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Brassicole Tour
Between heritage, artisanal flavours and idyllic landscapes, set off on a unique beer-themed tour through Walloon Brabant.
Over a route of 100 km, discover the region’s rich brewing culture as you ride along country roads, through charming villages and past iconic historic sites.
A cycling weekend exploring breweries in the heart of Walloon Brabant
This three-day cycling route takes you on the Brassicole Tour, a getaway designed for those who love culinary discoveries, living heritage and slow tourism. But here, beer is not just something to be tasted: it is a story to be told.
Throughout the trip, a guiding theme leads you to discover the secrets of brewing through its essential ingredients. At each stop along the route, one of these ingredients becomes the starting point for an encounter, a tasting or a sensory experience.
Hops are revealed in Villers-la-Ville, amidst brewing heritage and aromatic discoveries. Malt and cereals come to life as you cycle through the agricultural landscapes, highlighting the close link between terroir and brewing. At the brewery ‘Brasserie de l’Orne’, yeast takes centre stage, showing its essential role in aromas and fermentation through original sensory activities. Finally, at the Mont-Saint-Jean Farm, water — an often overlooked yet fundamental ingredient — will help you understand just how much it influences a beer’s final character.
This immersive and progressive approach adds a unique dimension to the weekend, combining exploration of the region, brewing craftsmanship and tasting experiences.
Although Walloon Brabant may sometimes seem calm and accessible, its landscape does include some challenging climbs. To make the most of the experience and enjoy each stop without pressure, the trip is particularly recommended by e-bike. For three days, cycle at your own pace along the province’s most scenic cycling routes and meet passionate brewers who craft beer with skill and creativity.
In 2026, this trip will take place on the following dates:
- 14–16 August 2026
- 25–27 September 2026.
All that is left to do now is book your trip with The Lounge Travel, our partner travel agency.
Your getaway at a glance
- 14–16 August 2026 or 25–27 September 2026
- 2 nights at the hotel ‘Martin’s Louvain-la-Neuve’
- An accessible cycling route starting from Louvain-la-Neuve
- Discovery of three iconic brewing locations
- Guided beer tastings
- Beer-themed activities
- Meals in charming venues
- Guidance from a passionate beer expert
- A variety of landscapes, from villages and countryside to historic heritage sites
Day 1
Welcome to Louvain-la-Neuve
Settle in comfortably at the hotel ‘Martin’s Louvain-la-Neuve’, a ‘Bikes Welcome’ certified hotel and ideally located for the start of your beer-themed cycling getaway.
Just a short walk from the pedestrianised town centre and the lake in Louvain-la-Neuve, this modern hotel combines comfort, wellness and accessibility. After your day of cycling, unwind in the hotel’s relaxation areas, enjoy its warm atmosphere and take advantage of its ideal location for exploring this university town.
Spend your evening soaking up the lively atmosphere of Louvain-la-Neuve, strolling through its pedestrianised streets or enjoying a meal in one of the many restaurants in the centre.
Did you know?
Louvain-la-Neuve is the only Belgian town built entirely from scratch in the 20th century! Founded in the 1970s around the university UCLouvain, its town centre is almost entirely pedestrianised – a highly innovative concept at the time.
Day 2
Hops, yeast and brewing craftsmanship
After breakfast, hop on your bike and cycle to Villers-la-Ville along picturesque country roads.
Your first stop is the microbrewery ‘Microbrasserie des Hostieux Moines’ at the Abbey of Villers, nestled in a setting steeped in history.
Founded in the 12th century, the Abbey of Villers is one of the finest Cistercian complexes in Europe. With its majestic ruins, gardens and peaceful atmosphere, the site provides an exceptional backdrop for this first brewing immersion.
The microbrewery proudly keeps the abbey’s brewing heritage alive, crafting beers inspired by centuries of monastic traditions and the character of the local terroir. During the guided tour and tasting, you will discover the close links between brewing heritage and monastic traditions.
