Attractions and Places To See around Crespin - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Crespin feature a diverse landscape of natural monuments, extensive nature reserves, and varied terrain. The region is characterized by its unique geological formations, such as balancing rocks, and significant wetlands formed by historical mining activities. Visitors can explore protected areas with distinct flora and fauna, alongside forests and trails suitable for outdoor activities. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and local history.
Best attractions and places to see around Crespin
- The most popular attractions is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a natural monument that is a 20 to 25 meter high rock composed of fragments of several natural elements. This site is known for its unique geological formation and local legends.
- Another must-see spot is Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve, a natural monument and lake. This reserve is the largest reed-covered area in Wallonia, home to over 300 observed animal species, some of which are rare or threatened.
- Visitors also love Stambruges MTB Playground, a challenging mountain bike park within a forest. It offers technical terrain with short, steep, and sandy slopes, ideal for mountain biking.
- Crespin is known for natural monuments, extensive nature reserves, and varied trails. The region offers a range of activities from exploring unique geological formations to mountain biking and observing diverse wildlife.
- The attractions around Crespin are appreciated by the komoot community. With 217 upvotes and 70 photos, these places are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Le Caillou-qui-Bique
Highlight • Natural Monument
A little step back in time...
Saint-Ghislain completes the construction of its abbey.
The devil decides that he will take advantage of the inauguration day to destroy the abbey and its occupants, by throwing an enormous stone found in the Pyrenees at the community.
An angel warns Saint-Ghislain of the imminent danger weighing on the abbey.
He gathers as many pairs of worn shoes as possible, which he slips into a huge bag and takes to the road to meet the evil one.
Coming across a poor fellow in rags with holes in his shoes at this place, the devil, quite exhausted by the heavy load, questions him: “Is the abbey of Saint-Ghislain still far away? ".
- “I’m coming from there, if it’s far!” » replies the old man while emptying his bag, filled with threadbare shoes, in front of the devil.
Discouraged and disappointed, Satan preferred to give up, dropping his heavy stone on the ground and walking away blaspheming, fooled by the subterfuge.
An hour and a half.
N.B.: some historians say that this is the legend of Saint Remacle, during the construction of Stavelot Abbey.
You are therefore free to substitute Remacle for Saint-Ghislain since this substitution does not modify the spirit of the story.
In both cases, the devil is defeated.
Cfr de informatiesteen ter hoogte van Le Chalet de Garde.
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Stambruges MTB Playground
Highlight • MTB Park
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Mer de Sable State Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Source: visitwapi.be/nl/moeras-van-harchies
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Le Chalet Du Garde
Highlight • Cafe
A growing number of tourists encouraged Léon Laurent to build a café restaurant in 1892 with a billiard room and bedrooms. It was the time of the arrival in the Bois d'Angre of the couple Mr. and Mrs. Verhaeren, famous poet and figure of the place who participated in the development of the site. Le Caillou-qui-Bique becomes the address to know.
In 2020, Aurélie Vilain is taking over "Le Chalet Du Garde" and intends to perpetuate the history of this emblematic place.
"Originally from Roisin, I grew up in the green valleys of Hauts-Pays and Caillou-qui-Bique, so it was only natural that this place came to the fore."
SCHEDULE :
OPEN ALL YEAR
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m.
IN JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Tips from the Community
Attention change of regulation, a part of the reserve is forbidden to bicycles. I saw it this morning.
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Mountain biking in this forest is fantastic! You could spend hours here before you've seen everything!
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cafe in the middle of the woods, very friendly owner with cozy terrace. definitely recommended.
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Ideal playground for practicing.
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Very friendly welcome! Ideal place during a hike or a stroll in the surrounding area to drink a local beer, Daffodil.
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The Mer de Sable nature reserve is a 22-hectare protected area, renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. Formerly a pond that dried up in the 19th century, the site is home to exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants such as the sundew. The reserve, classified as a major heritage site in Wallonia, offers marked trails for hiking and observing local biodiversity.
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in the forest of Stambruges (forêt indivisée) - in the area of the 'mer de sable - you can cycle up and down hills to your heart's content, there is some sand and some only real forest land, there are also spontaneous MTB riders who make small hills and jumps. be careful for many walkers, especially on sunny weekend days. This is also a popular place in autumn/winter. update Nov 2023 - storm Ciaran has had an ugly havoc and a few of the access paths to the MTB playground are more difficult to reach due to fallen trees.
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Ornithological nature reserve, with magnificent species. Several observation points set up for bird watching. accessible to PMR.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural attractions can I explore around Crespin?
Crespin is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a unique 20 to 25-meter high rock formation with local legends. The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve offers extensive wetlands and is the largest reed-covered area in Wallonia, home to over 300 animal species. Another notable spot is the Mer de Sable State Reserve, known for its peat moors, birch forests, and exceptional flora, including carnivorous plants.
Are there any family-friendly activities or places to visit in Crespin?
Yes, Crespin offers several family-friendly options. The Mer de Sable State Reserve features marked trails suitable for families to explore its unique biodiversity. Additionally, Le Chalet Du Garde is a historical cafe and restaurant that welcomes families, offering a pleasant stop during a walk or hike.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Crespin is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, road cycling routes, and gravel biking paths. For specific routes and their difficulties, you can explore the dedicated guides for Hiking around Crespin, Road Cycling Routes around Crespin, and Gravel biking around Crespin.
Are there specific hiking trails I can explore?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can find easy to moderate routes like the 'Saint Roch Chapel loop from Crespin' (5.8 km) or a 'Hiking loop from Hensies' (9.7 km). These trails allow you to experience the natural beauty of the region. More details can be found in the Hiking around Crespin guide.
Where can I go mountain biking around Crespin?
Mountain biking enthusiasts can head to the Stambruges MTB Playground. This challenging mountain bike park is located within a forest and offers technical terrain with short, steep, and sandy slopes, making it an ideal spot to fine-tune your technique.
What is the significance of Le Caillou-qui-Bique?
Le Caillou-qui-Bique is a remarkable natural monument, a rock 20 to 25 meters high composed of fragments of various natural elements. It's known for its unique geological formation and is steeped in local legends, often involving tales of the devil and saints, making it a site of both natural and folkloric interest.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve?
The Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve is a significant ornithological site. It's home to over 300 observed animal species, with about 100 having bred there. Many of these species are rare or threatened, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars to fully appreciate the diverse birdlife.
Are there places to eat or relax near the attractions?
Yes, Le Chalet Du Garde is a historic cafe and restaurant located near Le Caillou-qui-Bique. It has been serving visitors since 1892 and offers a friendly welcome, making it an ideal place to enjoy a local beer or a meal during a hike or walk in the surroundings.
What makes the Mer de Sable State Reserve unique?
The Mer de Sable State Reserve is a 22-hectare protected area renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. It's unique for its exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants like the sundew. The site also holds archaeological interest, with carved tools having been discovered there.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Crespin?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from unique geological formations like Le Caillou-qui-Bique to the rich biodiversity of the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve. The challenging mountain biking opportunities at Stambruges MTB Playground and the tranquil beauty of the Mer de Sable State Reserve are also highly rated. The area's blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities is a major draw.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy scenic vistas?
Yes, both Le Caillou-qui-Bique and the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve are categorized as viewpoints, offering opportunities to take in the surrounding natural beauty. The reserve, in particular, has viewing huts for observing the wetlands and wildlife.
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