Attractions and Places To See around Sombreffe - Top 20

Mill, history & enjoyment A wonderful place to stop after your visit to the abbey. Behind the building, the authentic water wheel still turns, powered by the river Thyle – a beautiful piece of living history. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo himself stayed here several times, finding inspiration for his work. Today, this is still an atmospheric stop: discover more about the abbey in the visitor centre and then enjoy the terrace or the historic vaulted rooms at Bistro de l’Abbaye. Be sure to try one of the artisanal abbey beers from the in-house microbrewery. 🍺 History, water, atmosphere, and a delicious local beer… a stop you don't want to miss! 😉

The Mills of Villers Abbey is where history & the present meet. The historic Abbey Mill is the ultimate gateway to the magical Cistercian site of Villers-la-Ville. This 13th-century monumental building, where the monks once ground their grain and baked 2000 loaves weekly for the poor, now serves as the modern visitor centre and the atmospheric Bistro de l'Abbaye. It forms the perfect starting or stopping point for your walk or bike ride.

Visit Abdij Villers-la-Ville Abdij van Villers – a ruin to reflect on 😉 The Abdij van Villers-la-Ville is an impressive Cistercian ruin 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 intertwined. The abbey reached its peak 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 transformed the complex into an impressive ruin. In the 19th century, Villers became 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 explore the abbey at a leisurely pace. Admission – entrance fees: Adults: €10 Children (6 to 12 years): €4 Children (under 6 years): free Seniors (65+): €8 People with disabilities: free Dogs are welcome on a leash. An absolute must-see for anyone who loves history, mysterious ruins, and photogenic places! “Post tenebras, spero lucem” – “After darkness, I hope for light.” 🌑➡️☀️

The imposing Porte de Namur was built in 1725 under the leadership of the influential abbot Jacques de Lierneux. What makes this gate extra special is that it had a double function. The exterior (which you are now looking at) was erected in a rich, classic Renaissance style of brick and bluestone to impress high-ranking guests. On top of the gate passage is a robust stone tower room. Historically, this served as a guardhouse and prison cell for the abbey, which was allowed to exercise its own jurisdiction at the time. A monumental transition from the open nature to the ancient abbey domain!

It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful setting for a hike than that of Villers-la-Ville. After walking along the impressive ruins of the old Cistercian abbey, the path gradually escapes into the surrounding woods and countryside. Here, old stones and nature seem to have found a perfect balance. A walk where every turn tells a story.

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 historic, romantic, and deeply natural atmosphere.

Steep and bad cobblestones

The Porte de Namur – Heritage of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville The Porte de Namur dates from 1725 and is an impressive remnant of the former abbey of Villers-la-Ville. It was built under Abbot Jacques Hache, the 61st abbot of the abbey, who led it from 1716 to 1734. The gate stands right next to the ruins of the abbey and is located near the tourist information point (Syndicat d’Initiative). It spans the rue de l’Abbaye (national road RN274) and provides access to the Notre-Dame des Affligés chapel and the village of Mellery. On the left, there is a reconstructed terraced vineyard supported by slate retaining walls – a nod to the abbey’s wine-making past. The Namur Gate is built in a classical style, with two tall pilasters supporting a red brick entablature. At the top, a triangular pediment adorns the gate, containing niches, the coat of arms of Abbot Hache and his motto: Fortiter et Suaviter – ‘strong and gentle’.