Ophoven, Kessenich and Molenbeersel

For example, the residents had a hard time supporting the French Troops, causing the village to fall into debt. Ophoven also had to deal with the bands of the Bokkenrijders, who plundered the area with their raids. The village is located on the edge of the Maas Valley; a large plain over which the Meuse ran during the Holocene. From 1944 onwards, the area was excavated for gravel extraction, creating large ponds. These now form the De Spaanjerd water sports recreation area.

Kessenich is one of the oldest sub-municipality of Kinrooi. It is strategically located on an offshoot of the Meuse Central Terrace. Traces of prehistoric presence have been found in the area and a Gallic cemetery has been found near the town hall. Kessenich used to be best known for the large gravel extraction in the surrounding area. In some places the gravel layer was up to ten meters thick. The village has a number of beautiful sights such as St. Martin's Church, Borgitter Castle and the Borchmolen.

You will pass one of the few remaining water mills on the Ittersebeek. The Armenmolen is a water mill that was used to grind corn. The undershot watermill was built in 1686 to give poorer people the opportunity to have their grain milled. The mill performed its function until 1950. The exterior still looks authentic, but the Armenmolen is now used as a home.