Nature & Country Estate
Discover the tranquillity of the Cartierheide - Experience the silence of heathland, fens and forest
From the charming village of Eersel, you’re just a short distance away from the beautiful Cartierheide nature reserve, a gem in De Kempen. In August, the heather is always in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a colourful purple scene. The heathland owes its name to Baron de Cartier de Marchiennes, who bought the neighbouring Duizels Hof in 1863.
Cartierheide
Discover this wild moorland landscape, where sheep shepherds and keuter farmers set the tone for a long time. Hawkers walked along the sandy paths with their baskets of merchandise on their backs, the so-called teutes. It is an area full of history, where Napoleon left his mark. Did you know that the woods were the territory of smugglers? In August, the heather turns a beautiful bright purple when everything is in bloom.
Cartierheide is crossed by the idyllic Dalems Stroompje. You will find wet heathland areas, birch brook, gale scrub and many other flowers, plants and woods. Round-leaved sundew and Bell's gentian grow in the area. Reptiles such as Slippery Snake, viviparous lizard, Heath Frog and Hazelworm live here. Do you encounter them? Don't worry, they are absolutely non-toxic!
Discover the Cartierheide
'If you are very quiet, the animals might show themselves. Walks have been set out through the Cartierheide area, and a highly recommended walk is at dusk, when you have the greatest chance of meeting deer.'
Staatsbosbeheer
Hiking route Cartierheide
This walking route has been plotted along the hiking junction system in Brabant. Walk the route from one numbered node to another. You can walk the route in two directions. At a number of junctions, you will find a panel with a map of the walking route network, so you can always deviate a bit from the route. No more getting lost!
Discover the route
"A beautiful heathland walk on the Cartierheide past fens and along a plank path."
Erik Schram, forester in the Kempen
Large and small lake
These beautiful heathland ponds are situated in the Buikheide woodland area between Vessem and Wintelre. The ponds were formed naturally by sand drift. The Grootmeer is one of the largest ponds in North Brabant. Thousands of toads, frogs and newts live in the woodland on the other side of the road. In spring, they migrate en masse to the Grootmeer to mate before returning to their original habitats. Tip: Keep your camera at the ready – you’ll spot rare plants and plenty of birds here. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful fens, the lovely heathland or the surrounding woods using the routes below.
Start at a nature gate
Start your cycling or walking tour at a Brabant nature gate. This is an ideal starting point for a trip through nature. At a nature gate, you will always find catering facilities, sufficient parking space and information about nature and routes.
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Nature park De Oude Brandtoren
Nature park De Oude Brandtoren
5541 NA Reusel -
Natuurpoort de Negende Zaeligheyt
Natuurpoort de Negende Zaeligheyt
5571 XJ Bergeijk
Brook valley full of stories
Whereas the De Kleine Beerze stream once flowed in a straight line through the landscape for many years, it now meanders once more as it used to. You can read all about it below.
Kleine Beerze stream valley
In Vessem lies the De Kleine Beerze nature reserve: a landscape of meandering streams, green meadows and peaceful footpaths. It is a beautiful walking area where you can wander along the stream and through the swaying reeds. There are footpaths, little bridges, play areas, a food forest, a vegetable garden, a small beach, a swallow wall and a viewing tower.
A lovely place to really unwind. The entrance is next to Wilhelminalaan 19a in Vessem. Follow the red or yellow posts. Also check out the discovery trails along the Kleine Beerze, from Hoogeloon, Vessem and Middelbeers to Oirschot.
Strolling through estates
On these country estates, you can enjoy the beautiful green surroundings, go for lovely walks
and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while. Which estate will you go for a stroll on?
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Country estate De Panberg
Country estate De Panberg
Landgoed De Panberg is the place to taste farm life, in the middle of the beautiful Brabant Kempen region. Take a walk around the centuries-old estate, discover the secrets of De Panberg 's food forest or follow a bird safari.
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Landgoed Heijbroeck
Landgoed Heijbroeck
About 14 years ago (2026), 30 hectares of Eersel farmland were transformed into an estate, with forests, ponds, grasslands, lanes and footpaths created in the farm landscape on the banks of the Run in Eersel. Thus, a completely new landscape of almost 30 hectares with varied nature was created.
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The Zandhoef estate
The Zandhoef estate
On former farmland in Eersel, John and Sanne are developing their own 15.5-hectare family estate. Contemporary and informal, fitting in these times and surroundings.
New nature has been created on no less than half of the De Zandhoef estate!