Places to visit in Braives

 

The history of this castle contains the names of the Dukes of Beaufort,

Charles the Bold, Louis XI, Louis XIV, and many other famous persons who stayed there.
and many other famous persons who stayed there. In 1465, the people of Liège - allies of Louis XI, King of France
in the fight against the Duke of Burgundy - seized the castle. However, in December they were forced to return it: Charles the Bold revoked
the privileges of Liège and decided to suppress the people of Liège. Fallais was to be the stage on which his plans were to be played out.
During his stay from the 3rd to the 9th of June 1675, Louis XIV ordered the destruction of the tower known as the Bourgogne Tower and the Grignard Tower.

A massive quadrilateral structure flanked with circular towers at its corners, the castle is an ideal example of a mediaeval plain fortress. It was built mainly during the course of the 14th, 15th, and 18th centuries. The lodge and annex were restored in the 16th and 19th centuries. In 1937, a fire damaged the north wing, which has since been restored.

Visits to the exterior of the castle can be arranged by appointment.
Rue du Château 2, 4260 Fallais.
Information: Ms. de Marneffe, tel. 0032 (0) 19 698189 or 0032 (0) 2 7336999 or 0032 (0) 497 332722.

 

When it was originally built in 1620, this mill operated as an oil mill; however, in the 19th century it was converted into a chalk mill.

The white loam extracted from the high ground was crushed there in order to produce tempera paints, putty, and dyes.

 

 

As early as 1350, two flour mills had already been mentioned in a text written by Thomas de Beaufort, Lord of Fallais. In the 16th century, only one remained. Fallais Mill is a lord's mill, in that it was owned by the lord and the peasants were forced to grind their grain there. If they did not do so, they were subject to a fine of 21 sol. The parts of the building that stand today date back to the 17th century. Many modifications were made to the mill during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Finally, in 2008, the mill was again placed into operation to produce electricity.

 

Visits can be arranged by appointment and sometimes simply by turning up at the mill.

Information and bookings: Mr. Heine, tel. 0032 (0) 19 699067 or piehei2@hotmail.com

 

 

The church consists of a funeral chapel that dates from the 17th century and was built by the Hinnisdaels, who were buried there. The chapel is currently the burial location of the Fontbarés.

 

 

The "Jardin des Plantes Patrimoniales de Pitet" has become a vivid and dynamic garden which gathers plants with a patrimonial value in one place, namely indigenous plants and plants used - at a certain time during our history - for medicinal purposes, poison, and fragrances. It is now a meeting place for fans of nature and gardens that respect nature itself.

Opening hours (in season): Every Sunday and public holiday from the 1st of May to the 30th of September from 2pm to 5pm. Visits must be booked; guided tours are available for groups.

Rue Alice de Donnéa, 4260 Pitet-Fallais

Information: The Nature Park Centre, tel. 0032 (0) 85 712892

 

 

Opening hours during exhibitions (otherwise, the gallery is closed): Friday: 6pm to 10pm; Saturday: 4pm to 10pm; Sunday: 2pm to 8pm

 

Route de Warnant 3, 4260 Fumal

 

Information: Sophie Meurisse

 

Prior to the introduction of motorized vehicles, the wheelwright used to build and repair everything on wheels: Wagons, carts, galiots, horse-drawn vehicles, and wheelbarrows. A specialized carpenter, he also made the large cart doors of imposing courtyard farms.

 

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Willy Lhoest, son and daughter-in-law of the master wheelwright, maintain the property and regularly bring the ancestral workshop to life.

 

Rue Hubert Krains 1, 4260 Fallais

Information: 019/69.98.07

Visits by appointment only.