourists. Why not, for example, visit the ruins of the daunting fortress that overlooks the city. Legend has it that on summer evenings at around nightfall, the ghost of Berthe, the earl's daughter, comes to haunt it... But let us continue our tour. You will now visit the forest of Dochamps, where the Parc Chlorophylle awaits all nature-lovers. Built in the heart of a dense forest, this attraction, which is the only one of its kind, offers visitors an original way to enjoy the forest. And what better way to end this tour than to savour a well-deserved glass of Fantôme beer in Soy at the Fantôme Brewery. Houtopia Place de l'église 17 6660 Houffalize Open every day, except Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In July and Augustus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)61/28.92.05 www.houtopia.be Achouffe Brewery Rue du village 32 6666 Achouffe Tel.: +32 (0)61/28.94.55 www.achouffe.be Chlorophylle Park Maisons du Tourisme Rue des Chasseurs Ardennais 60 6960 Dochamps du Pays du Val de Salm et des Sources de l’Ourthe Open from 16/03 to 15/11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In July and Augustus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Avenue de la Salm 50, 6690 Vielsalm Tel.: +32 (0)80/ 21.50.52 www.vielsalm-gouvy.org [email protected] Tel.: +32 (0)84/37.87.74 www.parcchlorophylle.com du Pays d’Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne Fantôme Brewery Place du Marché 15 Bte 37, 6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne Tel.: +32 (0)84/ 36.77.36 www.coeurdelardenne.be [email protected] Rue Préal 8 6997 Soy (Erezée) Tel.: +32 (0)86/47.70.44 www.fantome.be du Pays d’Ourthe & Aisne Grand’rue 16, 6940 Barvaux-sur-Ourthe Tel.: +32 (0)86/ 21.35.00 www.ourthe-et-aisne.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be 55 Are you ready for the Ardennes? Soy, Wéris, Durbuy, Hotton, Marche-en-Famenne, Ambly, Saint-Hubert, Bouillon (110km) 2 We have now come to the end of our first tour, so we will leave behind Soy and its Fantôme Brewery and set out in the direction of Wéris, which has been officially christened "one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia". There you will discover ancient dolmens and menhirs dating back more than 5,000 years and the Megalith Museum, where you will see reconstructions of the everyday life of Neolithic societies. A little further on, there is Durbuy, which is famous due to the Fourneau St Michel © L. Aprosio Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Labyrinthe (BARVAUX-SUR-OURTHE) Tel: +32(0)86/ 21.90.42 • Wild game park (SAINT-HUBERT) – Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 25.68.17 • Museum of the Francs and Famenne (MARCHE-EN-FAMENNE) - Tel.: +32 (0)84/ 32.70.60 • Museum of lace (MARCHE-EN-FAMENNE) Tel.: +32 (0)84/ 31.21.35 • Animal park “La crête des cerfs” (BOUILLON) Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 46.71.52 • La ferme des fées (LES HAYONS) – Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 46.89.17 56 fact that it is the smallest city in the world. Durbuy offers many attractions that appeal to tourists, including the brasserie de la Ferme au Chêne (Oak Farm Brewery), where you can sample some of its delectable Marckloff beer. Next head off down a country road to Hotton, a quaint tourist village on the banks of the Ourthe River. The main attraction in this village is the incredible series of "One thousand and one nights" caves, which are among the most spectacular to be found anywhere in Europe. Not too far from these caves, you can visit Marche-enFamenne. On Place de l’Etang, your attention will no doubt be drawn to a futuristic building. This is the tourist office of Marche and Nassogne. In addition to information on places of interest in the area, the tourist office offers you an opportunity to try out the 'dynamic cinema', a flight simulator that transports you through the screen to the heart of the region! But without further ado, let's get back on the road. This time you're off to SaintHubert. If you follow this iti- Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels nerary during the weekend, we suggest you stop on the way at the Saint-Monon Brewery. A mere 8 kilometres from Saint-Hubert, in the middle of a breathtaking forest you