Province of Walloon Brabant - Maison du Tourisme Hesbaye
Transcription
Province of Walloon Brabant - Maison du Tourisme Hesbaye
Province of Walloon Brabant Beauvechain > Hélécine > Incourt > Jodoigne > Orp-Jauche > Perwez > Ramillies www.hesbayebrabanconne.be TOurist GUIDE brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Welcome touristGuide ◗ Welcome to Brabant Hesbaye 04 ◗ Heritage 20 ◗ Leisure & relaxing 48 ◗ Walks 60 ◗ What’s on? 68 ◗ Practical information 76 What’s on? ◗ TABLE OF CONTENTS Walks Leisure & relaxing Heritage Beauvechain > Hélécine > Incourt > Jodoigne > Orp-Jauche > Perwez > Ramillies TOurist Practical information GUIDE 2 3 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ Welcome TO BRABANT HESBAYE Beauvechain ◗ brabant hesbaye Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Leisure & relaxing Each year in September, the Heritage Days make it possible to discover the monuments and exceptional sites present in Wallonia. At the instigation of the Walloon Heritage Institute, Heritage Days are the opportunity for everyone to visit venues that are often inaccessible during the rest of the year. The Tourist Board takes part each year and publishes a specific brochure for the Brabant Hesbaye area. www.journeesdupatrimoine.be Practical information What’s on? The Brabant Hesbaye area is also a gourmet territory showcased by talented producers and craftspeople, as well as a region of culture and civic initiatives that punctuate the year with pleasant festive and artistic moments. Heritage Days Walks The Brabant Hesbaye area is made up of 7 municipalities: Beauvechain, Hélécine, Incourt, Jodoigne, Orp-Jauche, Perwez and Ramillies. They form the heart of a rich arable area with gentle relief. Agriculture, favoured by the loam soil, is predominantly present. Indeed, the area bears the nickname of 'the wheat loft of Belgium'. In the middle of this fertile land stand the 'censes', which are the large, square shaped farms typical of the region. The warm and light colour of Gobertange stone is also part of the identity of this area, often called the 'white country'. Heritage Ramillies ◗ Situated to the east of the Walloon Brabant province, the Brabant Hesbaye area is bordered by the provinces of Flemish Brabant, Namur and Liège. It boasts a privileged location less than an hour from Brussels, Liège, Mons and Charleroi and half an hour from Namur. 4 5 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO beauvechain Hélécine Jodoigne ◗ Welcome TO beauvechain Orp-Jauche Incourt ◗ Beauvechain Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez The diversity of its old villages and neighbourhoods also contributes to its charm: on the one hand, Hamme-Mille with its shops and Beauvechain with the hustle and bustle of its air base; on the other hand, the countryside calm of Tourinnes-la-Grosse, Nodebais, L’écluse and various hamlets with their unique heritage, ancestral homes, country lanes and calmness of the countryside. www.beauvechain.eu Each year in November, the Festivals of Saint-Martin enliven the cultural landscape of the Brabant Hesbaye area. This exhibition of artists attracts many visitors who come to discover the artworks and many events proposed in the village of Tourinnes-la-Grosse. The Festivals of Saint-Martin, organised by the non-profit making association Les Amis de Tourinnes (the Friends of Tourinnes), play host to visual artists in unique venues which become, during the month of November, veritable havens of art: heritage venues, village halls, barns, gardens, fields and even the houses of the local population, allowing visitors to discover modern art in a different way. Leisure & relaxing From the Château de Valduc to the Wahenges farm, the municipality of Beauvechain boasts regained warmth that makes it one of the most active places in Walloon Brabant in terms of local community life. The Festivals of Saint-Martin Walks Perwez ◗ Situated on the edges of the Meerdael Forest and crossed by the River Néthen, the municipality of Beauvechain includes the villages of Beauvechain, Hamme-Mille, L’écluse, Nodebais and Tourinnes-laGrosse. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies Many events are held throughout the duration of the Festivals: concerts, café debates and meetings with the artists. Practical information What’s on? www.tourinnes.be 6 7 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO hélécine Hélécine Jodoigne Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO Hélécine ◗ Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Orp-Jauche Incourt Welcome touristGuide The ultimate in rural localities, Hélécine boasts the décor of simple and peaceful environment, which can be discovered through a number of walks. The difference with other carnivals of the same type is that the Prince elected retains the title and costume received for the rest of his life. He will sit as part of the prince’s court and if assiduous shall receive the title of king after 15 years and emperor after 20. www.helecine.be The Prince is elected during November on the evening of the Princes which marks the start of the festivities. The Rhineland tradition stipulates that the carnival starts on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11.11. Syndicat d’initiative d’Hélécine (Tourist Board) Rue du Moulin, 15 In German symbolism, eleven is in fact seen as a number of craziness, since it is beyond the round figure of ten and before twelve, a sacred figure Eleven represents the end of wisdom which borders on madness. 1357 Opheylissem (Hélécine) +32 (0) 19 65 69 90 www.helecine-si.be The carnival of Hélécine always takes place midway through lent, i.e. 3 weeks before Easter and always starts at 2.11 PM. 8 9 Leisure & relaxing Walks Half way between Liège and Brussels and easily accessible via the E40 motorway (exit 26) and the N64 Hannut-Tienen road, the Petite Ghète river winds through the town, providing the typical image of a Brabant village tucked away in a green setting. What’s on? Boasting historical and architectural heritage that is worth a visit, Hélécine owes its reputation, amongst other things, to its abbey which has today become a property of the Province, but also to its beautiful churches and chapels. The carnival Each year, on Laetare Sunday (half way through lent) a famous carnival takes place. The proximity of the border between French and Dutchspeaking Belgium has meant that the carnival in Hélécine draws inspiration from Rhineland traditions with the enthronement of a prince who, during official appearances, wears a superb frock coat and headdress adorned with peacock feathers. He is the focal point of the festivities and represents the town. He is enthroned with great pomp by his predecessor and receives the keys to the village from the Mayor at a ceremony in the village hall. Practical information Perwez ◗ Located in the very eastern reaches of the Walloon Brabant province, in a green setting, the municipality of Hélécine includes the villages of Linsmeau, Neerheylissem and Opheylissem. It is the least densely populated municipality in the Walloon Brabant province. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO incourt Hélécine Jodoigne Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO INCOURT Hélécine ◗ Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Orp-Jauche Incourt Welcome touristGuide Perwez ◗ Incourt is the municipality in the district of Jodoigne where ancient history has left the most traces. It includes the villages of Glimes, Incourt, Opprebais, Sart-Risbart, Piétrebais, Chapelle-Saint-Laurent and Roux Miroir. Its rivers are the Grande Ghète, the Thorembais, the Orbais, the Brombais and the Piétrebais. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies Chouannerie: the war of the peasants Incourt also plays host to the fountain of Sainte-Ragenufle, the only drinking water fountain in Walloon Brabant. Walks There is no shortage of initiatives from associations and festivals in Incourt: in the villages of Piétrebais, Chapelle-SaintLaurent and Roux-Miroir the scarecrow festival enlivens the month of August; Whit Monday in Incourt sees the procession of Sainte-Ragenufle; also, the Inc’Rock BW festival has the town rocking in mid-May. The chouans of the Brabant Hesbaye area included, at the time, opponents of the anti-clerical policy of the French Republic, as well as partisans of the return of Austrian Emperor, The legitimate sovereign of the Austrian Netherlands recently conquered by the French army. These people, who fought during the Brabant Revolution of 1789, were united for an armed insurrection before being definitively defeated. Each year, on the third weekend of September, the March of the Chouans takes place, between Incourt and Jodoigne. What’s on? A local initiative has made it possible to renovate certain sites such as the mill, which today welcomes the village’s events, the tumulus or the quarry in Opprebais which plays host to intergenerational housing, a nature centre, leisure and sports areas, as well as a nature discovery trail around the lake and its nuances of sparkling blue. During the winter of 1798-1799 in the east of the Dyle department, the authorities of the French Republic were confronted with a popular uprising led by Antoine Constant, a man of letters living in Roux-Miroir. Leisure & relaxing Incourt possesses many remains of the past: the Tumulus in Glimes dating back to Gallo-Roman times, the medieval fortified farm of Opprebais, the 'Gustot' wind mill at Opprebais, the Chise farms at Piétrebais and the quarry site in Opprebais, a witness to the town’s industrial past. Practical information www.incourt.be 10 11 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO jodoigne Hélécine Jodoigne ◗ Welcome TO jodoigne Orp-Jauche Incourt Beauvechain Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt ◗ Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez At the end of the Middle Ages, La Gadale was a witch living on the street Rue de la Grande Montagne. She lived in a house located alongside the steps. Taciturn and a hermit, she was always accompanied by a black cat. The neighbours of La Gadale were taken aback: why did this half-crazy woman disappear without apparent reason? Where did she go at night? As the stories circulated, rumours spread and fear grew. This all came to a halt when La Gadale was declared a witch and burned to death in public. She made such an impression that since this time, the passage which leads to the main square bears her name. Leisure & relaxing Spread along the shores of the River Ghète, in a meander where the flank of the Hesbaye plateau moves away from the river, Jodoigne is a town that boasts a rich past of tumultuous events. It was in the 12th century that Jodoigne made its first mark in history with the rise of the great medieval urban movement. Duke Henri de Brabant created a new town with an unconventional layout: a triangular village place for the new market, streets crossing each other at right angles and a wall spreading out from the Duke’s castle. The locality developed and welcomed a large market, hence the name it took on: Geldonia Fori or Jodoigne-le-Marché. This opulence was given further proof as the bourgeois of the town built the Market Chapel inside the walls, its consecration to the Virgin Mary taking place on 12th August 1353. Built one century beforehand by the Order of the Hospitallers, the Saint-Médard Church, a remarkable illustration of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles, is listed as a Walloon monument of exceptional heritage. The legend of La Gadale Walks Perwez ◗ The Capital of the Brabant Hesbaye area, Jodoigne is a shopping and agricultural municipality that includes the villages of Dongelberg, Jauchelette, Jodoigne-Souveraine, Lathuy, Mélin, Piétrain, Saint-Jean-Geest, SaintRémy-Geest and Zetrud-Lumay. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies Practical information What’s on? www.jodoigne.be 12 13 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO Orp-Jauche Hélécine Jodoigne ◗ Welcome TO Orp-Jauche Orp-Jauche Incourt Beauvechain Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt Jodoigne ◗ Orp-Jauche Perwez Located in the western part of the Hesbaye area, the municipality spreads out to the horizon in a mix of the brown, green or gold of its fertile loam soils, punctuated here and there trees. In addition to its high quality archaeological and architectural heritage, it offers visitors remarkable viewpoints over a pastoral and bucolic landscape in which art enthusiasts and fervent nature lovers can find an inexhaustible source of wonder. For several years, Orp-leGrand and its famous Romanesque church have enjoyed the great honour of hosting the Mosan Summer Festival in mid-July. Many winners of the Queen Elisabeth Competition have enchanted spectators in the edifice’s choir with their instruments and voices. More than 700 spectators come to each edition to attend this prestigious concert. www.etemosan.be What’s on? www.orp-jauche.be The Mosan Summer Festival Leisure & relaxing In the second half of the 19 century and the beginning of the 20th century, Orp-Jauche experienced a considerable economic, industrial and commercial boom, due to the opening of the Tamines to Landen railway in 1865. The progressive disappearance of its industrial fabric over the last fifty years has seen the return of its essentially rural character of yesteryear. th Walks Perwez ◗ The municipality of Orp-Jauche includes the villages of Enines, Folx-les-Caves, Jandrain-Jandrenouille, Jauche, Marilles, Noduwez, Orp-le-Grand and Orp-lePetit. The Petite Ghète river flows through the locality. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies Orp-Jauche Tourist Office +32 (0) 19 63 02 19 Practical information [email protected] 14 15 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO PERWEZ Hélécine Jodoigne Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO perwez Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche ◗ Perwez Orp-Jauche Incourt Welcome touristGuide Pierre Rion, a civil engineer, industrialist, adoptive Thorembaisian and long-standing wine enthusiast one day decided that the adventure and challenge were worth the trouble. Consequently, the first 100 Alsatian vines were planted in this Brabant village in spring 1991. Currently, the 'Domaine de Mellemont' is the largest vineyard in Walloon Brabant with 11 000 vines. Since 2009 Domaine de Mellemont also produces a 'traditional method' sparkling white wine. www.perwez.be Practical information www.domaine-de-mellemont.com Leisure & relaxing Several small, gentle and meander-free rivers rise from springs in the municipality. The Orbais, the Thorembais, the Jausselette and the Grande Ghète form four parallel valleys stretching from the south west to the north west. The first three water courses join the Grande Ghète outside the municipality’s boundaries. The presence of these water ways led to the formation of villages whose first settlers were seeking access to water. Vine-growing in the current territory of Belgium is not something new. In the Middle Ages, each town had its own vineyards. Vines almost disappeared from the country between the 17th and 19th centuries. Only a few places in the Meuse Valley maintained this crop which became anecdotic up to the beginning of the 20th century. Walks The territory of Perwez forms a vast plain mainly covered with fields and prairies spreading over gentle slopes, a landscape typical of the Hesbaye area. With slightly undulating relief, its altitude varies between 136 and 174 m. The highest point of Perwez and the Walloon Brabant is the Gadaffe farm. The vineyards of Domaine de Mellemont What’s on? Perwez ◗ Located in the south east of Walloon Brabant, in the heart of the Hesbaye area, the municipality of Perwez, includes five villages: Malèves-Sainte-Marie-Wastines, Orbais, Perwez, Thorembais-les-Béguines and Thorembais-Saint-Trond. Heritage Ramillies Ramillies 16 17 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Welcome TO ramillies Hélécine Jodoigne ◗ Welcome TO ramillies Orp-Jauche Incourt Beauvechain Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez The municipality of Ramillies possesses many remarkable square shaped farms, beautiful churches and chapels as well as important springs and fountains. In Gallia Belgica (Belgian Gaul), an important crossroads of routes was located in Bavay, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais area (now in France), from which several routes spread out in a star shape, including one towards the north east towards Tongeren, then on to Cologne on the River Rhine: this was the 'Chaussée Brunehaut'. As almost all the Roman roads in the north of Gaul, its construction began under the supervision of Roman general Agrippa between 20 and 10 B.C. From Bavay, the road follows a straight line almost to Gembloux before bending significantly towards Braives then straightening again to Tongres before finally heading towards Maastricht and then reaching Cologne. The Tumulus of Hottomont stands alongside this Roman Road. Practical information What’s on? www.ramillies.be Leisure & relaxing Ramillies owes its reputation to its central location during the famous battle that took place there on Whit Sunday in 1706 between the allied Anglo-Dutch army and the French forces during the Spanish War of Succession. The Chaussée Brunehaut Walks Perwez ◗ The municipality of Ramillies was born from the merger of towns in 1977 and includes the villages of Autre-église and the hamlet of Hédenge, GeestGérompont, Petit-Rosière, Bomal, Mont-Saint-André, Grand-Rosière-Hottomont and the hamlet of Hottomont, Huppaye and the hamlet of Molembais-Saint-Pierre and Ramillies-Offus. Heritage ◗ Ramillies Ramillies 18 19 Maison du Tourisme Villers Region in Walloon Brabant Chastre Court -saint -etienne Mont - saint - Guibert Villers-la-Ville Walhain ©Inforville- OT ©Si Rixensart © Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville ©Si grez-doiceau ©Grez-Doiceau .be ©bwpixel Lying in the heart of Walloon Brabant, thirty or so kilometres from the national and Walloon capitals, the Brabant Ardennes have both urban and rural features, providing jobs, infrastructures, education, skills and leisure opportunities for all. The welcoming Brabant Ardennes area encompasses Chaumont-Gistoux, Grez-Doiceau, Ottignies–Louvain-la-Neuve, Rixensart and Wavre. Info ©Si Chaumont-Gistoux .be Nestling in a bed of greenery, the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville rise majestically from the middle of hundreds of hectares of woodland. The ruins represent a real crossroads in the history of our region and give the visitor something to marvel at. © OPT - JL Flémal Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Villers en Brabant wallon Rue de l’Abbaye 55 - 1495 Villers-la-Ville Tel. +32 (0)71 880 990 [email protected] www.paysdevillers-tourisme.be https://www.facebook.com/paysdevillers nes The Brabant Arden is le ure offer you pleasure and and and invite you to come . discover their treasures .mtab www One short step away from Brussels and Waterloo, the region of Villersla-Ville in Walloon Brabant offers a multitude of roads and paths perfect for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and even horseback riding. Right around the corner, discover the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville, an ancient mill or a medieval castle. Come for a breathful of fresh air ! Open: From 1 April to 31 October: 9.00 - 18.00 from10.00amonweekendsandholidays From 1 November to 31 March: 9.00 -17.00 from10.00amonweekendsandholidays Closed on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January © E. Cuvelier [email protected] Tel. : +32 (0)10 230 352 Rue de Nivelles 1, 1300 Wavre © MTPVBW – B. Hogge © R. Art © CHERCHA © Le Patrimoine stéphanois © MTPVBW – B. Hogge brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ Heritage IN BRABANT HESBAYE Beauvechain ◗ LA RAMÉE ABBEY IN JAUCHELETTE Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt ◗ Jodoigne Today La Ramée is dedicated to businesses: seminars, meetings, incentivising, events, internal or external annual conferences, product or service launches, prestige events, trade fairs and exhibitions, showrooms, roadshows, annual general meetings, family days… Heritage Ramillies Rue de l’Abbaye,19 1370 Jauchelette (Jodoigne) www.chateauform.be Leisure & relaxing Abbaye de la Ramée Practical information The Fruiticum The Fruiticum at La Ramée is planted in the very same place as the Cistercian monks’ orchard. It boasts an excellent aspect, with a gentle south-facing slope, as well as soil especially favourable to growing, cereals, beetroot and fruit trees. Information boards for visitors can be found all around the site which is accessible free of charge throughout the year. Perwez Walks A little history… It was in 1215 that the Monastic order of Cîteaux set up an abbey of monks in the valley of the Grande Ghète at Jauchelette, upstream of Jodoigne. It was given the name of La Ramée. This Cistercian presence was to last for five and a half centuries and left its mark on the region in spiritual, agricultural and architectural terms. A number of owners followed at La Ramée. Whilst they completely destroyed the monastic buildings (the church, cloisters…) they kept the farm and its agricultural operations. From the architectural ensemble that the agricultural buildings at La Ramée form, three elements stand out thanks to their volume: the porch, dovecote tower and monumental barn. The farm and barn were classed as a listed monument and site in 1980 and won the Walloon Region CAÏUS prize in 2000. In 2001, it received the Europa Nostra prize and in 2002 La Ramée was conferred the status of major Walloon monument. Orp-Jauche What’s on? ◗ A listed historical venue restored with taste and respect, the La Ramée Abbey is unique in Walloon Brabant. It was a Cistercian abbey from 1216 to 1997. 22 23 Southern Belgium - Walloon Brabant brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ THE PROVINCIAL DOMAIN OF HELECINE Welcome touristGuide Beauvechain ◗ Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne Perwez Heritage Ramillies Domaine provincial d'Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Rue A. Dewolf, 21 1357 Hélécine www.domainehelecine.be +32 (0) 19 65 54 91 24 What’s on? The grounds of The Château d’Hélécine are a haven of tranquillity and an ideal venue for walks all year round. The path that runs beside the two ponds reveals a magnificent landscape: geese, ducks and swans, goats, deer and their young rest under the shade of the trees. Not a sound, except from time to time the swish of a fishing line, disrupts the scene. At the end of the walk, the play area awaits your children for a piece of fun. Just next to it, the refreshment area and tables allow adults to enjoy this moment in the open air. For an hour or for the whole day, the grounds of the Château d’Hélécine make it possible to share in relaxing moments with family and friends. Barbecues are available for booking. The programme of general public events is featured on the domain’s web site. Walks Today The neo-classic 18th century mansion provides a prestigious infrastructure for seminaries and receptions in an exceptional site and remarkable setting of greenery. © Alain Boufler, © A. Kouprianoff, © Nicolas Borel. Atelier de Portzamparc, © MTRP, © Henri Gaud A little history… Founded in the 12th century, the buildings at the abbey of the Premonstratensians of Heylissem were pillaged, burned down and demolished several times but always rebuilt. Of the most recent buildings erected between 1762 and 1780, the prelature, church, stables, orangery and the farm remain. In turns, the domain was a cotton fabric mill, a distillery producing apple brandy then a beetroot sugar refinery. The domain was purchased by the Brabant province in 1962. Orp-Jauche waterlooandbeyond.be Information and brochures +32 (0)10.23.61.24 [email protected] Practical information ◗ Located 30 minutes from Liège and Brussels, on the site of the old abbey of the Premonstratensians of Heylissem that was founded at the start of the 12th century, the provincial domain, made up of a neo-classical 18th century mansion and grounds of 28 hectares, includes a nature reserve, a giant sun dial, a 19th century icehouse, three fishing ponds, tennis courts, a landscaped golf course and two play areas. brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ Jodoigne ◗ An emblematic monument of the municipality, this chapel located in the heart of the town in the main square has fully regained its sparkle thanks to restoration work that began in 2008 and which was completed in 2011. The most remarkable and rare exterior element of our countryside is the spire of the chapel in the form of a helix. It was probably designed by the architect to ensure better resistance to wind. This very visible bell tower attracts many curious and bemused glances. The massive gate tower is entirely made of superb white Gobertange stone. Today, the chapel has been partially deconsecrated. It is still used as a place of worship but has also become a cultural venue where concerts and exhibitions are organised. The alter and the choir are devoted to worship. In the centre can be found a painting depicting Our Lady of the Rosary. On the lateral alters, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child and another of SaintRoch. To welcome spectators, fold-out stands with a capacity of one hundred people have been installed. Along the walls, panels are used as picture rails for exhibitions. Perwez Ramillies Chapelle NotreDame du Marché Grand’Place 1370 Jodoigne Centre Culturel de Jodoigne +32 (0) 10 81 15 15 Hélécine Incourt ◗ Jodoigne ◗ The Church of Saint-Médard in Jodoigne, dating back to the 13th century is listed and rightly recognised as one of the gems of Walloon Brabant. This large Romanesque and gothic style edifice, listed as exceptional Walloon heritage, regained its original splendour thanks to carefully thought out restoration work started in the 1970’s. At the entrance, the warm and white coloured Gobertange limestone confers majesty on this building. In the large transept, visitors’ gazes are attracted by the semi-circular choir with apse and the sober multi-coloured statues including that of the Patron Saint, Medardus, an evangelist bishop born in 457 whose reputation as a 'rain-maker' was commonly evoked. When staring fixedly at the statue of the Saint, the onlooker has the impression that he is smiling back. This gave rise to the wonderful story that is still keenly told in Jodoigne. Long ago, a parishioner was praying in the church and noticed some money made as an offering and left visible to all. The temptation was too hard to resist and the man took the money before looking at the statue which seemed to be smiling at him. So he said, 'If you laugh at me Saint-Medardus, I’m going to take another one', taking a second coin… The surroundings of the church are very pleasant: a paved square with several trees, an unimpeded view that overlooks the Saint-Lambert district (the other local parish) and houses full of character that lend a sensation of fine coherence to the area. Carry on to the main square nearby and you will see that it is also full of charm. