Attractions and Places To See around Chastre - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Chastre, a French-speaking municipality in Wallonia, Belgium, offers a blend of rural charm and historical sites. The area is characterized by its countryside and green spaces, traversed by the small rivers Orne and Houssière. Chastre provides a setting rich in historical landmarks and natural features for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Chastre
- The most popular attractions is Villers-la-Ville Abbey, a historical site. Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, this former abbey is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing 900 years of history through its extensive ruins, medieval gardens, and vineyards.
- Another must-see spot is Try-au-Chêne Chapel, a religious building. This rural chapel, built in 1608, is known for its historical significance during the Eighty Years' War and offers views over the Dyle and Thyle valleys.
- Visitors also love Château Le Châtelet, a castle. This medieval castle from the 12th or 13th century features a massive schist keep and is recognized as a rare example of a fortress from that period.
- Chastre is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural features. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to rural chapels and medieval castles.
- The attractions around Chastre are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 900 upvotes and more than 600 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Villers-la-Ville Abbey
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Villers Abbey Mill
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Porte de Namur
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Ruins of Villers-la-Ville Abbey
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Try-au-Chêne Chapel
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The Chapelle du Try-au-Chêne, also known as Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Hault, is a rural chapel located in Bousval...
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Tips from the Community
Steep and bad cobblestones
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A lovely place for meditation. A very beautiful little chapel.
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The Porte de Namur – Heritage of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville The Porte de Namur dates from 1725 and is an impressive remnant of the former abbey of Villers-la-Ville. It was built under Abbot Jacques Hache, the 61st abbot of the abbey, who led it from 1716 to 1734. The gate stands right next to the ruins of the abbey and is located near the tourist information point (Syndicat d’Initiative). It spans the rue de l’Abbaye (national road RN274) and provides access to the Notre-Dame des Affligés chapel and the village of Mellery. On the left, there is a reconstructed terraced vineyard supported by slate retaining walls – a nod to the abbey’s wine-making past. The Namur Gate is built in a classical style, with two tall pilasters supporting a red brick entablature. At the top, a triangular pediment adorns the gate, containing niches, the coat of arms of Abbot Hache and his motto: Fortiter et Suaviter – ‘strong and gentle’.
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The mill was built in the 13th century. Part of the building housed the abbey bakery. At the beginning of the 14th century, it delivered more than 2,000 loaves of brown bread every week, intended for the poor who presented themselves at the porter's lodge. Hydraulic wheels operated the millstones for grinding wheat and barley, but also for sawing wood and pressing oil. In the 19th century, the mill-bakery was transformed into a hotel: the Hôtel des Ruines. Victor Hugo stayed there several times.
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Villers Abbey was founded in 1146 by the Cistercians. With the presence of slate and rich silt soil, all the conditions were present to found an abbey in this area. The domain surrounding the historical heritage is 30 hectares in size and houses eight gardens with different themes, a historical mill and a monk's pharmacy. Exhibitions, concerts and shows are regularly held on the site. If there is nothing to do, you can still settle down in the bistro to taste the abbey's beer.
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The Porte de Namur is a monumental gate in the classical style. It is a remnant of the abbey walls from 1725, which were built under Abbot Jacques Hache. The walls already show their long history. Who has walked through here?
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Beautiful ruin that still shows the grandeur of this abbey...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Chastre?
The region around Chastre is rich in history. A must-visit is the Villers-la-Ville Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins and medieval gardens. You can also see the historic Try-au-Chêne Chapel, built in 1608, and the medieval Château Le Châtelet with its massive 12th-century keep. Don't miss the Porte de Namur, a monumental gate from 1725 that is a remnant of the abbey walls.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Chastre area?
Yes, the Villers-la-Ville Abbey is considered family-friendly, offering a vast historical site for exploration. Additionally, Chastre offers a 6.5 km treasure hunt through the Totemus app, which is a fun and interactive way for families to discover the region's heritage and castles.
What natural features can I discover in Chastre?
Chastre is characterized by its charming countryside and green spaces. The municipality is traversed by two small rivers, the Orne and the Houssière, which create picturesque landscapes. You can also find the Rêves Woods nearby, offering a natural escape.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Chastre?
Chastre is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Villers-la-Ville Abbey – Villers Valley Forest Path loop' or the 'Woodland trail – Marsh Trail loop'. Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Cycle path to Walhain – Ruins of Walhain Castle loop'. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking around Chastre.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all skill levels around Chastre?
Yes, there are several walking trails around Chastre that cater to different difficulty levels. For an easier option, you might consider the 'Ferme du Castillon – Chastre Church loop from Cortil-Noirmont', which is rated as easy. Other moderate options include the 'Voetweg 9 – Al' Poudre Mill loop' and the 'Woodland trail – Marsh Trail loop'. You can find more details in the hiking guide for Chastre.
What is the best time to visit Chastre for outdoor activities?
While outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for hiking and cycling. The region hosts a Kermesse (fair) annually on the fourth weekend of September, and a brocante (flea market) and 'fête des voisins' (neighbors' party) in the Boischamps neighborhood, which can add to your visit experience.
Are there any protected heritage sites within Chastre?
Yes, Chastre is home to several protected heritage sites. These include a farm at Rue de la Station #43, the Tumuli of Noirmont (ancient graves), and the facades and roof of the farmhouse 'La Grande Bierwart' at No. 32 on rue de Mellery. These sites highlight the area's rich historical significance.
Can I find any ancient Roman history in Chastre?
Indeed. The Old Roman Road, also known as Chaussée Brunehaut, which once connected Bavay and Cologne, runs through Chastre. This ancient route underscores the area's long historical past and its importance in Roman times.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Chastre?
Visitors appreciate the blend of rural charm and historical depth. The Villers-la-Ville Abbey is particularly loved for its extensive ruins and the sense of history it evokes. The Try-au-Chêne Chapel is noted for its picturesque setting and historical significance. The community has shared over 600 photos and given more than 900 upvotes to the attractions, indicating a strong appreciation for the area's unique character.
Are there any unique local landmarks or cultural points of interest beyond the main attractions?
Beyond the major sites, Chastre offers several local points of interest. These include the Saint Apolline Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint invoked for toothaches, the French Necropolis of Chastre, and historical buildings like Ferme Rose (1689) and Église Notre-Dame Alerne (1780). The Moulin de Godeupont, a local mill, and Chapelle Sainte-Wivine also add to the region's cultural tapestry.
Where can I find cafes or restaurants near the main attractions?
The Villers-la-Ville Abbey itself has facilities, and the Villers Abbey Mill, located nearby, houses a restaurant. The surrounding villages will also offer various dining options, from cafes to pubs and restaurants, perfect for a break after exploring.
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