Railbikes at La Molignée: a fun and retro family outing
Imagine an old railway line, winding its way through one of Wallonia’s most beautiful valleys. Now imagine you’re at the controls, pedaling at your own pace aboard a quirky contraption, somewhere between a bicycle and a wagon. This is the unique experience offered by the Draisines de la Molignée. An activity that evokes nostalgia, gentle exertion, and shared laughter. It’s the perfect adventure for a day out with family or friends, a fun and active break that will let you discover the Molignée Valley from a completely new perspective.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. Not only is this activity accessible to all ages, but it’s also dog-friendly! Your faithful companion can join the adventure, comfortably seated by your side. To top it all off, the route leads you to the gates of a jewel of Belgian heritage: Maredsous Abbey. This article guides you for a perfect combined day, blending the retro fun of rail biking with the spiritual and culinary serenity of the abbey. An unforgettable getaway, just a stone’s throw from your bungalow at Bonsoy.
Railbikes: How They Work ?
A draisine is a bit like the railbike of our French neighbors. It’s a four-seater vehicle (two pedaling, two enjoying the scenery) that runs on a disused railway line. The principle is simple: you pedal to move forward. No steering wheel, no risk of derailment, just the pleasure of gliding effortlessly through magnificent scenery.
- The Course : The main route connects the old Falaën train station to the Maredsous train station. It’s a 6 km walk (3 km each way) that will take you approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including breaks. You’ll pass through bucolic landscapes, woods, meadows, and alongside the Molignée river.
- The Experience : It’s an incredibly sociable activity. You take turns pedaling, chat, admire the scenery, and wave to the other balance bike riders. The effort is moderate, accessible even to those who aren’t very athletic. It’s the ideal pace for slow travel, where the journey is just as important as the destination.
- Le + Dog-Friendly : This is one of the activity’s greatest strengths. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash. They can sit on the platform between the cyclists. It’s an excellent way to share a unique activity with the whole family, without exception. See our complete guide for holidays with your dog.
- Useful link : https://draisines.online/
Arrival at Maredsous: Between Spirituality and Gastronomy
After about 30-40 minutes of cycling, you’ll arrive at the old Maredsous train station. From there, a short 15-minute walk will take you to the Abbey. Founded in 1872, Maredsous Abbey is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, nestled in a verdant setting. But it is also a place of life, prayer, and artisanal production.
- The Spiritual Visit : The abbey church is impressive for its size and the beauty of its stained-glass windows. You can attend services sung by the monks, a moment of timeless serenity. Guided tours allow you to discover the history of the monastery, the cemetery, and the workshops.
- The Gourmet Break : Maredsous is world-renowned for its cheeses and beers. The Saint-Joseph Visitor Center is the perfect place for a tasting. Sample the different varieties of cheese (traditional Maredsous, smoked cheese, Fagotin cheese, etc.) paired with an abbey beer brewed according to Benedictine tradition. It’s the perfect reward after a ride on the railbikes.
- For Children : A large playground allows younger children to let off steam while parents enjoy the terrace.
- Useful link : https://tourisme-maredsous.be/
Practical Organization of a Perfect Day
- Morning (10:30 am) : Departure by railbike from Falaën station. Remember to book online, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
- Midi (12h00 – 14h00) : Arrival at Maredsous. Lunch at the reception center. Several options: fast food, brasserie dishes or simply a cheese board and a beer.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM) : Visit to the abbey, its shop, and a walk through the playground.
- Late afternoon (4:00 PM) : Return to Falaën by railbike. The return journey is often faster, as it is slightly downhill.
- Evening : Back to the Bonsoy bungalow for a well-deserved rest, head full of memories and stomach full of good things.
This day is a perfect synthesis of the best the Ardennes has to offer: unspoiled nature, fun and original activities, a rich heritage, and local cuisine. It proves that you can combine fun, culture, and delicious food in a single day, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, ready to cycle?
