Discover Aublain: Nature Trails, Views and Village History

Aublain combines village history with a varied landscape around the Eau Blanche. The village lies on a rocky promontory above the watercourse; its main street follows the geological ridge that separates the Calestienne from the Fagne. Choosing a holiday apartment in Aublain means selecting a destination where you can incorporate nature observation, scenic breaks and historical discoveries into your days away.

Landscape between the ridge and the Eau Blanche

A notable natural area is the Natura 2000 site “Vallée de l’Eau Blanche entre Aublain et Mariembourg”, identified as BE35027. It lies within the municipalities of Chimay and Couvin. The Promenade de l’Aubligneux also passes through this area; the Eau Blanche watercourse is located there.

From the viewpoint on the northern side of Place Saint-Lambert, you can look out over the schist depression of Fagne-Famenne. There is also a picnic area at Place Saint-Lambert.

Trails for different day plans

The 8.5 km-long RAVeL section of Line 156 runs between Aublain and the business park beside the N5 in Mariembourg. It comprises a 2.70 m-wide asphalt path and an adjacent 1.00 m-wide path with an ash surface. This information helps you assess whether the route suits your preferred day programme. Those travelling with children or bringing together different generations can take the length and the different surfaces into account when planning.

Three named walks offer further landscape impressions. The Promenade du Bois d’Aublain leads from Aublain to the Natura 2000 site “massif forestier de Cerfontaine”. The Promenade de la Campagne Là-Haut runs through the wetlands of the Natura 2000 site Vallée de l’Eau Blanche and also follows the Grande Traversée de la Forêt du Pays de Chimay for several hundred metres. This brings different landscapes together: woodland, wetlands and the open surroundings of the Eau Blanche.

Historical details in the village

Saint-Lambert Church is located in the centre of Aublain. A high cemetery wall surrounds the building; the tower has loopholes, reflecting its historical function as a place of refuge and defence over the centuries. This site complements the nature experiences with a vivid piece of village history. If, during your trip, you would like to discover not only trails but also architectural traces of times gone by, Saint-Lambert is one of Aublain’s defining features.

Which starting point suits your trip?

Accommodation in Aublain may suit different holiday priorities: days of nature trails and landscape observation as well as trips where village history and quiet breaks have their place. The documented routes differ in their course, landscape and surfaces. When planning your day, therefore, consider whether you would like to focus on the asphalt RAVeL section, a walk through woodland and wetlands, or the viewpoint at Place Saint-Lambert.

For further searches for suitable destinations, you can also look at Brûly-De-Pesche, Frasnes and Petite-Chapelle. This allows you to compare Aublain with other villages before choosing your holiday apartment and the character you want for your trip.

For the overview of the wider area: Couvin.