Chimay We Take a Quick Trip for Beer and Cheese?

Chimay is a great day trip or a quick overnight from Brussels. It was one of those trips we knew we had to do because of the famous Chimay Beers. It was our 2nd overnight trip when Belgium’s COVID restrictions were lifted for travel within the country in the summer of 2020. Besides the great things to see, do, and eat within Chimay, there are also lots of fun things to check out in the nearby area.

Things To Do in Chimay- The Town

• Walk around! The town is very cute. There are shops and restaurants to enjoy.
  • I loved picking up macarons and really yummy ice cream at maCaro’n Co.
• Le Chateau de Chimay
  • The castle is open to the public for tours. Unfortunately, they were closed when we were here due to COVID precautions, but I would have loved to check it out.
• Lake Virelles
  • This nature preserve is popular for pedal boats and casual forest walks.

Chimay- The Brewery

The Chimay Brewery was the main attraction for our visit. Between good beer, good food, and CHEESE- what else would you want?

If you’re interested, the contact information and hours can be found on their website:

• Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey
  • The Abbey construction dates from the second half of the 19th century. The abbey is famous for brewing Chimay beers, however, visits to see the actual brewing process are prohibited. You can walk around the abbey and enjoy the pretty views and the hoppy aroma.
  • From the Chimay Brewery, there’s a forest preserve across the street with a short and peaceful trail to the Abbey.
• Espace Chimay
  • The Chimay Museum takes you through the history of the world-famous Trappist beer, which has been brewed since the 1860s. It’s a small museum that also covers the cheese-making process and the history of the town.
• Chimay Gift Shop
  • There was an impressive amount of Chimay goodies here, including an impressive beer selection and some of their house cheeses.
• Chimay Brewery
  • If the weather is good, sit outside, relax, and enjoy the field view while sipping on your beers and sampling the house cheese. If you have children, there is a playground outside within view of a lot of the outdoor tables.
• Auberge de Poteaupré
  • If you’re interested in lunch or dinner, the brasserie-restaurant serves delicious food. We were not disappointed in our selections, especially the items that were cooked with the house beers.
  • The restaurant and brewery seating are all one in the same. You just have to request the different menus.
• Hostel Poteaupré Espace Chimay
  • If you plan on indulging, you can make room reservations on location. The rooms are located above the restaurant. We stayed one night and found the rooms to be spacious, clean, and comfortable. It was the perfect stumbling distance after our freedom from a strict lockdown.

Nearby Points of Interest:

Go For a Hike!

• The Viroinval, Namur, Belgium- Dourbes
  • This pretty hike starts in the quaint village of Dourbes. The trail starts off from Rue des Florins- you’ll see a trailhead that starts off as a staircase. This loop trail is an easy 4.5km/2.8mi that leads you through some open plains, countryside farms, and to the ruins of Château de Haute Roche. Please note, the chateau is private property.

Ride a Steam Train

• The Trois Vallées Steam Railway Train Ride
  • Take a 45-minute ride in a vintage steam train from Mariembourg to Treignes. The ride is scenic and, for those interested in trains, it was an overall fun experience.
  • Mariembourg has a large parking lot. You’re allowed to walk around the engine shed and watch the crew prepare the train.
  • Treignes is a quaint town. You can take the time to walk around or you can visit the railway museum.

Wishing You a Chim-very Good Time!

I sincerely hope you have a merry time. We enjoyed our quick overnight trip and found it perfect for post-lockdown relief. I would love to hear about more great things to see and do in Chimay!

Like what you’re reading?

Here are some other posts that may interest you: