Summary
In 1486, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I elevated the small town of Chimay to the status of a principality, designating its inaugural prince, Charles I de Croÿ, as possessing the same rank as any other prince within the empire.
Today, Chimay remains recognized as the “cité princière” (princely city), with its 21st prince currently residing in the lavish château that has undergone various forms of construction over the last millennium.
The name Chimay resonates for additional reasons, notably due to the Trappist Cistercian monks at Scourmont Abbey.
Having brewed its distinguished top-fermented beer for 160 years, the abbey also produces a delectable assortment of goat cheeses.
A short walk from the château leads to the impressive 16th-century alabaster tomb of Charles I de Croÿ, which is the center of attention in the welcoming Grand-Place church.
1. Château de Chimay
Chimay developed around its medieval castle, perched on a promontory overseeing the Eau Blanche valley.
A castle existed on this site by 1000, and fortifications were enhanced in the 15th century, later adapted for the princely family in the mid-19th century.
The Château de Chimay has endured several hardships, including near destruction by John of Austria the Younger in the 17th century, a period of abandonment in the 1700s, and a fire in 1935. The Chimay family has maintained residence throughout; as of 2020, Prince Philippe (21st Prince of Chimay) resides here with his third wife Françoise. Following a restoration, the château opened to the public in 2013, allowing visitors to explore the grand hall, guard room, chapel, portrait gallery, and a theater with the aid of iPads.
The 200-seat theater, a miniature version of Louis XV’s theater at Château de Fontainebleau, is captivating and hosts a vibrant season of classical performances.
2. Scourmont Abbey
The Trappist monastery located south of Chimay, on the Scourmont plateau, was established in 1850, alongside a model and school aimed at orphans and delinquent children.
The monks began brewing top-fermented ales in 1862, and today Chimay is regarded among the top-reviewed labels in the world.
The three primary varieties include Red (dubbel), the highly praised Blue or Grande Réserve, and the hoppy golden Chimay Triple.
Additionally, there is Chimay Dorée, a “patersbier” meant exclusively for the consumption of the abbey’s monks, occasionally made available in limited runs.
Since 1876, the abbey has also produced a line of goat cheeses, including Chimay with Beer, whose rind is infused with Chimay ale.
The tour, originating from L’Espace Chimay, leads visitors through modern exhibitions, followed by an interactive walk through the abbey garden, church (constructed in 1950), and the monks’ cemetery.
3. L’Espace Chimay
The brewery is situated at Scourmont Abbey; however, it is not accessible to the public.
The appropriate venue to appreciate Chimay’s Trappist beer and cheeses is on the eastern side of the abbey’s forest, at Hostel Poteaupré.
A modern multimedia exhibition unveils 160 years of history, secrets, and splendor.
Interactive modules are available, including an ingredients cupboard, herb garden, and an animated model of the abbey.
At the conclusion of the visit, after exploring the grounds, you’ll be served a complimentary 250ml glass of Chimay beer.
Additionally, a shop is available where you can purchase some of the finest beers in the world and learn about the best beer and cheese pairings.
4. La Collégiale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul
Overlooking the terrace on Grand-Place is a church regarded as one of the most exquisite in the Hainaut Province.
The oldest portion of the structure is the choir dating from 1250, designed in a Gothic style characteristic of northern French cities like Soissons and Laons (at that period, Chimay fell under the jurisdiction of the Counts of Soissons). Aside from the 18th-century Baroque tower, the rest of the structure is Hainaut Gothic, built in the 15th century notable for its simplicity.
Be sure to observe the recumbent alabaster tomb of Charles I de Croÿ (1455-1527), which represents the first Prince of Chimay and the godfather of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
The church tower houses a carillon boasting 26 bells (notably lacking an E flat), the oldest of which was cast in the 17th century.
5. RAVeL Ligne 156
Beginning in the mid-19th century, various railway lines emerged throughout Wallonia, many of which became obsolete a century later.
This was the case for Ligne 156, which connected Hermeton-sur-Meuse with the town of Anor in France via Chimay.