will find the Fourneau Saint-Michel. Here you can tour the provincial museums (the Museum of iron and old metallurgy and the Museum of rural life in Wallonia) and admire the reconstruction of quaint, rustic old houses. And don't forget to try the local speciality, "Laissé d'gatte", a delicious locally-brewed beer-based beverage. To make your day complete, we suggest a trip to Bouillon, a town in the heart of the valley of the Semois. The splendid chateau that dominates the city is the oldest and most interesting extant feudal building in Belgium. At number 22 Grand'rue, don't miss the "Marché de Nathalie", where you can see the impressive vats of Bouillon's brewery, the Brasserie de Bouillon. By the way, you will be able to take a closer look at Bouillon on your next tour... Practical information (for breweries, please inquire before you set out!) Megalith Museum Place Arsène Soreil 7 6940 Wéris Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.02.19 www.ibelgique.com/weris Brewery of the Ferme au Chêne Rue Comte d’Ursel 36 6940 Durbuy Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.10.67 [email protected] Caves of A Thousand and One Nights 6990 Hotton Maisons du Tourisme du Pays d’Ourthe & Aisne Grand’rue 16, 6940 Barvaux-sur-Ourthe Tel.: +32 (0)86/ 21.35.00 www.ourthe-et-aisne.be [email protected] du Pays de Marche & Nassogne Place de l’Etang 15, 6900 Marche-en-Famenne Tel.: +32 (0)84/ 34.53.27 www.maisontourisme.nassogne.marche.be [email protected] du Pays de Saint-Hubert Rue Saint-Gilles 12, 6870 Saint-Hubert Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 61.30.10 www.saint-hubert-tourisme.be [email protected] du Pays de la Haute-Lesse Place de l’Esro 63, 6890 Redu Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 65.66.99 [email protected] du Pays de Bouillon Quai des Saulx 12, 6830 Bouillon Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 46.52.11 [email protected] www.beer2005.be Open from April to October, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In July and Augustus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)84/46.60.46 (from 01/04 to 02/11) Tel.: +32 (0)83/68.83.65 (from 02/11 to 31/03) www.grottesdehotton.com Saint-Monon Brewery Rue principale 41, 6953 Ambly Tel.: +32 (0)84/21.46.32 [email protected] Fourneau Saint-Michel 6870 Saint-Hubert Open from March to November from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)84/21.08.90 www.fourneausaintmichel.be Bouillon Brewery (le marché de Nathalie) Grand’rue 22, 6830 Bouillon Tel.: +32 (0)61/46.89.40 [email protected] 57 In the heart of the valley of the Semois. Bouillon, Chassepierre, Chiny, Villers-devant-Orval, Rulles. (75 km) 3 This interesting tour will take you through the magnificent forests of Muno and Orval to the very heart of the valley of the Semois. This is the ideal place for lovers of nature and history. The heritage sites that you can visit include the chateau and the abbey. So there isn't a moment to lose. We're off! You'll now leave Bouillon and its brewery behind and head straight for the Château de Bouillon. Built in the late 10th century, this chateau belonged to Godefroid de Bouillon. He then sold it to the PrinceBishops of Liège to finance the first Crusade (1086). From the start of April to the Bouillon © Arnaud Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Several panoramic views (POUPEHAN) ; Giant’s tomb (BOTASSART) • Animal park "La crête des cerfs" (BOUILLON) Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 46.71.52 • Cambier mill (CHINY) - Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 31.36.12 58 end of August, visitors to this prestigious chateau will enjoy a magnificent falconry show. Also not to be missed: the Ducal Museum and the Godefroid de Bouillon Archéoscope. Now head off through the leafy glades of the forest of Muno to Chassepierre. Every summer this splendid little village serves as the backdrop to an international street theatre that attracts thousands of people from far and wide. On the Florenville road, you'll find an ideal layby to picnic and enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Semois. Nestling in one of the most beautiful scenic spots in the valley of the Semois, Chiny is a little village that has lost none of its authenticity. Here