Bon-Secours: Basilica, Pilgrimage Tradition and Forest

Between the Basilica and the State Forest

Bon-Secours combines an impressive religious history with extensive forest experiences. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can therefore discover the town with two different focuses: around the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Basilica or with a view to the attractions of the Escale forestière and the Bon-Secours State Forest.

Religious History and Regular Pilgrimage Dates

The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Basilica is a Neo-Gothic church. It was built between 1885 and 1895 by the architect F. Baeckelmans. Inside is a formerly polychromed wooden statue of the Virgin Mary made of oak. It dates from the early 17th century and towers above the choir. The present-day chapel is also part of the town’s religious character; it dates from 1888.

Several special occasions are relevant when planning a trip. Every year, a novena to Notre-Dame des Affligés takes place around 14 July. On the first Sunday in July, the Bonsecours parish organises the Procession Mariale to celebrate Our Lady of Bonsecours. On the first Saturday in October, the Fête du Rosaire takes place; during this event, a torchlight procession leads pilgrims to the basilica. Those wishing to experience these special occasions should plan their stay specifically around the relevant date.

Forest Days at the Escale forestière

The Bon-Secours State Forest covers more than 1,000 hectares. Several marked circular trails start at the Escale forestière. There, Explor'forêt offers a new interactive, fun orienteering course every year, created in collaboration with an artist. This makes the forest not only a destination for walks, but also a place where families can discover and find their way together.

Among the special attractions is a barefoot trail with 20 pools designed with natural and unusual materials. The Escale forestière also has a sensory playground with a barefoot trail. A 50-metre-long bridge at treetop level passes 16 metres above the ground through the foliage of birch, maple and chestnut trees. This makes it possible to experience the forest and its vegetation from an unusual perspective. There is also a selection of local products.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

The Escale forestière is 3 kilometres from Péruwelz railway station and can be reached from the station via TEC bus route 8. By car, access is via the E42: exit 29 is designated for Péruwelz, and exit 28 for Blaton. Parking is available near the Escale forestière. Two picnic areas and benches provide opportunities for a break there.

When looking for accommodation, it is worth deciding in advance what kind of travel rhythm you want. The religious dates give the stay a clear cultural and spiritual focus, while the State Forest, circular trails, orienteering course and sensory attractions shape the nature component. A holiday rental in Bon-Secours is therefore particularly suitable for a trip planned either around a specific pilgrimage date or around several days of forest exploration.

For the higher-level travel overview: Péruwelz.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Wiers.