A reserve, stories
This corner of nature, located near Chimay, has long been a popular tourism site, with boats, pedalos and taverns in the 1950s and 60s. But from the 80s, the model runs out of steam. In 1983, three nature protection associations took over the site to make it a place of conservation. “There was enormous potential for biodiversity,” said Anne Sansdrap, in particular communication manager, who arrived on site in 1991.
“We broke the concrete banks, recreated wetlands. Today, you would never believe that all this is artificial.” The Grand Tournant took place in 2004 with the opening of the Aquascope: a modern building, a nerve center of the course, which houses exhibitions, canteen, educational rooms and soon two new dwellings, including one accessible to people with reduced mobility. The work is done over the winters.
On the southern shore, a one-kilometer path leads to the passage of Moses, an underwater observatory between a pond and the pond, but also to a mirador, a garden of wild plants, at the house of the black bee and in sharpeners including one with windows without tain to observe the birds in all discretion: magic! “The route has been designed to amaze, awaken curiosity, and make you want to protect what you discover.”
Every weekend and during the holidays, volunteers-nature guides-are present to offer visits or entertainment. They are about twenty in all. On our way, we also meet Claudine, who explains the creation of artificial islands, during the winter of 2021, in order to improve biodiversity and to promote the nesting of birds. “From the following summer, we have been able to observe new species, including the white storage that is back this year.”
And then, there is also Alain who offers fun animations, using “his mysteries bag” filled with curiosities of nature that he likes to guess. Perfect for animating (also) the little ones, just like the large play plain. Our advice: do not program anything after your night, but take the time to quietly discover the site. Because it is a safe bet that you will have trouble winning … and even more to leave.
All our reports on Wallonia seen from the sky
At the aquascope, birds are never far from its goal
Paradise for nature lovers, it is also a dream place for photographers like Jean-Michel Gillard.
The site has become an unmissable event for animal photographers. Among them, Jean-Michel Gillard is a familiar figure. Retired, passionate and always armed with his telephoto lens, he walks the paths of the Aquascope several times a week. “It’s my garden. I live in an apartment in Chimay, but here it is my space of freedom.” Professional photographer since the 90s, Jean-Michel put down wedding flashes and portraits to return to what enlivens him: nature. “To my retirement, I sold everything and I reinvested in equipment for the animal. Because when it is a passion, you do not count.”
He prefers to come early, sometimes even at sunrise, thanks to his aquapass, a special subscription that gives access to the site every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., including outside the opening hours. A boon to enjoy the golden lights in the morning, calm during the week or even crowded sharpeners. The subscription is valid for 6 months and limited to a hundred people to guarantee the tranquility of the place.
The key for animal photo? It’s patience, he said. “There are some who say they have seen nothing. But just stay a quarter of an hour on the lookout. I never left without anything.” And his anecdotes bear witness to this: a heron that steals a pole to an egret, a stork reconstructing his nest … Each scene tells a story. “What matters to me is attitude. A moment of life, a rare moment … It is nature that gives you a gift.”
For those who wish to embark on animal photography, Jean-Michel advises an objective of minimum 400 mm, and stresses that the prices have become more democratic. “A good 100-500 mm already allows you to have fun.” He himself learned birds on the job, by dint of observing them, photographing them, comparing with the guides. “At the beginning, I thought I had discovered a rare species … it was a juvenile red!”, He laughed.
Today, his shots feed the aquascope communication media and inspire visitors. “Luck is provoking itself,” he concludes. Sometimes you just have to land … and let nature do the rest.
Do you want to discover her photos? Better still, want to introduce your own photos and videos of Wallonia?
Direction the group Facebook Visitwallonia, our most beautiful photos and videos.
The essentials
Lompret, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia
Nearby, discover Lompret, a preserved hamlet, with its long limestone houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, bordered by gardens and flower walls. Nestled in a meander of white water, its cliffs, ifs and limestone lawns are worth the detour.
Hour water lakes
The site of the lakes of time water forms the largest set of artificial lakes in Belgium. On the program: 1,800 hectares of nature, five lakes and 70 km of banks and a beautiful offer of housing (two holiday villages and a hotel), a real paradise for outdoor lovers. Among the activities: swimming, sailing, diving, hikes … but also a panoramic tower 107 meters high with a spectacular view of the region, and the Plate -Size dam, the largest in the country.
Gourmet stop
Stop at the Abbey of Scourmont to admire freely, from the outside, the monastery and its superb garden – the GR path of Trappist abbeys, which connects the three abbeys, goes there by the way. Two minutes away, the Pottepré inn opens its doors to you for the Chimay Experience: an interactive visit to the manufacture of Trappist beers and cheeses from Chimay … With the key tasting, of course!