This line was primarily constructed to serve the blue limestone quarries in the area surrounding Wallers-en-Fagne.
Currently, only a small segment operates as a railway line.
Between Aublain, located 10 kilometers east of Chimay, and the French border at Momignies, a paved greenway navigates the railbed, predominantly utilized by cyclists but also available for walkers.
The route traverses a verdant landscape of hedged farmland and forest, passing by well-preserved old stations.
From Chimay, visitors can also access the north-south Ligne 109/2, which extends to the Sambre River’s banks, located 35 kilometers north in Thuin.
6. Lac de Virelles
Presently a recreational facility and nature reserve, Lac de Virelles, located northeast of the city, has been altered by human activity over the centuries.
This area was swampy until 1580, when a dam was constructed to create a reservoir serving the local metallurgy sector.
The Lac de Virelles, distinguished by its wetlands and wooded banks, is a delightful destination for walks, birdwatching, and pedal boat rentals for leisurely outings on the water.
A leisure park, Aquascope Virelles (discussed next), a campsite, and a rehabilitation sanctuary for sick and injured wildlife are also situated nearby.
A notable attraction to observe is a 19th-century pavilion associated with the French socialite and revolutionary muse, Thérèse Tallien (1773-1835), who married the Prince of Chimay in 1805.
7. Aquascope Virelles
Situated on the south bank is a nature-driven attraction aimed at showcasing the lake’s natural wealth while fostering an interest in wildlife and conservation.
Each summer, Wallonia’s only pair of storks visits the lake, where live cameras allow observers to witness these birds in their habitat or in their nest without disturbance.
Furthermore, the park features lookout towers and bird hides, a discovery trail, an educational apiary, and a garden for wild plant species, alongside a large play area for children and a brasserie with a scenic terrace.
8. Source de l’Oise
In the Bois de Bourlers, approximately a ten-minute drive from the center of Chimay, the Oise river originates, flowing southwest for 341 kilometers before joining the Seine west of Paris.
The Oise Valley has long served as the most accessible route for invaders from the north aiming towards Paris.
This famous river has inspired notable artists, including members of the Barbizon School such as Charles-François Daubigny and Impressionists like Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro, and Vincent van Gogh, who famously passed away in Auvers-sur-Oise outside Paris.
This iconic river, which shapes the landscape of Northern France, emerges from a rustic, circular stone basin.
During summer, it may appear as little more than a muddy pit.
Above the basin, a sign details the river’s journey from the Oise to the Seine, highlighting the towns along its route.
The Chimay tourist office has created a four-kilometer walking trail to the source, traversing a landscape alternating between limestone and ferruginous sandstone.
9. Circuit de Chimay
Beginning in 1926, a notorious street circuit for motor racing was inaugurated around Chimay, hosting the Grand Prix des Frontières race until 1972, along with elite rally and motorcycle events into the 1990s.
The original Circuit de Chimay surpasses 10 kilometers in length and features particularly fast stretches, complemented by extensive straights and wide bends.
This contributed to the venue’s decline as a premier track due to exceedingly high average speeds and a lack of spectator protection.
Additionally, the course has witnessed numerous fatal incidents, the most recent occurring in 2014. The Grand Prix des Frontières was classified as a Formula 1 event in 1949 and 1954, yet for the past decade, it remained part of the Formula 3 tour.
Since the 1990s, the Circuit de Chimay has transitioned to a shorter (4.5 km) and more technically demanding course that continues to showcase the captivating beauty of the Ardennes countryside.
It remains a component of Chimay’s roadway when no races are scheduled.
The highlight of the summer calendar is July’s Classic Bikes Chimay, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Central to this event is a parade following the original course of the Circuit de Chimay, complemented by a major concert on Saturday evening.
10. La Vieille Tour
At the western end of Rue de Virelles in the heart of Chimay lies the most well-preserved remnant of the city’s ancient fortifications.
These defenses were erected in the 13th century but were largely destroyed during wars and sieges in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
La Vieille Tour, a round corner tower, has been enveloped by the city and stands out conspicuously between two conventional houses.
