Top 3 Lakes around Remicourt

Ponds are crucial, small water bodies that bring life to the landscape by serving as indispensable breeding grounds for amphibians (frogs, toads, newts), dragonflies, and numerous aquatic insects.

A beautiful area of (only) 34.5 hectares, characterized by reed beds, cattail ponds, and pools fringed by shrubs or with open banks... These diverse habitats offer countless bird species places to forage, nest, hibernate, or rest during their migration. No fewer than 212 species have already been observed! (Source: www.natagora.be)

Today, the park is extremely overgrown, overgrown, and covered with car wrecks – we counted about twenty – and most of the park's trees are overgrown or have even become picturesque ruins that overhang the ponds or block the walking path. Solitary trees no longer stand alone; new growth plagues the entire park, disrupting the large lawn and the sightlines. However, careful clearing, a few mowings, and judicious new plantings of trees and flowering shrubs would suffice to restore the structure to its legibility and offer captivating and varied views.

1274: Heers Castle is first mentioned in a historical document. A century later, it is plundered and burned by the troops of Charles the Bold. The current castle is a result of reconstruction and dates from around 1500. The following centuries continued to be ravaged by war: the Dutch, French, and Germans all made their appearances. The De Rivière family, who had owned the castle since the 14th century, was declared bankrupt in 1757. From 1859 onward, the castle came into the possession of the Desmaisières family, who lived and enjoyed it lavishly... until the costs became too high. In the 21st century, the castle fell into complete disrepair due to conflict and lack of funds. Local volunteers launched a rescue initiative. Today, many partners are working on a new future for this impressive place steeped in history.

watch out for tall grass

Beautiful path through the closed (for sheep) holding basin of the Cicindria. Beautiful nature reserve well maintained by grazers.

The oldest mention of a castle on this site - although there must have been a castle long before - is from 1599, when Jan van Berlo, who had come into possession of the seigneury through marriage to Jeanne de Merode, drew up his will. Jeanne was Florent d'Argenteau's aunt, who inherited the lordship in 1599. The current castle is younger. It has a core dating from 1669. Also dating from 1669 is a plaque with the coats of arms of Jean François d'Argenteau and his wife, Agnes Ernestine Derivir. The current castle was built in 1747. At that time the castle was already owned by the De Mercy-Argenteau family. A plaque with a coat of arms was also placed for this family.

Raes van Heers was its most famous and infamous resident. Heers and its castle were destroyed by the troops of Karel de Stoute after their victory in the Battle of Brustem in 1467. After the death of Karel de Stoute, in 1477, Raes regained his possessions. However, Raes died a few months later, also in 1477. The current castle is a result of reconstruction, and dates from around 1500. In 1676, a garrison from the Republic of the Netherlands entered the castle, which was then bombarded by French troops led by Godefroi d'Estrades. The Dutch received reinforcements and drove off the besiegers, who, however, made another attempt later that year, and actually held it for two days.