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Médard Rue Saint-Médard 1370 Jodoigne Opening times www.eglisesouvertes.be Practical information In an annex behind the choir, visitors can admire a cenotaph, a monument erected in memory of people who have died but whose remains are not present, such as the Count Winand de Glymes, a former lord of Jodoigne and his wife Michelle, who died in 1668 and 1671 respectively. They are depicted lying with eyes closed and their hands clasped, the Count spectacularly decked out in his armour, gauntlets and helmet placed near to his head. Orp-Jauche Beauvechain Heritage Incourt ◗ THE CHURCH OF SAINT-MÉDARD IN jodoigne Leisure & relaxing Hélécine Walks Beauvechain What’s on? ◗ THE NOTRE-DAME CHAPEL AT JODOIGNE MARKET Welcome touristGuide 26 27 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt ◗ The Saint-Sulpice church is an illustration of the neo wave that marked the architecture of the 19th century which involved updating styles of previous eras to present day tastes. Its elegant neo-gothic style is the work of émile Coulon, an architect from the Walloon Brabant province. The furnishings are made up of an exceptionally homogenous collection. The baptismal fonts date back to the second half of the 12th century. The octagonal tower plays host to a bell cast in Ghent in 1410, making it one of the oldest in Belgium. The organ in the Saint-Sulpice church is one of the first instruments made by the Gheude brothers in which both the respect of classical traditions and new trends could be found, applied, faithful to their craftsmanship, without excess. The organ in Beauvechain is one of the largest instruments they made. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Sulpice Rue de l’église Saint-Sulpice 1320 Beauvechain Opening: the interior of the church is visible through a glass door which is not opened to the public Jodoigne ◗ Majestically sat atop a hill, the church in Tourinnes-laGrosse dominates the entire valley. Built of sand-stone, the church boasts a large tower on its western side. Dating back to the first half of the 13th century, it is made of Gobertange stone. The central nave is made up of five bays. It is the oldest part of the building. The rough-hewn stone suggest that it could have been erected at the dawn of the second millennium. A primary gothic style choir extends from the nave and dates back to the same era as the tower. The central nave was rebuilt following a fire that devastated the sanctuary in 1640. It was at this point in time that the two branches of the transept, built in the 13th century, were rebuilt and crowned with a spire topped with a small bulb. There is also a baroque pulpit from the 17th century, a baptismal font in blue stone from the same era, Louis XIV era confessionals as well as a Louis XV alter rail in cast iron. The church contains several sculptures from the 15th and 16th centuries: a statue of Saint-Martin in coloured wood, one of Saint-Michel and a wooden Calvary. These prayer statues rub shoulders with the modern works of the talented ceramicist Max Van der Linden including a shrine covered with copper and ceramics, containing relics of Saint-Cornelius and several martyrs. Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Martin Place Saint-Martin 1320 Tourinnes-la-Grosse The church is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day Practical information It is listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia since 2002. Between 2008 and 2010, its interior and exterior were both fully restored for conservation purposes. Orp-Jauche Heritage Jodoigne Leisure & relaxing Incourt ◗ Beauvechain ◗ L’église Saint-Martin IN Tourinnes-la-Grosse Walks Hélécine What’s on? ◗ Beauvechain ◗ SAINT-SULPICE CHURCH IN Beauvechain Welcome touristGuide 28 29 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Incourt ◗ OUR LADY OF THE DOVE CHAPEL IN LINSMEAU Jodoigne ◗ The Romanesque Saint-Sulpice church in Neerheylissemwas declared a listed monument in 1938. This church is mainly a Romanesque era construction, made primarily from Tufa stone. Built around 650, the current building dates back to the 13th century. It boasts fine furnishings including a 4-headed baptismal font in blue stone (16th century), a baroque pipe organ, many statues from the 15th to 17th century and a Louis XIV era high alter. Its very sober interior contains many pleasant attractions to be discovered. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Sulpice Rue de la Station 1357 Neerheylissem (Hélécine) ◗ Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne ◗ Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Our Lady of the Dove chapel was built in 1327. It is a rare example of a monument entirely built in tufa stone. On 23rd June 1327, the knight Jean de Racour(t) (Van Raetshoven), Lord of Racour, Grand-Leez and Linsmeau, built, in the municipal square of the last of these villages, a chapel dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. The chapel was erected at almost the same place as a much smaller chapel inaugurated in 1216. The seal of Jean de Racour includes three blackbirds (or doves) and the inscription 'S’JOHIS-DE-RACOUR'. The chapel was marked with the stamp of authenticity of the name of its founder and builder. This is why the prelate of the Abbey of Heylissem thought it only natural to name the said chapel and The statue of the Virgin Mary: Our Lady of the Doves. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Colombe Rue du Centre 1357 Linsmeau (Hélécine) Visits by appointment with the Priest Mr. Jozef +32 (0) 19 65 51 21 Walks Visits by appointment with the Priest Mr. Jozef +32 (0) 19 65 51 21 Beauvechain Heritage ◗ Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Beauvechain ◗ SAINT-SULPICE CHURCH IN Neerheylissem Welcome touristGuide What’s on? Tufa Practical information This soft yellowish grey stone that can be marked by a fingernail is typical of the buildings and villages in the municipality of Hélécine, with further constructions spreading out to the south in localities that are strung out along the Petite Ghète River in the direction of the two Orps, mainly in Maret and its surroundings. At that location, the material is only found sporadically in the architecture. It is from the sub-soil of these villages, one of which has lent it its name ('Linsmeau tufa') as well as the surrounding countryside that the tufa is extracted. Despite its relatively mediocre quality as construction stone, our ancestors used it to build with over a long period of time. 30 31 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Incourt Incourt Ramillies église romane des Saint-Martin & Sainte-Adèle Place du 11ème Dragon Français 1350 Orp-le-Grand (Orp-Jauche) Information: +32 (0) 19 63 02 19 Overlooking the hamlet of Orp-le-Petit, the Château Rose, formerly named Villa Michotte after its owners in the 19th century, was built in 1782 by Baron Albert Stier. An imposing villa with outbuildings, all built in Gobertange stone and bricks, the Château Rose mansion in Orp-le-Petit was to become the residence of the local lords of Orp-le-Petit and Orp-leGrand. It replaced the former abode of the lords at Grande Ferme. At the start of the 20th century, the Schillers, the local lords of the realm at the time, extended the mansion and added a turret. In the grounds below the mansion, there is an old whipping post from the late 18th century. This admirably restored symbol and instrument of justice, is made up of a square base on which is stood a hexagonal shaft topped by a stone sphere. ◗ Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Château rose Rue du Château Rose 1350 Orp-le-Petit (Orp-Jauche) Private property: please respect the owner’s privacy Walks Perwez Jodoigne ◗ Overlooking the hamlet of Orp-le-Petit, the Château Rose, formerly named Villa Michotte after its owners in the 19th century, was built in 1782 by Baron Albert Stier. Practical information This prestigious Mosan Romanesque monument was preceded on this site by three previous constructions, all dedicated to Saint-Martin, the oldest of the three dating from the 8th century, on the founding of a monastery by Saint-Adele in Orp-le-Grand. This primitive church and that which followed it were destroyed during the invasions and upheavals that the region experienced during the 9th and 10th centuries. The reason for the disappearance of the third sanctuary remains unknown. However, it is known that in the 12th century the current Romanesque church was built on its foundations. After having burned in 1356 and 1674, the building was again devastated on 13th May 1940 by a disastrous fire which destroyed all its furnishings but luckily left the walls intact. Fortunately, the post-war restoration was conducted with particular care. Consequently, to preserve the uniformity of this marvellous edifice, the village quarry, abandoned long ago, was re-opened, to extract Orp stone, the same used by the builders in the 12th century. In September 2009, a new organ was installed in the choir using 17th century pipes and made by the Thomas de Ster-Francorchamps organ makers. Its remarkably imposing dimensions and the wonderful brightness of the Orp stone used to make the interior walls, in particular the nave, make this prestigious monument, whose restoration in 1958 was faithful to its original purity, stand out due to its polygonal three-sided apse, its crypt with cruciform pillars, the twin-lobed arches of its transom and remarkable interior and exterior decoration as well as arcading on the upper floor. These distinctive features confer incontestable originality and special interest on the edifice. The Saint-Martin and Sainte Adele Church is part of the 'Romanesque Heritage in Walloon Brabant'. Hélécine Jodoigne ◗ Orp-Jauche ◗ A jewel of the architectural heritage of the municipality of Orp-Jauche, the decanal church of Saint-Martin (the apostle of the Gauls) in Orp-le-Grand was also dedicated to Sainte Adele in 1948. It is, along with the collegiate church in Nivelles and the church in Bertem, one of the most representative and most complete sanctuaries of Romanesque art in Brabant. Beauvechain ◗ Le Château rose IN Orp-le-PETIT Heritage Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Beauvechain What’s on? ◗ THE SAINT-MARTIN & SAINTE-ADèLE ROMANESQUE CHURCH IN ORP-LE-GRAND Welcome touristGuide 32 33 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine ◗ Incourt Beauvechain ◗ THE FORTIFIED FARM IN OPPREBAIS Hélécine ◗ Incourt Jodoigne In that period, the inhabitants of Roux-Miroir and many other villages became locked in a dispute with the local tax-levying establishment. They complained in particular about the size and poor state of repair of their church. A petition was made to the Brabant council which obliged the taxmen to extend and restore the church. The work they had performed gave rise to a new conflict, notably concerning the arcades. The arcades are the pillars and arcs that are currently located alongside the nave of today’s church. The Presbytery is made up of an elegant enclosed building, with a date stone displaying 1729 above the Baroque style entrance door. Just like in the neighbouring constructions, Gobertange stone is mixed with brick to outline the plinth and architectural details: the door and window-frames, Barrow holes, fascia boards and corner-stones. