Walk of the 'Moulin du Blanc'

🌿 Moulin du Blanc Walk – Princely Gardens and Limestone Hills in Chimay

ℹ️ Walking Information

📍 Starting Point: Place Léopold, Chimay

📏 Distance: ± 4.8 km

⏱️ Duration: ± 1h15

⛰️ Elevation Gain: ± 74 m

⭐ Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5 – gently rolling, well-maintained paths)

A short but surprisingly rich loop walk through the heart of Chimay. You walk past remnants of princely gardens, old mills, and through the centuries-old limestone strip Calestienne, which offers panoramas and biodiversity. 🌾 Perfect for those who want to combine culture and nature in a relaxing journey.

🗺️ Route Description

🏰 Start at Place Léopold
You start at the lively square, once the private gardens of the Princes of Chimay. Crossbow archers have gathered here since the 16th century. Today, it buzzes on Fridays during the market.

🌳 Through the old princely gardens
On peaceful paths, you walk through the grounds that were once a paradisiacal garden, complete with a labyrinth, fountains, and even a hop field 🌿. The grandeur has faded, but with a bit of imagination, you can see the dream garden of Charles III de Croÿ.

🏛 Old Alms House and Avenue des Tilleuls
Before reaching the lime tree avenue, you pass the last alms house of Chimay – a reminder of centuries of social care. It stands on the site of the former gardener’s residence of the prince.

🌾 Mill Walk: Henrot and Leblanc
First, the Moulin Henrot appears, named after a 16th-century miller. Moments later, you see the Moulin du Blanc (1770), built on the Terne des Vaches (285 m). Water was pumped here to feed the fountains of the princely castle 💧.

⛰ Through the Calestienne
The path leads you through the limestone strip Calestienne, formed 370 million years ago. Tiennes and ternes create relief and wide views. With a bit of luck, you might spot orchids or a deer 🦌.

✨ Highlights

🏛️ Place Léopold – historic square full of life and stories

🌿 Princely Gardens – echoes of fountains and a labyrinth

⛪ Old Alms House – social care in a princely setting

🌾 Moulins Henrot & du Blanc – silent witnesses of centuries of milling history

⛰️ Calestienne & Terne des Vaches – walking on a limestone ridge with panoramas

💡 Tips

🥾 Shoes: sturdy walking shoes, as some sections are unpaved.

📅 Check hunting seasons – parts of the route may be closed.

📸 Don’t forget your camera: the mills and vistas are photogenic.

🐕 Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a leash.

🍺 Combine your walk with a Chimay beer in the center for the ultimate local touch.

🎯 Conclusion

The Moulin du Blanc Walk is a short but versatile journey: nature, heritage, and quiet paths in a charming spot of Hainaut. You walk through princely gardens, discover ancient mills, and enjoy the panoramic hills of the Calestienne.

A hidden gem for those wanting to see more in Chimay than just the castle or the Trappist. 🌿🏰🥾