Discovering wild mushrooms: a mycological introduction in the heart of the Ardennes
When autumn unfolds its first golden colors in the Ardennes forests, a fascinating and mysterious world awakens beneath our feet. Mushrooms, these hidden treasures of nature, silently emerge from the forest floor, offering nature lovers a unique sensory adventure. On September 13, the Hastière Tourist Office invites you to uncover the secrets of mycology during an exceptional guided outing to the Domaine de Massembre, just a few minutes from your haven of peace at the Bungalows du Bonsoy.
The Ancestral Art of Mushroom Picking
Since the dawn of time, humans have had a special relationship with mushrooms. These fascinating organisms, neither plant nor animal, constitute a kingdom of their own within the living world. In our Ardennes forests, this gathering tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family jealously guarding their secret “mushroom spots,” those magical places where nature generously offers its most beautiful specimens.
Mycology, the science that studies fungi, reveals a world of extraordinary complexity. Each species has its own ecological requirements, specific fruiting periods, and symbiotic relationships with trees. This guided outing with Lambert Lecoq, a CNB-certified nature guide, will allow you to understand this fascinating science in an accessible and fun way, in the enchanting setting of the Domaine de Massembre.
The Domaine de Massembre: Natural Setting for Fungal Biodiversity
Nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, the Domaine de Massembre is an exceptional natural laboratory for observing mushrooms. Its mixed forests, composed of deciduous and coniferous trees, offer a diversity of habitats conducive to the development of a multitude of fungal species. The soils, rich in organic matter, the natural humidity maintained by the forest canopy, and the variety of tree species create ideal conditions for abundant fruiting.
The three-kilometer trail, specially designed for this mycological initiation, winds through different forest biotopes. You’ll discover how each soil type, each tree species, and each exposure influences the presence and diversity of mushrooms. This two-and-a-half-hour walk will take you from damp undergrowth where delicate chanterelles thrive to sunny clearings where robust boletes hide.
The Fungal Treasures of the Ardennes Forests
The forests of our region are home to remarkable mycological diversity. Among the most prized species, porcini mushrooms reign supreme. These mushrooms, with their brown caps and swollen stems, develop a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees, particularly oaks, beeches, and spruces. Their firm flesh and delicate flavor make them one of the most sought-after mushrooms among gourmets.
Chanterelles, with their distinctive golden color and funnel shape, brighten up the undergrowth with their joyful presence. These mushrooms, also called chanterelles, prefer acidic soils and thrive in association with conifers and deciduous trees. Their fruity flavor and delicate texture make them a choice ingredient for refined cuisine.
More discreet but no less tasty, the trumpets of death unfold their dark silhouettes in the shady corners of the forest. Despite their ominous name, these mushrooms are among the finest edible mushrooms in our region. Their blackish appearance and flared shape make them easily recognizable to the trained eye of the amateur mycologist.
Lambert Lecoq’s Expertise: Passing on Valuable Knowledge
Lambert Lecoq, your guide for this mycological adventure, embodies the passion and expertise that characterize true nature lovers. Certified by the National Botanical Center, he possesses the in-depth knowledge that allows him to distinguish edible species from their toxic counterparts—an essential skill in the practice of mycology.
During this outing, Lambert will share with you the secrets of mushroom identification: observing the shape of the cap, the color and texture of the stem, examining the gills or pores, analyzing the smell and consistency of the flesh. These seemingly technical criteria quickly become familiar thanks to your guide’s educational and passionate approach.
Lambert’s expertise extends beyond simple identification. He will also introduce you to best practices for respectful harvesting: how to collect a mushroom without damaging the underground mycelium, how to harvest the correct quantities to preserve the ecological balance, and how to transport your harvest in the best conditions. This ethical approach to mycology guarantees the sustainability of this natural resource for future generations.
A Complete Sensory Experience in the Heart of Autumn
This mycological outing transcends simple picking to become a true immersion in the autumnal forest universe. From the first steps on the trails of the Domaine de Massembre, your senses are awakened to the subtleties of the forest in transition. The characteristic smell of humus, a mixture of rotting leaves and damp earth, announces the richness of the forest soil. This scent, so particular to autumn, is the natural indicator of an environment conducive to the development of mushrooms.
The rustling of leaves under your feet punctuates your progress, while your gaze gradually sharpens to detect the shapes and colors that betray the presence of mushrooms. This visual education, guided by Lambert’s expertise, transforms a simple walk into a veritable natural treasure hunt. Each discovery becomes a pretext for learning, each specimen observed enriches your understanding of the forest ecosystem.
The tactile dimension of this experience adds a special depth to the discovery. Touching the velvety texture of a bolete, feeling the characteristic firmness of a chanterelle, observing the suppleness of a black trumpet: these physical sensations permanently anchor the acquired knowledge. This multisensory approach facilitates the memorization of the characteristics of each species and develops that intuition so precious to the amateur mycologist.
Safety and Respect for the Environment: Pillars of Responsible Mycology
The practice of mycology requires a rigorous and respectful approach, both for the safety of the picker and for the preservation of the forest ecosystem. This guided outing is the ideal opportunity to acquire the essential reflexes for safe mushroom picking. Lambert will particularly emphasize the golden rule of mycology: never eat a mushroom whose identification is not 100% certain.
Learning the criteria for differentiating between edible and poisonous species is one of the most crucial aspects of this introduction. Some poisonous mushrooms bear striking resemblance to their edible cousins, and only a trained eye can spot the subtle differences that set them apart. This hands-on, hands-on training, supervised by an expert, provides a safe environment for developing these essential skills.