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Martin 1315 Roux-Miroir (Incourt) For visits, knock at the door of the presbytery or telephone +32 (0) 476 56 44 42 (Priest: A. Stefanski) Jodoigne ◗ A short walk from its church, the village of Opprebais boasts remains of its former castle, a listed monument since 1973. It is a fine example of medieval military architecture. From before the 17th century, the castle already played host to a farm. This vast quadrangle from the middle of the 18th century in rough-hewn sandstone was artificially raised and previously surrounded by a moat of which very little remains. The corners were reinforced by four solid circular towers. The western façade still has a full tower boasting a portcullis groove and is the only remaining element of the original castle. At the centre of the southern flank, the prominent and square mass of the primitive keep around which the walls of the castle developed can be seen. The living quarters have remained unchanged and have extended to the south as the centuries have passed up to the surroundings of the former keep. Today, the fortified farm is still an active farm. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Château-ferme d’Opprebais Place du Village, 10 1315 Opprebais (Incourt) Private property: please respect the owner’s privacy Walks ◗ Slightly overlooking the village, the Parish Church of Saint-Martin is a fine building whose Romanesque tower in quartzite and Gobertange stone dates back to the 12th century. The rest of the edifice (the nave, lateral naves, choir and vestry) are mainly made of bricks and were the result of work carried out in the middle of the 18th century. Heritage Beauvechain Leisure & relaxing ◗ SAINT-MARTIN CHURCH IN ROUX-MIROIR & ITS PRESBYTERY Welcome touristGuide Practical information What’s on? In this superb portion of cobbled street, there are several architecturally remarkable restored small farms and houses. The area owes its charm to these traditional style buildings of quality and is enhanced by the recently planted and carefully presented hedges. 34 35 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt ◗ ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH DE Wastines Jodoigne ◗ This church is a large building of classic style built from sandstone and Gobertange stone. It is situated on a grassy and wooded plot of land, raised slightly above the road and enclosed by a wall that once delimited the cemetery. The existence of a sanctuary in this location dates back to the 12th century in all likelihood. The base of the tower was probably built in the Romanesque era. It has been conserved and was used for the rebuilding of the other levels of the tower and during its cross-cutting in 1757, as witnessed by the date-stone above the door. ◗ Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Trond Chaussée de Wavre 1370 Thorembais-Saint-Trond (Perwez) Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne ◗ This building built in bricks and Gobertange stone on a wooded slope of the small rural village of Wastines is tucked away on a raised plot of land enclosed by the cemetery wall and by the fences of the nearby traditional houses’ gardens. The current neo-classical church is the third to be built on this site. It was rebuilt in 1855 by Antoine Moreau (1791-1872), an architect from Walloon Brabant province, but retained the tower dating from the 11th to 12th century whose summit seems to be in a texture common to the 13th century. Six tombstones were built into the porch in 1980 including one that dates from 1538. The porch is crowned by a vault of pillared roof ridges from the 14th century. The building boasts quite remarkable furnishings such as the pulpit, high alter, wooden panelling of the choir and the alter rails as well as the wooden baptismal fonts and the central alter. The medieval tower of the church is a listed monument since 8th March 1938, like many others that received the same recognition during the inter-war period. Orp-Jauche ◗ Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Jean-Baptiste Rue de Thorembais 1370 Wastinnes (Perwez) Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Practical information What’s on? Walks The church and its enclosure walls, the sanctuary and its surrounds are a listed monument and site since 27th July 1983. Orp-Jauche Beauvechain Heritage Beauvechain Leisure & relaxing ◗ SAINT-TROND CHURCH IN Thorembais-Saint-Trond Welcome touristGuide 36 37 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche ◗ The organ at Thorembais-les-Béguines has been restored in perfect respect of the original materials despite its rather non-uniform character. unknown origin one of the finest musical monuments of Wallonia. Its greatest strength lies in its exceptional sound quality enhanced by the wonderful acoustics of the Saint-Martin Church, built in 1851 in a neo-classical style by the architects Antoine Moreau (1791-1872) and émile Coulon (1825-1891). It was declared a listed monument on 4th October 1974 as well as the rood screen balustrade dating back to the 18th century on which it stands. ◗ Perwez Ramillies église Saint-Roch & Saint-Martin Rue de Mellemont 1360 Thorembais-les-Béguines (Perwez) Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Beauvechain Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne ◗ On the village square in Autre-église, Notre-Dame Church and its presbytery form a fine architectural ensemble from the 18th century. The current church dates from between 1759 and 1766. It combines rough-hewn Gobertange stone and quartzite sandstone: its façade modified in 1830 has been coated with bricks. Superb oak woodwork, several paintings as well as blue stone gothic baptismal fonts from the 16th century grace its interior. The enclosure wall of the former presbytery boasts a porch / dovecote dating from 1737. The Gobertange stonework emphasise the pigeon holes and the arch of the doorway. Below the presbytery, the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart chapel and its neo-classical style date back to the 19th century. The canon in the centre of the square pays witness to modern history, left by the German army as they retreated in 1918. Orp-Jauche Perwez ◗ Ramillies église Notre-Dame Rue de la Place 1367 Autre-église (Ramillies) Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Practical information What’s on? Walks The organ is still in service, to the delight of both organ lovers and the uninitiated. The restoration of this organ is still today seen as the reference in musical renovation in Wallonia. ◗ NOTRE-DAME CHURCH IN AUTRE-éGLISE & THE PRESBYTERY Heritage Beauvechain Leisure & relaxing ◗ THE LISTED SAINT-ROCH & SAINT-MARTIN CHURCH ORGAN IN Thorembais-les-Béguines Welcome touristGuide 38 39 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage The squat tower in rough-hewn Gobertange stone dates back to the 14th or 15th century. The adjacent short nave originates from the 16th century and is illuminated by two pointed arch windows. The imposing dimensions of the tower in relation to the building suggest its use was twofold: both cultural and military, at least for the purposes of a watchtower. The Saint-Feuillen chapel and surrounding buildings are the hub of a remarkable structured architectural ensemble. The network of brick enclosure walls that link the buildings contributes to the uniformity of the whole. Perwez ◗ Ramillies Chapelle Saint-Feuillen Rue de la Gare d’Hédenge 1367 Hédenge (Ramillies) Hélécine Incourt ◗ The Ramillies railway station was located at the coming together of two lines: the Tamines-Landen track created in 1865, and the Namur-Tienen track, created in 1869. The intersection of the rail network formed the 'Hesbaye Cross' providing considerable activity which lasted at the station in Ramillies until the 1950’s. The station allowed the villagers to get around as well as the transport of construction material and local agricultural produce, such as beetroot. Thanks to this infrastructure, the villagers found better paid employment in the neighbouring towns or in the factories of Gembloux and Basse-Sambre, leading to a significant rural exodus. Thirty people were employed in 1940 at the station (signalmen, light men, telephone receptionists). During the beetroot season, the workforce was increased to handle up to 150 wagons per day. After a century of operation, the trains were replaced by buses. Between 1959 and 1961, the two lines were progressively closed down and in 1976, the Belgian rail company SNCB abandoned the station. Its architecture is eclectic in style. The combination of colours and the many decorative details are remarkable, as is the glass-covered awning in cast iron which has been preserved. Initially, the station for the two lines was to have been built in Geest-Gérompont. It was finally set up in Ramillies for the simple reason that the railway company that ran these lines had English shareholders. The aim was to act as a reminder of the victorious battle in Ramillies in 1706 when the English beat the French. The station, whose design is similar to the one at La Hulpe or in Eghezée, was closed to passengers in 1962. Since then, it has been fully restored. The courtyard is used as a bus stop for regional buses. The old railway lines are today part of the RAVeL pedestrian / cyclist network. Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez ◗ Ramillies Gare de Ramillies Place de la Gare 1367 Ramillies Private property: please respect the owner’s privacy Practical information The Corées stream starts at a spring in the marshy fields that spread out around the Becquevoort farm. Some buildings of this ample farm were built in the 18th century. The Vicar’s farm formerly played host to the vicar of Autre-église. It has undergone a number of modifications, but the porch / dovecote and the lower parts of the buildings all date back to the 18th century. Completing the number of these important farms, the Château d’Hédenge manor stands out thanks to its high neo-classical façade built in 1840. Orp-Jauche Beauvechain Heritage Incourt Jodoigne ◗ A gothic edifice built on an outcrop overlooking the village, the chapel is dedicated to Saint-Feuillen, the head of an Irish religious community which came in the middle of the 7th century to seek refuge in Belgium. He played a significant role in the evangelisation of the region and south of the country. The presence of a fountain nearby to the chapel suggests that it is a very ancient place of worship that may date back to the 5th century. ◗ RAMILLIES RAILWAY STATION Leisure & relaxing Hélécine Walks Beauvechain What’s on? ◗ THE SAINT-FEUILLEN CHAPEL IN Hédenge Welcome touristGuide 40 41 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ SAINTE-RAGENUFLE FOUNTAIN ◗ Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies The village of Mélin is a small settlement huddled around its church, 5 km to the west of Jodoigne. Several roads start out from the centre of the village. There are several fine examples of typical rural dwellings on these roads which head towards the hamlets of Mélin, Sart-Mélin, Gobertange and Maison du Bois. Mélin has a special charm: a rustic setting surrounded by a ring of small hills from which magnificent views can be enjoyed. This admirable line of summits dotted with remarkable viewpoints demarcates the entire horizon of Mélin. Every two years, the non-profit making association Qualité Village Mélin organises an 'open garden' weekend. For the occasion, owners open the gates of their gardens to visitors. ◗ www.villagemelin.be [email protected] Gobertange stone The Gobertange stone is the symbol of an entire region. It embodies a strong sense of identity and emotion due to its omnipresence in the area’s architectural landscape. However, this material is also the emblem of the area outside its boundaries, through the good reputation it acquired thanks to the medieval builders who extracted and exported it. Yet, it was used even before medieval times. Extracted since thousands of years ago in the region, it draws its name from a hamlet in Mélin: 'Gobertange' and the stream of the same name. Its superb white / yellowish colour, sometimes with hints of pink or grey, or even sometimes speckled with rusty coloured patches, make it a much sought after stone, appreciated for the warmth of its shades. This stone is easy to extract and conducive to cutting, satisfactorily resistant, but sensitive to pollution, especially in urban areas. Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Fontaine Sainte-Ragenufle Rue Sainte-Ragenufle 1315 Incourt Beauvechain ◗ GUSTOT MILL Hélécine ◗ Incourt Built in 1826 by a man called Rosy, this windmill was initially built entirely out of wood on an octagonal base of bricks. Especially exposed to the wind, it worked to perfection. It disappeared, however, fairly soon and in 1854, it was rebuilt in brick by the Gustot brothers. As time passed by, it suffered plenty of damage. In 1960, with only part of the tower remaining, it was entirely restored. The municipality of Incourt purchased it in 1991 and it was again restored in 1996. The summit of its fixed cap stands at 13 metres above ground level. Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Moulin Gustot Rue du Moulin 1315 Opprebais (Incourt) Practical information Today, only one quarry remains at Hussompont. Opened in 1985, it is made up of a giant open cast excavation in which modern machinery sorts through the earth in a radically different manner to old extraction methods. ◗ Incourt The only drinking water fountain in Walloon Brabant, the Sainte-Ragenufle fountain was rebuilt on the base of an older one in 1953 on the site of a spring. Its water is reputed to cure fever and anasarca (an ailment of various causes: heart problems, kidney stones, cirrhosis…). According to Christian tradition, Sainte-Ragenufle lived in Incourt where she died in 650. Refusing a forced marriage imposed by her parents, she fled her family home to hide in the woods where she made a spring bring forth water. It was next to this spring that she died. Heritage ◗ Mélin, Saint-Rémy-Geest and Gobertange but also Jodoigne, Lathuy and Tourinnes-La-Grosse boast a large number of buildings built in Gobertange stone. Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Incourt Beauvechain Walks Hélécine What’s on? Beauvechain ◗ Mélin Welcome touristGuide 42 43 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ THE SQUARE FARMS Hélécine Orp-Jauche Perwez ◗ Ramillies Erected during the Early Roman Empire (the 2nd half of the 1st century B.C. up to midway through the 3rd century A.D.), but especially during the 2nd century, these often imposing tumuli are frequently located along routes (Roman roads), on natural outcrops in order to be seen from far away. Symbolically, their mass signifies the rank and power of the deceased to which they place host. The tombs of Glimes and Hottomont, surrounded by a low peripheral wall are the most well known in our region, as well as being the best conserved, but other tumuli have disappeared over time. Where the drum remains, it is possible to work out the diameter of the tumulus. Since time immemorial, tumuli have awakened curiosity, leading to many intrusions and pillaging. In a military context, their strategic purpose is evident. Although legend has for a long time often ascribed the attribution of these tumuli to military chiefs, these mounds are in fact the incineration tomb of a rich land owner - or that of his wife or a dignitary who were perhaps former Roman legionaries, demobbed and settled in our regions. Indeed, the relation between the tumulus and a villa located in its immediate surroundings has often been highlighted. Such is the case at L’écluse. The funerary furnishings are often rich, mostly civilian and for everyday use. The Tumulus of Hottomont Alongside the road between Bavay and Cologne, the tumulus of Hottomont is 11.50 m at its highest point with a diameter of approximately 50 m. It was surrounded by a low circular wall which has today been replaced by a quickset hedge. Even though the cone was pillaged during different eras, an urn was discovered here, buried 0.40 m below the primitive ground level. It became a listed monument in 1971. The tumulus of Glimes This is a 15-metres high mound with a diameter of approximately 52 m, whose collapsed base today covers a circular peripheral wall. It contains a burial vault, that has been pillaged, made up of carefully interlocked stone slabs and is closed by a lid in two parts fitted with metal brackets. Previously called the Tomb of Glimes, the tumulus is the focus of many traditions. There is said to have been benches on its summit and a plantation of trees. At the village fair, the first dance takes place here. The tumulus of Glimes is one of the biggest remaining tumuli in Belgium. It was declared a listed monument in 1971. 44 Two categories of people may have presided over their creation: they were either founded by lords or they were instigated by a religious institution, most likely an abbey or a collegiate church, which were founded in increasing numbers during the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, most of them are relatively well preserved and retain their original structure. Some examples of farms created by lords: ◗ The Grande Cense farm in Offus ◗ The Grand Château farm in Huppaye ◗ The Cense del Tour farm in Glimes ◗ The Tourettes farm in Bomal ◗ The Petite Cense farm in Perwez ◗ The Grande Ferme farm in Orp-le-Petit (nearby, below Château Rose, the whipping post is a symbol of justice stemming from the lord’s power) Some examples of farms of ecclesiastic origin: ◗ The Prémontrés farm in Heylissem ◗ The Stocquoy farm ◗ The Bénédictins farm in Hamme ◗ The Cisterciens farm in Valduc ◗ The farm in Wahenges ◗ The La Ramée farm in Jauchelette ◗ The Moulin farm in Thorembais-les-Béguines ◗ The Dîme farm or Spirlet farm in Jandrain ◗ The Mellemont farm in Thorembais-les-Béguines Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Heritage ◗ Mounds of earth of varying size, tumuli are built to cover a grave, most often buried beneath ground level. Incourt ◗ Inescapable symbols of the Hesbaye landscape, the large square farms scattered across the region, isolated in the middle of their lands or integrated into villages, are characteristic heritage of the medieval era as are the vast agricultural estates to which they belong. Practical information Jodoigne Leisure & relaxing ◗ Incourt Walks Hélécine What’s on? Beauvechain ◗ tumuli: PRIVILEGED AND GRAND TOMBS Welcome touristGuide 45 Roman Païs, a region full of treasures! brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage touristGuide Beauvechain ◗ THE CHAPELS Hélécine Incourt ◗ Away from the Parish churches, some buildings of smaller scale contribute to drawing the sketch of the Architectural religious landscape of the seven municipalities, primarily the Sainte-Catherine chapel in Herbais, the Notre-Dame chapel in Sart-Risbart, Saint-Corneille in Mille, Saint-Feuillen in Hédenge, Saint-Roch in Perwez and Our Lady of Good Comfort in Zetrud-Lumay… Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies A centuries-old collegiate church, a small adventure train. An unusual mill, busy farms. At each glance, a relic of the past. At each step, attractive gems from the present. Roman Païs is waiting for you to come and discover its many treasures… C harming villages, unspoilt nature, relaxation and a The Mélin chapels route The 'Friends of the Chapels of Mélin' association has worked to restore seven chapels spread along a 10-km long walk through the countryside of Mélin. Enjoy the charm of the chapels dotted along the route but also by the small farms, large agricultural estates and picturesque landscapes. Information: Maison du Tourisme > Nivelles > Braine-le-Château > Ittre > Rebecq > Tubize range of other activities, traditions from its rich past. This is what Roman Païs can offer visitors today. A region where gifted artisans, artists and architects created churches, castles, villages and estates. A forge for a wedding, a well renowned for its miracles, a peaceful canal to navigate on, scenic countryside for leisurely walks. Well-known performance halls; museums packed with hidden treasures, exhilarating exhibitions, processions and carnivals with ancient traditions. A nd last but not least, something we’re exceptionally proud of: traditional gastronomic delights. Let yourself be tempted by our irresistibly mouth-watering ‘tarte al djote’, unique ‘doubles al boukète’ or authentic home-made beers. Simon création graphique - réf. 3820 Foto’s : Nivelles Capital © - © OPT And if you need more reasons why you should discover Roman Païs, come and visit the Roman Païs Tourist Office. We are open 7 days a week, from 8am to 5pm. [email protected] rue de Saintes, 48 - 1400 Nivelles - Belgium Tel. +32 (0)67 22 04 44 - Fax +32 (0)67 21 98 88 46 47 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne ◗ Orp-Jauche From the traces left by prehistoric man, you are invited to discover the everyday life of Cro-Magnon man, through actions and words: using a sling-shot, using ancient tools such as cutting blades, chisels, scrapers, borers, lighting fires with flint. Perwez Ramillies Heritage ◗ LEISURE & RELAXING IN BRABANT HESBAYE ◗ THE WALLOON BRABANT MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION (MIABW) Welcome touristGuide MIABW www.domainehelecine.be +32 (0) 19 51 96 82 [email protected] Visits by appointment only Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne The 1940 French Cavalry Brigade Museum brings together souvenirs, cards, photos, documents, uniforms, weapons and various equipment related to the fighting that took place on the Petite Ghète and the Mehaigne. French cuirassiers, dragoons and artillery-men commanded by General Prioux resisted the German armoured divisions during the tank battle that took place towards the start of the Second World War (from 10th to 13th May 1940). Nearby, there is a monument to the French cavalry commemorating the heroic resistance of the French soldiers and honouring the memory of those who gave their lives. Walks Beauvechain ◗ Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Musée du Corps de Cavalerie français 1940 What’s on? ◗ THE 1940 FRENCH CAVALRY BRIGADE MUSEUM Leisure & relaxing Rue A. Dewolf, 21 1357 Hélécine Information: +32 (0) 19 63 45 10 Visits by appointment only 48 49 Practical information Chaussée de Wavre, 61 1350 Jandrain (Orp-Jauche) brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ THE 40-45 MEMORIAL MUSEUM Incourt The collections of the Armand Pellegrin Museum mainly illustrate the folklore and history of the locality and its region. It includes 10 themes: the schools of yesteryear, linen washing, traditional professions, dynasties, weapons, the nation, an old café and shop, an old-fashioned kitchen, rites and stages in life. Two collections deserve special attention: a series of lamps that recount the history of lighting and a superb set of children’s games dominated by toys made by the children themselves. Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Musée Armand Pellegrin Rue du Moulin, 15 1357 Opheylissem (Hélécine) www.helecine-map.be +32 (0) 19 65 69 90 The museum is based around different displays made up of approximately thirty mannequins depicting scenes from day to day life of Allied soldiers both on the front and while on leave. It also boasts a display case of a series of small equipment and everyday objects used by the armies at the time. The Museum wishes to participate in introducing the history of the Second World War to young people via means other than using school textbooks. Beauvechain Hélécine Each weekend before 21st July, the museum organises a reconstruction of an American campaign depot as it would have been in autumn 1944. ◗ Incourt Jodoigne Jodoigne Orp-Jauche ◗ Perwez Ramillies Musée du Souvenir 40-45 Rue d’Orbais, 2 1360 Malèves (Perwez) www.museedusouvenir.be +32 (0) 10 88 97 40 +32 (0) 479 44 65 09 +32 (0) 474 62 51 71 Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies What’s on? This small museum proposes a collection of objects belonging to the everyday life of our parents and grand-parents. They are displayed alongside old-fashioned tools kept in the owner’s farm in order to give a broad view of the farming methods that were still used during the first half of the 20th century (harvesting and planting of potatoes, growing beetroot…). Hélécine Incourt The 1940-45 memorial museum is located in the village of Malèves, in the old stables of the family farm. The museum serves to act as a memorial of the Second World War. The association endeavours to produce a display with an educational nature adapted to all visitors, enabling them to discover the Second World War and more specifically the liberation of Belgium and Walloon Brabant by the Allied armies. Perwez and the surrounding villages were liberated on 6th September 1944 by the 2nd Armoured Division of the American Army. Visits: check the web site ◗ MUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE Beauvechain Heritage ◗ Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Beauvechain Walks ◗ ARMAND PELLEGRIN MUSEUM Welcome touristGuide Musée de la vie rurale Information: +32 (0) 10 88 82 99 Visits by appointment only 50 51 Practical information Practical information Rue de Chaumont, 29 1315 Roux-Miroir (Incourt) brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ Beauvechain Hélécine Incourt Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Base Charles Roman - 1st Wing The Gallery of the Crab is: ◗ A place for interaction and friendship ◗ A commercial tool for artists and art lovers ◗ A tool for expression and creation ◗ A permanent educational tool ◗ Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Galerie du CRABE 1320 Beauvechain Rue Sergent Sortet, 23a 1370 Jodoigne www.musee.1wing.free.fr +32 (0) 10 68 22 02 Information: +32 (0) 81 40 50 ◗ Beauvechain Walks Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies What’s on? The non-profit-making association ASBL Max Van der Linden, owner of the ceramics, has set itself the mission of ensuring the durability of the artist’s works, which could not remain at the Agbiermont farm over the long-term. Consequently, solutions were sought in order to ensure public access