you can discover the delights of the river in the best way possible, that is, in a flat-bottomed boat that will take you all the way to Lacuisine (8 km). In the middle of the forest, the Abbey of Orval is not to be missed. The famous Trappist beer is brewed in one of the outhouses here. Other breweries GIGI Brewery Grand’rue 96, 6769 Gérouville Tel.: +32 (0)63/57.75.15 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels The actual brewery is not open to the public, but you can enjoy a quiet stroll amidst the ruins of the ancient monastery. Before setting off again, why not drop into a nearby café and sample some of that Trappist beer washed down - in the best traditional way - by some abbey cheese? A brasserie with a friendly Semois © FTLB atmosphere now awaits you in Rulles. This brewery was founded here because this little village in Gaume offered one of the essential ingredients that go to make great beer: excellent water! The master brewer is proud of his product. He will be delighted to explain his fervent passion for his work, in which he takes much pride and delight. To complete the journey, we suggest you enjoy the delights offered by the buffet at Maurice Grévisse station in Marbehan. This little restaurant works in partnership with the brewery in Rulles. But why not try what has become a local speciality, the "Gaume de terre" a sheer delight! Maisons du Tourisme du Pays de Bouillon Quai des Saulx 12, 6830 Bouillon Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 46.52.11 [email protected] du Pays de la Semois entre Ardenne et Gaume Place Albert Ier, 6820 Florenville Tel.: +32(0)61/ 31 12 29 www.semois-tourisme.be [email protected] du Pays de Gaume Rue des Grasses Oie, 2b, 6760 Virton Tel.: +32 (0)63/ 57.89.04 www.soleildegaume.com [email protected] Practical information (for breweries, please inquire before you set out!) Chateau of Bouillon 6830 Bouillon Tel.: +32 (0)61/46.62.57 www.bouillon-sedan.org Ducal Museum Rue du Petit 1-3, 6830 Bouillon Open from April to November every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)61/46.41.89 www.museeducal.be [email protected] Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon Quai de Saulx 14, 6830 Bouillon Tel.: +32 (0)61/46.83.03 www.archeoscopebouillon.be [email protected] Chiny: Down the river by boat: "Les passeurs réunis s.p.r.l." Rue de l'Embarcadère 58 6810 Chiny Open every day in July and Augustus from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (during the year, inquire before) Tel.: +32 (0)61/31.17.43 or +32 (0)495/54.93.72 www.passeurs-reunis.be [email protected] Orval Abbey 6823 Villers-devant-Orval Tour of the ruins and museum. Open every day from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November to February from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)61/31.10.60 www.orval.be - [email protected] du Pays de la Forêt d’Anlier Brasserie Artisanale de Rulles (traditional brewery) Rue Maurice Grévisse 36 6724 Rulles Grand’Place 3, 6840 Neufchâteau Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 27.50.88 [email protected] Tel.: +32 (0)63/41.18.38 www.larulles.be [email protected] www.beer2005.be 59 The land of the “cuestas”. Rulles, Virton, Latour, Mussy-la-ville, Athus, Toernich. ( 70 Km) 4 Let's now explore Gaume, a picturesque region in the extreme south of Belgium. Gaume is also called the land of the 'cuestas' because of its peculiarly hilly relief. Also, its microclimate has earned it the nickname "the Belgian Provence"... Your starting point will be Rulles, near Marbehan. From this quaint little village, head for the capital of Gaume, Virton. On the square, you can visit the former convent of the Récollets, where you will tour the Gaume Museum that fea- The Gaume Museum in Virton © MT de Gaume Things to see in the area (information on the website: www.beer2005.be and in the tourist offices) • Athus and steel museum - Rue du Terminal 11, 6791 Athus Tel.: +32 (0)63/37.13.80 • Torgny - one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia Tel.: +32 (0)63/57.83.81 - [email protected] • L’Univers des Pompiers (private museum) Quartier Schlauss 13, 6791 Athus - Tel.: +32 (0)63/38.84.17 60 tures a splendid exhibition of the multifarious facets of local culture. Of particular interest are