Respect for the forest environment also guides every action of the responsible mycologist. Mushrooms play a fundamental ecological role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient exchanges between trees. Excessive or improper harvesting can disrupt these delicate balances. Lambert will teach you harvesting techniques that preserve the integrity of the underground mycelium, thus ensuring the natural regeneration of fungal populations.
Ardennes Autumn: Golden Season for Mycology
Autumn transforms the Ardennes forests into veritable cathedrals of color, creating a sumptuous setting for this mycological adventure. This season, which runs from late August to mid-October, corresponds to the peak fruiting period for most mushroom species in our region. The particular climatic conditions of this period—alternating warm days and cool nights, regular but moderate rainfall—create the ideal environment for the emergence of fruiting bodies.
This natural synchronization between the season and fungal activity is no accident. Throughout their evolution, fungi have developed reproductive strategies perfectly adapted to seasonal cycles. Autumn, with its richness in fresh organic matter from falling leaves, provides fungi with the nutritional resources they need for their development. This period also corresponds to a decrease in competition with herbaceous vegetation, facilitating the emergence of fruiting bodies.
The beauty of the autumn landscape adds an incomparable aesthetic dimension to this mycological experience. The golden hues of the beeches, the flamboyant reds of the maples, and the warm browns of the oaks create a kaleidoscope of colors that enhances the discovery of mushrooms. This chromatic harmony between the forest setting and the fungal specimens transforms each observation into a true natural painting.
Extending the Experience: From Forest to Plate
This mycological initiation opens the door to many exciting extensions. The discovery of mushrooms doesn’t stop with their identification; it naturally continues with their culinary preparation. The edible species collected during this outing can be transformed into delicious dishes that prolong the pleasure of discovery. Lambert will share with you some traditional recipes that highlight the authentic flavors of each species.
Mushroom preservation is also a valuable skill that allows you to enjoy these natural delicacies well beyond the picking season. Drying, freezing, canning: these ancestral techniques allow you to create a natural pantry that evokes memories of your forest escapades all year long.
This experience may also spark a desire to deepen your mycological knowledge. Numerous specialized books, amateur mycology associations, and additional training courses allow you to develop this budding passion. The Ardennes region, with its exceptional fungal richness, offers an inexhaustible field of exploration for enlightened amateurs.
Practical Information for Your Mycological Adventure
Date : Saturday, September 13, 2025
Schedules : 10h00 – 12h30
Meeting place : Parking at the Domaine de Massembre
Rates : 8€ per person
Reservation : Recommended by the Hastière Tourist Office
Contact : +32 82 64 44 34 or info@hastiere-tourisme.be
This outing is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts looking to improve their skills. No prerequisites are necessary, other than curiosity and a desire to discover the wonders of the Ardennes’ natural surroundings. The three-kilometer trail over hilly terrain is accessible to anyone in normal physical condition.
Recommended equipment for this outing includes walking shoes suitable for the forest terrain, which can be wet at this time of year. Comfortable clothing suitable for autumn weather conditions will ensure your comfort throughout the activity. A small basket or canvas bag may be useful for carrying any discoveries, although the emphasis is on observation and learning rather than intensive harvesting.
The proximity of the Domaine de Massembre to the Bungalows du Bonsoy makes organizing this morning outing much easier. You can enjoy a peaceful awakening in your accommodation, have a leisurely breakfast before reaching the meeting point in a few minutes by car. This proximity also allows you to extend your nature weekend with other outdoor activities in the region.
An Enriching Experience for the Whole Family
This mycological outing is perfectly suited to families staying in our bungalows. Children, naturally curious and observant, generally delight in this natural treasure hunt. Lambert’s educational approach, suitable for all ages, transforms learning into a captivating game. Younger visitors develop their sense of observation while discovering the wonders of forest biodiversity.
For adults, this experience provides a restorative interlude that reconnects with natural rhythms and ancestral knowledge. In our urban and digitalized society, these moments of communion with nature take on a special value. They offer the opportunity to slow down, observe, learn, and marvel at the complexity and beauty of the natural world.
This activity fits perfectly into the spirit of your stay at the Bungalows du Bonsoy: taking the time to discover the riches of our region, whether cultural, natural or gastronomic. It ideally complements the other outdoor activities that we recommend: hiking in the Lesse Valley, discovery of the heritage of Dinant, exploration of the caves of Han-sur-Lesse.
An Unforgettable Autumn in the Ardennes
This introduction to mycology marks the beginning of a special relationship with the Ardennes’ nature. It gives you the keys to understanding and appreciating an often-overlooked aspect of our forests, transforming your future walks into adventures of ongoing discovery. Each outing in the forest then becomes an opportunity to observe, identify, and understand the complex interactions that govern the forest ecosystem.
Autumn in the Ardennes offers a range of incomparable sensory experiences. This mycological outing fits naturally into this transitional season, a privileged time to observe nature in all its splendor. It will allow you to create lasting memories, enriched by the knowledge acquired and the emotions shared with family or friends.
From your bungalow in the heart of the Bonsoy wooded estate, You have an ideal starting point for exploring these natural treasures. This mycological outing is an excellent introduction to the richness of our region, inspiring you to extend your discovery with other nature activities throughout your stay.
Book your place now for this exceptional mycological adventure and prepare to discover the best-kept secrets of our Ardennes forests. An authentic experience that will enrich your stay with an unforgettable natural and educational dimension, in the spirit of discovery and sharing that characterizes the most beautiful moments of a vacation in the great outdoors.
The Bungalows du Bonsoy team is available to help you organize this mycological outing and all your other discovery activities in the region. Take advantage of your stay in our natural setting to introduce yourself to the wonders of Ardennes mycology.
