Nestled in the southwestern part of the country, in the Province of Hainaut, Aubechies is a tranquil haven where red brick and sandstone create a picture-perfect setting. This Walloon village, among the most beautiful in the country, offers a true journey back in time. Behind the majesty of its 11th-century Romanesque church, built on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement, and the secrets of its forgotten priory, lies a fascinating thousand-year history. From the cob huts of Belgium’s largest living museum to the princely splendor of Belœil Castle, explore a vibrant region filled with bucolic walks andgourmet stops.
From the Saint-Géry flagstones to the vanished priory: the rich history of Aubechies
In the heartof Aubechies, every stone tells a thousand-year-old story. The journey begins in front ofSaint-Géry Church, a remarkable 11th-century Romanesque building listed as a heritage site. Built on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement, the church conceals beneath its floor slabs a mysterious crypt where an ancient hexagonal basin still stands. Originally commissioned to serve as a grand Benedictine abbey church, the monument ultimately remained unfinished following the monks’ premature departure—driven out by disease and feudal wars. As a bonus, an unusual detail awaits visitors in the cemetery: the date of its restoration in 1903 remains engraved on a stone on the façade.
Just a few steps away,the old school and the town hall—both also listed as historic landmarks—unveil the secrets of another relic: the priory of this short-lived 11th-century monastery, converted into a farmhouse in 1778. This long, low building is the perfect example of traditional Tournai architectural style. Its red bricks set upon a sturdy foundation of Grandglise sandstone and its seven windows framed in limestone lend this square a uniquely picturesque charm.
6,000 years of history under the open sky and culinary delights
Here, the journey through time takes a spectacular turn atthe Aubechies-Belœil Archaeological Site and Museum. As Belgium’s largest archaeological park, the site offers a gripping immersion into over 6,000 years of history, from the Neolithic era toRoman times. Standing before a white cob hut, the magic begins when reenactors in period costumes—from peasants in white linen to Roman soldiers—open the doors to these faithfully reconstructed dwellings, furnished with everyday objects.
After this journey through the ages,Aubechies’ laid-back lifestyle is best savored at the table. A bucolic two-kilometer stroll leads visitors to the Taverne Saint-Géry, on the village square. It’s the perfect spot to pair a local dish with one of the 200 beers on the menu. To cap off this getaway in Hainaut, the adventure continues at the Château de Belœil. Nicknamed the “Belgian Versailles,” this estate—designated an Exceptional Heritage Site of Wallonia —dazzles with its immense 25-hectare park, geometric paths, shimmering ponds, and hedges trimmed to perfection.
