Plizio Visual Lab

Chimay

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Chimay is a historic town in the Belgian province of Hainaut, celebrated worldwide as one of the few places where authentic Trappist beer is brewed. The Scourmont Abbey, located just outside the town, is the source of the famous Chimay ales and cheeses. Visitors can explore 'Espace Chimay', an interactive museum dedicated to the abbey's brewing heritage, and enjoy tastings at the nearby Poteaupré Inn, which serves exclusive regional recipes. The town's skyline is dominated by the Castle of the Princes of Chimay (Château de Chimay), an ancestral home that has been occupied for over 1,000 years. Guided tours take visitors through grand reception rooms and a memorable Italian-style theater, still used for classical music performances. The historic center of Chimay features cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and a central square well-suited for sampling local hospitality. Nature lovers can head to the nearby Lake of Virelles and its 'Aquascope', a modern center for birdwatching and wetland conservation. For sports enthusiasts, the Circuit de Chimay is a legendary street circuit that hosts vintage car and motorcycle races. Chimay is best visited by car, offering a scenic drive through the countryside. It is a convenient destination for those seeking a mix of high-quality gastronomy, aristocratic history, and serene natural landscapes.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Chapelle Notre-Dame de Miséricorde · Église Saints-Pierre et Paul · Château de Chimay
Nearby: Walcourt (24 km)
Population: ~9.720 (2012)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	5	9	13	16	18	17	14	10	6	2
Rain mm	82	71	68	49	70	71	73	80	54	70	78	93

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The castle of the Princes of Chimay is open by guided tour, lasting about an hour. Interior rooms, the grand salon and chapel can be seen.

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Typical hours

Guided tours usually depart at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. In low season only on weekends or by appointment. Typically closed on Mondays.

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Photography

Inside, photography without flash is generally allowed. In some private apartments, photography may be prohibited.

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Time needed

Allow about 1.5 hours for the castle tour. If you add the brewery visit and cheese tasting, plan on 3-4 hours.

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Combine with

Combine with a visit to Scourmont Abbey where the Trappist beer is brewed, and a walk around Lake Virelles.

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Getting there

Reach Chimay by car via the N99, parking at the castle. By public transport, take a bus from Charleroi or from Chimay railway station.

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Insider tip

Taste the famous Chimay beer and blue cheese right at the source: the brewery shop frequently holds tastings that capture a more authentic flavour than exported products.

Geography

Population

9,720 (2012)

Coordinates

50.04793, 4.31733

Facts

Home to Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey
One of the world's few Trappist breweries
Castle of the Princes of Chimay
Stunning Italian-style theater in the castle
Famous for authentic Chimay cheese
Espace Chimay visitor center and tasting
Near Virelles Lake and Aquascope
Legendary Circuit de Chimay road track

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Virelles4 km · NEExplore →

Lake Plate Taille16 km · NExplore →

Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park19 km · EExplore →

📍Fourmies19 km · WExplore →

📍Hirson22 km · SWExplore →

Walcourt24 km · NExplore →

📍Revin26 km · SEExplore →

Castle of Fagnolles26 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Chimay (3)

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Miséricorde ⛪ religious

A protected chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy in Chimay.

Église Saints-Pierre et Paul ⛪ religious

A protected church of Saints Peter and Paul in Chimay.

Château de Chimay 🏰 castle

Medieval castle of the Princes of Chimay, heritage-listed.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Chimay brewery?

The brewery itself is not open to the public, but the Espace Chimay interactive center nearby gives tours and tastings.

What is the Château de Chimay?

It is a historic castle owned by the Chimay family for over 500 years; visitors can see the theater and the chapel.

Where can you taste Chimay cheese?

In local inns around Scourmont Abbey and at Espace Chimay, various cheeses are served alongside the Trappist beers.

Is Scourmont Abbey open to tourists?

Visitors can see the abbey church and gardens, but the monks' living quarters are private and require silence.

When is the best time to visit Chimay?

Spring and summer are convenient for exploring the gardens and the surrounding Ardennes nature in mild weather.

Chimay: where is it located?

Chimay is located in Belgium.

Chimay: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chapelle Notre-Dame de Miséricorde, Église Saints-Pierre et Paul, Château de Chimay.

Chimay: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Chimay: why is it worth visiting?

Chimay is a historic town in the Belgian province of Hainaut, celebrated worldwide as one of the few places where authentic Trappist beer is brewed.

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