🇧🇪Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Chimay?
24 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Chimay owes its reputation to two distinct things: a Trappist beer brewed since 1862 at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont, and a princely castle that still dominates the Grand-Place with quiet authority. The town is small, a border community, anchored in the Hainaut Ardennes-a region that even Belgians themselves know little of, which preserves it with an untouched character.
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for a visit: the surrounding forests are dense, the roads uncluttered. A day suffices for the centre, two if you explore the Eau d'Heure lakes nearby. A car remains essential, public transport being virtually non-existent. Avoid limiting your visit to tastings at the brewery: the village of Forges, a few kilometres away, merits a detour equally.
Landmarks & heritage
3 places
- 1
Landmark
Landmark
Town Hall of Chimay
Baroque building of the 17th century dominating the Grand-Place, with its belfry and façades in local limestone. Symbol of Chimay's municipal autonomy, it still houses administrative services. The façade is particularly beautiful in the evening light.
- 2
Landmark
Landmark
Simone Tower of Chimay
Vestige of the former medieval ramparts of Chimay, this fourteenth-century tower is one of the last witnesses to the city's fortifications. Integrated into the urban fabric, it reveals itself when wandering through the lanes behind the collegiate church.
- 3
Landmark
Landmark
Grand-Place de Chimay
Central square bordered by Mosan and Baroque-style houses, dominated by a 17th-century town hall. The living heart of the city, where the weekly market is held. The atmosphere is authentically Ardennaise, far from the crowds.
Religious sites
5 places
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Religious site
Scourmont Notre-Dame Abbey
Cistercian abbey founded in 1850 on the heights of Forges, birthplace of the famous Chimay beer. You can attend Gregorian chants and purchase beers, cheeses and local produce directly from the abbey shop.
- 5
Religious site
Religious site
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce de Chimay
Baroque pilgrimage chapel from the 17th century, a site of popular devotion still frequented today. The interior is filled with ex-votos and testimonies of graces received. A contemplative and moving space that reflects the popular faith of the region.
- 6
Religious site
Religious site
Saint-Rémy Church in Bourlers
A small 12th-century Romanesque church in the village of Bourlers, just steps from Scourmont Abbey. Sober and authentic architecture, picturesque village cemetery. A testament to medieval rural life in this border region.
- 7
Religious site
Religious site
Abbey Shop of Scourmont
The official abbey shop selling Chimay beers, Trappist cheeses and monastic products directly to visitors. Prices identical to those in supermarkets, freshness guaranteed. Don't leave without the aged old cheese.
- 8
Religious site
Religious site
Collegiate Church of Saints-Peter-and-Paul in Chimay
A 15th-century Gothic church housing the cenotaph of Charles de Croy, a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance sculpture. The crypt contains the graves of the princes of Chimay. A discrete architectural gem in the heart of the Grand-Place.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Castle
Château des Princes de Chimay
Ancestral residence of the Princes of Chimay overlooking the town since the 14th century. The interior preserves an 18th-century private theatre and remarkable collections. Guided tours reveal the history of the Riquet family.
Nature
6 places
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Nature
Virelles Pond
Wallonia's largest natural body of water at 112 hectares, classified as a nature reserve. A paradise for birdwatching with herons, grebes and kingfishers. Boat trips and discovery trails accessible year-round.
11Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Nature
Réserve Naturelle des Bas-Prés de Virelles
Protected wetland bordering Virelles pond, accessible via a discreet, little-signposted path. Exceptional habitat for amphibians, dragonflies and wetland birds. Best visited in spring for frogs and nesting birds.
- 12
Nature
Nature
Bourlers Woods and Monks' Path
Ancestral path linking the village of Bourlers to Scourmont Abbey, used by monks for centuries. Crossing a mature beech forest with fern understory. A meditative walk of about 45 minutes, ideal before visiting the abbey.
- 13
Nature
Nature
Eau Noire Valley – Chimay Section
River winding through a wooded valley between wet meadows and alder groves. Trail along the banks ideal for observing shy otters and beavers. Typical Belgian Thiérache bocage landscape, calm and unspoilt.
- 14
Nature
Nature
Rance and Trélon State Forest – Chimay side
A cross-border forest massif spanning Belgium and France, dotted with century-old beech groves and natural springs. Little-frequented long-distance hiking trails (GR) offering rare forest solitude. Ideal in autumn for colours and mushroom foraging.
- 15
Nature
Nature
Virelles Provincial Estate
Vast nature reserve around Virelles pond offering marked trails through woodland and reedbed. Picnic area, boat rental and nature activities for families. An essential green lung of the region.
Viewpoints
3 places
16Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Viewpoint
Viewpoint from Forges Plateau
From the heights where Scourmont Abbey is perched, the gaze embraces an endless bocage landscape stretching into France. A walk on foot from the abbey along a farm track. Incomparable golden light in the late afternoon.
17Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Viewpoint
Chimay Calvary Viewpoint
Natural vantage point located behind the collegiate church, offering a panorama over the Eau Blanche valley and surrounding meadows. Evening walk for local residents, virtually unknown to passing visitors. Remarkable sunset.
- 18
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Chimay Circuit – View from Historic Stands
Chimay's motor racing circuit is one of Europe's oldest, traced on public roads since 1925. On non-race days, the surrounding areas offer a striking view of the winding track through the countryside. Legendary motorsports atmosphere.
Activities
4 places
- 19
Activity
Activity
RAVeL Trail L'Eau Noire – Chimay–Mariembourg Section
Former railway converted into a RAVeL, ideal for cycling and walking over approximately thirty kilometres. Passes through bocage, villages and viaducts with minimal elevation gain. Bicycle hire available near Chimay.
- 20
Activity
Activity
Fishing at Lake Virelles
Lake Virelles is a renowned fishing spot for pike, perch and sizeable carp. Amenities on the banks allow comfortable fishing. Permits available on site, peaceful atmosphere guaranteed.
- 21
Activity
Activity
Chimay Circuit – Race Days
One of Europe's last open-road circuits, hosting historic motorcycles and cars since 1925. The popular and authentic atmosphere contrasts with sanitised major GPs. Accessible ticketing and local friendliness guaranteed.
- 22
Activity
Activity
Chimay Beer Interpretation Centre
Interactive museum housed in the former brewery in the village of Bourlers, dedicated to the history and secrets of Chimay beer production. Guided tasting at the end of the visit with explanations of the different brews.
More to discover
2 places
- 23
Place
Place
Chimay Saturday Market
Lively weekly market on the Grand-Place bringing together local producers, market gardeners and artisans from the region. The best place to buy farmhouse cheeses, seasonal vegetables and artisanal charcuterie. Friendly atmosphere and direct exchanges with producers.
- 24
Place
Place
Fromagerie de Chimay
Artisanal cheese workshop producing Chimay semi-hard cheeses according to Trappist tradition. Visits available by reservation to observe the ageing process and understand production methods. Direct sales of cheeses not found in supermarkets.
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