the archaeological section, the fine arts gallery and the section on customs and beliefs. The old wing of the building features a reconstruction of the ethnographic and artisanal history of Gaume. A mere three kilometres from Virton, on the sunny side of the valley of the Vire, the little village of Latour nestles in a quite untouched natural setting. The village is divided into two halves, the top and the bottom. Most of the buildings date from the 17th and 19th centuries. The old Town Hall (Maison communale) now houses the collections of the BailletLatour Museum, which is part of Virton's Gaumais Museum. This museum is mainly devoted to the military history of the region, in particular the regiment of Walloon Dragons of Latour who fought for Austria. The village of Mussy-la-ville is around ten kilometres from Virton in the direction Other breweries Sainte-Hélène Brewery Rue de la colline 21, 6760 Ethe Tel.: +32 (0)63/43.48.64 www.sainte-hélène.be (please inquire before you set out!) Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels of Athus. On the village square, you should take the time to enjoy the museum referred to as the "Etienne Lenoir Permanent Exhibition", which is devoted to five well-known local personalities: Etienne Lenoir (with 80 patents to his name), Michel-Justin Duvigneaud (who, among other things, invented the fountain pen), the Abbé Vital Alexandre (who in 1914 gave his life for his parishioners who had been taken hostage), Marcel Laurent (curator of the Royal and History Museums) and Joseph Goffinet (an agricultural engineer who was also a militant trade unionist). Further on, in Athus, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the interesting micro-brewery Aux 3 Brasseurs. Sample some of the local specialities, and take the time to soak in the Practical information (for breweries, please inquire before you set out!) Brasserie Artisanale de Rulles (traditional brewery) Rue Maurice Grévisse 36 6724 Rulles Tel.: +32 (0)63/41.18.38 www.larulles.be [email protected] The Gaume Museum in Virton © OPT/K. Van Lidth festive atmosphere that so often reigns here. We suggest you start with the series of tasters that feature on the menu. By the way, you should ask about the regular concerts arranged throughout the year. You may be lucky! To complete the tour, you simply must visit the recently opened Millevertus Brewery in Toernich. Try the local beers. You'll certainly agree that they reflect the very best in traditional brewing. Maisons du Tourisme Rue d’Arlon 38-40, 6760 Virton Open from April to November every day, except Tuesday, from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +32 (0)63/57.03.15 www.musees-gaumais.be [email protected] The Baillet-Latour Museum Rue Baillet-Latour, 6761 Latour Open from April to November, on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. In July and Augustus every day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Info: see Gaume Museum www.homepages.lu/ggraf/ museum/FR/index_fr.htm Museum: "Etienne Lenoir Permanent Exhibition" Grand’Place, 6750 Mussy-la-ville du Pays de la Forêt d’Anlier Grand’Place 3, 6840 Neufchâteau Tel.: +32 (0)61/ 27.50.88 [email protected] du Pays de Gaume Rue des Grasses Oies 2b, 6760 VIRTON Tel.: +32 (0)63/ 57.89.04 www.soleildegaume.com [email protected] du Pays d’Arlon Rue des Faubourgs 2, 6700 ARLON Tel.: +32 (0)63/ 21.94.54 - www.arlon-tourisme.com [email protected] www.beer2005.be Tel.: +32 (0)63/67.77.14 Aux 3 brasseurs Brewery Rue de Rodange 53, 6791 Athus Tel.: +32 (0)63/38.31.72 www.3brasseurs.be [email protected] Millevertus Brewery Ruelle de la Fiels 8, 6700 Toernich Tel.: +32 (0)63/22.34.97 www.millevertus.be [email protected] 61 2005 calendar of “beer” events FEBRUARY MAY From 5/02 to 6/11 Exhibition “Trappist abbeys and beers in Belgium” at the Viroin Ecomuseum in Treignes (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)60/39.96.24 From 18 to 20 Tourist fair “Traditions and resources of the Terroir” - in Jemeppe-sur-Sambre (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)81/62.69.66 19 and 20 Beer festival - in Sohier (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)84/38.83.73 MARCH 1st The ‘fleurs du malt’ from Antiquity to the Middle Ages - in Rochefort (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)84/22.21.03 1st Beer Day in the heart of the Entre-Sambre-etMeuse region - in Silenrieux (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)71/32.36.60 From 20 to 23 Beer fair - Palais des expos - Charleroi (Hainaut) Tel.: +32 (0)71/20.99.61 8 Brocante and bourse (flea market and fair) Beer - at the Belgian Beer Museum in Lustin (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)81/41.11.02 22 Brussels’ beers - Tour organised by LA FONDERIE in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/410.99.50 From May to August Beer Exhibition - from May to August at the Domaine provincial du Bois des Rêves in Ottignies (Walloon Brabant) Tel.: +32 (0)10/41.60.72 Terroir market - Beer - in Ittre (Walloon Brabant) Tel.: +32 (0)67/22.04.44 Open day at the Saint-Hélène Brewery in Virton (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)63/43.48.64 JUNE 5 Public brewing in the Cantillon Brewery in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/521.49.28 From 25/03 to 12/04 Beer and painting and the tradition of brewing in the Namur Ardenne in Bièvre (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)61/29.28.27 APRIL From 9 to 11 BEER DISCOVERY FESTIVAL in Ciney (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)81/74.99.00 23 and 24 Open days at the Bocq Brewery in Purnode (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/61.07.90 Beer festival - in Bouillon (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)61/46.52.11 24 The Cervoise Ronde (barley beer extravaganza) in Purnode (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.28.70 30 Quintescence at the Cantillon Brewery in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/521.49.28 62 4 and 5 Open day at the Rulles Brewery in Rulles (Lux.) - Tel.: +32 (0)63/41.18.38 4 and 5 Sampling market (Marché des Saveurs) in Sambreville (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)71/26.03.70 5 Beer festival at the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville in Villers-la-Ville (Walloon Brabant) Tel.: +32 (0)71/88.09.80 Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Wallonia and in Brussels 11 and12 Open day at the La Caracole Brewery in Falmignoul (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/74.40.80 26 Brussels’ beers - Tour organised by LA FONDERIE - in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/410.99.50 Open day at the Saint-Monon Brewery in Ambly (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)84/21.46.32 The night of Blanche beer at the Millevertus Brewery - in Toernich (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)63/22.34.97 JULY 9 and 10 Brewery truck festival in Romedenne (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/67.83.48 10 Discovery of the breweries of Belgian Luxembourg - in Hotton-sur-Ourthe (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)84/46.61.22 13 Sampling market - arts and crafts and beer in Heure (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.88.90 23 Brussels’ beers - Tour organised by LA FONDERIE - 23/07 in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/410.99.50 AUGUST 5, 6 and 7 Beer festival in La Bruyère (Beauvechain) (Walloon Brabant) Tel.: +32 (0)10/22.91.15 6 and 7 Old-time harvest festival (on the theme of beer) in Thuillies (Hainaut) Tel.: +32 (0)71/59.54.54 7 Old-time harvest festival in La Hamaide (Hainaut) Tel.: +32 (0)68/64.51.55 12, 13 and 14 La grande choufferie - in Achouffe (Lux.)Tel.: +32 (0)61/28.94.55 and +32 (0)61/28.82.78 SEPTEMBER 3 and 4 Beer weekend on the Grand’Place in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/511. 