Belgium's largest lake complex, just 20 minutes away
With 1,800 hectares of water and nature, the Lakes of Eau d'Heure form Belgium's largest body of water. Just 20 minutes by car from Domaine de Donstiennes, this exceptional site offers water sports, sandy beaches, a panoramic Skywalk and lakeside nature walks. It is the must-do excursion of the region.
Plate Taille Beach
Belgium's largest inland beach with fine sand, a supervised swimming area in summer, children's play areas and restaurant terraces. Free entry outside peak season.
Water sports
Sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos and water skiing — the water sports centre offers lessons and hire for all levels. The calm waters of the dam are ideal for beginners.
Plate Taille Skywalk
A 20-metre-high panoramic walkway overlooking the dam. A 360-degree view across the lakes and surrounding forests. Guaranteed thrills for those who love heights.
Crocodile Rouge Cruise
Hop aboard the Crocodile Rouge boat for a guided cruise on the lakes. A peaceful way to discover the site and its history, with the option of booking a brunch on board.
An exceptional site all year round
The Lakes of Eau d'Heure comprise five interconnected lakes: Plate Taille, Eau d'Heure, Falemprise, Féronval and Ry Jaune. The Plate Taille dam, inaugurated in 1978, is the largest in Belgium. The site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. In summer, Plate Taille beach is the go-to spot for families. The water is supervised and the swimming zones are clearly marked. The terraces offer magnificent views over the lake. Outside the summer season, the site remains open for walks, mountain biking and fishing. The lake loop (12 km) is a pleasant walk with varied viewpoints. The Aquacentre, an indoor water complex beside the lake, features pools, water slides and bubble baths — ideal when the weather is not suited to outdoor swimming.
How to get there from Donstiennes
The Lakes of Eau d'Heure are 20 minutes by car from Domaine de Donstiennes, heading towards Cerfontaine on the N53. The main car park at Plate Taille is large and free outside summer weekends. For a more sporty approach, you can cycle to the lakes from Donstiennes along small country roads (about 18 km, hilly). The return can follow the same route or vary via Cerfontaine and Silenrieux. Allow a full day to make the most of the site: swimming in the morning, lunch on one of the terraces, then a cruise or the Skywalk in the afternoon.
Practical information
Distance
20 min by car from the estate
Best period
Swimming: June to September
Recommended duration
Full day
Tip
Arrive early on summer weekends for parking