Historically, it has served as a commercial property, with black and white photographs confirming the existence of a café on the ground floor.
At the time of writing, the tower was in a state of disrepair and sealed off by a metal barrier, though plans are underway to provide the structure with a new function.
For now, it remains a curious remnant of Chimay’s tumultuous history.
11. Marché de Noël
In anticipation of Christmas, typically during the second weekend of December, the historic center of Chimay transforms into a winter wonderland for two days.
From the château’s courtyard extending east to Grand-Place, there are over 70 stalls, each fashioned like a small chalet and illuminated by twinkling lights.
At these stalls, handmade arts and crafts, toys, decorations, regional delicacies, and comforting foods are available.
Chimay beer is notably offered, and a variety of entertainment options, such as concerts, street performances, fire-eaters, a vintage carousel, and much more are provided.
12. Petit Train Touristique
If you are open to exploring tourist attractions, the road train that departs from Grand-Place offers a convenient method for traversing the area.
The route to Château de Chimay and its grounds follows alongside the Eau Blanche river, incorporating the Maillon Vert (Green Link). Following the château visit, the train proceeds to the village of Virelles before looping back to Chimay’s historic center.
13. Couvin
As a point of interest, this municipality located east of Chimay is notable as the birthplace of the Donnay tennis racket brand, established in 1910. In terms of tourism, Couvin presents a significant array of attractions.
The rugged limestone terrain is peppered with caves, including the Grottes de Neptune, which are over 1,600 meters in length and were discovered in 1930.
The Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des Trois Vallées is a heritage railway operating through 14 kilometers of Hainaut countryside, featuring nine operational steam locomotives within its fleet.
Moreover, if you are following the beer trail, the Brasserie des Fagnes has taken over the site of the former Brasserie Degauquier de Chimay, which operated from 1858 to 1977. Visitors are welcome for tours and tastings of the modern brewery’s Brune, Blonde, Tripel, and cherry beer.
A museum space is dedicated to preserving the old brewery’s equipment and barrels, in addition to a vintage Citroën delivery truck.
14. Musé du Marbre
From the 16th century until shortly after World War II, the marble extracted near Rance was highly sought after for its use in columns, pilasters, veneers, flooring, staircases, and fireplaces.
Geologically, Rance marble is classified as a Devonian reef limestone, primarily red in hue with grey stripes, white veins, and bluish spots.
Excavation of the quarries in Rance began in antiquity; however, Rance Marble gained fame across Europe starting in the 17th century due to its application in the Palace of Versailles.
This marble appeared in the portico for the Marble Court and as part of the interior wall decorations within the renowned Hall of Mirrors.
With the quarries closing in the 1950s, a museum now preserves this marble heritage.
The exhibition examines marble from various perspectives, including geology, social history, the stonecutting profession, and marble’s role in fine and applied arts.
Additionally, there are displays of items crafted from Rance marble and occasional temporary exhibitions.
15. Bunker Hitler Brûly
In June 1940, Adolf Hitler orchestrated the concluding phase of the Battle of France from a bunker located in the hamlet of Brûly-de-Pesche.
The narrative surrounding this site illustrates the formidable efficiency of the Wehrmacht at that time.
In May, approximately 20 settlements in the vicinity were evacuated.
Construction of Hitler’s headquarters, designated as Wolfsschlucht (Wolf’s Gorge), began on May 24 and consisted of two chalets, two bunkers, a rotunda, and a reservoir, all ready by the time he arrived on June 6.
He remained there for the subsequent 22 days, during which he accepted Philippe Pétain’s resignation and drafted the act of capitulation for France in the church at Brûly-de-Pesche.
All buildings apart from the two bunkers were destroyed post-war, but the chalets have been reconstructed as exhibition spaces dedicated to an essential milestone in the conflict.
Visitors can view a film and photographs documenting the German occupation of Hainaut, while one chalet covers the local Resistance efforts hidden within the forest for the next three years.
