Domaine provincial de Chevetogne, Recreational park in Chevetogne, Belgium.
Domaine provincial de Chevetogne is a 550-hectare park in Chevetogne, Namur Province, centred on a castle built by architect Henri Beyaert in 1863 or 1868 for Baron Jacques de Wykerslooth de Royesteyn. The site holds twelve themed gardens, a nature interpretation centre called NEM, a small farm, sports fields, playgrounds and a panoramic train. The Province of Namur bought the estate in 1969 and opened it to tourism.
The estate was founded in the 19th century with a castle built for a private owner. Over time it evolved into a public recreational destination with expanded amenities and attractions.
Twelve themed gardens are scattered across the estate, each designed by architect Benoît Fondu and planted by the domain's horticultural team. Guided garden tours are organised, and the RTBF gardening programme Jardins et Loisirs regularly films here. A path through the woods, the sentier Martine, follows the adventures of Martine, the heroine of illustrator Marcel Marlier.
The estate covers 550 hectares, so plan your route between the ponds, gardens and sports areas in advance. The main entrance lies 5 km from Haversin station, and the only bus serving it is the erratic school line 57/1 between Ciney, Chevetogne and Leignon. Guided garden tours are organised.
The estate's own wind turbine, passive house and solar panel field produce half of its energy needs. The NEM nature interpretation centre holds a mermaid from the South Seas, grimoires, a cabinet of frogs, a stuffed minotaur and a witch's pharmacy. Since 2013 the domain also brews a blonde beer under its own name.
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