Top 10 Castles around Les Bons Villers

Within Les Bons Villers, you can explore the Donjon de Mellet, which features a well-preserved medieval keep from the late 13th century and a 16th-century pleasure castle. Another notable site is the Château de Villers-Perwin, built in 1760, showcasing 18th-century gentry architecture and a long history of local lords.

Yes, the Château de Dobbeleer in Frasnes-lez-Gosselies, part of Les Bons Villers, is a great example. Originally a 'Maison Carrée' from 1852, it has been successfully restored and now provides social housing and hosts a daycare center, known as 'Château des Marmots'.

The Château de Seneffe and Gardens, located nearby, is renowned for its extensive gardens that were recreated partly according to original 18th-century plans. The Château de Houtain-le-Val also features a vast park and water features, though it is a private residence.

The Château de Seneffe and Gardens is considered family-friendly, offering beautiful grounds to explore. While some castles are private, their exteriors and surrounding areas can still be enjoyed by families.

The region around Les Bons Villers offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'The swing bridge of Arquennes – RAVeL L141 loop' or the 'Château Le Châtelet – Forest Path loop'. There are also running trails like the 'Arbre de la Bruyère – Château-ferme de La Bruyère loop', and MTB trails including the 'HERO Mural loop'. You can explore these and more on the Cycling around Les Bons Villers, Running Trails around Les Bons Villers, and MTB Trails around Les Bons Villers guide pages.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for visiting the castles and their surrounding areas. The weather is milder, and the gardens and parks are in full bloom. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter visits might be less comfortable for outdoor exploration, and some sites may have reduced opening hours.

Yes, the Château de Houtain-le-Val is a private residence and generally not open for public visits. However, its unique blend of medieval and classical architecture makes it a compelling site to admire from afar for those interested in the region's history.

The villages within and around Les Bons Villers, such as Frasnes-lez-Gosselies, Mellet, and Villers-Perwin, offer local cafes and pubs where you can find refreshments. These establishments are typically found in the village centers, often a short drive or walk from the castles.

Château Le Châtelet stands out with its massive three-storey schist keep from the 12th or 13th century. Its well-preserved keep and thick walls make it a rare and significant example of a fortress from that period.

Absolutely. Feluy Castle, located in Feluy, originated as a 14th-century water castle. While it was transformed into a luxurious residence over centuries, its historical foundation as a water castle is still evident.

The castles are spread across the municipality and its immediate vicinity. Castles like the Château de Villers-Perwin and the Donjon de Mellet are directly within Les Bons Villers. Others, such as Feluy Castle and Hautain-le-Val Castle, are in neighboring communes but are easily accessible by car, typically within a 10-20 minute drive.

The Château de Houtain-le-Val, while extensively rebuilt, still bears visible marks from World War II. It served as a German headquarters and was set on fire, leaving traces of its wartime history.