The Colfontaine Forest

An exceptional natural and birdwatching heritage

A major ornithological reserve, the Colfontaine Forest also boasts remarkable botanical interest. Along your walks, you’ll come across a wide range of trees: hazel, hornbeam, ash, and maple, as well as majestic species such as oak, elm, poplar, beech, wild cherry, chestnut, and even some conifers.

To explore this green haven, three marked trails are available, totaling over 30 km of paths. Each circuit (10 to 13 km) showcases the forest’s many facets: wildlife, flora, slag heaps, streams, and springs. Younger visitors will enjoy the “Rando des Leus,” a 5 km loop marked in yellow that invites children to look out for red squirrels or roe deer. This trail was created by the Colfontaine Children’s Municipal Council.

A historical heritage to discover

Beyond its natural wealth, the Colfontaine Forest holds strong traces of local history, particularly coal mining. The concrete headframe of the Sauwartan mine, still standing, surprises hikers. Behind it, the top of the slag heap offers spectacular views over the green canopy. Small ponds near the heap are remnants of Allied bombings in 1944, now peaceful habitats for dragonflies during the warmer months.

At the forest’s edge, don’t miss the “Tour du Lait Buré,” built in the early 20th century. Once a guinguette and cabaret, it was a popular relaxation spot for miners, who came to enjoy a bowl of buttermilk after work. Still open today, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink on the terrace after a walk.

A true green lung of the Borinage region, the Colfontaine state forest covers 800 hectares across the municipalities of Colfontaine, Dour, and Frameries. Composed of several wooded areas, the forest is crossed by two narrow and picturesque valleys, at the bottom of which flow the Elwasmes and Colfontaine streams.

Managed by the Department of Nature and Forests, the forest is part of the European Natura 2000 ecological network. It is now included in the perimeter of the Nature Park of "Les Hauts-Pays" and was once directly connected to what is now the Ardennes Forest.

Hikers will find a variety of marked trails that lead through a diverse natural environment rich in flora and fauna. The paths also reveal remnants of mining activity, including former slag heaps.

In the heart of the forest, interpretive panels provide more information about:

• The Hunters’ Pavilion (Pavillon des Chasseurs)
• Forest management
• The Tour du Lait Buré and La Belle Maison
• The Sauwartan headframe and the Midi Fault (Châssis à molette du Sauwartan et la Faille du Midi)