Eau Blanche excursion

It’s said that genies live in the forests in this region. If you don't encounter them on your walk, you’ll simply enjoy a lovely experience and a change of pace. That’s good in its own right. The excursion spans a route of seven kilometres, through a forest that’s quite enchanting. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see a genie.

A lovely excursion and a complete change of scenery in Hainaut

The route begins in the village of Lompret. From the start, the running water and mini waterfall set the tone for this excursion: you'll be guided by the various streams and rivers that are a feature of the region throughout the route.

You'll reach a small path in the forest very soon. It runs along the Eau Blanche river. After a few kilometres, you leave the forest behind and find yourself among fields, with these paths offering sweeping panoramic views. Only a farmhouse reminds you of civilisation.

After this rural section, you return to the woods. This time, you follow a pretty river, the Rau de Rawe. You finish on a path known as Petit Poucet. While you won't find a breadcrumb path, you'll still enjoy an enchanting woodland setting that reminds you of fairy stories.

A sign-posted route in the Eau Blanche valley

The trail is well sign-posted: simply follow the green diamonds you find at each junction. You can also download a map, for more stressed, or more organised travellers, depending on your outlook.

The walk spans 6.8 kilometres, which is just the right distance for an hour and a half or two hours of walking. It's an ideal route to immerse yourself in the region. The area is famous for its many forges. You also pass the so-called ‘filature’, the site of a forge in the 19^th century that was well known to locals.

You're following the Eau Blanche river – you'll soon understand why this means ‘white water’; it's not because of the colour of the water, which is transparent, but due to the whitish appearance of the soil over which the water flows, which is rich in limestone. Just like the Eau Noir runs across soil rich in shale, this river takes on a whitish appearance when it runs over its bed.

One of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia: Lompret

You'll also remember the charming village of Lompret, which you can admire at the start and end of your excursion (which takes the form of a circuit). It can also be viewed from above during your walk, thanks to the viewpoint next to the old fortifications.

Lompret is one of the ‘most beautiful villages in Wallonia’. The houses made from local stone and the setting warrant a detour.

It's worth mentioning that flint and tools from the Palaeolithic era have been discovered above the cliff, in the so-called ‘Franc Bois’ area. This means people have been enjoying this region for a long time.

A treat for your efforts: the restaurant

Finally, you can't leave Lompret without visiting the Eau Blanche restaurant, which is famous for its ‘escavèche’ dishes. You can also just enjoy a drink.

Spend time here with your family – there’s easy access to the playground next door.

Is it time for a verdant change of scenery?