to the works. The municipality of Beauvechain now plays host to twenty four works of this ceramic artist from Beauvechain in the Salle du Vert Galant centre. A circuit allowing visitors to discover the works and universe of Max Van der Linden in the villages of the municipality of Beauvechain is available from the Tourist Board. Hélécine Incourt The gallery of the crab opened in March 1992. Since this time, it has hosted many individual exhibitions, themed exhibitions, a yearly exhibition reserved for beginners (Talents '9'), mobile exhibitions as well as Mail Art experiments… Visits: check the web site ◗ COLLECTION OF THE WORKS OF MAX VAN DER LINDEN Beauvechain Heritage Jodoigne The main theme of the museum is the history of the units stationed at the base in Beauvechain from 1935 to the present day, with a focus on the presence of the air force from 1946 to 1996. Not only are aircraft on display, but also the engines, ancillary material and ground equipment can be seen. The museum emphasis these original distinctive features as well as evoking the base in Gossoncourt. A technical and historical documentation centre is also accessible (consultation of works by appointment). ◗ THE GALLERY OF THE CRAB Leisure & relaxing ◗ 1ST WING HISTORICAL CENTRE ' 1WHC ' Welcome touristGuide Collection des œuvres de Max van der Linden Salle du Vert Galant Place Communale, 5 1320 Beauvechain 52 Practical information Only by appointment: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 53 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Incourt ◗ THE BRASSERIE IN JANDRAIN-JANDRENOUILLE Jodoigne The configuration of the caves is similar to that of the flint and tufa quarries in Limbourg and the Geer Valley. However, the walls covered with pick-axe marks are emblematic of Folx-lesCaves and can only be found there. For many centuries, the caves were used as storage for farming equipment belonging to the villagers. They then served as a shelter to the population during the two World Wars. More than any other, one tenant left his mark on local history: the outlaw Colon who, in the 18th century, used this maze to hide from the police. In one of the larger chambers, the villagers danced (at a subterranean village ball) at Whitsuntide before 1910 and from 1952 to 1989. Until 1975, several generations of the same family used them to farm mushrooms. Many inscriptions can be seen on the walls, the oldest of which dates back to 1771. The basso relievo works found date from the first half of the 20th century: a Venus, a bust of King Albert I, a giraffe and a deer, probably sculpted by a Canadian soldier in 1918. ◗ Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Grottes de Folx-les-Caves Rue A. Baccus, 35 1350 Folx-les-Caves (Orp-Jauche) www.folx-les-caves.com +32 (0) 81 81 36 20 [email protected] Visits by appointment only Hélécine Incourt Jodoigne A remarkable quadrangle from the 18th century bordred by ploughed fields, the Féculerie farm in Jandrain-Jandrenouille was transformed into a brasserie in the summer of 2007. It produces the IV Saison beer, a golden ale with refreshing and fruity aromas, balanced out by a crisp bitterness. The V Cense amber ale possesses finely scented and very fruity aromas, whilst the VI Wheat is made using 'new wave' hops that provide this pale ale with very distinctive aromas reminiscent of certain very fruity white wines. Alexandre Dumont de Chassart and Stéphane Meulemans developed their project over a long period before purchasing the equipment of the Berry brasserie. Their desire to make beer dates back a long while, because they already hatched this idea when they were still students. Alexandre Dumont de Chassart now goes on solo with the project and is currently working on the increase of the brewery's capacity and the development of new products. ◗ Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Brasserie de JandrainJandrenouille Rue de la Féculerie, 34 1350 Jandrain-Jandrenouille (Orp-Jauche) www.brasseriedejandrain jandrenouille.com +32 (0) 475 71 45 35 Visits by appointment only Walks The precise origin of the caves in Folx-les-Caves is unknown. There are many theories: a prehistoric dwelling, a Roman quarry… Dug out by the hand of man from a rock mass of tufa, today they stretch over six hectares at a depth of 13 to 18 metres underground in a sequence of small rooms delimited by vaulted pillars. Rock falls have obstructed the entrances to many of the tunnels. Beauvechain Heritage Hélécine Leisure & relaxing Beauvechain ◗ THE CAVES OF Folx-les-Caves Welcome touristGuide Practical information What’s on? The site is a listed monument since 1993. 54 55 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Incourt On this family farm, you will discover the crops (wheat, 6-row barley, corn, beetroot and chicory as well as agri-environmental measures) and livestock (dairy cattle, livestock cattle, bulls for fattening, pigs, poultry, goats and donkeys) that are characteristic of our region’s farming. ◗ AT THE SOURCE OF HONEY PIERRE LEBRUN, BEEKEEPER Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Beauvechain Hélécine Incourt ◗ Jodoigne From May to September, by appointment, Pierre Lebrun, a beekeeper in Jodoigne, will show his hives, invite you to help extract honey and introduce you to the produce of his hives: honey, pollen, royal jelly and propolis. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Heritage Hélécine Ferme de la Daulerie Aux Sources du Miel Rue de Louvain, 14 1320 Beauvechain Rue de Piétrain, 103 1370 Jodoigne By appointment only: +32 (0) 10 86 69 78 Information: +32 (0) 485 14 29 16 [email protected] Visits from May to September by appointment only Beauvechain Hélécine Walks ◗ THE DECOSTER-PARIS FARM Incourt ◗ Jodoigne Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies What’s on? The owners of this farm will be only too glad to show you their farm specialised in dairy production and various crops. Visits focus on milk production and the cows, but also on renewable energies used at the farm or even themes chosen by the visitors. Leisure & relaxing ◗ Beauvechain ◗ THE LA DAULERIE FARM Welcome touristGuide Ferme Decoster-Paris Ruelle du Procureur, 2 1370 Jodoigne By appointment only: +32 (0) 10 81 24 02 Practical information [email protected] 56 57 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage touristGuide GROUP EXCURSIONS IN BRABANT HESBAYE ◗ BRABANT HESBAYE, A TASTY DESTINATION… In addition to its green landscapes and broad plains, Brabant Hesbaye is brimming with quality culinary products. Lovers of fine food and tasty dishes will be thrilled to discover the produce of this region… and will not be disappointed! Whilst the east of Walloon Brabant is well known as the cradle of the famous Piétrain pig, it is bursting with other quality products: beer, wine, sparkling wine, apples, pears, ducks, honey, ice cream, cold meats, pies… These are just a few examples of the diversity of products that can be found in Brabant Hesbaye. This diversity can also be found in how the products are grown or bred: whether traditional production, organic or integrated farming, there is something for every taste. Since 2010, a web site for purchasing local products - www.paniermalinbw.be - has been running to promote a sector of importance for our region. Throughout the year, Panier Malin selects more than 300 products from approximately twenty producers to make them available from the same venue and by a single payment via its personalised service. If you try it, you will not want to stop! It should not be forgotten that other producers who do not deliver products via Panier Malin also work every day to supply quality products. Further information on these producers can be found on our web site: www.hesbayebrabanconne.be. Do not hesitate to go and meet these producers who will introduce you to their world with delight and enthusiasm. Of course, this local produce would not be complete without recipes. The Tourist Board publishes a free brochure including twenty factsheets to help you organise your visits. Whether looking for day excursions or customised trips, this brochure will help you discover the culture, heritage and the land of Brabant Hesbaye. For teachers, associations and families. These excursions are for you! La Hesbaye brabanÇonne en 73 receTTes '73 recipes in Brabant Hesbaye' tells you how to use these products to make a pleasant meal based on local produce. The finest gourmets and restaurant owners of the region have worked to provide you with their best recipes in a practical guide for all types of kitchen. It is available throughout the year at the price of 3 euros from the Tourist Board. Lastly, whilst we can be proud of the multitude of products found in Hesbaye, there are 4 that are particularly well promoted thanks to brotherhoods that are especially active in our region: the Piétrain pig brotherhood, the Blanke Dorèye brotherhood (cheese tart), the 'Mougneux d’vet trèp' (green pudding) and the brotherhood of mushrooms of Folx-les-Caves, all fervent representatives of the gastronomy of this magnificent region. Nothing can be more pleasant than spending a nice day in a region that exudes calm and god living! www.culturalite.be BROCHURE FREE ON REQUEST +32(0)10/22 91 15 OR [email protected] 58 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt ◗ 41 marked trails Jodoigne Orp-Jauche ◗ IGN map 'Walks and discoveries in Brabant Hesbaye' In order to complete this network of walks, the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board has published a map of the walks in partnership with the IGN cartographers. This two-sided map includes the GR and RAVeL trails, different tourist information points and a text presenting the region in French and Dutch. This map is sold for the price of 7.5 euros at the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board, at the Orp-Jauche Tourist Office, at the Hélécine Tourist Office, at the Town Halls in the region and at the main tourist venues. Audio walks An invitation to discover the diverse living riches of Brabant Hesbaye. Six audio-guided walks to be listened to using headphones available from the Tourist Board for the price of 2 euros per person or to download from the Tourist Board web site. www.hesbayebrabanconne.be Walks in Orp-Jauche Four walks on foot to discover picturesque sites and splendid landscapes in the middle of nature are available from the town hall in Orp-Jauche and from the Tourist Board for 3 euros. Practical information What’s on? All the marked trails can be downloaded from our web site: www.hesbayebrabanconne.be Ramillies Heritage Take the time to roam through our superb region, its earthen and stone tracks, and its undulating countryside as far as the eye can see, or, off the beaten track, admire the remarkable heritage that shapes the territory of Brabant Hesbaye. A series of walks that promote green tourism and raise awareness among walkers to respect local resources can be easily found. Perwez Leisure & relaxing Come and discover the rich lands of Hesbaye thanks to a network of 41 marked trails through the 7 municipalities of the district of Jodoigne! Walks ◗ DISCOVER BRABANT HESBAYE ON FOOT OR BY BIKE Beauvechain ◗ WALKS Welcome touristGuide 60 61 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt Become a sponsor of the marked trails in the district! Orp-Jauche Perwez As part of the Leader+ European programme, 300 km of walking circuits were trail-marked in 2007 by the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board and the non-profit-making association GAL Culturalité, in cooperation with 6 municipalities of the district of Jodoigne. To maintain a quality network and enable you to enjoy and share the walking circuits proposed, join us and participate in the upkeep of these circuits! The trail marking installed can be damaged (by vehicles or by vandals…), the routes are sometimes diverted due to works or unauthorised closure. Each route must therefore be regularly checked. This is why we are counting on the collaboration of conscientious and enthusiastic volunteers to help us identify problems and enable good walking practices in our villages. Interventions for repair work will be performed by the technical services of the village concerned. Your role: ◗ To point out and check: point out a missing or damaged trail-Marker or in need of cleaning, a track or path in need of repair… A datasheet to be filled in is available for such information. ◗ To carry out on your own some upkeep (straightening a trail marker, cleaning a notice board…). The checking of routes and evaluation of problems need to be performed at least twice per year (in April / May when vegetation starts to bloom and in September / October after the high-season). ◗ Register with the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board: [email protected] Ramillies Géocaching Geocaching is an innovative game, a modern day version of a treasure hunt. It is a paper chase guided by GPS. The aim is to find hidden waterproof containers (plastic boxes) secreted away in the landscape. These containers contain a log book in which each person records his or her passage as well as 'treasures' such as a key ring, a toy car, a toy figure or other such objects. The challenge is not so much to retrieve the object but to take pleasure in finding where it is hidden and leaving your comments or even publishing your photos on the web. The route is set out by a series of passage points designated by their coordinates and by preference uses countryside routes (tracks, paths, farm roads, the RAVeL network…). At the end of 2014, Brabant Hesbaye boasts 19 fun GPS guided walks, must of which follow trail-marked walking routes, whilst others follow more unusual routes (which are always chosen with care). They are featured on the Tourist Board’s web site. www.hesbayebrabanconne.be Jodoigne The GR ('Grande Randonnée') long-distance walks are permanent red and white trail-marked tracks. They are intended for walking tourism. The routes are described in a map and guide book (on sale from specialist stores or from the SGR web sites) which informs you of the distances to be covered and the curiosities to be encountered as well as accommodation and public transport. