Old Soulme quarries
A reminder of times gone by, the extraction of limestone and then red marble marked a prosperous period for the locality.
A reminder of times gone by, the extraction of limestone and then red marble marked a prosperous period for the locality.
A reminder of a prosperous local life, the quarrying activities have left their mark on the village of Soulme.
As you descend towards the Hermeton valley, the buildings of the old Richemont – Daffe quarries appear on the river bank. Dating back to the beginning of the 18th century, red marble (coral limestone) was extracted here.
Long before that, limestone was extracted in the region, mainly for construction purposes. Although a few excavations and embankments still bear witness to the exploitation of the stone, few traces of these former activities are really visible today. The last quarry was abandoned little by little due to the difficulties of exploitation and competition from other materials, and closed its doors for good in 1968.
For more information, see our heritage page.
MAISON DU TOURISME PAYS DES LACS
Route de la Plate Taille, 99 – 6440 Boussu-lez-Walcourt
+32(0)71/14 34 83
OFFICE DU TOURISME DE DOISCHE
Rue du Bois du Fir, 115 – 5680 Doische
+32(0)82/74 49 42
The association Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie (The Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia) oversees a network of 32 villages, bearers of a strong territorial identity and reflecting traditional architecture. It is committed to promoting the rural, cultural and natural heritage of Wallonia and is a part of the development of local and responsible tourism.
More information