Chimay - Beer, Cheese, Birds & more! (Wallonia - Belgium)

ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISIT CHIMAY
ON A WEEKEND TRIP OR A DAY TRIP FROM BRUSSELS WITHOUT A CAR!


Chimay is a name you see often in all the grocery stores in Belgium - there's Chimay beer and Chimay cheese! I've been wanting to visit Chimay forever and finally, one fine day finally, I managed to visit Chimay. 
Chimay is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Brussels or, more ideally, a weekend trip from Brussels. Read on, for all that you need to know about Chimay before planning your own trip - places to visit in Chimay, all about Chimay Beers, all about Chimay Cheeses, the best time to visit Chimay, the best hotels in Chimay, and more!

Chimay Cheese & Beer
Photo by Sophie Dekkers


Chimay Beer and Cheese
Espace Chimay - Chimay Cheese & Beer tasting menu

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Virelles Aquascope - one of the best Birding locations in Belgium

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Virelles Aquascope - one of the best Birding locations in Belgium

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Virelles Aquascope - one of the best Birding locations in Belgium

Chimay Castle - Top things to do in Chimay | Chimay Weekend Trip | Chimay Day trip from Brussels
Chimay Castle

TOP THINGS TO DO IN CHIMAY

VIRELLES AQUASCOPE - ONE OF THE BEST PLACES FOR BIRDING IN BELGIUM
Even before reaching the heart of Chimay, my first stop was at Virelles Aquascope, a stunning birding area set up around the Virelles lake on the outskirts of Chimay. It covers an area of 130 hectares.
History of Virelles Aquascope: Originally this was a marshland and not really a pond. It was expanded in order to add a watermill to help local industries and then became a bird hunting area for the royalties of the region. Eventually, it became an in-land beach like Lac de l'Eau d'Heure or Mechelen Nekkerspoel. It was in 1981 that it was taken over by Natagora & WWF and made a natural reserve.
Indoor areas at Virelles Aquascope: As soon as we entered, after crossing the ticketing area, is a small indoor museum-like setup that gives an intro to various creatures in this region - from birds to fishes to frogs to bats to snails to dragonflies to insects and more - a basic idea for the little kids. There's also a small aquarium here. An interesting feature here was a small dark passage that has a simulation of the sounds of nature in this region at night. 
Underwater life area: Soon we were out and on our walking tour in Virelles Aquascope. The first stop was an underground passage that went 'through' a water body! Aptly it has been named 'Moses' passage. The passage has glass windows and the water level is about halfway through the windows letting you have an up & close moment with the ecology there - seeing fishes closely, watching the birds that come to get the fishes, moss, algae, and more. Don't expect a Sea World effect here, this is more nature conservation-oriented than tourist-oriented! 
Watch Tower for Birding: Soon, we went through the grasslands and headed to the watchtower. But on the way were these cute eco-friendly chairs made of fallen trees made by ....... same as the ones I saw in Thuin, as well as some informational panels that looked like tiny houses! The view from the watchtower was pretty good and it was equipped with binoculars plus bird-identification boards which made birding much easier! I spotted Ducks, Swans, Coots, Geese, Herons, Cormorants, and Warblers. I also spotted a nest of a stork and I was informed that storks normally return back to their nests during the season. Apart from these, there are also Ibis, Spoonbills, Egrets, Shoverlers, Plovers, Avocets, Sandpipers, Terns, Gulls, and more that visit here regularly but unfortunately I didn't get to see them.
Observation Cabin for Songbirds: The next stop was the Birds of the Woods Observation point. This is exceptional. Were are in a small room with one-way glass and a water point for the songbirds on the other side. The songbirds can be observed up & close, so close through this glass. This was truly exceptional. You have to be quiet though because, even though the birds can't see you, if they hear you, they'll fly away! I was indeed so so delighted to watch so many Great Tits coming so close. 
Hives of Black Bees: There's an interesting Ethno-Botany center which is a garden that grows local medicinal and edible plants. The idea is to preserve traditional knowledge and they organize classes to teach the same. Just beside it is the hives of black bees. The extraordinary thing here is that one of the box hives has a glass side and is attached to the wall which means, you get to see 'inside' a beehive when the bees are still working in it! It was extraordinary and I've never seen one like this! 
There is a restaurant and playground on the premises. It is also possible to bring your own lunch and have a picnic on one of the benches on the walking route.

