Ragnies is examined as the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia,” is located in a rural landscape, along the Marais stream. This serene village encircled by woods proposes the walker an unprecedented homogeneity. Uncover its church and its imposing farms with a past steeped in history, such as the Château Mascart, generally known as the “Spanish farm”. Go back in time with an adventurous voyage through its medieval building, and its Hildegard garden with its feudal-inspired plants. Not far from the course, taste an Eau de Villée at the Biercée distillery and perfect your swing at the Ragnies golf course. Live a complete shot of Belgium with a modern touch. Ragnies have more to offer than you can ever imagine.
Check out our list of things to do in Ragnies:
- Château Mascart or Maison Espagnole
Acknowledge Château Mascart,
A building generally related as the “Spanish farm”, with a conventional brick and limestone main building with a baroque touch. It was owned by important forge masters in the 16th century called Mascart. Built-in 1595 during the Spanish domain, hence its name, this half-timbered, gabled house is the latest example of this kind of edifice, which was extended from the Middle Ages until the 17th century. The crisscrossed windows and use of stone rubble masonry in the establishments exhibit its age. The alignment of the facade and garden wall lengthen the sequence of constructions.
Cornerstones, contours and limestone smears illuminate the brickwork and add to the comprehensive arrangement. On the west face, elements in the masonry reveal evidence of a crisscrossed window altered into an entrance. The tall four-sided canopy and vast foundations feature the impression of size and help the château stand out from enclosing buildings. This is a remarkable place, it would be a great loss to miss it.
- Saint-Martin church
The Saint-Martin church is a sacred establishment located in Ragnies, a section of the Belgian town of Thuin, in the province of Hainaut. The initial church is Gothic and dates from the 12th to 13th century. It was vastly demolished. The choir dates on it to the end of the 17 th and early of the 18th century. It has been evaluated by the Royal Commission on Monuments and Sites since 1936. Inside the building, a semicircular triumphal arch with trench and transoms is built to make the transition between the nave and the choir. The pavement of the nave dates from 1967 as accomplishes that of the choir. The windows of the nave date from the beginning of the 20th century. This glorious church is the hidden gem of Wallonia. Highly recommended.
- The Aulne Abbey
The ruins of the Cistercian Aulne Abbey are curled up on the bank of the Sambre, in a location beautifully called “Vallée de la Paix” or Valley of peace. According to the legend, the abbey was established in 637 by Saint Landline. He named it Aulne, the French word for Alder, trees growing abundantly in the region. It evolved to be a Cistercian in the 12th century. Prospering along the years, it was nicknamed “Auln the rich”. The Abbaye d’Alene alternated periods of splendour and decadence until May 17, 1794 – when the French burnt it down. The banishment of the monk accelerated the ruins of the buildings, never reconstructed. Today the site indicates this 1000 years of history, symbolic sediments of past glory is yet distinct. A perfect place to walk through history. The atmosphere is indeed very soothing and calls for a pleasant stroll.
- Rangers Golf Club
The golf is unique in Belgium, from its conception of 100% ecological and the outcome is stunning. Developed on a surface of 50 hectares, the Rangers Golf Club proposes a course of almost 6km laid out with vast maintenance. The Specialized richness of the fairways is one of its main characteristics. Honouring the natural environment with vast quality greens, the course is seasoned by the natural layout of the roughs. The Rangers Golf Club Academy will permit you to unfold the pleasures of golfing, catering to beginners and progressive players, regardless of age. You will take pride in learning the program adapted to your needs, and will give their nicest to make these courses your prefered enthusiastic activity! Golfers can never leave this place.
- Biercée Distillery
Born in 1946, it is the only real fruit distillery in Wallonia and Belgium and its visit is relatively prominent as it ascertains to be very interesting. This unique eau-de-vie and fruit distillery was built along the Napoleon road in Wallonia.
It starts with the offshoot of a short film, proceeds with the very cheerful aroma and ends with a visit to the distillation room, to learn all about the mysteries – like how 10 kg of fresh fruit became a bottle of Eau de Villée. The Biercée distillery offers:
A vast spectrum of eau-de-vie and liqueurs, a guided excursion of its infrastructures concluded by a tasting, an outstanding atmosphere for your private events. Their eco-friendly Eaux de vie and liqueurs are free from unnatural flavourings, preservatives and colourings.
The entire distillery can be toured and its tasting captions an extraordinary selection of Belgian products.
Come and discover the Biercée distillery and its superb setting!