Attractions and Places To See around Les Bons Villers - Top 20

Les Bons Villers is rich in history. Within the municipality, you can explore sites like the Donjon de Mellet, the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roux, and the ancient archaeological site of Liberchies. The Church of Saint-Martin in Frasnes-lez-Gosselies and L'église Saints-Martin-et-Mutien-Marie in Mellet are also notable heritage sites. Just outside the municipality, but a major regional highlight, are the impressive Villers-la-Ville Abbey and its Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yes, the most prominent ruins are those of the Villers-la-Ville Abbey. These impressive ruins reflect 850 years of history and knowledge, classified as an exceptional heritage of Wallonia. With 50,000 m² of above-ground walls, it's one of Belgium's largest archaeological complexes, offering a unique opportunity to discover the history of the Cistercian order.

The region around Les Bons Villers is characterized by its rural landscape, offering numerous paths and fields suitable for walks. You can find local parks and green spaces perfect for leisurely strolls. An ancient Roman road also passes between Mellet and Villers-Perwin, providing a historical route through the natural landscape. Additionally, the Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal offers a scenic route for walking or cycling along its meandering path.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Villers-la-Ville Abbey and its Ruins are considered family-friendly, offering vast spaces to explore and learn about history. The Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal is also a great option for families, providing a flat and scenic path for walking or cycling.

Absolutely! The rural landscape of Les Bons Villers and its surroundings is ideal for cycling. The Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal offers a scenic, flat route perfect for a leisurely ride. For more extensive cycling adventures, you can explore various road cycling and gravel biking routes in the area. Find detailed routes and guides at Road Cycling Routes around Les Bons Villers and Gravel biking around Les Bons Villers.

Yes, the region offers many opportunities for walking and hiking. The surrounding countryside features numerous paths and fields. You can enjoy a walk along the Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal, which is suitable for pedestrians. For dedicated running and walking trails, explore options like the 'Arbre de la Bruyère – Château-ferme de La Bruyère loop' or routes offering views of the countryside. More running trails can be found in the Running Trails around Les Bons Villers guide.

The Villers Abbey Mill is a historical site dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, located near the main abbey ruins. It played a crucial role in the abbey's operations, housing the bakery and using hydraulic wheels to grind wheat and barley. Part of the building was later transformed into a hotel where Victor Hugo once stayed. Today, it's part of the historical complex and has seen developments for a Visitors Center.

The Porte de Namur is a monumental gate in the classical style, a remnant of the abbey walls from 1725. It was built under Abbot Jacques Hache and stands next to the ruins of Villers-la-Ville Abbey. It features two tall pilasters, a red brick entablature, and a triangular pediment bearing the abbot's coat of arms and motto, 'Fortiter et Suaviter' (strength and grace).

Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and the serene, expansive environment of the Villers-la-Ville Abbey and its Ruins, often noting the impressive scale and historical depth. The scenic beauty and tranquility of the Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal are also highly praised for walking and cycling, with many enjoying the defunct locks and meandering path.

The attractions around Les Bons Villers, particularly the outdoor sites like the abbey ruins and canal paths, are generally best enjoyed during the warmer months, from spring to early autumn (April to October), when the weather is pleasant for exploration. The Villers-la-Ville Abbey has extended opening hours during this period, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Winter visits are also possible, with the abbey open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a different, often more tranquil, experience.

Yes, beyond the well-known abbey ruins, Les Bons Villers has several classified heritage sites. These include the Donjon de Mellet, the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roux in Frasnes-lez-Gosselies, and L'ancienne chambre échevinale de Frasnes-lez-Gosselies. The birthplace of Saint Brother Mutien-Marie in Mellet is also a significant cultural site, reflecting the local religious heritage.