Discover Hensies: Wetlands, Culture and Special Routes

Hensies combines an exceptional wetland landscape with distinctive cultural heritage. The Marais d’Harchies-Hensies-Pommeroeul marsh complex is located in the Natura 2000 site “Vallée de la Haine en aval de Mons” and is considered an area of high biological interest. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their trip can therefore consider Hensies as a base for nature observation, landscape experiences and cultural discoveries at different paces.

Species-rich marshes and paths through the wetlands

The marsh complex comprises diverse and species-rich wetland habitats. Covering almost 50 hectares, it contains the largest remaining reed beds in Wallonia. More than 300 species have already been observed in the area. These figures give the landscape a distinctive profile: the focus is not on a single attraction, but on the interplay of reeds, bodies of water and other wetland habitats.

A 6.5-kilometre loop with seven observation points runs around the marshes. For your daily itinerary, this means a clearly defined route with several points where you can experience the landscape from different perspectives. If you prefer a guided visit, CRIE d’Harchies organises guided tours of the marshes on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on the third Saturday of every month from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Another option is the “Hensies & Quiévrain: en zone humide” route. It leads through the landscape of Hensies and Quiévrain, characterised by marshes and wet meadows. GPX and KML files are available for planning your own trip, allowing you to export the route to a GPS device. This enables you to decide in advance whether a guided visit or a self-planned route is better suited to your day of travel.

Canal, river and distinctive cultural highlights

The waterways also shape the character of Hensies. The Hensies-Pommeroeul Canal borders the town, while the Haine River flows through Hensies. These two landscape elements complement the view of the marshes and make it clear that water here is not merely an individual viewpoint, but a defining theme of the surrounding area.

A highly visible cultural landmark is the Moeschal Signal Monument. The sculptor Jacques Moeschal erected it in 1972; the monument is 57 metres high and symbolises Franco-Belgian friendship. It stands at a former border post. This combination of artwork, height and historic location makes the monument an independent destination for visitors who want to include architecture and history in their trip alongside nature.

The restored organ in Saint-Georges Church is open to the public. In addition, Hensies’ multicultural vegetable garden was created near a municipal school in 2012. It brings together the municipality’s 26 nationalities and complements the major landscapes and architectural monuments with a local example of community life.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for accommodation in Hensies, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus first. The marshes, with their 6.5-kilometre loop and seven observation points, appeal to travellers who want to include nature observation in their daily itinerary. The Moeschal Signal Monument and Saint-Georges, on the other hand, provide cultural highlights. Those who want to combine both can structure their trip with a day in nature and a separate section dedicated to art, history and local projects.

This division is particularly helpful for a trip involving different interests: some members of the group may be interested in wetland habitats and observed species, while others may want to learn more about the canal, river, monument or church. The guided times offered by CRIE d’Harchies and the available GPS files provide two clearly different ways of planning. When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, consider which focus should shape your days in Hensies.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Hensies, here are some additional destinations: Lessines, Tournai, Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont, Soignies, Estinnes, Morlanwelz, Ath and Braine-Le-Comte.

For the overarching travel overview: Hainaut.