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Heritage Jodoigne GR 579 Brussels-Liège - 148 km. Link between Orp-le-Petit - Hélécine via GR 128 - 8.8 km. 4 loops with short-cuts: ◗ 'The far eastern Walloon Brabant' Orp-le-Grand > 26.5 km ◗ 'The solitude of wide open spaces' Folx-les-Caves > 25.5 km ◗ 'The superb villages of white stone' Jodoigne > 25.3 km ◗ 'From one Brabant to the other, vast countryside and grand forests' > 24.1 km Leisure & relaxing Incourt Beauvechain ◗ GR WALKING TRACKS Beauvechain ◗ THE FITNESS TRAIL IN Opprebais Hélécine ◗ Incourt Jodoigne From the Opprebais Nature Centre, a fitness trail measuring 2.2 km around the site of the former quarry in Opprebais enables walkers to discover the plant-life and wild-life thanks to notice boards dotted along the route. The northern part of the route borders Orbais and enables walkers to discover the artificial waterfalls built to ensure oxygenation of the water-way. From this part of the root, visitors can discover the Saint-Jean ponds and prairies… Walks Hélécine Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies What’s on? Beauvechain ◗ DO YOU LOVE WALKING? Welcome touristGuide Practical information Contact: Jacques Luyckx aka Indiana Jack [email protected] 62 63 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain ◗ Sentes Hélécine ◗ Incourt An original manner of discovering art in the heart of our rural and other heritage by means of art! Jodoigne Walks in Ramillies 'The battle of 1706' Two trail-marked walks enable the discovery of the Battle of Ramillies site: ◗ Maison du Roy - Start from the old railway station in Ramillies > 12.8 km ◗ Marlbourough - Start from the square in Ramillies Village > 10.3 km Each year, a new SENTES walk is set up in Brabant Hesbaye. The existing walks at present are: Ramillies (2012), Incourt (2013) and Hélécine (2014). The maps of the SENTES walks are available from the web sites www.hesbayebrabanconne. be and www.culturalite.be Dreamed up by the Re-Affect association and organised in partnership with the Culturalité en Hesbaye brabançonne association, the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board and the Walloon Brabant Cultural Centre. ◗ KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR LANDSCAPES & HERITAGE Brabant Hesbaye has many surprises in store for you! Vast plateaux of crops, monumental square farms and endless horizons, make up the sole of this region and shape its landscapes. Come and discover unique viewpoints and emblematic elements of our heritage which continue to write the pages of history of this authentic region! The most emblematic elements of the architectural and landscape heritage are promoted via 53 notice boards spread throughout the region. A brochure listing the locations of these notice boards is available from the Tourist Board. Heritage The SENTES are trail-marked walks that follow countryside tracks and paths along which works of modern art are permanently installed. Practical information Thanks to the notice boards and viewpoint finders available in four languages (French, Dutch, English and German), these two trail-marked circuits provide all the necessary information for a good understanding of the context of the battle of Ramillies and how it unfolded. By following one or the other of these walks, you can make historical discoveries during a pleasant walk through the bucolic landscapes of the municipality of Ramillies. ◗ Ramillies Leisure & relaxing They illustrate the combats which took place via maps, photos and explanatory texts which are also available in French or Dutch. The first viewpoint finder concerns fighting between Belgian and German soldiers. The three others evoke fighting between French and German soldiers. To gain a good grasp of these events, it is important to view the viewpoint finders in their correct order. ◗ Perwez Walks The viewpoint finders are located at: ◗ Sart-Risbart / Chaumont > at the old Dieu Aimant chapel ◗ Perwez > by the old railway station, near to RAVeL ◗ Ramillies > opposite the church in Ramillies-Village, next to the war memorial ◗ Orbais > on the church forecourt, next to the walking trail notice boards Orp-Jauche © sclap.be On the centenary of the First World War, the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board, in collaboration with the municipalities of Incourt, Chaumont-Gistoux, Ramillies and Perwez, and thanks to the exceptional support of the Walloon Brabant Province, has built 4 viewpoint finders designed to assist walkers with understanding the nature and magnitude of the little-known fighting that took place on our territory between 16th and 19th August 1914. What’s on? ◗ COMBATS IN AUGUST 1914 IN BRABANT HESBAYE Welcome touristGuide 64 65 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Beauvechain Beauvechain ◗ L147 Perwez-Lincent Hélécine Hélécine Incourt Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board Grand'Place, 1 1370 Jodoigne Perwez [email protected] Hageland Heritage Starting from the old railway station in Grand-Leez-Thorembais, the route crosses the centre of Perwez and takes the rider through fields to Ramillies, where it crosses the L142 trail (Hesbaye cross). At this point, either you continue along the L147 towards Orp-Jauche and Lincent, or you follow the L142 in the direction of Namur or Jodoigne. Further on, on the L147, the route through fields and crops is very safe, since the junctions, mostly with farm tracks, are few and far between. Take care, however, when crossing the N64. Information: Hageland Ha © lander loeckx Haspengouw Beauvechain ◗ RAVeL 2 (L142) Ha Hélécine Incourt © Kristien Wintmolders Hesbaye brabançonne Haspengouw Hesbaye brabançonne Orp-Jauche Ramillies Hb A version of these circuits is available for download via the web site www.routeyou.com: 'getting to know our neighbours'. On this site, all the information included in the folders as well as advice on eating and accommodation in the surroundings can be found. The HHH project was coordinated by GAL Culturalité and its two CHHHaleureusement vôtre ! partners, GAL Hageland+ and Leaderwerking Haspengouw as Ha Ha Hb part of the European programme ‘Leader’. Jodoigne Leisure & relaxing Additionally, two loops around Orp-Jauche are accessible to all, measuring 14 and 20 km. The first 'Landscapes' circuit takes riders to the finest viewpoints of the villages and countryside to the north of the municipality of Oro-Jauche, whilst the second 'Farms & Caves' ride enables cyclists to discover the villages to the south of the municipality. An illustrated brochure includes a map of both these bicycle rides. This brochure is on sale at the Orp-Jauche Tourist Office and from the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board for the price of 2.5 euros. As part of the 'HHH' cooperation project, three border regions (Brabant Hesbaye / Walloon Brabant, Hageland / Flemish Brabant and Haspengouw / Limbourg) have come together to create six cycling circuits which allow riders to discoverHathe various riches that these magnificent regions have to offer. The distances range between 32 and 67 km and come with a Ha handled. folder whose brochures (one per circuit) can be easily The folder, free of charge, is available from the Tourist Boards and Tourist Offices of the three regions. Incourt Ideal for a nice quiet ride in the country, this long straight line bordered by trees links Perwez to Racour (Lincent) on the way towards Landen. Jodoigne Hb © maison du tourisme Hesbaye brabançonne DES circuitS vélo sans frontières ! HagelandHaspengouwHesbayebrabançonne E nfourchez votre vélo et respirez à pleins poumons dans les beaux paysages ondulés des régions Hageland, Haspengouw et Hesbaye brabançonne, trois régions magnifiques situées de part et d’autre des frontières linguistique et provinciales. Laissez-vous envoûter par le parfum de millions de fleurs au printemps et savourez les fruits à la période des récoltes. En route, vous découvrirez de jolies petites villes et des vestiges romains. Admirez la beauté de la nature, le patrimoine religieux, les imposantes fermes en carré et appréciez l’accueil chaleureux qui vous sera réservé. Bienvenue dans les régions HHH ! Europees landbouwfonds voor Plattelandsontwikkeling : Europa investeert in zijn platteland. Fonds européen agricole pour le développement rural : l’Europe investit dans les zones rurales. RAVeL is a network of tracks for slow mobility, i.e. cyclists, pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, roller-skaters… RAVeL proposes routes on exclusive rights of way, away from roads used by cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks. Tow paths and old railway lines as well as local roads make up the most part of the RAVeL routes. RAVeL 2 links Mariembourg to Hoegaarden passing through Geest-Gérompont, Huppaye, Jodoigne and Saint-Jean-Geest. Fr gratuit Ha Ha Hb Jodoigne Walks The Tourist Board has elaborated 7 bicycle rides, of distances between 13 and 26 km. The routes mostly take re-parcelling tracks and other small roads without much vehicle traffic. These unmarked trails are included in the folders available from the Tourist Board. Orp-Jauche Perwez Ramillies What’s on? ◗ BICYCLE RIDES Welcome touristGuide All the documents can be downloaded free of charge from our web site: www.hesbayebrabançonne.be Ha Ha Hb CHHHaleureusement vôtre ! Practical information bouclE 1 bouclE 2 bouclE 3 bouclE 4 bouclE 5 bouclE 6 DE cHâtEau En cHâtEau PromEnaDE DES vErgErS à la rEncontrE DE noS voiSinS lES FErmES En carré au Fil DES PiErrES & DE la gEttE PiErrES & carrièrES HagelandHaspengouwHesbayebrabançonne DES circuitS vélo sans frontières ! 66 67 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Hélécine Incourt ◗ Jodoigne ◗ Orp-Jauche ◗ Perwez ◗ Jodoigne Ramillies > Jodoigne: Thursday morning from 8 AM to 1 PM on the main square and the surrounding streets Heritage ◗ What’s on? IN BRABANT HESBAYE Beauvechain ◗ WEEKLY MARKETS Welcome touristGuide ◗ Orp-Jauche ◗ Perwez Practical information What’s on? Walks > Perwez: Thursday from 2 PM to 6 PM on the main square and Saturday from 8.30 AM to 1 PM on the site of the railway station Leisure & relaxing > Jauche: Wednesday from 2.30 PM to 7 PM, Rue de la Gare 68 69 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Welcome touristGuide ◗ EVENTS Heritage Information: www.incrock.be Information: +32 (0) 19 63 34 46 Information: +32 (0) 10 81 45 22 ◗ May Perwez Carnival During the course of the month Beauvechain Saint-Cornelius Procession 4th Sunday after Easter (Hamme-Mille) Information: +32 (0) 81 83 47 97 Information: +32 (0) 10 86 02 65 ◗ March Jodoigne Ascension Day market: on Ascension Thursday in Jodoigne, national sheep, cattle and pig competition and major market Jodoigne Chapter of the Brotherhood of the cheese tart 'le Blanke Doréye de Djodoigne' Last Saturday in May in Jodoigne Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Information: +32 (0) 10 81 14 60 ◗ Avril Incourt Sainte-Ragenufle Procession On Whitsun Monday Jodoigne Flower market Mid April Information: +32 (0) 10 88 84 31 Orp-Jauche 'Gette’Art' artistic festival Normally at the end of May, never at the same time as Ascension Day and Whitsuntide. Every other year (odd numbered years). Hélécine Carnival On the weekend midway through lent ◗ Juin Jodoigne Spring clearance sale 1st weekend of the month Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 Information: +32 (0) 19 65 69 90 Garden walks in Mélin End of the month (every 2 years) Information: www.villagemelin.be Chapter of the Brotherhood of Mushrooms Last Saturday in June in the caves of Folx-les-Caves Musical procession Normally at the end of May, never at the same time as Ascension Day and Whitsuntide. Every other year (even numbered years). Information: +32 (0) 4 337 80 97 