Days out for young and old, right on the doorstep
Domaine de Donstiennes is the perfect starting point for a successful family holiday. Between the beaches of the Lakes of Eau d'Heure, pushchair-friendly nature walks, animal parks and playgrounds, the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region is brimming with activities suited to children of all ages.
Beach and Aquacentre at the Lakes of Eau d'Heure
The sandy beach at Plate Taille is a children's paradise in summer: supervised swimming, play areas and pedalos. The Aquacentre offers water slides and indoor pools in any weather.
Accessible nature walks
The Donstiennes loop (5.5 km) is suitable for families with children aged 6 and up. The RAVeL along the Sambre, flat and asphalted, is suitable for pushchairs, bikes with stabilisers and scooters.
Domaine de Valeriane
This nature leisure park offers treetop adventure courses, zip lines and nature discovery activities for children. About 30 minutes by car from Donstiennes.
Educational farms and animal parks
Several farms in the region welcome families: animal feeding, cow milking, cheese-making workshops. Children love the hands-on contact with farm animals.
A nature holiday for the whole family
Domaine de Donstiennes offers a safe natural setting where children can play freely. The estate's heated indoor pool is a major asset for families whatever the weather. The estate also has green spaces where children can run around and explore. Outside, the nature of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is easy to discover as a family. The RAVeL paths are perfect for children's first cycling adventures. The waymarked trails around Donstiennes allow family walks with no technical difficulty. Along the way, introduce your children to recognising trees, birds and animal tracks — the region is home to roe deer, foxes and a great many bird species.
When it rains: indoor activities
Belgian weather being unpredictable, it is wise to have indoor activities planned. The Aquacentre at the Lakes of Eau d'Heure offers hours of aquatic fun with its water slides and wild river. The Tramway Museum in Thuin will fascinate young train enthusiasts. For rainy days at the estate, make the most of the heated indoor pool and spa. Children will love splashing about while parents relax. It is also a chance to cook together with local produce discovered at the market, or to huddle around the fire pit terrace and share stories of the day's adventures.
Practical information
Nearby activities
Walks departing from the estate
Best period
Year-round (beach: June–Sept)
Age range
Activities from age 2
Tip
Make use of the estate pool on rainy days