Chaumont-Gistoux brings together several periods and themes: Gothic architectural features, a Neo-Gothic church, an archaeological site and traces of former mills. Clockmaking and routes through the countryside are also among the things to discover. If you’re looking for hotels in Chaumont-Gistoux, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: architectural history, the Michelsberg site, craftsmanship, or activities on foot and by bike.
Churches and architectural history
The Church of Saint Bavo stands on a rise in the centre of Chaumont, on the site of a former castle. Its Neo-Gothic building dates from 1912–1913; a Gothic tower and a Gothic choir from the 13th century have also been preserved. Inside are a 16th-century Christ figure, confessionals and Gothic baptismal fonts from the 15th century. The church therefore brings together architectural and furnishing elements from different periods.
In Longueville, attention turns to the organ in the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. The organ and its Baroque case are considered to be of exceptional quality. When it was restored in 1996, it had been preserved in a condition very close to its original state. Another specific architectural detail can be found at the Ferme à Longueville: its dovecote forms the gateway, whose portal dates from 1786.
The Michelsberg site and former uses
The Michelsberg archaeological site is a man-made, arc-shaped earthwork: it is 700 m long and 12 m wide, with a ditch in front, and encloses an area of about 30 ha. The Michelsberg monument is associated with the Michelsberg period, from around 4250–3650 BC. Excavated flint and pottery attest to human settlement from the Mesolithic, around 6000–4250 BC. Since 1971, the site has been classified under the name Parc des Bruyères.
The Étang d’Inchebroux also reveals traces of former uses. It consists of former water reservoirs used in turn by a mill, a paper mill and a flax factory. The pond and surrounding areas have been classified since 1976; with its pollarded willows, the pond is considered to be of landscape importance. The Moulin blanc, also known as Debienne, was formerly used alternately as an oil mill and a grain mill. These places connect the landscape with its economic past, without equating their current function with their historical uses.
Clockmaking and guided tours
The Musée d’Horlogerie in Longueville traces the development of clockmaking techniques in Europe over the past four centuries. In their workshop, father and son Pater make original clocks and restore antique pendulum clocks and wristwatches. Advance reservations are required to visit the Musée d’Horlogerie in Chaumont-Gistoux.
Guided tours are organised at the Roseraie communale de Chaumont-Gistoux rose garden in June; tours for groups are available on request. Check the current dates when planning your visit. The Sur les traces du passé walking trail is 4.8 km long and starts at the car park of the Centre sportif André Docquier in Chaumont-Gistoux. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
On foot or by bike
The Syndicat d’Initiative of Chaumont-Gistoux has created two signposted circular cycling routes and carries the Bienvenue vélo label. It invites visitors to discover the peaceful countryside on foot or by bike. One described road cycling route is called Chaumont-Gistoux, au fil de ses villages, par monts et par vaux, à vélo: it is 50 km long and rated moderate. The distance and difficulty rating offer a practical guide when choosing a cycling trip, while the two signposted circular routes provide another way to explore by bike.
For a stay focused on culture and history, there are several themes to choose from: the layers of history at Saint Bavo, the organ in Longueville, the Michelsberg site and the former mills. If you prefer to be outdoors, you can follow the named walking trail, the signposted circular cycling routes or the 50 km road cycling route.
Discover more destinations: Sint-Genesius-Rode, Jodoigne, Oud-Heverlee, Rixensart, Roosdaal, Kampenhout, Lillois-Witterzée, Perwez.
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
