Top 5 Lakes around Braives

While Braives itself doesn't have large natural lakes, the surrounding region features impressive artificial lakes and reservoirs. These include former quarries and nature reserves that now host significant water bodies, offering diverse landscapes from birdwatching havens to scenic walking paths. Further afield, larger complexes like the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure provide extensive water sports and outdoor activities.

Yes, the Haut-Geer Nature Reserve is a small paradise for birds, formed from old settling basins. It features reed beds, cattail ponds, and pools, providing diverse habitats where over 212 bird species have been observed. Another excellent spot is the Amay Gravel Pit, a protected site with 21 hectares of water and a 2.5-kilometer path specifically designed for bird watching.

For families, the Amay Gravel Pit offers an unmissable and wonderful walk for all ages. In the broader region, the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure complex is a hub for family fun, with swimming, an Aquacentre, and the unique 'Crocodile Rouge' amphibious bus. Lake Bütgenbach also features the VENNTASTIC Beach with a monitored swimming zone, trampolines, and play areas, making it ideal for families.

For extensive water sports, head to the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure, approximately 50 kilometers south of Charleroi. This complex offers swimming, sailing, kayaking, diving, jet skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, and even a cable park. Lake Bütgenbach is another great option for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing.

Yes, many lakes offer scenic hiking opportunities. You can find a 2.5-kilometer path for walking and birdwatching at the Amay Gravel Pit. The Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure complex boasts extensive hiking trails, including a 17 km loop around Lac de la Plate Taille. Lake Bütgenbach has a popular 10 km circular route, and the Gileppe Dam area offers numerous trails, including a 15-kilometer route around the lake. For more options, explore the Hiking around Braives guide.

Absolutely. The Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure complex provides extensive cycling trails, including a 17 km loop around Lac de la Plate Taille. Lake Bütgenbach also features a beautiful 10 km circular route popular for cycling. The Gileppe Dam area is perfect for mountain biking with numerous trails. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Braives guide.

The Moha Quarry, with its picturesque turquoise lake, is famous for its marine limestone and offers the “Promenade de la Pierre,” an educational walk about the region's quarrying history. The Gileppe Dam, built between 1867 and 1875, is Belgium's first modern dam and features a monumental 13.5-meter-high lion sculpture and a panoramic tower with 360-degree views.

The Barrage de la Plate Taille at the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure features a 107-meter-high viewing tower offering spectacular panoramic views. At the Gileppe Dam, a 77-meter-high panoramic lookout tower provides stunning 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding forests. The Moha Quarry also has a viewpoint over its turquoise lake.

Many of the walking paths around the lakes are suitable for beginners and offer relatively easy terrain. For instance, the 2.5 km path at the Amay Gravel Pit is described as an 'unmissable little walk in all seasons'. The circular routes around Lake Bütgenbach and Lac de la Plate Taille are also generally accessible for walking and cycling.

The Paradis Nature Reserve is a small but rich area that used to be a chalk quarry and has been reclaimed by nature. It features a central pond and diverse habitats. While beautiful, be aware that some paths can be steep with many steps, especially in wet weather, and may not be suitable for everyone.

Yes, the Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure complex offers a Natura Parc with treetop adventure courses and a bike park. Lake Bütgenbach has an adventure course and the Worriken sports and leisure center with high ropes courses. The Gileppe Dam area also features an Accropark with various rope courses and a climbing wall for thrilling experiences.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the rich birdlife at the Haut-Geer Nature Reserve and Amay Gravel Pit to the scenic walking paths. The unique turquoise lake at Moha Quarry and the extensive recreational opportunities at the larger regional lakes like Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure are also highly valued.