Ophoven, Kessenich and Molenbeersel

For example, the residents had a hard time with the maintenance of the French troops, as a result of which the village fell into debt. Ophoven also had to deal with the gangs of the Goat Riders, who plundered the area with their raids. The village is located on the edge of the Maas valley; a large plain over which the Maas ran during the Holocene. From 1944, the area was excavated for gravel extraction, creating large ponds. These now form the water sports recreation area De Spaanjerd.

Kessenich is one of the oldest boroughs of Kinrooi. It is strategically located on a spur of the Middle Terrace of the Maas. Traces of prehistoric presence have been found in the area and a Gallic burial ground 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 ten meters thick. The village has a number of beautiful sights such as the Sint-Martinuskerk, 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. In 1686, the undershot water mill was built 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.