Flavours and traditions of the Walloon terroir
The Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is a land of authentic flavours. From world-renowned Trappist beers to characterful cheeses, local specialities and regional restaurants, the area will delight food lovers. From Domaine de Donstiennes, set out to discover a gastronomic heritage that is the pride of Wallonia.
Abbaye d'Aulne Beers
The Abbaye d'Aulne brewery produces abbey beers brewed according to monastic tradition. Taste the Blonde, Brune or Triple on the terrace with a view of the ruins. 15 min from the estate.
Chimay — Trappist Beer
One of only twelve Trappist beers in the world is produced just 25 minutes from Donstiennes. The Espace Chimay offers a discovery tour, a tasting and a gastronomic restaurant.
Cheeses & local produce
Chimay cheese washed with beer, aged Vieux Chimay and farmhouse cheeses from the region are among the finest in Wallonia. Local markets and open farms let you discover them first-hand.
Escavèche — Regional Speciality
This marinated fish dish in a vinegar-based broth is the signature speciality of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse. Try it in Chimay restaurants or at village festivals.
An exceptional brewing terroir
Belgium has more than 400 breweries, and the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is home to some of the most prestigious. The Chimay Trappist brewery, founded in 1862 by the monks of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont, produces the famous Chimay Blue, Red and White. The Espace Chimay, open to visitors, offers an interactive tour of brewing history and a tasting in an elegant setting. Closer to Donstiennes, the Abbaye d'Aulne brewery continues a centuries-old brewing tradition. Its craft beers can be enjoyed on site, in the unique setting of the abbey ruins. Local microbreweries, such as the Brasserie des Fagnes in Couvin, round out the offering with original creations. To bring home a taste of the terroir, brewery shops and local delicatessens sell gift boxes combining beers, cheeses and artisan products.
Restaurants and regional tables
The region boasts many restaurants that showcase local produce. In Thuin, several establishments serve reinvented regional cuisine featuring meats from nearby farms, seasonal vegetables and aged cheeses. In Chimay, the Espace Chimay restaurant offers a gastronomic menu with food-and-beer pairings centred on its Trappist brews. The weekly markets in Thuin (Fridays) and Beaumont are the place to meet local producers: market gardeners, cheese-makers, butchers and artisan bakers. In season, Thuin strawberries and local apples are a delight for food lovers. For an authentic experience, ask about the region's tables d'hotes — some farmers open their doors for meals prepared with their own produce.
Practical information
Distance
Abbaye d'Aulne 15 min, Chimay 25 min
Best period
Year-round
Recommended duration
Half a day per visit
Tip
Visit the Espace Chimay on weekdays to avoid the crowds