Les Bons Villers walks

Les Bons Villers, Villers-Perwin, Villers-la-Ville... these three Villers, among the many others in Wallonia, share the border between Hainaut and Walloon Brabant on a plain called Chassart, named after the prosperous factories built inthe 19th centuryby the Chassart family just a few miles away.Countryside, countryside and more countryside: that's what you'll find on this refreshing ride.

The walk starts at the site of the former Chassart factories, on the edge of the Marbais wind farm, and begins its rural tour with a short detour into Hainaut territory before heading north towards Marbisoux and Marbais. Admire the two bell towers in the distance: Marbisoux with its small bulbous spire and Marbais with its four pinnacles. After Marbais, the route crosses the magnificent rolling lawns and wooded grounds of the Rigenée and La Bruyère golf courses. A gently undulating countryside where a wind farm has been built generally means that the area is well ventilated. Be careful: the wind can be biting and/or blow your hair around, depending on the season! Also take care when crossing the N93 twice.

An easy route around the villages of Obaix and Buzet, passing by a few farms typical of the region.

A short and easy walk leading from the Sambre catchment area to that of the Senne.

A lovely circular route through the countryside between Baisy-Thy (Genappe) and Sart-Dames-Avelines (Villers-la-Ville), passing by the "Borne de Ways" and crossing the Ry d'Hez twice. The route takes you along the picturesque "Sentier des Échaliers".

This country and forest walk takes you on a long tour around the ruins of Villers-la-Ville Abbey (well worth a visit) along a beautiful array of village paths, country lanes and forest trails.

This circular route mainly follows country roads and paths, starting from the Chapelle du Camp chapel. Discover the Château de Cognée, the Ruisseau La Pêcherée stream and its ponds.

This 9.7 km hike is a combination of the Golf de la Bruyère route starting from Camp and the circular route of the Boucle du Camp starting from Châtelet. Enjoy the Brabant countryside around Marbais and the passage through the village. Trails, dirt tracks or paved roads with rural traffic. Short passage through the Golf de la Bruyère and discovery of the Château de Cognée.

A 6 km circular route that is as pleasant as it is varied, taking you through fields and woods. The route passes through Le Châtelet, the former feudal manor of the lords of Marbais. The route and description are partly (and very loosely) inspired by ‘Walk No. 7’ proposed by the Villers-la-Ville Tourist Office.

Inthe 19th century, the Dumont family founded the Établissements de Chassart, modernised agriculture and livestock farming, and set up a sugar factory following the development of beet cultivation in the region. This was followed by the creation of a distillery and the production of the famous Chassart Vieille Cuvée genever. In 1906, the family name was ennobled to Dumont de Chassart.

Alternating wooded and rural sections. The route follows paths (sometimes paved) and dirt tracks (so expect muddy conditions in wet weather). There is one difficult section when you leave the Ry d'Hez river and have to climb perpendicular to it: the slope is very steep and difficult, especially if the ground is wet. Only three short sections are on tarmac roads, only one of which is on a busy road.

This short (spring) walk takes you from the centre of Villers-la-Ville towards the Rigenée golf course and the countryside around Sart-Dames-Avelines and Le Châtelet, before climbing up to the Plateau des 4 Chênes.With no other aim than to stretch your legs, this route presents no particular difficulty whilst offering an outing in the fresh air, whether on your own, with family or with friends.

A short, almost entirely shaded circular loop in the beautiful little Bois de Bérinnes forest in Genappe. Part of the route runs alongside the Ry d'Hez stream, which has been transformed by beavers. At the start and end of the walk, there are views of some very pretty gardens.

A circular route through the Bois de l'Étoile and across the very pleasant residential neighbourhood of Bois Pinchet, starting from the car park at Villers-la-Ville Abbey. A peaceful and varied route with few roads.

A 5.5 km circular route through woods and fields around Basse Heuval in the municipality of Villers-la-Ville. A fairly varied and very peaceful route, no road noise – pure bliss! Part of the walk takes place in the woods and the other part in the countryside.

On the heights of the Courcelles slag heaps, the walk will lead you to well-hidden and unexpected paths. Starting from Saint-Barthélemy Church.

A lovely 5 km circular route through the beautiful woods of Sainte-Catherine and the Ermitage Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where you hear nothing but birdsong and the babbling of the Ry Pirot. No road noise – this is rare enough (especially in the BW) to be worth mentioning. There are several lovely wooden benches along the route. This walk can be completed in about 1½ hours (including a 10–15-minute break) rather than the 2 hours calculated by the programme.

You can follow the Terrils trails and enjoy beautiful views depending on the season. Come rain or shine, snow or wind. This pleasant little route can be done with the family (take care with young children) or with a backpack if you are particularly well prepared.