In Trazegnies, in the province of Hainaut, stands a castle of singular charm, an unlikely blend of medieval stones and Louis XIII-style facades, rooms full of stories and a garden that smells of suspended time. Classified as a historic monument since 1950, it bears witness to a rich and tormented past, where the shadows of the knights of yesteryear meet the energy of the volunteers who have brought the château back to life. And the good news is that it’s now open to visitors…
A historical adventure in every corner of the castle
At Château de Trazegnies, every stone tells a fascinating story of our medieval past. Built in the XIᵉ century, burnt down by French troops in 1554, rebuilt in the Louis XIII style (rare in Belgium!), sold to a coal company in the XIXᵉ century, then abandoned before being resurrected by a group of enthusiasts in the 1920s.
The cool, vaulted Romanesque cellars are true survivors of the Middle Ages. The entrance châtelet, with its elegant fortress-like appearance , welcomes you as if you were about to attend a period banquet.
A hidden treasure for the Sunday curious
This isn’t a castle you discover by chance – you have to come on purpose, and that’s precisely what makes it so charming. Open only on Sundays and public holidays at 3pm (between May and September), the château is open to the public via guided tours full of anecdotes.
Don’t miss the Salle des Chevaliers with its 18th-century frescoes, the Saint-Laurent chapel and, in the park, a 300-year-old plane tree that seems to know all the castle’s secrets. Officially recognized as one of Belgium’s finest specimens, it boasts a circumference of 4.60 meters and a span of 44 meters, imposing and majestic in equal measure, a silent witness to the centuries that have shaped the château.
On your way out, the store sells craft beers, wines and local honey… the kind of souvenirs that will take your visit home with you.
Practical info
📍 Address – Place Albert Ier 32, 6183 Courcelles (Trazegnies)
🕒 Opening times – Guided tours on Sundays and public holidays at 3pm (May 1 – September 30) or by group reservation.
💶 Rates – €8-10 adults / free < 6 years old