Waulsort at Heritage Days: Journey through Time to the Heart of the Pearl of the Meuse
At the bend of a peaceful meander of the Meuse, Nestled between the limestone cliffs and the Ardennes woods, lies a jewel of Walloon heritage that is well worth a visit during your stay at the Bungalows du Bonsoy. Waulsort, aptly nicknamed “the pearl of the Meuse,” is preparing to unveil its most precious treasures during the 2025 Heritage Days, on September 13 and 14.
A Village Steeped in History at the Doorstep of Your Stay
Located just a few kilometers from our Bonsoy estate, Waulsort is an ideal heritage getaway to enrich your stay in the Belgian Ardennes. This wonderful little village of Hastière invites you to step back in time, from the mysterious origins of its Benedictine abbey founded by Irish monks in the mid-10th century, to the golden age of Meuse tourism during the Belle Époque.
The story of Waulsort reads like an adventure novel that blends faith, art and nature. Small farming village on the banks of the Meuse for centuries, Its destiny changed in the second half of the 19th century when the Dinant-Givet road and the railway brought artists to these places who had fallen under the spell of the natural beauty of the Mosan landscape. Grand hotels then emerged, welcoming ever-increasing crowds, including Belgian personalities in search of inspiration and a change of scenery.
Saint-Michel Church: Millennial Witness to the Ardennes Faith
At the heart of the Heritage Days program, the Saint-Michel church in Waulsort is worth the trip in itself. This marvel of Mosan Romanesque art, one of the oldest in the region, has preserved almost all of its structural work and its original 11th-century appearance. A direct heir to the former Benedictine abbey, it contains often overlooked treasures: engraved stones testifying to centuries of devotion, delicate sculptures chiseled by artisans of yesteryear, sacred goldwork, and paintings that tell the spiritual history of the Mosan valley.
The activity “Divine Delights of Saint-Michel: When the Land Comes to the Church” promises an original discovery where religious heritage and local gastronomy meet in surprising harmony. This innovative approach allows visitors to understand how the region’s culinary traditions developed in symbiosis with monastic life, creating an intangible heritage as rich as the centuries-old stones that shelter it.
The Place du Tilleul, the church square, offers a bucolic setting shaded by an imposing lime tree planted in 1930 to celebrate Belgium’s centenary. This is where your journey through time begins, in this peaceful atmosphere where time seems to flow to the slow rhythm of the nearby Meuse River.
Waulsort Castle: The Strange Destiny of an Ancient Abbey
One of the most fascinating tours of the Heritage Days will take you to Waulsort Castle, the former abbey palace of the Benedictine abbey destroyed during the French Revolution. This exceptional monument tells a turbulent story that blends spirituality, revolution, and aristocratic renaissance.
The semicircular farmhouse, with its characteristic dovecote, and the main building of the castle, adorned with its single-hand clock, date from the abbey’s flourishing era. These architectural reminders transport us to the monastic world of yesteryear, when Benedictine monks punctuated village life with the sound of bells and prayers.
After centuries rich in history, the estate was sold in 1797 to André De Halloy, Lord of Maurenne, whose descendants still live on the property. This family continuity adds a touching human dimension to the visit, where history is passed down from generation to generation like a precious heritage.
The guided tour will reveal how the French Revolution, the division of the property by Leopold I, and the German occupation, among other significant events, shaped this heritage gem. Each stone, each architectural detail, tells an episode in this extraordinary saga spanning the centuries.
Gourmet Walk: When Waulsort Tastes Itself
The “Walk in Waulsort, a village to be savored” activity offers a unique sensory approach to heritage. This guided walk invites you to discover the village’s remarkable architecture while savoring the local specialties that are the pride of the region.
The small stone houses of the region, dating from 1650 to 1900, bear witness to the traditional way of life of the inhabitants of the Meuse Valley. Their time-worn facades tell the story of the families who lived there, the craftsmen who built them, and the generations who have perpetuated local know-how.
