Colfontaine

Composed of the villages of Pâturages, Warquignies, and Wasmes, the entity of Colfontaine is an extremely green municipality, bordered by the Colfontaine forest.

Colfontaine is an extremely green municipality that is an integral part of the Nature Park of Hauts-Pays. Rich in its mining past, wooded areas and rural landscapes have now replaced the coal mines.

The Marcasse coal mine was one of the most important before the 1953 disaster, during which around twenty miners lost their lives. From the slag heaps to the Marcasse Reserve, passing through paths, alleys, and the RAVeL network, Colfontaine offers a rich and varied natural heritage that will delight walkers and tourists alike. Starting from the Tour du Lait Buré, built in 1904 by architect Achille Tillier (1, Rue Belle Maison), walkers can enjoy miles of discoveries, including the "Rando des Leus."

Several famous artists lived in Colfontaine. Armand Simon (1906-1981), a great surrealist artist, spent his entire life in Pâturages, as did Marius Carion, a painter from Wasmes.

The Van Gogh House in Colfontaine

The Van Gogh House in Wasmes, inaugurated in 2015, is a historic site marked by the presence of Vincent Van Gogh during his stay in the Borinage in 1879 while he was training to become a pastor.

Located in the former Denis house, where he lived, it has been carefully restored to regain its original red façade. This site, a rare witness to the painter’s presence in the region, has been designed to reflect his era, featuring a simple room and evocative elements such as a period well. As part of the "Van Gogh Europe" route, the house offers original letters, an immersive scenography, and a film exploring the painter’s life and writings, providing a unique insight into his daily life.

The Marcasse Site in Colfontaine

Near Mons, the slag heaps of the Borinage chain are reminders of the region’s mining heritage. In Wasmes, the Marcasse slag heap has been transformed into a nature reserve, combining industrial memory with biodiversity conservation.

The Marcasse slag heap, a witness to the mining past, is now home to a unique ecosystem where rare plants, birds, and insects coexist. Nearby, the remnants of the coal mine serve as a reminder that Vincent van Gogh briefly shared the miners’ lives there in 1879. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, this exceptional site, accessible to all, preserves its biodiversity while offering a breathtaking view of the countryside from its summit.

The Colfontaine Forest

Stretching across the territories of Colfontaine, Dour, and Frameries, the Colfontaine forest covers 750 hectares of protected wilderness. Today, it is part of the Nature Park of Hauts-Pays and offers numerous hiking trails.

A wood or a forest?

In 1842, Henri Degorge, the founder of Grand-Hornu, established a forest estate covering 545 hectares. Threatened in 1907 by coal mining, the forest was saved thanks to public mobilization and purchased by the Belgian state. Consisting of four massifs, it officially became the Colfontaine Forest in 1977.

Varied hikes

Rich in flora and fauna, the Colfontaine Forest is home to a variety of trees, from hazelnuts to oaks and even some conifers. With over 30 km of marked trails, it offers three routes ranging from 10 to 13 km to explore slag heaps, streams, and springs. For children, the "Rando des Leus," a 5 km trail, provides an opportunity to observe squirrels and deer.

Traces of local history

The Colfontaine Forest also reveals historical treasures linked to mining. The headframe of the Sauwartan mine and the top of the slag heap offer a remarkable panorama. The remains of the 1944 bombings, visible as ponds, now serve as a habitat for numerous dragonflies. At the edge of the forest, the "Tour du Lait Buré," a former miners' tavern, remains a friendly spot to relax after a walk.

"La Pucelette" and the Wasmes Procession (Colfontaine)

A major folkloric event, "La Pucelette" is one of the most important processions in the Mons region.

Originating from an ancient legend, it gives rise to numerous festivities every year. On Whit Monday, "La Pucelette" is presented to the public before starting the Wasmes Procession on Tuesday, a parade that blends history and tradition.

Originally a dragon

In the 12th century, a terrifying beast roamed the marshes of Wasmes, spreading fear. One day, it captured a young girl, nicknamed "La Pucelette." The knight Gilles de Chin, alerted, confronted and defeated the dragon, saving the child. Returning to the village, he was celebrated as a hero, giving birth to this legend.

La Pucelette

In Wasmes, playing the role of "La Pucelette" is a privilege reserved for a 4- or 5-year-old girl, symbolizing purity and innocence. Chosen by the priest from among candidates registered at birth, she wears a sky-blue satin dress and a diadem adorned with ostrich feathers. On Whit Monday, after being presented from her decorated home, she is escorted to the church for a solemn blessing under the proud gaze of the community.

The Wasmes Procession

The Wasmes Procession, in honor of the Virgin Mary, whom Gilles de Chin invoked before his battle, retraces the supposed path of the wounded dragon. Starting at 4 a.m., pilgrims accompany the statue of Our Lady of Wasmes, a 12th-century polychrome wooden sculpture, on a 17 km circuit ending at the church. Along the way, flour is thrown as a lucky offering, symbolizing the salvation of the young girl rescued by the knight.

Contact

Colfontaine Municipal Administration
Place de Wasmes, 22 - 7340 Colfontaine
Tel: +32 (0) 65/88.73.40
Fax: +32 (0) 65/88.73.49
www.colfontaine.be

Colfontaine Cultural Center
12, Rue du Pont d'Arcole, Colfontaine
Tel: 065 88 74 88
E-mail: cccolfontaine@hotmail.com
https://cccolfontaine.com
Our offices are open from Tuesday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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