Where is Virelles Aquascope (on Google Maps)? Virelles Aquascope
How to reach Virelles Aquascope? 4km in Chimay Place Froissart. LeTEC Bus route 156c which connects Chimay and Couvin goes via Virelles Aquascope. However, this bus runs only on weekdays during school days and only 3 times a day. The bus doesn't run on weekends, holidays, or school vacation. It is a good idea to hire a bike at Chimay.
Virelles Aquascope tickets: €9
Virelles Aquascope timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM (Every day during summer holidays. closed on Mondays otherwise). Also, open till 6:00PM during the summer holidays. Closed from Jan 1 to mid-Feb.
Best time to visit Virelles Aquascope for birding in Belgium: April to September
How much time do you need to visit Virelles Aquascope: 2-3 hours during birding season
List of birds (with photos) at Virelles Aquascope: via Birding Places

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
View from Observation Cabin for Songbirds at Virelles Aquascope

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Moses Underwater passage at Virelles Aquascope

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Watch Tower at Virelles Aquascope

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium
Right: Hives of Black bees behind a glass window

SCOURMONT ABBEY - ABBAYE NOTRE-DAME DE SCOURMONT - BIRTHPLACE OF CHIMAY TRAPPIST BEER
What's an Abbey Beer? Like the Abbey beers of Leffe Abbey beer, Grimbergen Abbey beer, Scourmont Abbey beer is what we call today Chimay beer. Scourmont Abbey is not too old but was found only in 1850. The monks to decided to make Scourmont their home were the Trappist monks. The Trappists are the Order of Cistercians monks of the Strict Observance! As like in most other abbeys. they brewed beer and made cheese for their own requirements and to create local employment and soon, it became a local delicacy. 
What's a Trappist Beer? Since Trappist literally means the Order of Cistercians monks of the Strict Observance, only the beers brewed by this order of monks can be called Trappist beer. There are only 11 authentic Trappist beers in Belgium (as well as the whole world) including Chimay. 
Notre Dame Church, Cemetery & Park: My first stop inside Scourmont Abbey was Notre Dame Church. The Church was majorly damaged and also occupied by Germans during WWII. The current structure is pretty new and was built only in 1950. The church is very simple with hardly any sculptural or architectural detail. There's a very beautiful garden here filled with many colorful floral plants. The one thing that caught my attention was the huge Sequoia tree that's 150 years old and 14m tall. There's also a little chapel in the garden and its stained glass windows are charming. There's a large cemetery here as well which is the final resting place of the monks & nuns of Chimay Abbey.
Chimay Beer & Cheese: After a temporary pause during WWII, in 1944, the abbey began to function again; cheese & beer were manufactured again. The technology and machinery were improved time & again. Chimay Cheese and Beer are still manufactured at Scourmont Abbey, however, bottling and 2nd fermentation happen in Baileaux. While a visit to the abbey's Cathedral, park, etc is possible, the brewery and cheese-making area are not open for the general public to visit. The Scourmont Abbey is still a functional abbey and monks are still living there which is why a separate place called Espace Chimay has been set up to facilitate beer & cheese connoisseurs to have an overview.
There are 3 major types of cheese that are manufactured here - classic, a la beer, and specialties for creameries. The a la beer is similar to the classic cheese but is washed in any of the beer varieties, which is mentioned on the wheel/menu.
There are 6 major types of beer that are manufactured here including the Grand Reserve. Packages are called easily Chimay Blue, Chimay Red, Chimay Gold, etc. There's a very special Barrel Fermented Grand Reserve that becomes Rum or Cognac or Whisky, 

Where is Scourmont Abbey (on Google Maps)Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont
How to reach Scourmont Abbey? It is about 10km from Chimay Place Froissart and about 1km from Espace Chimay. There is a bus but its timings are not practical and there's no bus to return back in the evening and it doesn't run on weekends & holidays. The ideal option is to hire a bike at Chimay. It is possible to go by bus on a 2-day trip. Details below.
Scourmont Abbey tickets: Free
Scourmont Abbey timings: 
Scourmont Abbey tips: This is a functioning monastery and the church holds prayers & masses at regular times every day for the monks & public when it may or may not be open to visitors. Wear modest clothing appropriate to the religious site.

