Aulne Abbey
Abbaye d'Aulne

Take the road less travelled to discover Belgium’s hidden abbey ruins. A historic landmark with a brewery to boot. Plus 3 walking trails to choose from!

Hidden away on the outskirts of the small town of Thuin and the Vallée de la Paix, the ruins of Aulne Abbey is an interesting sight to see for all those interested in hidden gems and local beer. Walk the ruins for history deets and unique shots of a hidden gem. Take your pick of the walks: 6km, 7km, and even 14km.

A quick history of the abbey: local legend says that Saint Landelin, a repenting thief, founded the abbey and named it Aulne after the trees of the area in 657. But we know for sure that French revolutionaries under Napoleon burnt the abbey down in 1794.

• Local booze: the abbey has a brewery right next to it. Sample the beers at the back of the abbey in the former stables. The Val de Sambre brasserie has been around since the 1700s. Try out local beer here!

• Mini golf: family friendly activity! Check out the mini golf course at Les Terrasses du Mini-Golf. It’s on Rue Vandervelde 288, the starting point of all the walks too.

• Feel the music: drop by Aulne Abbey in July to see the annual Scène-sur-Sambre music festival. There’s even a stage floating in the Sambre river.

All the walks: from 6km to 14km, all walks start at Abbey Aulne. The shorter walks also take you to the nearby hamlets to see historical houses of metal workers. The 14km route takes you out further to see the viewing point Trou d’Aulne.

All map instructions are in English, Dutch and French.

• 6 KM walk: Promenade de l’Abbaye d’Aulne. All about the abbey! Walk the grounds of the historic abbey and soak in the sights. Finish your walk with a sip of beer at the brewery.
• 7 KM walk: Promenade du Charbonnier. How about some mini golf? A good stroll for family fun with a few history markers along the way.
• 14 KM walk: Sentier du Solitaire. A longer stroll around the abbey and city. Take a walk into the less explored sights of Belgium in the rural area of Thuin, then go out further for a panoramic view.