Introduction

Faulx-les-Tombes is one of Belgium's few romantic castles (along with Antoing), idyllically situated in the woods along the Samson River.

History

The castle was originally built in the 10th century as a towered fortress proudly rising to the sky. Little remain of this medieval fortress nowadays.

Around year 1340 the castle passed into the ownership of the Marbaix family. After several changes in ownership, in 1665 Faulx came into the possession of Rasse Erasme de Corswaren, Count of Niel and Lord of Longchamps. The castle was inherited by his descendants until the French Revolution.

The western facade of the current building dates from 1563, but the rest of the castle was entirely reconstructed between 1867 and 1872, during the romantic period. Its architect was Henri Beyaert, who also worked on many landmarks in Brussels (Petit Sablon, National Bank, Belgian Parliament, Halle's Gate), as well as Chevetogne Castle near Ciney and Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle near Antwerp.

A fire ravaged it in 1961, but everything was restored using the same techniques of construction as in the late 1800's.

In 1972, Faulx is acquired by the commune of Etterbeek (in Brussels), which used it for school trips and social tourism. The castle is converted into a hotel, and even has its own restaurant from 1976. The business goes bankrupt in 1988 and the estate is put on sale.

Opening Hours & Admission

The Castle of Faulx is now a private propery and is no longer open to visitors. The castle is nevertheless very close from the road and can be admired from there. It is more visible in winter when the trees are leafless.

How to get there

The castle is located 9 km southeast of Namur. By car, there are several possible ways to reach Faulx. You can exit at Wierde (exit 16) on the E411 or N4 (both Brussels-Namur-Luxembourg), then follow the N941 towards Goyet and Faulx until you reach the Samson River, then take right for about 1 more km. Coming from Andenne, Huy or Liège, exit for Maizeret and Goyet, halfway between Andenne and Namur and follow the N942 for a few km.

Using public transports, bus No 42 goes between Namur and Andenne via the village of Faulx-les-Tombes. From there, you'll have to walk northwards outside the village following the Chaussée de Gramptine (N942 road). The castle sits just along the road and Samson River, opposite an equestrian centre.

Access Map

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