Archéosite d'Aubechies

About the museum

The Archéosite was born in the 1980s from the wish to show the general public what excavations in western Hainaut have revealed, especially at Blicquy and Aubechies. This research was carried out by a local archaeology circle, in collaboration with the ULB, the excavation service of the Walloon Region and the CNRS. In 1983-1984, the first two reconstructions were erected: a large Gaulish house and a Neolithic farm of the Blicquy group.

In the following years the village grew with other dwellings from prehistory and protohistory, then with the Gallo-Roman world: a temple (fanum) in 1996, a villa in 1998, a necropolis of fifteen monuments in the early 2000s and a colonnaded gallery. In 2005-2006, a Gallo-Roman barge was built based on the original kept at the Espace gallo-romain in Ath.

Since 2013, the colonnaded gallery houses the Espace Léonce Demarez, an interpretation centre devoted to the cults and beliefs of antiquity. Its centrepiece is a collection of more than 550 objects from the large Celto-Roman cult complex of Blicquy, including the famous Blicquy mask, classified as a treasure of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The Archéosite pursues a threefold aim: scientific (experimental archaeology), educational and touristic. It is recognised as a tourist attraction by the Commissariat général au Tourisme.

Highlights

• Village of reconstructions: Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age dwellings, Gaulish house
• Gallo-Roman temple, villa and necropolis reconstructed at full scale
• Espace Léonce Demarez: more than 550 objects from the Blicquy cult site, including the Blicquy mask
• Tavern with drinks inspired by antiquity (cervoise, hydromel, mulsum)
• Play area for children aged 2 to 12 and craft demonstrations on Sundays in season

Permanent exhibitions

• Village de reconstitutions archéologiques – Outdoor route through Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age dwellings, a Gaulish house, a temple, a villa, a necropolis and a Gallo-Roman barge.
• Espace Léonce Demarez – cultes et croyances antiques – Interpretation centre in five rooms on sanctuaries and rites from the Celtic period to the Gallo-Roman era, with finds from the Blicquy site and the Blicquy mask.

Operated by

Archéosite et Musée d'Aubechies-Belœil asbl

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month.

Free admission for residents of Aubechies and Blicquy, holders of the museumPASSmusées, Carte Prof, Pass Éducation, press card, Passeport Attractions et Tourisme and Educpass (for two people). A 20% reduction applies, among others, for residents of Belœil and Leuze-en-Hainaut and holders of ICOM/ICOMOS or SW cards; 10% with the Pass VisitWallonia, the FED+ card or the Coupon 365. These benefits do not apply during the experimental archaeology weekend. Chèques Sport et Culture (paper) accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility with assistance, as the paths are gravel, and to pushchairs. Guided tours can be adapted for vulnerable audiences. Dogs on a lead are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Play area for children aged 2 to 12, week-long courses during school holidays (roughly 6 to 12 years old, from €115 for the first course) and workshops. Birthday parties on Wednesday afternoons and on weekdays during school holidays (not in winter holidays): €10 per child for 10 to 15 children aged 6 to 12, minimum €100, drinks included, two accompanying parents free.

Getting there & parking

The site is best reached by car. With a folding bicycle you can come by train; bicycles can be hired at the Ath bike point, about 500 m from the station.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Tavern in the heart of the village, open in season: on Sundays from mid-April to mid-October (14:00–18:00, until 19:00 in July and August) and, in July and August, Monday to Friday 12:00–15:00; drinks inspired by antiquity (cervoise, hydromel, mulsum), cold plates and dishes in jars. Picnic tables available. Shop at reception (Archéosite products, books, toys, crafts).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 112 guests.

Hire for companies and associations (receptions, conferences, team building): screening room with 112 seats and multimedia equipment, space for meals, meeting rooms; tailor-made guided tours and activities optional.

Plan your visit