Attractions and Places To See around Feignies - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Feignies include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. This region offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with many places waiting to be explored. Feignies is situated in a diverse area, featuring both man-made monuments and extensive forests.
Best attractions and places to see around Feignies
- The most popular attractions is Le Sauwartan slag heap, 162 m, a man-made monument that marks the site of a former mine. It features a concrete main frame, serving as a historical landmark and viewpoint near the Bois de Colfontaine.
- Another must-see spot is Colfontaine Forest, a protected wilderness area. Visitors can expect numerous walking routes and a natural meeting place suitable for family-friendly activities.
- Visitors also love Fort de Leveau, a historical site and man-made monument. This fort, built between 1882 and 1884, is one of the last witnesses to the Battle of Maubeuge in 1914 and houses a museum largely devoted to the First World War.
- Feignies is known for historical sites, natural forests, and scenic viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including options for easy hiking trails near Feignies.
- The attractions around Feignies are appreciated by the komoot community, with 22 upvotes and 2 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Fort de Leveau
Highlight • Historical Site
Fort Leveau is one of six forts (Sarts, Boussois, Cerfontaine, Bourdiau, Hautmont and Leveau) built on the outskirts of Maubeuge to protect the border. It was built between 1882 and 1884 according to the defense principles of General Séré de Rivières.
Now owned by the town of Feignies, it is one of the last witnesses to the Battle of Maubeuge in August-September 1914.
The Fort de Leveau museum is largely devoted to the First World War.
From local history to a more global vision of the conflict, the daily life of the soldiers and the living conditions of the Poilus are presented from the first days of the war in the forts to the mud of the trenches. The Fort de Leveau Safeguarding Association ensures the safeguarding and enhancement of this fort.
The dormant bridge, destroyed by a shell on September 7, 1914, was rebuilt with the support of the Agglomeration, 100 years later with respect for heritage.
Association Safeguarding the Fort of Leveau
B.P. 51068 FEIGNIES
59606 MAUBEUGE CEDEX
Such. / Fax: +33(0)3 27 62 37 07
Email: contact@fortdeleveau.fr
URL: fortdeleveau.fr
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Gussignies Castle
Highlight • Castle
The feudal castle of Gussignies has disappeared; the current castle dates from the end of the 18th century, when the Count of Fourmestraulx had a hunting lodge built consisting of a corridor leading to boudoirs (oral tradition), the origin of the current castle.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Anthime-Hyacinthe de Fourmestraulx established a marble sawmill at the bottom of the castle, along the Hogneau, and operated a quarry.
Count Anthime Hyacinthe de Fourmestraulx Saint-Denis had two daughters who shared the castle: Mathilde (1809-1894) married Bertrand Delpoux de Nafines and Zoé (1817-1885) married Count Anne Philippe Picot de Moras. The castle was in poor condition and too small to accommodate the two families. It was transformed in 1865. On the death of the Countess Picot de Moras, the castle represented too large a share in the sharing and had to be sold. The Viscount of Lourmel du Hourmelin bought it in 1887 and in turn sold it in 1912 to Count Édouard Le Mesre de Pas for his daughter Marie-Thérèse, wife of René de Witte14[insufficient source].
The current castle has been the property of the Witte family since 1912. Yves de Witte (theologian) and his wife Renelde Nolet de Brauwere van Steeland took over the property in 1977 followed the following year by his brother Jacques-Antoine (lawyer) and his married Thérèse Delvaux de Fenffe. Their father, Bertrand de Witte and his wife Marie-Simone de la Kethulle de Ryhove, settled in the outbuildings of the castle.
cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/1157581-chateau-de-gussignies
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Colfontaine Forest
Highlight • Forest
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Chemin Planté forest road
Highlight (Segment) • Other
It is relatively long with a good coating; and has a lot of climbs and descents.
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Le Sauwartan slag heap, 162 m
Highlight • Monument
borinage.blogspot.com/p/13-juin-2011-charbonnage-de-sauwartan.html
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Tips from the Community
Between point 6, the Sauwartan site, and point 7, there are now no-entry signs. From point 6, leave the woods and join an asphalt road, take the first right and follow it to point 7.
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I only saw it from a distance but it is beautiful
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Built on the initiative of the Count of Fourmestraux, this castle dates from the end of the 18th century. It is preceded by an alley and a courtyard. The entire castle is built in brick.
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The Sauwartan mine was closed early on 6 October 1938. Traces of exploitation, all that remain today are the concrete main frame, which guards the entrance to the Bois de Colfontaine in the manner of a sleeping ancient dragon. This unexpected sight will certainly touch the visitor. http://borinage.blogspot.com/p/13-juin-2011-charbonnage-de-sauwartan.html
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The park of the Château is visible from the Grand Place.
