Discover Momignies: RAVeL, nature and history

Momignies is a destination for anyone looking to combine activity in the countryside, distinctive viewpoints and tangible history. Between the RAVeL of Line 156, the Beauwelz Forest, historic memorial sites and the film locations around Courquain-Koorkin, there are various ways to spend your holiday days. Depending on whether you prefer to cover a longer distance, discover nature or delve deeper into regional history, you can shape your stay in Momignies in different ways.

Between the RAVeL, forest and starry sky

A notable way to experience Momignies actively is the Line 156 RAVeL section from Momignies to Mariembourg. It is 31 km long. The route runs along a protected RAVeL section separated from other traffic. This provides a clearly described route for planning your trip, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one mode of transport. In Momignies, the RAVeL can be accessed near the former railway station and the so-called “de la Honte” carriage.

Along the Line 156 RAVeL near Momignies are an arboretum with native and exotic tree species and a pond that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Anyone who wants not only to make progress along a route but also to take a closer look will find an opportunity here to complement the impression of the landscape with trees, water and wildlife. Another nature experience is offered by the Promenade de Beauwelz: the hike is 6 km long and runs mostly through the Beauwelz Forest. Surgineté on this walk was also once home to a luxury glassworks.

An unusual highlight is the Tour du Ciel in Momignies. The 15-metre-high wooden observation tower focuses on observing the night sky and combating light pollution. For your planning, this provides an addition to the paths and forest landscapes: alongside outdoor activity, the focus here is on experiencing the sky.

History, monuments and film locations

Momignies also offers several points of interest for visitors interested in cultural history. The former Brasserie Février has been classified as a monument since 24 January 2013. It is considered one of the rare examples of Belgian brewing craftsmanship from the early days of the Industrial Revolution.

The Musée 40-44 Lieutenant Cook presents the history of the Second World War and the liberation of the Botte du Hainaut. It has three educational sections covering the Resistance in Thiérache, the B-17 Susan Ruth and the battles of the liberation. This allows a stay in Momignies to be expanded with a focused exploration of the region’s wartime and liberation history.

The film “Rien à déclarer” is also part of the local orientation. The Promenade de la Masure begins and ends in the immediate vicinity of the Courquain customs post, which became known through the filming of “Rien à déclarer”. In Courquain-Koorkin, the film’s key scenes can be retraced; the border crossing between Macquenoise in Belgium and Hirson-forêt in France is also addressed. Anyone who enjoys combining cultural locations with a specific story has another option here for planning their day.

Choose experiences according to your interests

Families and travel groups with different preferences can discover Momignies through various highlights: a longer RAVeL route, a 6 km forest hike, nature observation at the arboretum and pond, the Tour du Ciel observation tower or the museums and historic sites. In Momignies, Monceau-Imbrechies and Beauwelz, there are a total of three Totemus treasure hunts, combining a traditional treasure hunt with geocaching. This format complements the more tranquil museum and landscape experiences with a playful way to discover the locations.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Momignies, you can therefore first consider which aspect of the destination should define your stay. Those who primarily want to experience paths and landscapes can focus their planning on the RAVeL and forest hike. Those interested in the past, film and regional identity can focus on the former sites, the Musée 40-44 Lieutenant Cook and Courquain-Koorkin. Accommodation in Momignies provides a starting point for your personal selection of places to visit, without requiring you to limit yourself to a single holiday style.

For more travel ideas, you can also view the entries Aiseau, Manage, Estaimpuis, Frameries, Ellezelles, Thuin, Hensies and Péruwelz.

For the broader travel overview: Hainaut.