Circular Landelies loop to Aulne Abbey

Departure from the car park of the Landelies pharmacy. The route starts in the centre of Landelies, close to the Sambre river.

(S/E) Enter the village to reach the railway bridge.

(1) Cross the bridge over the railway line, turn left and follow the tracks for about 450 metres.

(2) Turn right towards the Montée des Piges, the first small climb of the route. The slope is steady, fairly steep and gradually leads to the wooded heights overlooking Landelies. You will reach Rue des Mulets.

(3) Take this road on the left to follow the edge of the woods and, after passing a few houses, you will reach a fork in the road located in a bend.

(4) Turn left to enter the woods. The path becomes more shaded and pleasant. You cross a quiet forest area, perfect for enjoying the silence and nature. Continue straight ahead, ignoring the paths on the right, until you reach a crossroads at the edge of the woods.

(5) Take the road on the left and enter the woods again.

(6) Turn left onto a more discreet path. The route continues through the undergrowth, alternating between wide paths and small trails, and leads to the Trou d'Aulne viewpoint , a natural belvedere offering a clear view of the Sambre valley and the surrounding hills. This is one of the most beautiful panoramas on the route.

(7) Continue the route by entering the Bois de Fontaine and you will come to a T-junction.

(8) Turn left to descend towards the Sambre. The descent is gradual and leads back to the banks of the river, where the landscape opens up again. You will reach a crossroads at the entrance to Hourpes.

(9) Continue straight ahead, then turn right to approach Hourpes Castle, a remarkable building nestled in a green setting. The Bohemian-style castle reveals itself in its natural setting. The passage is pleasant and photogenic.

(10) We retrace our steps.

(9) We rejoin the route on the right to follow the Sambre along the towpath towards Aulne Abbey. We continue along the banks to lock no. 8.

(11) Take the street on the right to cross it and take a short break at Aulne Abbey.

(12) Retrace your steps and cross lock no. 8 again.

(11) Turn right and continue along the Sambre until you reach a bridge that allows you to pass under the railway line.

(13) Ignore it and continue to the right, keeping to the towpath to return to the car park (S/E).

Accessible from the start with bus 173 from Charleroi station.

(7) Panorama of Trou d'Aulne.

(10) Hourpes Castle.

(12) The ruins of Aulne Abbey.