Imagine a medieval castle that seems to float on the surface of the water. Surrounded by a shimmering moat, with its tall red-brick towers, it looks like a film set. Yet Château d’Olhain, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in northern France, is very real.
Located around two hours from Brussels, on the banks of the Lawe at Fresnicourt-le-Dolmen, this incredibly well-preserved fortress transports you back in time. Between lush greenery, historical accounts and postcard-perfect views, this getaway near Belgium promises a complete change of scenery.
A medieval getaway just 2 hours from Brussels
It’s hard to imagine that this castle, so peaceful today, has witnessed more than eight centuries of history. Olhain’s first fortification appeared as early as 1179, under the impetus of the powerful d’Olhain family, one of the oldest lineages of the Artois region. A century later, Hugues d’Olhain, a knight who had taken part in the Crusades, had a sandstone fortress built to protect his lands.
But it was from 1407 onwards that the castle took on its present form, with towers, walls and drawbridge. Remaining in the same family for over 450 years, it has seen knights, dukes and even a few battles before becoming the peaceful place we visit today. During your visit, you’ll be able to admire the chapel, vaulted cellars and dungeon floors that bear witness to this rich history.
A castle that seems to float on water
Built on a small island surrounded by a deep moat, Château d’Olhain truly gives the impression of floating on a lake. At sunrise or sunset, the towers are perfectly reflected in the calm water. This unreal setting is reminiscent of Miyazaki’s world, halfway between Chihiro’s Journey and The Moving Castle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACdF4HP603Y
Visit the nature park around Château d’Olhain
Château d’Olhain is of course the star of this escapade. However, if you make your way there, the region has plenty of other surprises in store. The Olhain estate lies at the heart of Parc d’Olhain. This is a vast 400-hectare wooded natural area, where you can easily spend a whole day enjoying the great outdoors. After exploring the ancient stones of the château, take a stroll through the undergrowth. You can also take a break by the pond, or even enjoy a picnic with a view of the red towers reflected in the water.
For the more active, the park offers a range of activities. Thrill-seekers will appreciate the tree climbing and mountain bike trails. There are also signposted walks, a swimming pool and mini-golf for the whole family. What’s more, if you’re traveling with children, there’s a large play area dedicated to them, enough to keep them occupied while you take a breather on a bench in the sun.
Near the playground, the Parc d’Olhain Belvedere offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the site, from a height of 210 metres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiLfwJ0ieIU
And for history buffs, the region has plenty of other medieval sites to visit: the charming towns of Arras and Béthune are only a twenty-minute drive away, with their magnificent Flemish squares, belfries and museums.
Château d’Olhain: practical information, prices, opening hours
To make sure you don’t miss anything when you visit Château d’Olhain, here’s some useful information. From Brussels, allow around 2 hours’ drive, mainly via the A2 and A1 motorways. Once you’ve arrived, free parking is available close to the park, just a few minutes’ walk from the site entrance.
And although the castle is privately owned, it opens its doors to visitors depending on the season:
- April 1 to June 30 and September 1 to October 31: Sundays and public holidays, 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
- July 1 to August 31: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 3pm to 6.30pm.
Admission is very affordable: €6 per adult. Tickets are free for children under 12.
And don’t forget your good shoes! Between the paths around the château and the small footbridges leading to the entrance, you’ll have to do a bit of walking. But that’s exactly what makes the visit so enjoyable.