수마뉴‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪14‬개의 호수

At the edge of the pond near Val-Dieu Abbey stands the José Schyns observation hut, a peaceful spot where you can experience nature undisturbed. From the wooden hut, you have a beautiful view of the pond and the surrounding valley, ideal for observing birds and other animals in their natural habitat. The hut is named after José Schyns, a nature lover and bird conservationist who was committed to protecting and experiencing the wildlife in this region. It is a place that invites silence, mindfulness, and wonder.

A friend of George Grard, Charles Leplae, like him, appreciated the depiction of female nudes. He regularly imbued them with reserved, pensive, and introspective poses. True to this style and the artist's taste for allegories, this grave-looking sculpture embodies both a young girl and the young woman. Kneeling on the banks of the Deer Pond, in a bucolic setting, it is certainly the most delicate work in the collection. To be brought to the Sart Tilman estate, the original 3.5-meter-high work, installed at the National Bank of Belgium, was reduced to life-size scale and then placed slightly back in its current green setting, into which it blends perfectly, both in color and in its restrained poetry.

Birdwatching hut at the pond in the Val-Dieu nature reserve

Charles Leplae Leplae's art is entirely focused on the human figure, especially women. When he represents her naked, he transcends this very nakedness to elevate her to the rank of symbol. The young girl, frozen in bronze, is more than her model. The chaste nudity, the seriousness of the expression, the modest gesture give the representation a universal dimension. This allegory of one of the eras of women could not find a more important location, near a pond rich in the seeds of life. The original 3.5 m high work, designed in 1951, is installed in the architectural complex of the National Bank of Belgium in Brussels. Sculpting techniques make it possible to reproduce and reduce works. Life-size, installed in a wooded setting, the kneeling girl commands respect for the place in an almost authoritative manner and invites an inner dialogue.

Here you can sit on a bench with a view of the pond.

Here you can relax on a bench with a view of the pond and the water features

Easy hiking trails in a beautiful valley. 👌

The Hemlot is an old arm of the Meuse, made up of three small ponds lined with trees, covering an area of just over one hectare. This site has exceptional biological value and is ecologically protected. In terms of wildlife, you will be able to observe seagulls, gray herons, swans, coots, different species of ducks, geese and even great cormorants. If you're lucky, you might come across the majestic kingfisher. The vegetation of the body of water is mainly composed of thorny hornworts and yellow water lilies. The surrounding trees are generally species adapted to humid places, such as willows, alders and birches. A pleasant walk awaits you, with benches and pontoons to enjoy the surrounding nature. Don’t hesitate to discover this beautiful place during your next walk!