Top 5 Natural Monuments around Bellignies
Natural monuments around Bellignies offer diverse geological formations and historical sites within a protected natural setting. The region is characterized by its verdant landscapes, including forests and meadows, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. These sites blend natural beauty with local history and folklore. The area is part of the larger Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, known for its preserved environment.
Best natural monuments around Bellignies
- The most popular natural monuments is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a natural monument that is a…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Le Caillou-qui-Bique
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A little step back in time... …
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Bois d'Angre
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Terril Saint-Antoine
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Trees with mistletoe
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The white, berry-like fruit is spread by birds. …
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Former Frédéric coal mine (Machine à feu)
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The Bois d'Angre, located in Honnelles, is a forest renowned for the Caillou-qui-Bique, a 370 million year old pudding rock. This forest is home to rich biodiversity with oaks, ash trees and various rare species. A place of legends and hikes, the Angre woods is a precious natural site in Wallonia, managed by Natagora and other organizations to preserve its unique fauna and flora.
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This rock formation is very special in the forest!
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Puits N° 1 de la SA du Charbonnage de la Grande Machine à Feu de Dour In 1891 an explosion took place here in the underground. 21 miners lost their lives. Around that time, coke ovens were also built near the mine. The shafts had a depth of 970 meters. In 1913, the company had 1067 employees divided between the N°1 and the mine "Frédéric" (N°2). During that year, 148070 tons of coal was extracted. Frédéric closed on January 6, 1932. The N°1 closed on November 30, 1954. A company is located on the mine site. A few small buildings survived. The slag heap is still partly (flattened) present. In May 2021, it was decided to demarcate three zones. A first (terril) will become a nature reserve, a second zone will become an athletics track with grandstands (Dour Sports) and a third zone will be filled with solar panels, as is the case in neighboring Vedette. https://www.belgischesteenkoolmijnen.be/borinage/grande-machine-%C3%A0-feu/
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Behind the wall, the old pit of the Great Fire Engine.
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Behind the wall, the old pit of the Great Fire Engine
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A legend has been perpetuated for generations on this 25 meter high stone planted on a ridge (in patois we say that it rocks). 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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The Bois d'Angre or Bois du Caillou-qui-bique is a Belgian forest located in Angre in the commune of Honnelles in the Walloon region, on a private plot. It is particularly known for its "poudingue" (hard rock sediment), 370 million years old, 25 meters high, whose shape is reminiscent of a human face. He is also said to have inspired the poet Émile Verhaeren. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bois_d%27Angre
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological formations can I explore near Bellignies?
The region is home to fascinating geological sites. A prominent example is Le Caillou-qui-Bique, a 25-meter-high quartz puddingstone dating back 370 million years. This impressive rock formation is located in the Bois d'Angre and is known for its unique shape and ancient origins.
Are there any natural monuments with historical or legendary significance?
Yes, several sites blend natural beauty with rich history and folklore. Le Caillou-qui-Bique is steeped in local legends, including tales of Satan. Additionally, La Pierre Croûte, an ancient megalith believed to be a menhir, offers a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past with its mysterious cupules, possibly an astronomical map.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Bellignies, especially within the Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find a variety of running trails, road cycling routes, and mountain biking trails. The Bois d'Angre, for instance, is excellent for hiking.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit?
Absolutely. The Bois d'Angre is considered family-friendly, offering enchanting hiking trails suitable for various ages. You can also explore areas like the 'Trees with mistletoe' highlight, which provides an interesting natural feature for families to discover.
What makes the Bois d'Angre special?
The Bois d'Angre is a highly biodiverse forest, home to various tree species like oaks and ash, and is particularly known for its vibrant display of daffodils in spring. It's also the location of the famous Le Caillou-qui-Bique and has inspired poets like Émile Verhaeren.
Can I spot wildlife in the natural areas around Bellignies?
Yes, the Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, which encompasses Bellignies, is rich in flora and fauna. The park's diverse landscapes, including forests and bocage meadows, provide habitats for various bird species, colorful insects, and butterflies, offering good opportunities for wildlife spotting during nature walks.
What is the Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois?
Bellignies is situated within the larger Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, a protected area spanning approximately 125,000 hectares. It's known for its preserved, verdant landscapes, characterized by bocage meadows, vast deciduous forests, and clear streams, earning it the nickname 'the little Switzerland of the North.' The park regularly organizes nature walks.
Is there a natural monument that offers elevated views?
Yes, Terril Saint-Antoine, a former slag heap that has naturalized over time, offers elevated views of the surrounding landscape. It's a unique site recognized for its distinct topography and is also popular for mountain biking.
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Bellignies?
Spring is particularly beautiful, especially in the Bois d'Angre, when daffodils are in bloom. The mild weather of spring and autumn also makes these seasons ideal for hiking and exploring the natural landscapes comfortably.
Are there any unique natural features like mistletoe to observe?
Yes, you can find 'Trees with mistletoe' in the local forests. Mistletoe is an evergreen semi-parasite that grows on trees, and its white, berry-like fruit is spread by birds. It's also associated with various folklore and traditions.
Can I visit the ancient La Pierre Croûte?
La Pierre Croûte is an ancient megalith located on private property within the Château de Bellignies park. While generally not publicly accessible, it is occasionally opened to visitors during special events, offering a rare opportunity to see this prehistoric artifact.
What are the historical industrial sites that have become natural monuments?
Beyond purely natural formations, the region features sites like Terril Saint-Antoine, a former coal slag heap that has transformed into a unique landscape. Another example is the 'Former Frédéric coal mine (Machine à feu)', an old mining site with surviving structures and a partially flattened slag heap, now being repurposed for nature and recreation.
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