Leisure & relaxing Jodoigne Ice skating rink at Hall Baudouin During the month of February Inc’Rock BW Festival 1st weekend of May Walks Orp-Jauche Chapter of the Brotherhood of Mougneus d’Vète Trëpe Information: +32 (0) 476 97 73 20 What’s on? ◗ February Practical information Information: +32 (0) 19 63 02 19 70 71 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Welcome touristGuide ◗ EVENTS Incourt The Scarecrow Festival 3rd weekend in August in Piétrebais Hélécine Medieval weekend 1st weekend in July ◗ October Jodoigne Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Piétrain pig Early September Jodoigne 'Fenêtre sur Mur' (window on the wall) biennial arts festival 1st weekend of October, every two years (even numbered years) Information: +32 (0) 473 53 04 51 Information: +32 (0) 10 81 34 70 Information: www.domainehelecine.be Horse-riding festival Around 21st July Heritage ◗ July Orp-Jauche Sainte-Adèle pilgrimage 1st Sunday in October Information: www.domainehelecine.be Information: +32 (0) 19 63 37 37 ◗ September Hélécine The night of fire, fireworks display Early September Orp-Jauche Mosan Summer Festival Mid-July Pumpkin fair 3rd weekend in September Perwez 'The Arts of Orbais' artistic procession 1st weekend in October, every two years (odd numbered years) Information: www.ilestbeaumonpotiron.com Malèves-Sainte-Marie-Wastinnes 'Balad’Art' artistic procession 1st weekend of October, every two years (even numbered years) Information: www.domainehelecine.be Information: www.etemosan.be Incourt March of the Chouans of Incourt in Jodoigne, 6-km walk in the company of walkers in period costume with their horses and carts 3rd weekend in September & +32 (0) 19 63 02 19 ◗ August Hélécine Oldtimer Rally (cars) Late August Information: +32 (0) 499 96 91 89 Information: www.domainehelecine.be ◗ November 'Fenêtre sur Mur' (window on the wall) biennial arts festival Last weekend of September, once every two years (even numbered years Beauvechain Festival of Saint-Martin During the weekends in November, many artists from the local area and further afield will be displaying their works in private homes and village halls. Information: +32 (0) 10 81 15 15 Information: www.tourinnes.be Practical information & +32 (0) 475 60 98 14 Walks Information: wwwdomainehelecine.be What’s on? L’Île aux Enfants / Children’s Island Last weekend in July Leisure & relaxing Information: +32 (0) 10 81 15 15 72 73 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ EVENTS ◗ GASTRONOMIC BROTHERHOODS Beauvechain Hélécine Welcome touristGuide Incourt Information: www.domainehelecine.be ◗ December Brabant Hesbaye Christmas markets and concerts Brotherhoods in Brabant Hesbaye ◗ Brotherhood of the cheese tart 'Lë Blanke Doréye de Djodogne' (Jodoigne) ◗Brotherhood of the Order of the Piétrain pig (Jodoigne) Walks Information: +32 (0) 81 65 53 44 & +32 (0) 81 83 47 97 Ramillies ◗ Brotherhood of the Mushrooms of Folx-les-Caves (Orp-Jauche) In 2005, during the youth festival, the municipality of Incourt, in partnership with the municipality and cultural centre of Jodoigne, l’AMO and many other local partners and associations created the Inc’Rock Festival. As the years have passed, the Festival has built a solid reputation to the extent that it is now a not-to-be-missed event in Wallonia and a prelude to what the public is likely to see during the major summer Festivals! The festival continues to follow its prime purpose, which is to put on show an eclectic offering that includes young local groups and experienced groups from the rock, hip-hop and Fench pop scenes. With a significant place given to artists from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the billing also includes internationally famous bands. The Inc’rock BW Festival takes place each year in the month of May. Perwez Perwez on Ice Craft market accompanied by street theatre and musical shows. Les week-ends de décembre Perwez ◗ Brotherhood of Mougneûs d’Vete Trëpe - Orp-le-Petit (Orp-Jauche) Inc’rock BW Festival Information: +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 ◗ Orp-Jauche Heritage Hélécine Gourmet market Mid November ◗ Jodoigne Leisure & relaxing There are four gastronomic brotherhoods in Brabant Hesbaye. They are closely linked to the history of their locality. The coloured robes of the brotherhoods, their protocol and the pomp of their chapter could lead them to being described as rather quaint. However, this would be an injustice, because first and foremost the brotherhoods are ambassadors of a quality product of the land, defend its taste, perpetuate its traditional recipe and are mobilised to promote an ancestral product: the aromas of a fine beer, the delicacy of a tart, the quality of a blood sausage and the taste of a good mushroom. What’s on? www.incrock.be Accommodation & restaurants The list of accommodation and restaurants in Brabant Hesbaye is often subject to changes. This is why it is not published in this guide. If you would like an up-to-date list, simply make a request to the Tourist board or consult our web site Practical information www.hesbayebrabanconne.be 74 75 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage ◗ For all tourist information ◗ Municipal authorities WBT - ASBL Wallonie-Bruxelles Tourisme Rue Saint-Médard, 30 1060 Bruxelles Maison communale de Beauvechain Place Communale, 3 1320 Beauvechain www.belgique-tourisme.be www.beauvechain.eu +32 (0) 2 504 02 00 T +32 (0) 10 86 83 00 F +32 (0) 10 86 83 01 FTPBW - Fédération du Tourisme de la Province du Brabant wallon Avenue Einstein, 2 1300 Wavre Maison communale d'Hélécine Rue Le Brouc, 22 1357 Hélécine Heritage ◗ Practical information Leisure & relaxing ◗ Practical information en Hesbaye brabançonne Welcome touristGuide +32 (0)10 23 63 31 www.helecine.be [email protected] T +32 (0) 19 65 50 23 Syndicat d’Initiative d'Hélécine Rue du Moulin, 15 1357 Opheylissem (Hélécine) [email protected] Maison communale de Incourt Rue de Brombais, 2 1315 Incourt www.helecine-si.be Walks F +32 (0) 19 65 73 09 +32 (0)19 65 69 90 T +32 (0) 10 88 93 37 Office du tourisme d'Orp-Jauche F +32 (0) 10 88 93 72 [email protected] What’s on? www.incourt.be [email protected] www.orp-jauche.be +32(0)19 63 02 19 Practical information [email protected] 76 77 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage Maison communale de Jodoigne Rue du Château, 13 1370 Jodoigne Bibliothèque d'Incourt ' Espace Corlier ' Chemin de la Carrière aux Pavés, 16A 1315 Opprebais (Incourt) Centre culturel de Jodoigne Grand’Place, 1 1370 Jodoigne +32 (0) 10 81 11 72 www.culturejodoigne.be [email protected] T +32 (0) 10 81 15 15 ADL Perwez (Local Development Agency) Rue de la Station, 7 1360 Perwez +32 (0) 81 83 47 97 Maison du conte et de la littérature Grand’Place, 1 1370 Jodoigne F +32 (0) 10 81 59 67 Bibliothèque de Jodoigne ' Château Pastur ' Rue du Château, 13 1370 Jodoigne www.jodoigne.be T +32 (0) 10 81 99 99 F +32 (0) 10 81 99 88 Maison communale de Orp-Jauche Place Communale, 1 1350 Orp-Jauche www.contebw.be [email protected] T +32 (0) 10 81 41 47 Centre culturel de Perwez Grand’Place, 32 1360 Perwez F +32 (0) 10 81 59 67 ◗ National emergency numbers www.culturejodoigne.be +32 (0) 10 81 99 57 www.foyerperwez.be SOS European 112 Ambulances & fire 100 Police 101 Red Cross 105 Child Focus 110 T +32 (0) 81 23 45 55 Bibliothèque de Perwez Rue de Brabant, 45 1360 Perwez www.orp-jauche.be T +32 (0) 19 63 02 10 F +32 (0) 19 63 47 84 +32 (0) 471 36 75 76 Maison communale de Perwez Rue émile de Brabant, 2 1360 Perwez bibliothè[email protected] Bibliothèque de Ramillies Rue de l'église, 24 1367 Mont-Saint-André www.perwez.be F +32 (0) 81 65 74 42 F +32 (0) 81 23 45 59 [email protected] Centre culturel de la vallée de la Nethen Rue Auguste Goemans, 20A 1320 Hamme-Mille Anti-poison centre +32 (0) 70 24 52 45 F +32 (0) 10 86 64 04 Eastern Walloon Brabant police (Hélécine, Jodoigne, Orp-Jauche, Perwez, Ramillies) +32 (0) 19 63 37 03 [email protected] +32 (0) 10 23 95 30 Bibliothèque de Jandrenouille Rue de Branchon (en face de l'église) asbl Gal Culturalité en Hesbaye brabançonne Grand’Place, 1 1370 Jodoigne Brabant Ardennes police (Beauvechain, Chaumont-Gistoux, Grez-Doiceau, Incourt) www.culturalite.be Pompiers de Jodoigne T +32 (0) 10 24 17 19 +32 (0) 10 81 14 44 T +32 (0) 81 65 53 44 Heritage ◗ Town halls ◗ Cultural centres & other associations Leisure & relaxing ◗ Municipal libraries www.ccvn.be T +32 (0) 10 86 64 04 Walks ◗ Practical information Welcome touristGuide Maison communale de Ramillies Avenue des Déportés, 48 1367 Ramillies +32 (0) 19 63 37 03 Bibliothèque d'Orp-le-Grand Rue S. Bawin, 50 www.ramillies.be T +32 (0) 81 43 23 40 F +32 (0) 81 43 23 41 +32 (0) 10 84 83 70 What’s on? [email protected] F +32 (0) 10 45 10 19 +32 (0) 19 63 37 03 [email protected] Practical information [email protected] 78 79 brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage touristGuide Photo copyright Maison du Tourisme HB, ASBL Culturalité en Hesbaye brabançonne, Administration communale de Perwez, P. Joannes, A. Kouprianoff. Graphic design pepup: www.pepup.be Translation Colingua www.colingua.be Heritage Leisure & relaxing Or take a break to enjoy museums, attractions, castles, abbeys, typical farms… Find your way to the Estate of Solvay Castle in La Hulpe: in the midst of 220 hectares of forest and walking paths, you will discover the foundation dedicated to the famous Belgian Artist Jean-Michel Folon. His watercolours, paintings, sculptures and posters beckon you for a trip in the fifth season – the season of imagination and poetry. Walks Sources ◗ MTHB, Guide des promenades en Hesbaye brabançonne, Jodoigne, 2008. ◗ Bertrand M., Bertrand T., Deconninck M., Le Heritage de Beauvechain. Carnet du Heritage 97. IPW 2012. ◗ Bertrand M., Le Heritage de Perwez. Carnet du Heritage 93. IPW 2012. ◗ Tordoir J., Le Heritage de Jodoigne. Carnet du Heritage 64. IPW 2012. ◗ Asbl Culturalité, Visages du Heritage en Hesbaye brabançonne, Itinéraire au ' Pays Blanc ', 2007. ◗ ASBL SGR, 16 randonnées en boucle dans la province du Brabant Wallon. Topo-guide de randonnées en boucle, 2010. From the battlefield of Waterloo, that watershed for Europe on a morning in 1815, experience the heritage that filled Victor Hugo with wonder. Admire the 28-ton cast-iron Lion, the extraordinary circular Panorama painted in 1912. Visit Napoleon’s last headquarters or the Wellington Museum in which the famous duke signed the victory bulletin. Not enough? Then opt for the cross-country cycling or horseback rides or walks in hundreds of miles of signposted paths. More, you say? Take out your golf clubs and take to the courses, one more surprising than the next. What’s on? This guide was produced using information collected in 2012 and 2013 from tourist operators for the year 2013. The Tourist Board shall not be held liable for any possible modifications that are made subsequently. A stone’s throw away from Brussels, a land of leisure awaits you… www.beauvechain.be, www.helecine.be, www.incourt.be, www.jodoigne.be www.orp-jauche.be, www.perwez.be www.ramillies.be, www.ramee.be Tired? These numerous activities should not make you neglect a good night’s sleep in the peace and quiet of numerous starred hotels, chambres d’hôtes (Bed&Breakfast) and other rural accommodations… Unless you are keen to take in late-night exhibitions, festivals, shows or other such entertainment. New Vision Europe Thanks The Tourist Board team would like to thank the following for their valuable assistance and thorough proofreading: TOURIST BOARD OF WATERLOO Braine-l’Alleud Genappe La Hulpe Lasne Waterloo Chaussée de Bruxelles, 218 - 1410 Waterloo - Tel. +32 (0)2 352 09 10 Email : [email protected] - www.waterloo-tourisme.be 80 WALLONIA. ENJOY WARM-HEARTED WELCOME. Practical information the teams at the town halls of Beauvechain, Hélécine, Incourt, Jodoigne, Orp-Jauche, Perwez and Ramillies as well as the Perwes ADL. Messrs. Joseph Tordoir, Jean-Paul Crevecoeur, Eugène Delcorps, Pierre Genotte, Philippe Mertz, Gérald Hayois, Mrs. Carine Vanderweyen, Valérie Depas Echevine, the team at GAL Culturalité en Hesbaye brabançonne as well as the attractions and museums for their proofreading and provision of information. Chief Editor Joseph Tordoir President of the Brabant Hesbaye Tourist Board Grand'Place, 1 1370 Jodoigne +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 [email protected] www.hesbayebrabanconne.be Welcome The land of your desires... ◗ Practical information Practical information What’s on? Walks Leisure & relaxing Heritage ◗ NOTES ◗ NOTES 82 Welcome brabant Hesbaye nature&heritage touristGuide 83 Beauvechain > Hélécine > Incourt > Jodoigne > Orp-Jauche > Perwez > Ramillies Maison du Tourisme Hesbaye brabançonne Grand-Place, 1 > 1370 Jodoigne +32 (0) 10 22 91 15 > [email protected] www.hesbayebrabanconne.be This brochure has been produced thanks to the support of the Walloon Brabant province. A project supported by the Walloon Region general tourist board and 7 municipalities of the Jodoigne district.