Attractions and Places To See in Bois D'Hez - Top 18

Where every plant had its use and in the meantime befriended the old walls...

Villers Abbey – a ruin to pause and reflect 😉 The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville is an impressive Cistercian ruin dating from 1146 and one of the largest and best-preserved medieval abbey sites in Europe. Wander among the gigantic Gothic walls, columns, and roofless vaults where nature and centuries-old architecture are beautifully interwoven. The abbey experienced its greatest flourishing in the 13th century, but after centuries of wars and changes, monastic life came to an abrupt end in 1796. During the French Revolution, the monks were expelled and the abbey was sold. Buildings were dismantled stone by stone, after which wind, rain, and encroaching nature slowly formed the complex into an impressive ruin. In the 19th century, Villers grew into a beloved spot for artists and romantics. Victor Hugo (French writer, poet, playwright, and political thinker) was also fascinated by the ruins and visited the abbey several times. Thanks to restoration and heritage conservation, the site is beautifully preserved today. The combination of history, architecture, and nature makes a visit particularly atmospheric. Tip: allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to discover the abbey at a leisurely pace.

In the Chauffoir, the monks could finally escape the icy cold of the medieval abbey. This was the only room in the monastery where a fire was allowed to burn during the day. Here they warmed themselves up, did administrative work, and even kept their ink fluid on cold days. But the Chauffoir also had a less pleasant function. This is where the periodic bloodlettings took place, a medieval medical practice that was considered necessary to stay healthy. Later, the room was given a more comfortable purpose and was used, among other things, as an extra dining room. A special place where you discover that monastic life did not only consist of praying, but also of suffering from the cold, working… and occasionally losing some blood. 😉🔥

Did you know that the monks used to brew their own beer here? This modern hop field lies just west of the former brewery. Old writings from 1867 show that the monks' historic hop field was located in this exact zone. Today, the field has been restored to showcase the different hop varieties needed for the brewing process. A super fun, green stop along the route! You are literally at the source of the famous abbey beer. The Cistercians were known for their agricultural knowledge, and this field brings that tradition back to life. If you look closely, you'll see the typical hop cones that give the beer its characteristic, bitter taste.

Between the impressive abbey walls, you'll find the old herb garden, once the monks' natural pharmacy. Here they cultivated medicinal plants used to treat wounds, alleviate fever, and manage all sorts of ailments. Today, this place is primarily an oasis of tranquility amidst the monumental ruins. Take a leisurely stroll and reflect that each plant here once had its own role in the medieval monastic community. A small patch of green with a grand story about the centuries-old knowledge of the monks and the power of nature.

It is probably this contrast that makes Villers-la-Ville so endearing. On one hand, the majestic remains of an abbey founded in 1146; on the other, paths that plunge into the woods and cross the peaceful landscapes of Walloon Brabant. The mineral and the vegetal respond to each other throughout the hike, giving the route a historical, romantic, and deeply natural atmosphere.

Some respect for the hiking trails please dearest beavers!! 😉

In the 13th century, the so-called ‘chauffoir’ or warm room was the only heated room in the religious community and, together with the kitchen, the only one with a fireplace. The warm room gradually lost its role due to the growth of chimneys in the abbey. It was also in the warm room that the monks received a shaving of the head and underwent bloodletting four times a year. During this obligatory treatment, a monk-nurse took blood from the patient’s arm to speed up his recovery and even if he was healthy to rid him of his “bad moods”.