コンデ＝シュル＝レスコーの天然記念物・トップ10

Michel Raulier: The Nail Tree of Stambruges Tree worship in our region is very ancient. Proof of this is the discovery in Blicquy, in the place called "Ville d'Anderlecht," of a set of 120 posts up to 90 cm in diameter. These may have served as supports for offerings, as evidenced by the numerous iron pins found in the filling holes. This could correspond to an artificial sacred grove housing deities, similar to Lucan's description of petrified forests in Pharsalia. In the past, trees, with their longevity and majestic shape, aroused a sense of sacredness in the minds of our ancestors. They were also believed to be capable of helping people solve their problems, particularly health problems. Many customs exist: walking around the tree, driving nails to fix the ailment, and tying cloths or fabrics to bind it. These trees were often Christianized by the installation of religious images or a chapel nearby. One example among others is that of Notre Dame de Foy. In Foy, near Dinant, a woodcutter discovered a 15th-century statuette in the heart of a very ancient oak tree in 1609. Long forgotten, the figurine bearing the image of the Virgin had been placed in a niche carved into the trunk. Over time, the wood completely covered it and erased its memory. In Stambruges, there is one of these remarkable trees, and beside it is a chapel, called "the chapel of Erconpuch" or, by another name, "the chapel of Arc-au-Puche," dedicated to the Virgin Our Lady of Arc-au-Puits, formerly called the Virgin of the Woods.

The Mer de Sable nature reserve is a 22-hectare protected area, renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. Formerly a pond that dried up in the 19th century, the site is home to exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants such as the sundew. The reserve, classified as a major heritage site in Wallonia, offers marked trails for hiking and observing local biodiversity.

Ornithological nature reserve, with magnificent species. Several observation points set up for bird watching. accessible to PMR.

Special, that sandy area and a nice place to eat (there is also a restaurant)

There are two viewing huts on the route. But especially many ornithologists. This must clearly be a special place!

Located in the heart of the Haine valley, between Mons and Tournai, the marshy complex of Harchies-Hensies-Pommeroeul, better known as the Marais d'Harchies, is a major site for the fauna and flora of Wallonia. Covering an area of 550 hectares, this site of great biological interest is home to many species and constitutes an important transit site during bird migration and offers ideal conditions for the nesting and wintering of numerous species. Its registration as a “Ramsar” wetland confirms its importance on an international scale. https://oiseaumaraisdharchies.be/

In the forest of Stambruges is 'la Fontaine bouillante', the bubbling spring where, according to legend, a mistress of the Prince De Ligne drowned with her coach and the crew of the coach tries to surface. In reality, it is spring water bubbling up through a crack in the earth. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bos_van_Stambruges

Very beautiful site, beautiful nature reserve, home to many birds. Some observatories on the route to better appreciate this walk