Le Roeulx: History, Roses and Pilgrimage Routes

Le Roeulx combines fortified urban history, religious heritage, forest paths and distinctive traditions. Those planning a trip with children can combine historical discoveries, a freely accessible walking tour and experiences in nature. Roses, cycling routes and the history of Brasserie St-Feuillien also give the town its own distinctive character.

Historic traces on the Grand’Place and in the castle park

The Grand’Place du Roeulx was listed for protection by the Commission Royale des Monuments et Sites in 1980. Le Roeulx was a fortified town for 500 years. The town walls, built in the 13th century, were sold and demolished at the end of the 18th century. The north tower of the former Nivelloise Gate has survived because it marked the boundary of the prince’s property.

The historic setting also includes the Maison espagnole, dating from 1727, and the Hostellerie du Cornet from the 16th century. The Abbaye Saint-Feuillien was founded in 1125 by monks of the Premonstratensian order. In the northern part of the castle park between rue de l’Abbaye and the large pond, remains and stones from the former abbey have been preserved, particularly at the site of the former abbey church and cloister.

Today’s Eglise St-Nicolas du Roeulx is a 19th-century neo-Gothic building, completed in 1869. Near the western entrance, a gravestone from 1404 is set into the wall; it is regarded as the oldest carved stone in Le Roeulx. Since its origins in 1202, the Ancien Hôpital St-Jacques has taken in sick people and pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Le Rœulx lies on a Belgian secondary route to Santiago, including a route that passes through Nivelles, Binche or Mons.

Forest paths, roses and unique experiences

La Haye du Roeulx is a significant forest area with ponds between Le Roeulx and Mignault. Two signposted routes pass through this area. The La Haye du Roeulx walking route adds six illustrated, narrated stops to the landscape, accessible via QR codes. Le Trésor du Moine Feuillien is also ideal for families, children, teenagers and curious people of all ages: the freely accessible tour takes around 1.5 hours in total.

Those wishing to explore Le Roeulx by bicycle will find themed cycling routes between Le Roeulx and La Louvière. They start at the Hôtel de Ville du Roeulx on the Grand’Place. The Jardins des Roses du Roeulx host an international competition for new rose varieties every year. Another local story is told by Brasserie St-Feuillien, founded by Stéphanie Friart in 1873. A pilgrimage takes place every year at the Chapelle de Creuse on Ascension Day; this tradition has continued since the first chapel was blessed in 1820. The Mémorial George Price was inaugurated in November 2018 on the centenary of the end of the First World War. It stands at the place where the last Commonwealth soldier was killed in this conflict.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Le Roeulx, it helps to decide in advance what you would most like to focus on. For a cultural and historical trip, the Grand’Place, the Eglise St-Nicolas, the former abbey, the Ancien Hôpital and the pilgrimage history provide a varied theme. Those who prefer spending time outdoors can include the signposted routes in La Haye du Roeulx and the walking route with its QR-code stops in their daily plans. For an active trip, the themed cycling routes add to the options. The freely accessible Le Trésor du Moine Feuillien tour also adds a clearly defined activity for families and curious visitors of all ages to the itinerary.

More destinations for your search

If you would like to compare other destination pages in addition to Le Roeulx, you can also visit Ellezelles, Braine-Le-Comte, Brugelette, Charleroi, Estinnes, Frameries, Pecq and Momignies.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Hainaut.