Scourmont Abbey | Birthplace of Chimay Trappist Beer | Free things to do in Chimay

Scourmont Abbey | Birthplace of Chimay Trappist Beer | Free things to do in Chimay

Scourmont Abbey | Birthplace of Chimay Trappist Beer | Free things to do in Chimay
Left: Photo by Sophie Dekkers. Right: 150 years old Sequoia Tree

Scourmont Abbey | Birthplace of Chimay Trappist Beer | Free things to do in Chimay

Scourmont Abbey | Birthplace of Chimay Trappist Beer | Free things to do in Chimay

ESPACE CHIMAY - BEER, CHEESE AND ALL THAT'S NICE
Espace Chimay is like an interactive museum that gives an overview of the region, the Scourmont Abbey and its monks, the manufacturing of beer & cheese, history, technology, and more.
The self-guided tour of this interactive space began with a world map made of Chimay beer glasses! Then there was a place where you write messages and make cards with a selfie photo on them! Then there was a video of the process followed by another very interactive experience. A tunnel that is absolutely pitch dark. It is the darkest place I've been to! There was no difference between having the eyes open or close; the eyes didn't get accustomed after some time to seeing in the dark, unlike natural darkness! The task was to find some objects related to beer in the passage (by touch) and get out of it on the other side! There are 2 night-vision cameras inside which are displayed on a monitor outside, so whoever is accompanying can guide you from outside! It was quite an experience!!!
A tram line once connected Chimay to Couvin which helped the locals to sell beer to various shopkeepers along the way. There's a small outdoor area for kids to try their hand at crushing malt grains! There are also a couple of old bullock/horse carts which were used to transport beer. Behind Espace Chimay is the Poteaupré restaurant and on the 1st floor is the Poteaupré Inn (hotel). 

Where is Espace Chimay (on Google Maps)? Espace Chimay - Chimay Experience
How to reach Espace ChimayIt is about 10km from Chimay Place Froissart and about 1km from Scourmont Abbey. LeTEC Bus route 59/1 which connects Chimay and Couvin goes via Espace Chimay. However, its timings are not practical and there's no bus to return back in the evening and it doesn't run on weekends & holidays. The ideal option is to hire a bike at Chimay. It is possible to go by bus on a 2-day trip. Details below.
Espace Chimay tickets: €6.50 (incl. a pint of beer)
Espace Chimay timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM every day (till 6:00PM in Summer) (closed on Mondays in winter).

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay
Right Photo by Sophie Dekkers

CHATEAU DE CHIMAY  - CHIMAY CASTLE
Last but not the least, Chimay Castle is one of the top places to visit in Chimay. It is a small castle where the Chimay Royal Family (Riquet de Caraman Chimay) still lives on the first floor. So, the ground floor alone is open to the general public for visits. The origin of the castle dates back to 1119, however, a church stood at the location before that in 887, built by Count Erlebold. After passing several hands, since the early 19th C CE, it has been owned by the current family. The main castle has just 6 rooms open for visitors and then there's a separate Chapel to visit. 
As soon as I entered the main hall, the first thing I noticed was the very ornate wooden ceiling. Well, it isn't wood, it's stucco, but painted as imitation wood! There's a beautiful tiled Austrian fireplace and a Baroque-styled Antwerp wardrobe of mid-17th C CE with the sculptures of Venus, Mars, and Vulcan! The next stop was the Weapons Room with a vaulted ceiling is perhaps the oldest part of the castle 1600s. At the end of the room is a nice Gothic fireplace. Today the room serves as the dining room. Back to the Hall and out through the other end of the room I was at the Thierry Bosquet Room. The cabinets are filled with miniature replicas of all the rooms as they were before 1935, all made by Thierry Bosquet. At the center of the room is a large hot air balloon chandelier! Back in the hall, I was in the Portraits room next, which is, obviously, filled with portraits of every royal family member who lived there. The next stop was the spectacular Theatre. In the 19th C CE, when the Riquet de Caraman family took over the castle, there was a revival of the interest in music and they were the patrons of music & art. The regal decor was quite something and I absolutely loved it. That's it and that's the palace, for the visitors to see. The first floor is entirely, still the private rooms of the royal family.
Outside are a chapel and a mini golf court! The chapel has a large limestone sculpture of the Virgin of Emilie Pellapra of 1861. The chapel also has a vaulted ceiling like the armor room. 

