Pottes Travel Guide

Discover the charm of Pottes, Belgium with our comprehensive travel guide featuring information on things to do, where to go, and local customs.


Introduction to Pottes

Nestled in the heart of Hainaut, in Wallonia, Belgium, Pottes is a charming village that has retained its medieval character. A visit to Pottes means immersing yourself in a unique mix of history and nature. The village is home to several historic buildings, museums, and churches, all steeped in lore from centuries ago. In this comprehensive tour guide of Pottes, we’ll explore everything this village has to offer, including its natural beauty, cultural attractions, food and drink scene, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Pottes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Church of Saint Martin: This 12th-century church is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with elements from Gothic and Renaissance periods added over the centuries.

  2. Eglise St-Pierre-aux-Liens: A 13th-century church that’s an excellent example of the Brabant Gothic style of architecture.

  3. Maison de la Poterie: A museum dedicated to the art of pottery, featuring exhibits on techniques, as well as examples of ancient and contemporary ceramics, with some pieces for sale.

  4. Le Domaine de la Frabrique: A former textile factory and now a museum, showcasing the village’s rich industrial history dating back to the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Pottes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mont de l’Enclus: A picturesque wooded hill situated between Pottes and Kluisbergen, offering scenic views, hiking, and cycling opportunities.

  2. Parc du Château de Bourgogne: A beautiful park surrounding the castle of Bourgogne that is ideal for picnics and walks.

  3. The Tour de Mont Garni: A 14th-century tower that dates back to the Middle Ages and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pottes

  1. Voie verte de l’Enclus: A six-kilometer-long cycling path that runs from Pottes to Kluisbergen, offering stunning views of the Mont de l’Enclus and the surrounding countryside.

  2. Circuit des chapelles: A nine-kilometer hike that takes you through the villages of Kain, Herinnes-lez-Pecq, and Pottes, where you’ll find several chapels and churches.

Best Things to Do in Pottes: Activities and Tours

  1. Brewery Vanuxeem: Take a tour and learn the art of brewing!

  2. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Chocolaterie Jacques: Learn about Belgium’s famous chocolate-making traditions and indulge in some handcrafted treats.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pottes

Day Activity
1 Visit the Church of Saint Martin and Eglise St-Pierre-aux-Liens.
2 Explore Maison de la Poterie and Le Domaine de la Frabrique.
3 Hike or cycle the Voie verte de l’Enclus.
4 Take a tour of Brewery Vanuxeem.
5 Visit Chocolaterie Jacques for a sweet treat and then head to Parc du Château de Bourgogne.
6 Hike the Circuit des chapelles and enjoy the views from the Tour de Mont Garni.
7 Departure day or a day to revisit your favorite places.

Food and Drink Scene of Pottes

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Carbonnade flamande: A traditional Flemish stew with beef, onions, and beer.

  2. Escavèche: Fried fish that is marinated in vinegar, onions, bay leaves, and other spices.

Local Beverages

  1. Belgian beers: From the infamous Trappist beers to St. Bernardus Abt 12, there are numerous beers to try in Pottes.

Where to Stay in Pottes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. B&B ‘t Hof van Spiere: A cozy bed and breakfast with friendly hosts and comfortable accommodations.

  2. L’Essecalpade: A charming guest house with delightful old-world ambiance and top-notch amenities.

What to Buy in Pottes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pottery: Handcrafted pottery pieces from Maison de la Poterie

  2. Beer: Take home some Belgian beer like Westvleteren or Leffe.

Local Culture and Customs of Pottes

Pottes is proud of its rich cultural heritage, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. One way to experience the town’s customs is by participating in the annual village festival, Fête de St-Martin, that takes place in November. Other customs include celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of Mary in August and All Saints’ Day in November.

Best Time to Visit Pottes

The best time to visit Pottes is between late spring and early fall when the weather is temperate and ideal for outdoor activities. The village is also charming during the winter holiday season, with a Christmas market and winter activities like ice-skating.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pottes

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions.

  2. Try local flavors, especially Belgian beer and chocolates.

Don’t:

  1. Litter in the natural areas.

  2. Ignore the village’s historic buildings, museums, and other cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pottes

Pottes is a safe village with low crime rates. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take care of their valuables.

Health in Pottes

The primary health concern in Pottes is the weather. During the summer months, visitors should protect themselves from the sun and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

Getting to Pottes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pottes

  1. Brussels Airport: Located 48 km from Pottes; the best option for international travelers. A train can take you from the airport to Kortrijk Railway station, and then you can take a bus to Pottes.

Bus Stations Near Pottes

  1. Bus Route #93: Connects Pottes with Kortrijk.

Other Options

It’s also possible to rent a car and drive to Pottes from nearby cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Lille in France.

How to Get Around in Pottes

The village of Pottes is relatively small and easy to walk or bike around. Renting a bike is a great option to explore the beautiful countryside.

Where to Go Next from Pottes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Tournai: An essential city in the region, with beautiful architecture, historic sites, and lively cultural events.

  2. Pairi Daiza: A well-known zoo and botanical garden, with a focus on animal conservation and education.

Conclusion

Pottes might be a small village, but it still has plenty to offer visitors, from the historic buildings to the natural landscapes and outdoor activities. There are plenty of opportunities to experience Belgium’s rich cultural heritage. So, take a trip to Pottes and immerse yourself in this charming destination.