Chimay

Chimay is a city and municipality in the province of Hainaut, Wallonia, Belgium, best known for its world-famous Trappist beer brewed at the Scourmont Abbey. The town lies in the beautiful valley of the Eau Blanche river, surrounded by the forested hills of the Ardennes. Chimay's Abbey (Abbaye de Scourmont) is one of only 14 Trappist breweries worldwide authorised to use the "Authentic Trappist Product" label.

The town of Chimay itself is a quiet, charming market town with a historic Grand Place, a medieval castle, and a rich musical heritage (the Chimay music contest attracts young musicians from around the world). The surrounding region offers scenic walks, trout fishing, and the beautiful Virelles lake. The climate is temperate continental. Spring to autumn are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about 1 hour by car. Brussels Airport (BRU) is about 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Lille Airport (LIL) is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

By Train

Chimay does not have a railway station. The nearest stations are in Couvin (15 km south) and Mariembourg (12 km south). From there, TEC buses connect to Chimay.

By Car / Road

Chimay is accessible via the N99 from Couvin and the N53 from Beaumont. From Brussels, take the A7/E19 to Mons, then the N54 to Chimay (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From Charleroi, take the N5 to Chimay (about 1 hour).

The town centre of Chimay is compact and walkable. For visiting the Abbey (about 6 km south of town) and surrounding attractions, a car or bicycle is needed.

• Scourmont Abbey (Abbaye de Scourmont) — The Trappist monastery where Chimay beer is brewed. The abbey church is open to visitors, and the brewery shop sells Chimay beer and cheese. Note: the brewery itself is not open to the public.

• Chimay Castle (Château de Chimay) — Medieval castle on the Grand Place, home to the Princes of Chimay. Features a theatre and reception rooms. Guided tours available.

• Grand Place — The main square with the castle, cafés, and the town hall.

• Church of Sts. Peter and Paul — Collegiate church with a notable organ.

• Virelles Lake (Étang de Virelles) — A 130-hectare lake 5 km from Chimay, popular for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.

• Musée de la Ville — Local history museum.

• Chimay beer tasting — Buy Chimay beer at the abbey shop (the Blue, Red, and Tripel varieties) and taste at local cafés.

• Abbey visit — Visit the abbey church and shop (the monastery itself is closed to the public).

• Castle tour — Guided tours of Château de Chimay.

• Hiking around Virelles Lake — Scenic trails around the lake.

• Chimay Music Contest — International classical music competition held periodically.

• Trout fishing — The rivers around Chimay are known for trout fishing.

• Brasserie de la Gare — Traditional cuisine in the town centre.
• L'Auberge de Poteaupré — Restaurant near Virelles Lake, specialising in trout.
• Friterie Chimay — Classic Belgian fries.
• Local specialities include trout from local rivers, Chimay cheese, and game dishes.

Chimay is defined by its beer. Chimay Blue (dark, 9%), Chimay Red (dark, 7%), and Chimay Tripel (blond, 8%) are available in all local cafés. The Café de la Grand Place is the perfect spot to enjoy a Chimay.

• Budget: Gîtes and B&Bs in the town centre from around €50/night.
• Mid-range: Hôtel de la Gare — basic hotel near the station. Doubles from €70.
• Upscale: Hostellerie La Table de l'Abbaye — restaurant with rooms near the abbey. Charming guesthouses in the surrounding countryside.

The Chimay Abbey shop sells the famous Chimay Trappist beers, Chimay cheese (made from the milk of the abbey's cows), and religious souvenirs. The Grand Place has a weekly market.

• Couvin (15 km south) — Town with the Grottes de Neptune caves and the Brasserie des Fagnes.
• Bouillon (1 hr by car) — Spectacular medieval castle in the Semois valley.
• Rochefort (50 min by car) — Town with Rochefort Trappist brewery and the Lorette caves.
• Charleville-Mézières, France (40 min by car) — Birthplace of Arthur Rimbaud.
• Dinant (1 hr 15 min by car) — Picturesque city on the Meuse with the Citadel and Collegiate Church.