FontaineFontaine sur le devant du château de Modave
©WBT-Dominik Ketz

Modave Castle

an inspiration for Versailles

Modave Castle, a Walloon Heritage Site, offers a unique tourist experience. With over 25 rooms to visit, visitors can explore this historic site thanks to multilingual audio guides. The tour begins on the first floor, continues on the second floor and ends with an exploration of the basement, followed by a captivating film on Vivaqua’s water catchments.

A plunge into history and nature

Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Hoyoux valley, the château offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding area, which includes a vast 450-hectare nature reserve. From the château’s restored terrace, visitors can admire the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It’s also an ideal starting point for signposted walks through the Condroz, a picturesque region characterized by its rolling landscapes.

Modave castle has a rich history, having been occupied by prestigious owners such as the Count of Marchin, who contributed to the castle’s current appearance. Other important historical figures have also left their mark on the château, including Maximilien-Henri de Bavière, Prince-Bishop of Liège, Cardinal de Fürstenberg, as well as the de Montmorency, Lamarche and Braconier families. Since 1941, the château has been owned by Vivaqua, formerly the Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux.

The château’s architecture is simply magnificent, combining medieval elements with a classical façade. The ceilings are adorned with remarkable 17th century stucco, and the walls are decorated with carved paneling, tapestries and large painted canvases. The château’s furnishings, made up largely of exceptional pieces from the 18the and 19the centuries, fit perfectly into these enchanting surroundings.

By visiting Château de Modave, tourists will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of centuries past. Intact settings and the evocation of the prestigious occupants of the premises offer an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.

Inspiration for Versailles

One of the château’s rooms features a waterwheel built in Modave in the 17th century, attributed to Renkin Sualem. This waterwheel may even have served as a model for the famous Marly machine, designed to convey water from the Seine to the Château de Versailles.

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