The best MTB trails around Othe

Castle in a beautiful setting, unless a medieval market is set up and everything is cordoned off because of it.

You can walk all the way around the ramparts. We found it unique and impressive. The museum was also interesting.

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During World War II, the castle housed the Queen Elisabeth House, which became a boys' school in 1942. Headmaster Marie Taquet and her husband, Émile Taquet, housed 87 Jewish children there and saved them from the Holocaust. The current building has served as the municipal building of the city of Chiny since 2012. It was partially renovated at that time. In 2025, the city of Chiny received European subsidies for an energy-efficient restoration of the castle. This included insulating the roof, walls, floors, and ceilings, replacing the lighting with LED bulbs, and replacing the heating system. (Wikipedia)

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

The Gros Cron is a 20-meter-high rock whose site has been classified due to its geological interest. From the top, the view of the surrounding area is delightful.

In Marville, the Othain lake is a pleasant place to relax, with its leisure center and various walking trails. Here, the stretch of land that juts out offers a beautiful view of the expanse.

The Chiers Valley features several limestone hills where unique flora and fauna have developed in the region. This is the case of the Ramonette Valley, where there is also an old Maginot Line fort.