The Bungalows of Bonsoy: an ideal base camp for exploring the castles and historical sites of the Meuse Valley
The Meuse Valley, a vital artery of Europe for millennia, is a veritable open-air museum where every bend reveals a castle, a fortress, or an abbey that tells a chapter of our history. From the privileged location of your Bungalows du Bonsoy, this exceptional heritage unfolds before you like a history book in which you are the hero. In just a few minutes, you leave the tranquility of your forest retreat to immerse yourself in centuries of conflict, art, and power that have shaped the face of Wallonia.
This article invites you to transform your stay into a true heritage odyssey, using the bungalows as a strategic base camp to explore the region’s most beautiful historical gems. We offer an optimized discovery itinerary, verified practical information, and useful links to help you plan your visits. This exploration follows on from our discovery of the Historical Meuse and Hidden Villages, by focusing on the most iconic sites that bear witness to the valley’s past grandeur.
The Sentinels of the Meuse Trail: A Strategic Route
We have designed a logical and optimized itinerary to allow you to discover the major sites while minimizing travel time. This 3-day route, conceived as a loop starting from the Bungalows du Bonsoy, will take you on a journey from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, from impregnable fortresses to opulent residences.
Day 1: The Strategic Heart – Dinant and its Surroundings
• Morning: Dinant Citadel
• Afternoon: Ruins of Crèvecoeur Castle & Poilvache Castle
Day 2: The Golden Age and Nature – Freyr and Vêves
• Morning: Freÿr Castle and Gardens
• Afternoon: Vêves Castle, the Sleeping Beauty castle
Day 3: Monastic Heritage and the Border
• Morning: Abbey Church of Hastière-par-Delà
• Afternoon: Exploration of forgotten fortifications and border villages
Stage 1: The Citadel of Dinant – Impregnable Guardian
(Distance from the Bonsoy Bungalows: ~15 minutes)
Perched more than 100 meters above the Meuse River, the Citadel of Dinant is the essential starting point for your exploration. More than just a fortress, it’s a microcosm of European military history. Rebuilt by the Dutch in 1818 on much older foundations, it has witnessed all the major conflicts, from the sack of the city by Charles the Bold in 1466 to the terrible battles of August 1914.
What you shouldn’t miss :
• The panorama : The view of the city, the dome of the collegiate church and the Meuse is breathtaking and alone justifies the climb (by cable car or for the bravest, by the 408 steps).
• The Museum of Arms and History : An immersive experience that plunges you into garrison life and major military events.
• The reconstruction of the 1914-1918 trench : A striking and moving experience that pays tribute to the soldiers of the Great War.
• The “Le Sac de Dinant” space : A modern scenography that tells the story of this tragic episode in the city’s history.
Practical advice :
• Duration of the visit : Allow at least 2 hours.
• Accessibility: The cable car is the simplest solution. The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Useful link: https://www.citadellededinant.be/
Step 2: Freÿr Castle – The Mosan Versailles
(Distance from the Bonsoy Bungalows: ~10 minutes)
Leaving behind the military austerity of Dinant, you’ll discover a jewel of refinement and elegance in Freÿr. This former summer residence of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin is often called the “Little Versailles of the Meuse,” and rightly so. The château, in the Mosan Renaissance style, is a showcase for sumptuous interiors, but it is above all its gardens that will leave you with an unforgettable memory.
What you shouldn’t miss :
• Terraced gardens : Designed in the style of Le Nôtre, they cascade down towards the Meuse, offering magnificent views of the river and the Freÿr rocks.
• Three-hundred-year-old orange trees : One of the oldest collections of potted orange trees in Europe, sheltered in winter in a historic orangery.
• The hornbeam mazes : A 6km maze of hedges where it’s easy to get lost and find your way again thanks to a system of bells.
• The interior of the castle : A journey through time, from period furniture to souvenirs of royal visits (it was here that the “Coffee Treaty” between France and Spain was signed in 1675).
Practical advice :
• Duration of the visit : Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the castle and gardens.
• Good to know : The castle is located directly opposite the famous Freÿr climbing rocks, offering a striking contrast between wild nature and refined culture.
• Useful link : https://freyr.be/
Step 3: Vêves Castle – The Medieval Dream
(Distance from the Bungalows du Bonsoy: ~25 minutes)
Experience a complete change of era and atmosphere with a visit to Vêves Castle. With its slender towers topped with pepperpot roofs and its fairytale castle appearance, Vêves is the quintessential medieval fortress. Inhabited by the same family since the 13th century, it is remarkably well-preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into lordly life.
What you shouldn’t miss :
• The exterior architecture : Take the time to admire its five towers and its 16th-century half-timbered gallery, an ensemble of rare harmony.
• The costumed tour for children : Younger children can dress up as knights or princesses for a fun and unforgettable visit.
• The interior and its furniture : Discover authentic pieces of furniture, rare porcelain and historical memorabilia that bear witness to the long history of the Liedekerke-Beaufort family.
• The view over the village of Celles : The castle overlooks one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia”, making it a doubly interesting stop.
Practical advice :
• Duration of the visit : Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Combination idea : Combine a visit to Vêves with a visit to the village of Celles and its Romanesque collegiate church.
• Useful link : http://chateau-veves.be/
Other Must-See Historical Sites
Your exploration doesn’t end there. The region is full of other sites worth visiting :
•The Ruins of Poilvache (Yvoir) : (~20 min) One of the largest medieval fortresses in the valley, offering spectacular views. A raw, unspoiled site, perfect for history and nature lovers.
•The Ruins of Crèvecoeur Castle (Bouvignes) : (~15 min) Overlooking the medieval village of Bouvignes, these romantic ruins tell the story of the historical rivalry between Dinant and its neighbour.
•The Romanesque Abbey Church of Hastière-par-Delà : (~5 min) A jewel of Mosan Romanesque art, bearing witness to the rich monastic past of your place of stay. Its simplicity and architectural purity invite meditation.
Your Bungalow: The Warrior’s and Historian’s Rest
After a day spent exploring the ramparts, deciphering coats of arms, and daydreaming in the formal gardens, there’s nothing better than returning to the peace and comfort of your bungalow at Domaine du Bonsoy. Here, history gives way to relaxation. Light a crackling fire, uncork a good bottle of wine, and let the centuries of history you’ve just experienced settle. It’s this interplay between the cultural vibrancy of the valley and the tranquility of the forest that will make your stay truly unique.
By choosing Bungalows du Bonsoy as your base camp, you’re not just booking accommodation; you’re giving yourself a key to unlock the best-kept treasures of the Meuse Valley. Prepare for a journey through time from which you’ll return enriched, inspired, and deeply refreshed.
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