The best walks and hikes around Chastre

Mill, history & enjoyment A wonderful place to stop after your visit to the abbey. Behind the building, the authentic water wheel still turns, powered by the river Thyle – a beautiful piece of living history. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo himself stayed here several times, finding inspiration for his work. Today, this is still an atmospheric stop: discover more about the abbey in the visitor centre and then enjoy the terrace or the historic vaulted rooms at Bistro de l’Abbaye. Be sure to try one of the artisanal abbey beers from the in-house microbrewery. 🍺 History, water, atmosphere, and a delicious local beer… a stop you don't want to miss! 😉

The Mills of Villers Abbey is where history & the present meet. The historic Abbey Mill is the ultimate gateway to the magical Cistercian site of Villers-la-Ville. This 13th-century monumental building, where the monks once ground their grain and baked 2000 loaves weekly for the poor, now serves as the modern visitor centre and the atmospheric Bistro de l'Abbaye. It forms the perfect starting or stopping point for your walk or bike ride.

The imposing Porte de Namur was built in 1725 under the leadership of the influential abbot Jacques de Lierneux. What makes this gate extra special is that it had a double function. The exterior (which you are now looking at) was erected in a rich, classic Renaissance style of brick and bluestone to impress high-ranking guests. On top of the gate passage is a robust stone tower room. Historically, this served as a guardhouse and prison cell for the abbey, which was allowed to exercise its own jurisdiction at the time. A monumental transition from the open nature to the ancient abbey domain!

Its impressive purple carpet of wild bluebells can be admired every spring. The peak period to witness this floral splendor is usually between mid-April and early May. The bloom lasts only about two weeks and is highly dependent on the early spring weather and the sunbeams filtering through the still bare canopy. Make sure to stay on the official paths during this period to avoid trampling the fragile bulbs!

Very pleasant avenue, bordered by two rows of trees. Very pleasant in summer. The branches of the trees form a beautiful tree-lined arch.

Beautiful little chapel in the middle of a field

The Porte de Namur – Heritage of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville The Porte de Namur dates from 1725 and is an impressive remnant of the former abbey of Villers-la-Ville. It was built under Abbot Jacques Hache, the 61st abbot of the abbey, who led it from 1716 to 1734. The gate stands right next to the ruins of the abbey and is located near the tourist information point (Syndicat d’Initiative). It spans the rue de l’Abbaye (national road RN274) and provides access to the Notre-Dame des Affligés chapel and the village of Mellery. On the left, there is a reconstructed terraced vineyard supported by slate retaining walls – a nod to the abbey’s wine-making past. The Namur Gate is built in a classical style, with two tall pilasters supporting a red brick entablature. At the top, a triangular pediment adorns the gate, containing niches, the coat of arms of Abbot Hache and his motto: Fortiter et Suaviter – ‘strong and gentle’.

The mill was built in the 13th century. Part of the building housed the abbey bakery. At the beginning of the 14th century, it delivered more than 2,000 loaves of brown bread every week, intended for the poor who presented themselves at the porter's lodge. Hydraulic wheels operated the millstones for grinding wheat and barley, but also for sawing wood and pressing oil. In the 19th century, the mill-bakery was transformed into a hotel: the Hôtel des Ruines. Victor Hugo stayed there several times.