The best road cycling routes around Incourt

The history of Château Snyers, also known as Château de la Valette, began in the early 16th century. In 1505, the original fortified castle, which until then had served a distinctly defensive purpose, was largely destroyed by fire. On the same site, a decision was made to erect a new building that better suited the changing living conditions and residential ideals of the Renaissance period. During the seventeenth century, the estate was repeatedly confronted with the consequences of the many wars that plagued the region. Troop movements, looting, and military occupations left their mark, causing considerable damage to the castle. This period of instability led to decay, which was only thoroughly addressed at the end of the eighteenth century. In 1791, Marquis Jean-Claude-Bernardin de la Valette (chamberlain to the Emperor of Austria) took the initiative for a major reconstruction and embellishment of the castle, giving it its current harmonious appearance. After several changes of ownership, the castle eventually came into the possession of Louis-Joseph Snyers, a notary and former mayor of Hannuit. Under his name, the estate became permanently associated with the Snyers family.

Very nice ride with the bike. Easy to go and it's a nice place, surrounded by nature 🤍.

The Abbey of La Ramée, located in Jauchelette (Geldenaken), was founded around 1215 by Héluide, abbess of Nijvel. The Cistercian nuns moved in 1216 to the banks of the Great Gete and came under the spiritual authority of the neighboring Abbey of Villers-la-Ville. In the 13th century, the community experienced a period of flourishing thanks to Cistercian mysticism and a highly regarded scriptorium. The abbey managed to acquire a large agricultural area and became very prosperous. However, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the monastery was repeatedly plundered due to wars, forcing the sisters to flee temporarily. In 1706, the English general Marlborough even set up a field hospital there during the Battle of Ramillies. After the French Revolution, the abbey was confiscated in 1796 and sold as national property. The monastic buildings were largely dismantled, but the farm and associated agricultural lands were spared. In 1722, the spectacular tithe barn was built, which is still considered the largest in Belgium today. In 1980, the complex was recognized as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. After a thorough restoration in the 90s, the domain serves as an exclusive venue for seminars and business events.

The Château Rose was built by order of Albert-Pierre Stier (1745-1816). In 1776, he bought the seigniory of Orp, as it had been known since the end of the 17th century, when the land of Orp-le-Grand was merged with that of Orp-le-Petit. The pillory of Orp-le-Petit at the front is one of about fifty in Belgium that are listed by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage. When our country was invaded by France in 1794, the French revolutionaries rushed to abolish the symbols of the Ancien Régime and the pillory was demolished. A few years later, around 1826, Baron Jean-François de Vinck de deux Orp (1774-1827), nephew of the builder of the castle, had the restored elements of the pillory rebuilt on his estate, more specifically in the central part of the meadow below the castle. Source: https://www.orp-jauche.be/wp-content/uploads/Brochure_PetitPatrimoinePopulaire_ORP.pdf

very bucolic and away from cars

Very beautiful castle

La Ramée Abbey, founded around 1215 by Héluide, is located in Walloon Brabant, at a bend in the Grande Gette River. It was almost entirely rebuilt in the 18th century. In 1796, the Revolution dispersed its community, leading to the abbey's sale in 1799. Today, La Ramée Abbey is used exclusively for hosting business seminars.

Surprising to come across a mill in Wallonia... Beautiful location with benches at the beautiful white mill...