Discover Leernes: Forests, Trails and History

Leernes combines varied hiking experiences with forest landscapes, wetland habitats and traces of history. Anyone planning a trip involving nature, activity and cultural discoveries will find a range of possibilities here: a 10.6 km hiking trail, viewpoints over a former river landscape, remarkable buildings and an ancient woodland area.

Hiking amid forest, water and views

Leernes – Boucle 1 is a 10.6 km hiking trail. The trail begins on Place Degauque, at the foot of the Maison de la Laïcité, the former town hall of Leernes. Along the way, the route offers a panorama extending as far as Charleroi and leads into the Bois domanial de Leernes state forest. A special feature of the trail is a pond with an island, as well as tables and benches for picnics. This allows you to fit the hike into different daily schedules: you can plan the route as a longer active day or mark the picnic area as a specific rest stop.

Leernes – Boucle 2 offers a different focus. The route provides a viewpoint over the former Sambre, known as the “Etangs de la Clairière”. If, during a stay in Leernes, you would like to distinguish between a longer loop and a viewpoint experience, you can include these two described trails in your travel plans without combining them into a single circuit.

The Bois de Leernes as a natural area

The Bois de Leernes comprises a mosaic of wetland habitats. These include springs, watercourses and their banks, hydromorphic areas and a pond. The forest is regularly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It is considered an old, nature-rich forest that has continuously retained its status as a deciduous forest since the 18th century. The paths running through the Bois de Leernes form part of a larger social and recreational network connected to neighbouring forests, particularly the Leernes state forest.

Another landscape reference point is a stream that rises at « Culot de Beaulieusart » in Leernes and flows into the Ernelle in Fontaine-l'Évêque. Details such as these also make the surroundings interesting for travellers who want their walks to involve more than simply covering a route and would like to experience the landscape and its waterways more consciously.

Historical traces and local details

The history of Leernes includes the Château de la Jonchière in Fontaine-l'Évêque/Leernes. It was built in 1611 by the avoué Denis de Liège as the high bailiwick of Liège. The Saint-Martin church in Leernes stands out for its twisted steeple. Another visible testimony to the town’s history is the public Fontaine La Pisselotte, built in 1849. The water from the Fontaine is not drinkable today. The Fontaine is therefore suitable as a historical detail to visit, not as a source of drinking water.

The chaudeau is also associated with Leernes and is considered the oldest festival of the Fontaine-l'Évêque entity. Together with the château, the church and the Fontaine, it provides a cultural perspective on the town that complements the nature experiences offered by the trails. You should regard the buildings and traditions mentioned as individual discoveries.

Leernes as a base for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Leernes, your preferred combination of hiking, nature and local history may be the deciding factor. For Leernes – Boucle 1, the TEC-Charleroi bus stop “Leernes – Place communale” on line 173 is 50 metres from the access point. There is free parking on Place Degauque and the adjacent streets. This information can help you organise your arrival and daily plans using public transport or a car. For the specific accommodation, check which location and mode of arrival best suit your travel group.

More places to compare

If you would like to compare Leernes with other destinations in your travel plans, here is a concise overview: Erquelinnes, Ham-Sur-Heure-Nalinnes, Aiseau-Presles, Fayt-Lez-Manage, Momignies, Pecq, Estaimpuis and Binche.

For the overview of the wider region: Hainaut.