The sumptuous Meuse villas of the Belle Époque, true “stars” of the glory days of Meuse tourism, evoke the era when Waulsort rivaled the most prestigious European seaside resorts. These elegant residences, with their bow windows, turrets, and romantic gardens, bear witness to the refinement of this golden era when artists and bourgeois came to seek inspiration on the banks of the Meuse.
A Living Heritage in the Heart of Ardennes Nature
What makes Waulsort so appealing is its ability to preserve its heritage while remaining a vibrant village, driven by a warm and welcoming community. The village’s current revival, with the arrival of young residents, the creation of gîtes, and the renovation of historic villas, demonstrates a remarkable vitality that honors its past while preparing for its future.
The village’s cobbled streets lead you naturally to the banks of the Meuse, where Wallonia’s last true water ferryman continues a centuries-old tradition. This hard-working crossing is a unique experience, each time tinged with emotion, connecting you physically and spiritually to the region’s river history.
On the other bank, the fascinating spectacle of the Cascatelles is worth discovering at the bend of a small steep path, while another path will lead you to the ruins of Château Thierry, remarkable vestiges haunted by centuries of history and unsuspected fauna. These natural escapades perfectly complement the heritage discovery, reminding us that Waulsort flourishes in a setting of woods and cliffs with a preserved wild character.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Dates : September 13 and 14, 2025
Schedules : 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lieu : Waulsort village center
Access : A few minutes by car from the Bungalows du Bonsoy
The three main Heritage Days activities take place simultaneously in the village center, allowing you to create your own itinerary according to your desires and pace. A new free 60-space car park facilitates access to the village, ensuring a peaceful and relaxed visit.
Waulsort’s proximity to our Bonsoy estate makes this the ideal heritage excursion to enrich your stay without logistical constraints. Whether you stay in our Birdy, Woody, or Serenity bungalow, this cultural getaway fits perfectly into a weekend exploring the treasures of the Meuse Valley.
An Unforgettable Heritage Experience
The Heritage Days in Waulsort offer much more than a simple tourist visit: they offer a true immersion in the soul of the heart of Belgium, the one that has managed to preserve its traditions while adapting to contemporary challenges. This authentic approach to heritage, combining history, gastronomy and the art of living, corresponds perfectly to the spirit of discovery and renewal that we cultivate at Bungalows du Bonsoy.
The event fits naturally into the philosophy of your stay in the Ardennes: take the time to savor the riches of our region, whether natural, cultural, or human. Waulsort invites you to slow down, to observe, to listen to what the stones have to tell, in this peaceful atmosphere where time flows to the slow rhythm of the Meuse.
For families staying in our bungalows, this heritage outing is an excellent opportunity to introduce young and old to local history in a fun and interactive way. The various activities offered are suitable for all ages and interests, guaranteeing an enriching experience for every member of the family.
Extend the Discovery
Your visit to Waulsort can be perfectly integrated into a wider heritage tour including the other jewels of the region that we regularly recommend: the castle of Freÿr and its romantic gardens, the citadel of Dinant perched above the Meuse, or the caves of Han-sur-Lesse for a dive into the underground mysteries of the Ardennes.
This exceptional heritage makes our region one of the most popular destinations for quality cultural tourism, combining historical discovery and immersion in unspoiled nature. From your bungalow in the heart of the wooded Bonsoy estate, you have an ideal starting point to explore these treasures at your own pace, returning each evening to recharge your batteries in the calm of our green setting.
The Heritage Days in Waulsort await you for a journey through time to the heart of the pearl of the Meuse. An authentic experience that will enrich your stay in the Ardennes with an unforgettable cultural and human dimension, in the spirit of discovery and sharing that characterizes the most beautiful moments of vacation with family or friends.
Book your stay at the Bungalows du Bonsoy now to take advantage of this unique opportunity to discover the exceptional heritage of Waulsort during the 2025 Heritage Days. Our team is at your disposal to advise you on the best ways to organize your cultural visits from our estate.
