The Roads of our Heritage: 160km in Picardy Wallonia

From castles to mills

After revisiting the great classic that is the Ardennes and even making an incursion into Flemish territory, it was time for us to change horizons. This is what we did through the Country of the Hills, starting from Ath, along a winding route in a varied and hilly landscape, with multiple changes of direction. It will therefore be imperative to keep a close eye on the GPS...

Text Philippe Bonamis - Photos Jonathan Godin

It is in the heart of the good city of Ath, at the unmissable Grand-Place, that our fine team gathers on a sunny June morning. Ah, what a pleasure to sip coffee on the terrace, motorcycles parked just meters away, while enjoying a city that has regained its vibrancy. It's not the crowd of great days, but with the reopening of shops, life has resumed its course. We take the opportunity to admire in passing the magnificent town hall, where the shadow of Guy Spitaels still looms, a major political figure of Wallonia in the 20th century and undoubtedly one of the last statesmen of our country. The city center is not short on one-way streets, and extricating oneself to find the little road we have chosen to reach Attre can pose some navigation problems. So be sure to follow the route scrupulously and everything will be fine. With just a few bursts of gas, time to warm up the machines, we arrive in front of the splendid castle of Attre, the pride of this small Hainaut locality belonging to the entity of Brugelette.

Attre and Beloeil: must-sees

The castle of Attre is truly worth a look, both for the elegance and sobriety of its lines as well as the setting it is in, with a "French-style" garden at the front and a “landscape park” of 17 hectares behind the residence, the highlight being certainly an artificial rock 33 meters high. Attre, classified as a major heritage site of Wallonia, is a typical 18th-century castle, which is quite rare in our regions, especially since it has remained "in its juice." The castle is also remarkable for its chapel, located at its center, as well as its "Archdukes' lounge" in Louis XV style, which has preserved its original wallpaper.

To discover the rest of this 160km walk through Picardy Wallonia, as well as the visit to the Archéosite of Aubechies, go to the new Moto 80 #838, which you can find in all good bookstores.