The best traffic-free bike rides around Ramillies

The Abbey of La Ramée, located in Jauchelette (Geldenaken), was founded around 1215 by Héluide, abbess of Nijvel. The Cistercian nuns moved in 1216 to the banks of the Great Gete and came under the spiritual authority of the neighboring Abbey of Villers-la-Ville. In the 13th century, the community experienced a period of flourishing thanks to Cistercian mysticism and a highly regarded scriptorium. The abbey managed to acquire a large agricultural area and became very prosperous. However, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the monastery was repeatedly plundered due to wars, forcing the sisters to flee temporarily. In 1706, the English general Marlborough even set up a field hospital there during the Battle of Ramillies. After the French Revolution, the abbey was confiscated in 1796 and sold as national property. The monastic buildings were largely dismantled, but the farm and associated agricultural lands were spared. In 1722, the spectacular tithe barn was built, which is still considered the largest in Belgium today. In 1980, the complex was recognized as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. After a thorough restoration in the 90s, the domain serves as an exclusive venue for seminars and business events.

Basilica-style building on a trapezoidal plan; four bays on the east side culminating in a square choir and crowned on the south side by a massive tower. Interesting tower volume in transitional style (mid-13th century). Quartzite plinth and tuff facing. Three stories: the ground floor currently features a pointed arch arcade; the bell storey has four paired sound holes with a Romanesque column surmounted by a cube capital. The spire dates from the 17th century. Gothic naves covered with mullioned beams or a flat ceiling; north entrance. The choir, also built of tuff, dates from the third quarter of the 13th century; the apse features an oculus and a three-light window with a three-lobed archivolt. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43465

nice place to go on holiday

Not only a place to play golf but great asfalt to ride your bike as well

The Château Rose was built by order of Albert-Pierre Stier (1745-1816). In 1776, he bought the seigniory of Orp, as it had been known since the end of the 17th century, when the land of Orp-le-Grand was merged with that of Orp-le-Petit. The pillory of Orp-le-Petit at the front is one of about fifty in Belgium that are listed by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage. When our country was invaded by France in 1794, the French revolutionaries rushed to abolish the symbols of the Ancien Régime and the pillory was demolished. A few years later, around 1826, Baron Jean-François de Vinck de deux Orp (1774-1827), nephew of the builder of the castle, had the restored elements of the pillory rebuilt on his estate, more specifically in the central part of the meadow below the castle. Source: https://www.orp-jauche.be/wp-content/uploads/Brochure_PetitPatrimoinePopulaire_ORP.pdf

Very beautiful castle

La Ramée Abbey, founded around 1215 by Héluide, is located in Walloon Brabant, at a bend in the Grande Gette River. It was almost entirely rebuilt in the 18th century. In 1796, the Revolution dispersed its community, leading to the abbey's sale in 1799. Today, La Ramée Abbey is used exclusively for hosting business seminars.

Beautiful church built from old sandstone (from Lincent). The (older?) base of the tower in limestone.