Attractions and museums
STEAM TRAIN
A steam train runs through the valley from Treignes to Mariembourg, from Easter to All Saints' Day. As it stops at each village, you can combine a walk with a round trip by steam train! You can also extend the experience and visit the excellent museum in Treignes station.
More information and timetables on the website of the Three Valleys Steam Train.
ARTHUR MASSON AND THE SCHOOL OF YESTERYEAR MUSEUMS
These two museums located on the village square of Treignes invite you to take a step back in time.
The Espace Arthur Masson, named after the famous local writer, presents a show about life in the Ardennes from 1930 to 1960 in the company of the writer's characters.
In the Ecole d'Autrefois, visitors experience life as a pupil in 1932.
More information at https://www.espacemasson.be/
TREIGNES DISCOVERY TRAIL
A 3-km walk in and around the village starts from the Espace Arthur Masson. Along the way, 11 interpretive panels introduce you to the traditional life of the village. Map at your disposal at the cottage.
Commentary texts in English are available at the Espace Arthur Masson in Treignes.
ECOMUSEE DU VIROIN
Museum dedicated to rural life in the old farm-castle at the heart of the village of Treignes which regularly proposes temporary exhibitions related to life in our countryside.
More information on the Ecomuseum website.
MALGRE-TOUT MUSEUM
Archaeology museum located in Treignes and presenting permanent collections on the evolution of Man and techniques in prehistory, as well as a life-size reconstruction of prehistoric dwellings. Great animations that are well adapted to children.
More information at http://www.museedumalgretout.be/
GALLO-ROMAN VILLA
Three hundred metres from the centre of the village of Treignes are the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa. The site is freely accessible and has explanatory boards. You can see the foundations and the remains of the heating system and the baths. The objects discovered there are exhibited in the Malgré-Tout museum.
JARDINS D'Ô AND SMALL TOURIST TRAIN
Ten minutes by car from Treignes, the Jardins d'Ô, in the village of Nismes, is a garden where you can have a great time with your family: various water games are freely available, and you can rent boats to row on the canals in the middle of the beautiful park.
A small tourist train goes around the village and takes you to the Fondry des Chiens, a nearby geological curiosity.
NEPTUNE CAVES
Near Nismes, in Petigny (15 min. from the gîte), the Neptune caves are located in a pleasant setting. When the water level allows it, part of the visit is done by boat.
BRULY-DE-PESCHE: HITLER'S BUNKER
In June 1940, Hitler moved into this bunker to prepare for the invasion of France. It can be visited, as well as an exhibition on life during the war and the resistance movement. A 20 min. drive from Treignes (towards Couvin).
ROCROI: FORTIFICATIONS VAUBAN
This star-shaped town located in France - 30 minutes from Treignes - is known for its historic battles and its fortifications (free access). Guided tours and a museum dedicated to the two battles.
CASTLE AND MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF HIERGES
Ten minutes away from Treignes, the village of Hièrges, in France, has a special medieval atmosphere with its small houses at the foot of its imposing castle. You can stroll through the narrow streets, have a bite to eat and visit the castle.
HAYBES
This quiet little French town nestled in a meander of the Meuse river on the French side is located 15 km (20 min.) from the cottage. Signposted walks with beautiful views on the theme of the slate quarries (description available at the cottage), hire of electric boats to navigate on the Meuse or gyropod (Sedgway) rides in the Ardennes forest.
GIVET: CITADEL AND CRUISE ON THE MEUSE RIVER
The citadel overlooking the French city of Givet (15 min. by car) can be visited with an audio guide or in a fun way with a tablet or smartphone. The visit can be combined with a cruise on the river Meuse. Small electric boats can also be rented to have fun sailing about on the Meuse with Captain d'ô douce.
DINANT
This touristic town on the banks of the river Meuse is 35 minutes away from the house. Citadel, cruise on the Meuse, many museums. All information on https://www.exploremeuse.be/