Where is Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) (on Google Maps)Chateau de Chimay
How to reach Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay)It is about 400m (5 mins walk) from Chimay Place Froissart.
Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) tickets: €10
Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) Mini-Golf tickets: €5
Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM only from July 01st to Sept 30th. Closed on Mondays & Fridays.

Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) | Top Things to do in Chimay

Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) | Top Things to do in Chimay
Main Hall at Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay)

Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) | Top Things to do in Chimay
Theatre at Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay)

Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) | Top Things to do in Chimay
Portraits room at Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay)

Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay) | Top Things to do in Chimay
Mini Golf at Chimay Castle (Chateau de Chimay)

CHIMAY HOTELS (BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHIMAY)

CABINS AT VIRELLES ACQUASCOPE - TINY HOUSE IN THE LAP OF NATURE - UNUSUAL ACCOMMODATION IN WALLONIA BELGIUM
The best place to stay in Chimay is definitely Virelles Aquascope itself! Virelles Aquascope has this very unique accommodation of Cabins in the woods. Located along the banks of the Virelles Lake, these are absolutely one with nature. There are just 4 cabins in total, so pre-book well in advance, especially during vacation time.
While it looks one with nature outside, it is super cozy inside. There's a nice bed and a glass ceiling over it, so you can sleep with a view of the starry nights! It's a single-room cabin and the backside opens to the Virelles lake itself. There's a nice deck on the back, so you can spend the early morning or late night sitting there listening to the sounds of nature or watching the Milky Way away from all the sound & light pollution. There's also a nice window seat, overlooking the lake if you want to be warm & comfortable inside instead of the deck, but still, watch nature outside. The 4 cabins are pretty far from each other, so privacy is taken care of. There's an attached dry toilet and a nice space heater.  Basic amenities like a cupboard with hangers, coffee machine, mini fridge, etc. There is no shower here. 
The room is meant for 2 persons, but can easily accommodate 1 more child, however, there's no space/facility to add a bed, so if you're ok with co-sleeping, it can be suitable for a family with kids. If you're not packing dinner, you could reserve that as well here. A continental breakfast basket is included.

Where is Virelles Aquascope (on Google Maps): Virelles Aquascope
How to reach Virelles Aquascope? same as above
Virelles Aquascope phone no: +32 (0) 6021 1363
Virelles Aquascope room rates: €180 on weekdays; €220 on weekends, holidays & school vacations. Annual closure between mid-Nov to end-March.

POTEAUPRÉ INN (ESPACE CHIMAY) - HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY LONG
The Espace Chimay itself also has a hotel called Poteaupré Inn. The hotel has 8 rooms and as the location suggests, all are decorated with the theme of Chimay beers! The basic amenities like a bathtub, toilet, coffee machine, mini fridge, air conditioner, TV, etc are available in all rooms. Since you're pretty much at Espace Chimay itself, the restaurant is just there as well as a nice playground behind the restaurant. The Chimay Boutique is right here as well, so get as many beer bottles & cheese platters all day long! 

Where is Poteaupré Inn Espace Chimay (on Google Maps): Espace Chimay - Chimay Experience
How to reach Poteaupré Inn Espace Chimay? Same as above
Poteaupré Inn Espace Chimay phone no: +32 (0) 6021 1433 & +32 (0) 6021 5434
Poteaupré Inn Espace Chimay room rates: €85 for double occupancy. Breakfast is extra at €15 per person. Annual closure from mid-Dec to 1st Jan.

Virelles Aquascope Cabins | Unusual accommodations in Wallonia | best hotels in Chimay
Cabins (Tiny House) in Virelles Aquascope

Virelles Aquascope Cabins | Unusual accommodations in Wallonia | best hotels in Chimay
Cabins (Tiny House) in Virelles Aquascope

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium

Virelles Aquascope - Things to do in Chimay - Best Birding places in Belgium

Espace chimay | Chimay Beer & Cheese Museum | Top Things to do in Chimay
Photo by Sophie Dekkers

Chimay Beer and Cheese | Best restaurants in Chimay Belgium
Espace Chimay - Chimay Cheese & Beer tasting menu

CHIMAY RESTAURANTS

When you're in Chimay, food means Chimay cheese & Chimay beer! The best place to eat in Chimay is undoubtedly E-Space Chimay. There are some options for vegetarians including Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Croque vegetarian (sandwich), Croquettes made of Chimay Cheese, etc. The highlight here is, of course, the taster platter of Chimay Cheese varieties (Grand Chimay, à la Rouge, 1876, Vieux Chimay and Le Poteaupré) and Chimay Beer varieties (Rouge, Triple, Bleue, Dorée)! 