49.87 3 and 4 Beer festival and arts and crafts market in Manhay (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.35.00 and +32 (0)86/21.30.81 4 Beer and folklore - in Malonne (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)81/45.08.50 10 and 11 Leffe beer extravaganza in the Abbey of Leffe (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/22.28.70 16 Beer festival - 16/09 in Sambreville (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)71/26.03.70 17 and 18 Open day at the Orval Brewery - in Orval (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)61/31.12.61 25 Maredsous festival - in Denée (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)82/69.82.84 25 Beer festival - in Heure (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.88.90 Festival of beer, bread and cheese in Durbuy (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)86/21.24.28 Walloon Brabant festival - beer of the confraternities - in Orp-Jauche (Walloon Brabant) Tel.: +32 (0)10/22.91.15 OCTOBER 1 et 2 Brassigaume: Festival of small breweries in Marbehan (Lux.) Tel.: +32 (0)63/41.18.38 2 Flea market and collectors’ fair - beer at the Belgian Beer Museum in Lustin (Namur) Tel.: +32 (0)81/41.11.02 www.beer2005.be 63 Useful Addresses www.belgium-tourism.net BELGIUM EAST BELGIAN TOURIST OFFICE JAPAN OFFICE DE PROMOTION DU TOURISME WALLONIE-BRUXELLES Mühlenbachstrasse, 2 - Pbox 66 B-4780 Sankt-Vith Tel.: + 32-(0)80/22.76.64 Fax: + 32-(0)80/22.65.39 www.eastbelgium.com [email protected] Belgian Tourist Office Shuwa Kioicho TBR Bldg. N°.607 5-7 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 102-0083 JAPAN Tel.: +81 (0)3 32 37 71 01 Fax : +81 (0)3 32 37 84 00 www.belgium-travel.jp [email protected] Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, 63 B-1000 Brussels Brochure: 02/ 509.24.00 (from Belgium only) Tel.: + 32-(0)2/504.03.90 Fax: + 32-(0)2/513.04.75 www.belgium-tourism.net [email protected] BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & CONGRESS Hôtel de Ville, Grand-Place B-1000 Brussels Tel.: + 32-(0)2/513.89.40 Fax: + 32-(0)2/513.83.20 www.brusselsinternational.be [email protected] C.A.T.P.W. (Centre d’Action Touristique des Provinces Wallonnes) Rue de l’Eglise, 15 B-6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne Tel.: + 32-(0)84/41.19.81 Fax: + 32-(0)84/41.22.23 www.catpw.be [email protected] TOURIST FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF WALLOON BRABANT Avenue Einstein, 2 B-1300 Wavre Tel. : + 32-(0)10/23.63.31 Fax : + 32-(0)10/23.63.54 www.brabantwallon.be [email protected] TOURIST FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF HAINAUT Rue des Clercs, 31 B-7000 Mons Tel.: + 32-(0)65/36.04.64 Fax: + 32-(0)65/33.57.32 www.hainaut.be [email protected] TOURIST FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF LIEGE Boulevard de la Sauvenière, 77 B-4000 Liège Tel.: + 32-(0)4/237.95.26 Fax: + 32-(0)4/237.95.78 www.ftpl.be [email protected] TOURIST FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF LUXEMBOURG Quai de l’Ourthe, 9 B-6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne Tel.: + 32-(0)84/41.10.11 Fax: + 32-(0)84/41.24.39 www.ftlb.be [email protected] TOURIST FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF NAMUR Avenue Reine Astrid, 22 B-5000 Namur Tel.: + 32-(0)81/74.99.00 Fax: + 32-(0)81/74.99.29 www.ftpn.be [email protected] ATTRACTIONS ET TOURISME ASBL C/o Grottes de Han - Rue Lamotte, 2 B-5580 Han-sur-Lesse Tel.: + 32-(0)84/37.77.32 Fax: + 32-(0)84/37.77.12 www.attractions-et-tourisme.be [email protected] PAYS NORDIQUES Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles Rue Saint Bernard, 30 B - 1060 Bruxelles Tel. : +32 (0)2 504 02 20 Fax : +32 (0)2 513 69 50 www.belgium-tourism.net [email protected] POLAND Urzad Promocji Turystyki "WaloniaBruksela" (O.P.T.) Przedstawicielstwo Dyplomatyczne Francuskiej Wspolnoty Belgii i Regionu Walonii Ul. Ks. I. Skorupki 5 - VIe Pietro PL. - 00-546 Warszawa Tel. : +48 (22) 583.70.06 Gsm : +48 604 733 953 Fax : +48 (22) 583.70.03 www.belgium-tourism.net [email protected] ABROAD USA Belgian Tourist Office 220 East 42 nd street room 3402 New York, NY 10017 Tel. : +1 212 758 8130 Fax : +1 212 355 7675 www.visitbelgium.com [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM Belgian Tourist Office Brussels & Wallonia 217 Marsh Wall London E14 9FJ Free Brochure Line : 0800 9545 245 (UK only) Tel. : +44 (0)20 75 31 03 90 Fax : +44 (0)20 75 31 03 93 www.belgiumtheplaceto.be [email protected] Concept : Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles / Attractions et Tourisme / Fédérations du Tourisme des Provinces Wallonnes / C.A.T.P.W. / Bruxelles International Editor in Chief : Viviane Jacobs – Editor : Philippe Bernard (Attractions et Tourisme) – Pre-press : Lielens and Partners – Logo : Pierre Saysouk – Cover pictures : © OPT:JP Remy D/2004/9186/4 In collaboration with the Walloon Region and the Cocof