Holiday castle

✨ Welcome to Château Gouault-Marouteau 1860

A place where history, charm and togetherness are central.

Just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Brussels, in the middle of the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, lies a castle that seems made to enjoy together - with family, friends or colleagues - far away from the hustle and bustle, but still close to home.

⸻

A castle with a story

In the 19th century, a Parisian merchant regularly traveled to the north of France, where the textile industry was flourishing. During his travels he discovered the quiet, green village of Sains-du-Nord — a place of forests, meadows and authentic charm.

He fell in love with the area and had his country residence built there:

Château Gouault-Marouteau, a stately but warm family residence, intended for gathering with children, friends and acquaintances.

People partied, laughed and lived here for generations: his children even married fellow villagers there. It was a place of meeting, peace and connection.

⸻

We are happy to continue that philosophy

We, Francis & Anneke, are proud to preserve this heritage and open it up to people who cherish the same values:

 • being together

 • enjoy

 • slow down

 • sharing real moments

Château Gouault-Marouteau is not a “holiday home” but an experience.

A place where everyone finds their corner: in the large salon, the dining room, the billiard room, the garden or one of the attractive bedrooms.

⸻

Why guests love coming here so much

 • An authentic castle in a quiet, green region

 • Spacious enough for large families or groups of friends

 • Comfort of today, character of the past

 • Lots of light, space and coziness

 • Ideal base for walks, nature, gastronomy and excursions

⸻

Come inside and feel the peace

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning a family reunion, or just want to escape the hustle and bustle:

here you will find time, space and warmth to really be together.

Welcome to Château Gouault-Marouteau.

Enjoy with all your heart.

Francis & Anneke

- Discover the Avesnois – The hidden gem of Northern France

Authentic. Soothing. Green. Unexpectedly versatile.

The Avesnois region is also called the “Little Switzerland of the North” — and rightly so.

Here you will find a variety of forests, rolling meadows, half-timbered farms, rivers, lakes and authentic villages that together form a landscape that is both relaxing and surprising.

It is a region for everyone who loves nature, charm, heritage, artisanal products and pure simplicity.

⸻

- For nature lovers & hikers

 • Extensive forests (Forêt de Mormal, Bois de Sains)

 • Beautiful GR hiking trails and loop walks from the castle

 • Rivers, valleys and typical hedgerow landscapes

 • Perfect for those looking for peace, quiet and fresh air

⸻

- For cyclists & e-bikers

 • Hilly but beautiful routes through the Parc Naturel

 • Safe, quiet country roads

 • Ideal for cyclists and recreational cyclists

 • Cycling tour to Val Joly or through the bocage is highly recommended

⸻

- For families (with children or teenagers)

 • Lac du Val Joly (20 mins): pedal boating, swimming, climbing park, mini golf

 • Moulins and small museums with fun artisan workshops

 • Playing fields and farms in the area

 • Pleasant villages with markets

⸻

- For foodies & lovers of local products

The Avesnois is the region of:

 • Maroilles cheese

 • Local ciders

 • Regional beers

 • Traditional ovens and artisan producers

 • Cozy brasseries in authentic villages

The combination of gastronomy and rural charm makes the region ideal for people who like to taste and discover.

⸻

- For culture and history lovers

The region has a rich history with:

 • War sites and bunkers

 • Old fortified towns

 • Abbeys and churches

 • Historic mills and regional museums

Nearby you will find:

 • Le Quesnoy: Vauban city walls

 • Fourmies: textile museum and 19th century architecture

 • Liessies: beautiful abbey site and parks

⸻

- And especially… for those who just want to recharge

Many guests say after their stay that it feels as if time passes more slowly here.

You enjoy it:

 • Silence

 • Clean air

 • Open landscapes

 • Evenings around the table

 • Long walks

 • A completely different world 1 hour from Belgium

The Avesnois is not a tourist cliché.

It is real France — pure, warm, green and honest.

⸻

- In summary: why the Avesnois is ideal for our guests

✔ Quiet, green environment

✔ Beautiful mix of forests, fields and lakes

✔ Lots to do within a 10–20 minute drive

✔ Suitable for any age

✔ Non-defective, authentic and affordable

✔ Perfect for families & groups