Where is Poteaupré Restaurant Espace Chimay (on Google Maps): Same as above
How to reach Poteaupré Restaurant Espace Chimay? Same as above
Poteaupré Restaurant Espace Chimay phone no: +32 (0) 6021 1433 & +32 (0) 6021 5434
Poteaupré Restaurant Chimay Beer Tasting plate€8-10 for 3 or 4 mini glasses
Poteaupré Restaurant Chimay Cheese Tasting plate€6-18 for 4 or 5 small or medium servings

VISITING CHIMAY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

HOW TO REACH CHIMAY BY TRAIN?
Chimay is not connected by SNCB-NMBS Belgian Train. The farthest you can reach by train is Couvin and Chimay is about 16km from Couvin. You could carry your bike on the train till Couvin and then go on a bike ride to Chimay.
The best way to reach Chimay by public transport is to take the bus from Charleroi-Sud railway station which is about a 1-hour ride. The LeTEC Bus Route 109a connects Charleroi with Chimay and it runs about once every 2 hours, so it is wise to check the schedule a day prior to your trip and keep a tab on the time when you're at it. The LeTEC Bus Route 109a also runs on Sunday but only 6 times for the entire day.  

BIKE HIRE IN CHIMAY
While Chimay Cathedral & Chimay Castle are in the heart of the town, both Espace Chimay and Virelles Aquascope are on the outskirts with almost no public transport. The best way to reach these 2 places would be by bike. The tourism office rents out e-bikes. It is a good idea to reserve the bikes in advance. The helmets are provided free of cost. If you require a child seat attachment, it has to be requested as well.

Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay
  • Mountain E-bike rental at Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay half-day price - €25 
  • Mountain E-bike rental at Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay full-day price - €40
  • City E-bike rental at Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay half-day price - €15
  • City E-bike rental at Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay full-day price - €30
  • Refundable deposit for e-bike rental at Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay - €200
  • Phone number of Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay - +32 6051 007
  • Official website of Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay - via CM Tourisme
  • Location of Syndicat d'Initiative de Chimay - On Google Maps (350m (5 mins walk) from Chimay Place Froissart Bus Stop)


IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A DAY TRIP FROM BRUSSELS TO CHIMAY?
It is technically possible to visit Chimay on a day trip from Brussels, even if you don't have a car. However, the 2 major sites of Chimay, both Virelles Aquascope and Espace Chimay are in opposite directions from Chimay town center and it takes about 15-30 minutes by bike to reach them. It would be a very rushed visit to do both directions on the same day and catch the return bus at the latest at 6:30pm (on weekdays & Saturdays or 5:45pm on Sundays). It would be possible to visit just Virelles Aquascope or just Espace Chimay on a day trip at a relaxed pace. To see them all and well, it is a good idea to stay overnight at Chimay.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIMAY?
May to October is the best time to visit Chimay.
Virelles Aquascope & Espace Chimay are closed for part of winter. Also biking from Chimay to Virelles & Forges would be difficult in bone-chilling cold and snow. There are hardly any birds in Virelles during winter. 
From March onwards it is ok to visit Chimay. However, most of the birds are back from mid-April onwards. Depending on the weather in a particular year, the birds may or may not depart in November. So March, April & Nov might be ok, but not ideal.

1 DAY ITINERARY IN CHIMAY WITHOUT A CAR
If you hire a bike at Chimay. 
Morning: Chimay Castle
Noon: Visit+Lunch at Espace Chimay
Afternoon: Virelles Aquascope
Ideally, on a day trip, choose Espace Chimay & Scourmont Abbey (OR) Virelles Aquascope.

