Thimister-Clermont

Thimister-Clermont is a municipality of Belgium. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liege.

On January 1, 2006, Thimister-Clermont had a total population of 5,296. The total area is 28.69 km² which gives a population density of 185 inhabitants per km².

The municipality consists of the following sub-municipalities: Clermont (or Clermont-sur-Berwinne), Elsaute, Froidthier, La Minerie, and Thimister.

The commune of Thimister-Clermont is located in the province of Liège, at the crossroads of the cities of Liège, Maastricht and Aachen. Thimister, Clermont-on-Berwinne and the municipality consists of several villages.

Thimister, takes its name from the culture of thyme in the middle ages

Economy

Thimister-Clermont is a municipality with a rich industrial history in the coal and textile industries it is also known for its food production and craftsmanship in the past.  Herve cheese is partly produced in its territory and the ‘champagne cider’ the latter is a true local specialty since it is in the town that launched the first Belgian production of cider by a certain Joseph Ruwet in 1898.  The region is rich in orchards filled with fruit trees.

Honor to the heroes of the wars

There is a monument to the memory of the rider Fonck, this Belgian soldier was the first to fall during the offensives conducted by the enemy during the war of 14-18.  A ceremony in his honour is now organized every first Sunday of August. 

Clermont-on-Berwinne, Rememberence Museum 39-45, which celebrates the first time US infantry division liberate the local population from the German enemy during the second world war. 

You can also admire the architecture of its old houses (Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV style) and that of its three castles with different architectural styles. 

Clermont-sur-Berwinne is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie ("The Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia") association.

Culture

The blessing of the Saint-Eloi, celebrated since the 19th century, which you can see around the first of December, the feast of the Holy.  On this occasion, a hundred riders collect until their horses receive the blessing. The blessing of the Saint-Eloi is not the only event that brings together Thimisteriens-Clermont.  In 1982, was born a Walloon cabaret named 'Li cabaret from cink cloki' which brings together artists of all generations from the five villages of the entity.  Since then, these occur annually and are very colourful.

Visit

Froidthier

The chapel of the angels called in Walloon Tchapele e Tro (Chapel in the hole) was built in 1691 then restored and expanded in 1804. 

Church built in 1845 in brick and stone includes a niche occupied by the statue of Saint Gilles, accompanied by his biche1 on the front. 

Next to the Church, is the castle of Froidthier, a building in brick with a round corner turret.  It was built to House lodgings.

38 Steve-Plombières railway line runs through the village.  This route is now part of the RAVeL (RAVeL 5) used by cyclists, walkers and riders network.

La Minerie

Etymology: The village takes its name from the coal mines operated since the beginning of the 19th century. Located on the central square of the town in the shadow of two limes, the church built in 1842 in brick and stone is dedicated to Saint peter 1.

Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur (church)

Interesting fact

Bertrand Baguette racing driver was born in the town