CHIMAY CASTLE

Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Eau Blanche valley, this ^16th-century manor house is still inhabited by the Caraman-Chimay family, one of the most important princely families in Wallonia. It is a unique witness to the region's ancient medieval past. Around the year 1000, a small keep was built overlooking the Eau Blanche, which was later transformed into a defensive fortress, complete with moat and drawbridge. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence, within this castle, of a church probably erected by Count Erlebold around 887. During this medieval period, the great Carolingian aristocrats set up complexes comprising the three elements needed to manage the "aula camera capella" territory. The aula was responsible for administration, taxation and justice. The "camera" was the residence and the "capella" the religious building. Since then, it has been rebuilt many times, through the wars and fires that have marked the region for almost 1,000 years. The bulbous steeple of the main tower can still be admired today. In 1473, Charles the Bold made the seigneury a county, and in 1486, Maximilian of Austria made it a principality. The house passed to the Riquet de Caraman family, to whom it still belongs today. Madame Tallien, princess during Robespierre's reign, is a figure who left an indelible mark on the principality. She is, of course, present in the Salon des portraits!

In the Maison des Artistes, a 38-minute film entitled Secrets de Chimay traces the history of the princes who have occupied the château. Narrated by Stéphane Bern, the film allows visitors to immerse themselves directly in the history of the site. The tour is then free and interactive, guided by a mobile app on phone, tablet or iPad in a choice of four languages. It includes a tour of the main hall, the guards' room, the portrait room and the chapel, but the highlight is undoubtedly the discovery of the small theater in its magnificent rococo style, classified as Wallonia's Outstanding Heritage.

A visit for the whole family at different times, as the château not only offers a tour of its walls, but also concerts (mainly classical music) and shows in its famous rococo theater. There are also temporary exhibitions at the Maison des artistes, and fun activities in the children's castle. The full agenda is available online.