2 DAYS ITINERARY IN CHIMAY WITHOUT A CAR
If you hire a bike at Chimay
Day 1 morning - Chimay Castle
Day 1 afternoon - Virelles Aquascope & stay overnight
Day 2 noon - Visit & Lunch Espace Chimay, Scourmont Abbey

Purely dependent on the bus (only possible as a Wednesday-Thursday combo during school days (not vacation)!)
Day 1 morning - Reach Chimay Town Center
Take LeTEC Bus Route 59/1 or 59/2. Only 1 bus to Espace Chimay at Forges at around 11:00AM (Wed)
Day 1 afternoon - Visit & Lunch Espace Chimay, Scourmont Abbey. Stay at Espace Chimay.
Day 2 morning: LeTEC Bus Route 59/1 or 59/2. Only 1 bus, to Chimay center, at around 7:00AM (Thu)
Visit Chimay Castle.
Take LeTEC Bus Route 156c bus at around 11:00AM (only 1 bus on Thu) to Virelles Aquascope.
Return back to Chimay by the same bus in the opposite direction at about 04:50PM.
Buses back to Charleroi-Sud are available at 05:30PM, 06:30PM, etc.

PIN IT / BOOKMARK NOW & READ LATER

Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay

Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay

Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay Chimay Travel Guide | Chimay Beers | Chimay Cheese | Virelles Aquascope | Things to do in Chimay


Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

9 comments:

  1. Chimay looks like a great place to visit. The bird watching area looks wonderful and so peaceful too to observe them. I think I'd try a beer or 2 here and eat quite a lot of cheese in espace! The castle is so colorful and another nice find to see here. A charming town in Belgium to see.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have never heard of Chimay and yet it seems there is plenty to do there for adults and kids. I like the look of the castle, I would want to spend some time wandering around its interior and grounds and also try a beer flight. We did one in Bruges and although I am not a beer drinker I enjoyed sampling the local beer. Chimay looks like a great place to visit on a day trip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have visited Wallonia twice before, but I didn't make it to Chimay. I spent most of my time in and around Namur and Dinant. I know about Chimay beer, which I think is one of the most popular beers in Belgium. I'd like to return to Wallonia and visit Chimay as well, especially the castle and the Espace Chimay. The Scourmount Abbey looks very interesting as well and reminds me of another abbey in Wallonia where I had some delicious cheese made by the monks there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Having never seen Chimay in any products I would not have known that it is a good day trip from Brussels. I certainly would go searching for Chimay cheeses and beers. And to learn more about the history of the different products. Fun that there is even an interactive exhibit. Our ornithologist daughter would only want to visit the Virelles Aquascope and see birds! I am sure she would drag us up the water tower for better views. Lots to see and do in this charming small town for a day trip or for a short stay.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, this made me miss Europe! I am not much of a beer drinker but eat double amount of cheese. I would most definitely love to visit Chimay someday. We love to visit castles and read about their history, so I think that would be on our list for sure. I would also love to stay at that cozy, little cabin.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Puloma BhattacharyaMarch 14, 2023 at 6:35 AM

    Your Chimay beer and cheese tour was a great one. The Space Chimay is a wonderful learning experience with its interactive exhibits and a world map made of glass bears sounds interesting and also that the process of beer and cheese making is supervised by monks.The Virelles aquascope is such a serene place with a birdwatching tower, cabin for watching birds up close the Moses passage for underwater life.The Chimay castle is beautiful with its ornate interiors and so is the tiny wood cabin in Virelles Aquascope.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had Chimay beer on several occasions but was not aware that there is also Chimay cheese. The Espace chimay looks like a fun place to visit. I love these self-guided factory tours that include some tasting. Visiting the Virelles Aquascope marsh lands must have been nice too. I am not really into birdwatching - but find that birds bring me always in a good mood.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh! We'd love to go to the observation cabin for songbirds. My daughter are really into birds and I am pretty sure she'll enjoy it.

    Me, on the other hand would love to see what's inside a beehive. I have never seen one and has always been curious. Thank you for sharing your experience Chimay. Happy to know they're more than just the beer and cheese that we see.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is the first time I'm hearing about this place and I wonder why haven't I heard anything about it....From the bird-watching to the food and drinks and the architectural influence of churches and castles of Chimay, this place is exactly my kind of travel jams. Thank you very much for this detailed itenary for the places, hotels to visit and necessary information about Chimay. Planning my next trip here soon.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting...! Why not leave a comment.? And tell your friends..!!!
By commenting you accept to our GDPR Policy.