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The seigniory of Gussignies was owned in the 15th century by the House of Haynin10 and in the 16th century by the family of Cordes. The feudal castle of Gussignies has disappeared; the current castle dates from the end of the 18th century, when the Count of Fourmestraulx had a hunting lodge built consisting of a corridor leading to boudoirs (oral tradition), the origin of the current castle. At the beginning of the 19th century, Anthime-Hyacinthe de Fourmestraulx established a marble sawmill at the bottom of the castle, along the Hogneau, and operated a quarry. Count Anthime Hyacinthe de Fourmestraulx Saint-Denis had two daughters who shared the castle: Mathilde (1809-1894) married Bertrand Delpoux de Nafines and Zoé (1817-1885) married Count Anne Philippe Picot de Moras. The castle was in poor condition and too small to accommodate the two families. It was transformed in 1865. On the death of the Countess Picot de Moras, the castle represented too large a share in the sharing and had to be sold. The Viscount of Lourmel du Hourmelin bought it in 1887 and in turn sold it in 1912 to Count Édouard Le Mesre de Pas for his daughter Marie-Thérèse, wife of René de Witte14[insufficient source]. The current castle has been the property of the Witte family since 1912. Yves de Witte (theologian) and his wife Renelde Nolet de Brauwere van Steeland took over the property in 1977 followed the following year by his brother Jacques-Antoine (lawyer) and his married Thérèse Delvaux de Fenffe. Their father, Bertrand de Witte and his wife Marie-Simone de la Kethulle de Ryhove, settled in the outbuildings of the castle. https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/1157581-chateau-de-gussignies
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THE LEVEAU FORT Fort Leveau is one of six forts (Sarts, Boussois, Cerfontaine, Bourdiau, Hautmont and Leveau) built on the outskirts of Maubeuge to protect the border. It was built between 1882 and 1884 according to the defense principles of General Séré de Rivières. Now owned by the town of Feignies, it is one of the last witnesses to the Battle of Maubeuge in August-September 1914. The Fort de Leveau museum is largely devoted to the First World War. From local history to a more global vision of the conflict, the daily life of the soldiers and the living conditions of the Poilus are presented from the first days of the war in the forts to the mud of the trenches. The Fort de Leveau Safeguarding Association ensures the safeguarding and enhancement of this fort. The dormant bridge, destroyed by a shell on September 7, 1914, was rebuilt with the support of the Agglomeration, 100 years later with respect for heritage. Association Safeguarding the Fort of Leveau B.P. 51068 FEIGNIES 59606 MAUBEUGE CEDEX Such. / Fax: +33(0)3 27 62 37 07 Email: contact@fortdeleveau.fr URL: http://fortdeleveau.fr/
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Long straight through a beautiful surrounding. (Almost) Car free and would definitely recommend
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Feignies?
The region around Feignies offers several natural highlights. You can visit Colfontaine Forest, a protected wilderness area with numerous walking routes. Another unique natural feature is Le Sauwartan slag heap, 162 m, a former mine site that now serves as a historical landmark and viewpoint near the Bois de Colfontaine.
Are there historical sites to visit near Feignies?
Yes, Feignies is rich in history. A prominent historical site is Fort de Leveau, built between 1882 and 1884. It played a significant role in the Battle of Maubeuge in 1914 and houses a museum largely devoted to the First World War. While the feudal castle of Gussignies has disappeared, the current Gussignies Castle dates from the end of the 18th century and its park is visible from the Grand Place.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Feignies?
The area around Feignies is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are moderate road cycling routes like the "Solre-le-Château Church – Avesnois Greenway loop" (Road Cycling Routes around Feignies), and mountain biking trails such as the "Natural pool – Perfect spot for a picnic loop" (MTB Trails around Feignies). Running enthusiasts can enjoy loops from Fort de Leveau or Bois des Sars (Running Trails around Feignies).
Are there family-friendly attractions around Feignies?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Colfontaine Forest is a great option, offering numerous walking routes in a protected wilderness, making it a natural meeting place suitable for family activities. Fort de Leveau, with its museum dedicated to the First World War, can also be an educational and engaging visit for older children.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints near Feignies?
For scenic views, head to Le Sauwartan slag heap, 162 m. This man-made monument, a former mine site, offers a unique perspective and serves as a viewpoint near the Bois de Colfontaine. The area's forests, like Colfontaine Forest, also provide picturesque settings for walks.
Are there easy hiking trails available near Feignies?
Yes, the region around Feignies is known for offering options for easy hiking trails. Colfontaine Forest, for instance, provides numerous walking routes suitable for various fitness levels, including easier paths through its protected wilderness.
What is the best time to visit Feignies for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Feignies for outdoor activities generally spans from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring historical sites like Fort de Leveau and the natural beauty of Colfontaine Forest.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?
While not explicitly a 'hidden gem,' the Chemin Planté forest road in the forest of Mormal is a beautiful, relatively long route with a good surface, climbs, and descents. It's described as a very pleasant and relaxing ride through a majestic forest, often car-free, offering a serene experience away from more crowded spots.
Can I find dog-friendly walks near Feignies?
Many of the natural areas around Feignies, such as Colfontaine Forest and the Chemin Planté forest road, are generally suitable for dog walks. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations regarding protected areas and wildlife.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Feignies?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical significance of sites like Fort de Leveau to the natural beauty and extensive walking routes in Colfontaine Forest. The unique character of Le Sauwartan slag heap as a historical landmark and viewpoint is also highly regarded. The komoot community has shared 22 upvotes and 2 photos, highlighting the appeal of these varied attractions.
Are there any castles or grand estates to see?
Yes, you can visit Gussignies Castle. While the original feudal castle is gone, the current structure dates from the late 18th century. It is a private property, but its park is visible from the Grand Place, offering a glimpse of its historical grandeur.
What are the options for cycling near Feignies?
Feignies is well-suited for cycling. You can find numerous routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. For road cyclists, there are moderate routes like the "Fort de Leveau – Battle of Flanders 1709 loop" (Road Cycling Routes around Feignies). Mountain bikers can explore trails such as the "Colfontaine Wood – Terril du Grand Bouillon loop" (MTB Trails around Feignies). The Chemin Planté forest road is also a popular choice for a pleasant ride.
Most popular routes around Feignies
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