The imagination of our compatriots never ceases to amaze. Bruxelles Secrète has unearthed 10 places in Belgium with unusual names that will either surprise you, or make you laugh! Here’s a funny little guide that will take you on a different journey through our country.
10 Belgian towns with unusual names that will amaze you!
Profondeville
The fun doesn’t stop here! The Commune of Profondeville was formed by the merger of several villages, including Arbre et Rivière. We’re swimming in nature!
There’s also a ” Chemin philosophique” (philosophical path ) in the Commune de Profondeville. This path, which runs along the Meuse, is a walk punctuated by philosophical quotations from authors such as André Comte-Sponville, Blaise Pascal, Elie Wiesel and Madame de Genlis. Explore the depths of human thought at Profondeville!
Grognon
More than a village, Grognon is the historic heart of the city of Namur. The origin of this strange toponym is still debated. Some believe it may come from the vague resemblance of the site, a spit of land jutting out from the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, to a pig’s snout.
But far from looking grumpy, this little corner of Wallonia is charming, and the site’s occupation dates back to prehistoric times. Namur Intelligente et Durable (the NID) even invites you to explore its 5,000 years of history through an immersive experience, which will show you what the Grognon looked like from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, via Roman times.
Saint-Trond
It was in fact Saint Trudon (not a trunk!) who gave his name to this Flemish town in the province of Limburg. The saint, whose origins were Frankish, founded the town after studying and being ordained a priest in Metz. Today, Saint-Trond boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t delay in discovering this historic Flanders gem!
Ohey
Anybody home? This quiet rural commune is located in the province of Namur. Its rural landscape is a succession of hills and small treasures, both historic and curious. These include Gallo-Roman remains and a fortified farmhouse…
In addition, Ohey offers visitors a number of walks and is criss-crossed by the Sentiers d’Art (Art Trails), which offer a different kind of hike, filled with works of Land Art. Hello? Admiring works of art on a stroll?
Legs
Jambes, a section of Namur rather than a city, is home to the Presidency of the Walloon Government. The name, which, let’s face it, is a rather funny one for a town, is said to come from the Latin “jameda”, which was later transcribed into French as “jambes”. The idea is that the site, on the right bank of the Meuse, was once perceived as a junction. You can certainly cross the Meuse on the Jambes bridge…
Houte-Si-Plou
Houte-Si-Plou is far from the only hamlet to bear this strange name. Indeed, Wallonia boasts a number of places with similar names, or spelled in much the same way. Think, for example, of Xhoute-si-Plou or Hout-si-Plout. They all derive from the Walloon phrase “schoûte s’i plout”, which literally means “listen if it rains”.
The name then became synonymous with a remote, lost place. Who hasn’t heard the expression “à Houte-si-Plou”, meaning “in the middle of nowhere”? But there really is such a place…
Couillet
Couillet is a former commune that is now a section of the city of Charleroi. This rather comical name is of rather innocent origin. It actually comes from the Latin name “Culiacum”, i.e. the domain of a man named Culius. However, it’s worth mentioning that Couillet is divided into several neighborhoods, including… Couillet-queue. Enjoy your visit!
Aye
This village seems to utter a continuous exclamation of pain: aye! In fact, the locality owes its comical name to a geological formation, the Assise d’Aye. And by the way, the inhabitants of Aye are called Godis. Astonishing!
Poilvache
Granted, it’s not a commune, a town or even a village. Poilvache is a medieval fortress (in ruins) 5km from Dinant, in the province of Namur. But… what a name! Initially, the estate was known by the more princely name of “Château d’Emeraude”, and why it later became known as “Poilvache” is debated. In any case, the château occupied a strategic position during the “Cow War”, a medieval conflict that began with a stolen cow, and ended with thousands of victims… The cow!
Prée: the hamlet whose streets all bear the same name
Yes, although the name Prée isn’t particularly funny, the fact that this hamlet in the Belgian commune of Mettet has given all its streets the same name, rue de Prée, certainly is. The letter carrier must have one hell of a sense of direction!