Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont: Terril and Laetare

Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont stands out for its landscapes, history and lively traditions. The Terril de Bascoup n°4 offers trails and sweeping views; the town’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. There’s also the Laetare festival and local specialities. These varied experiences can help you plan your holiday around nature, culture or shared activities.

Nature and trails at the Terril de Bascoup

The Terril de Bascoup n°4 is in Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont and covers 17 hectares. It reaches a height of 190 metres, with an elevation gain of 40 metres. Mostly wooded, the terril combines a striking landscape with various ways to spend time outdoors.

There are plenty of well-cleared trails for hiking and mountain biking. The terril is also suitable for jogging and family walks. Quiet areas and large spaces for family picnics offer a change of pace from the trails and provide a place to take a break outdoors.

At the top, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding villages. The woods are also home to the small wintergreen (Pyrola minor), a species that is rare in Wallonia. The municipal environmental department organises guided nature tours of the terril three times a year. If you’d like to plan a visit, check the dates in advance.

Water activities in Godarville

In Godarville, the Domaine de Claire-Fontaine is a family-oriented leisure site by a lake. Water-based activities include slides, pedal boats, paddleboards and a large water park; there’s also a beach by the water. This outing offers a clear contrast with the terril’s trails and wooded areas: here, the focus is on spending time by the water. The water activities may not always be available.

Local history and Laetare

The history of the Prieuré d’Herlaimont stretches far back: a Premonstratensian priory was founded in Herlaimont in 1136. The priory church was consecrated in 1184, and the Prieuré was served by religious orders until 1830. The place name Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont also tells of a chapel: the village, with its several households, grew up around it. These historical connections give the town a different perspective from the nature experiences at the terril.

The Laetare festival is a particularly lively tradition. It begins at dawn on Sunday, when folk groups bring the different neighbourhoods to life. The chapters of the Ordre des Tchats also take part in the celebrations. The Laetare procession heads to the town hall square, where the final Rondeau and a fireworks display take place. As the event programme may change, it’s worth checking the dates before your trip.

A local tea blend

Le thé des T’chats is a blend of black tea, almonds, cinnamon, rose, pistachios and apples. If you enjoy discovering local products, you can try the tea at Croque Bio, Clos du chêne au Bois 11, 7160 Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont. Check in advance whether tastings are available.

When choosing your holiday rental, consider which of these sides of the area you’d like to shape your stay: trails and views at the terril, water activities in Godarville, or the culture surrounding Laetare and the town’s history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Boussu, Estaimpuis, Tournai, Belœil, Hensies, Ellezelles, La Louvière, Robechies.

Back to the main travel guide: Hainaut.