Welcome to Ellezelles, a land of legends nestled in the heart of Wallonia. Recently crowned “My Most Beautiful Village” in 2025, this gem of Hainaut captivates with its historical heritage, from the stables of Lahamaide Castle to its centuries-old windmills . But Ellezelles is above all a realm of the strange: from the legend of the witch Quintine to the famous Sentier de l’Étrange, folklore is second nature here. From lively celebrations to the rolling landscapes of the Pays des Collines Nature Park, immerse yourself in a destination where untamed nature and ancestral heritage become one.
Ellezelles: the celebrated heritage of an exceptional land
If Ellezelles was crowned “My Most Beautiful Village” in 2025, it is above all thanks to the exemplary preservation of its roots. Located at the crossroads of Picard Wallonia and Flanders, the town tells a story inextricably linked to that of the prestigious d’Egmont family. In Lahamaide, although the count’s castle has vanished, its stables remain aselegant vestiges of the seigneurial splendor of yesteryear. A noble past coexists with religious fervor, epitomized bythe Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens, a listed building since 1959.
ButEllezelles’ identity was also forged by the breath of the wind and the lapping of the water. The iconic silhouettes of the Cat Sauvage mill (1751) and the Tordoir watermill bear witness to a flourishing agricultural past. In the 19th century, the village experienced a vibrant industrial golden age, becoming a fertile ground for the textile industry. More than forty companies have operated in the town over the years, leaving behind these characteristic “shed” roofs. A multifaceted heritage wherethe legacy of the county meetsthe ingenuity of localworkers.
Between green hills and spells: the realm of the Strange
Beyond its stone walls, Ellezelles breathes in time with the Pays des Collines Nature Park, a 23,000-hectare haven where the rolling landscape offers total disconnection, from 360° panoramas at the Croix Philosophique to the majestic heights of the Bois de la Houppe. A natural world that is never quite alone, as it is home to a fantastical fauna born from the imagination of Jacques Vandewattyne. As they traverse the 6 km of the famous Sentier de l’Etrange, hikers encounter werewolves, goblins, and sculpted demons, attracting thousands of visitors each year in search of mystery.
The soulof Ellezelles is fully expressed during its spectacular celebrations, notably the Witches’ Sabbath, commemorating the memory of Quintine Deleplache, who was burned at the stake in 1610. This festive spirit extends to the table; from the famous Quintine beer to the Hercule Poirot liqueur, the local terroir is a constant celebration. Between the Michelin-starred tables of Château du Mylord and the traditional street fairs, Ellezelles proves that one can be the “most beautiful village ” in Belgium while remaining the most mysterious and gourmet of all the regions.
