CHIMAY CASTLE

Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Eau Blanche valley, the Château des Princes de Chimay is a true testament to the region's ancient medieval past. Historically situated at the crossroads of Roman roads, the rocky outcrop sheltered a small keep around 1000 AD, which was later transformed into a defensive fortress. Over the centuries, the castle suffered several assaults and fires, most recently in 1935. It was then rebuilt in the Henri IV Renaissance style, and a bulb was added to the roof of the square tower. Archaeological excavations carried out in 2004 also revealed the existence of an early church, probably erected by Count Erlebold around 887, and an ^11th-century keep. In 1473, Charles the Bold made the seigneury a county, and in 1486, Maximilian of Austria made it a principality. Since 1804, the house has belonged to the Riquet de Caraman family. Among the principality's notorious personalities were Madame Tallien and her son, known as "le grand Prince", thanks to whom Chimay's famous Trappist beer was born. The latter, a fervent lover of the region and its traditions, played a key role in developing the local heritage, contributing to Chimay's cultural and economic development.

The tour of the Château begins with the film "Secrets de Chimay", hosted by Stéphane Bern, which traces the history of the château and the people who have occupied it. The entrance hall welcomes visitors with its coffered ceiling, an example of Renaissance decorative art. Next, visitors are invited to explore the weapons room and its astonishing floor, which recounts the battles and tales of bravery of the Lords of Chimay, as well as the drawings in the Thierry Bosquet salon and the paintings in the portrait salon, before the doors to the theater open. The doors of the theater then open, revealing a treasure: this rococo-style theater, built in 1863, all in gold and red velvet, spared by the fire of 1935, has been listed as Wallonia's Exceptional Heritage since 1993. A highlight of the visit, it also hosts concerts and shows open to the public. Visitors then continue on to the chapel and main courtyard, overlooking the Parc des Princes. Following the tour, the terrace and mini-golf course in the courtyard of honor offer a moment of relaxation in the castle's setting.