The tour begins here with a focus on one of beer’s iconic ingredients: hops. Depending on the season and what is available on site, you may also have the opportunity to visit the abbey’s hop field.
Lunch at the Abbey
At lunchtime, enjoy a meal at the ‘Bistro de l’Abbaye’ before exploring the majestic ruins of the Abbey of Villers at your own pace.
A sensory experience at the brewery ‘Brasserie de l’Orne’
In the afternoon, cycle on to Mont-Saint-Guibert and discover the brewery ‘Brasserie de l’Orne’.
Nestled in the heart of Walloon Brabant, this independent craft brewery is known for its characterful beers brewed with passion and creativity. Renowned for its friendly and educational approach, the brewery ‘Brasserie de l’Orne’ values both brewing craftsmanship and the sensory experience of tasting.
During this immersive experience, you will go behind the scenes on a guided tour of the brewery, take part in an engaging sensory workshop exploring the raw ingredients used in brewing, and enjoy an introduction to zythology.
With your eyes blindfolded, let your senses take over as you embark on a sensory exploration of aromas and different varieties of hops. The guided tasting session will also reveal the essential role of yeast in the brewing process, introduce the different types of fermentation and provide insights on how to assess a beer using your senses.
Throughout the route, the agricultural landscapes of Walloon Brabant you pass through will also provide an opportunity to evoke the malt and grains that form the basis of many craft beers.
At the end of the day, cycle back to Louvain-la-Neuve.
Day 3
Water: the brewers’ secret ingredient
For the final day of your cycling adventure, head towards Waterloo and the Mont-Saint-Jean Farm.
Once a military hospital during the Napoleonic era, the Mont-Saint-Jean Farm played a key role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Now carefully restored, this historic site houses a brewery, a distillery, a museum and several visitor areas.
Today, the site is renowned for its craft beers and whiskies produced on-site, in a spirit that blends heritage, local terroir and innovation.
The visit takes you through the brewing facilities, the distillery and the cellars, offering an immersive experience where heritage is brought to life through sound, light and storytelling.
This final stop will highlight water, a fundamental ingredient in beer production. You will discover how its composition influences the aromas, the balance and the overall character of the finished beer.
A beer and food pairing lunch
Lunch is served on site, featuring a meal that showcases the pairing of beers with local cuisine. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the principles of beer pairing and discover the subtle art of flavour combinations.
A cycling loop through stunning landscapess
In the afternoon, enjoy a wonderful cycling loop through the beautiful landscapes of Walloon Brabant at your own pace. The route takes you past the Solvay Regional Estate and Lake Genval, two must-see attractions in Walloon Brabant.
A true green haven, the Solvay Regional Estate charms visitors with its castle, vast wooded areas and peaceful walking paths perfect for a break in nature. And why not stop for a drink at the ‘Taverne de l’Homme Bleu’, located just opposite the Folon Foundation?
A few kilometres further on, Lake Genval offers an elegant and refreshing atmosphere, lined with Belle Époque villas, lively terraces and lovely views of the water.
Along the way, take time to pause for a bite to eat, enjoy the scenery or simply savour the gentle pace of this final bike ride. Along the way, take the time to stop for a drink on a terrace, explore the villages you pass through or simply let yourself be carried along by the peaceful beauty of the landscapes.
Good to know
Throughout the weekend, a fun little quiz about beer, its history and the sites you visit will add an extra layer of enjoyment to your experience.
Want to experience it for yourself?
This year, the Brassicole Tour is taking place over the weekends of:
- 14–16 August 2026 or 25–27 September 2026.
Discover also other beer-themed cycling routes available in Walloon Brabant
La Route de la Senne
Un itinéraire nature et patrimoine à l’ouest, entre traditions brassicoles et charme rural.
- Distance : 81 km
- Dénivelé : 770 m
- Durée : 2 jours
- Point de départ : Gare de Braine-l’Alleud
- Difficulté : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
La Route du Malt
Un parcours à l’est du Brabant wallon, entre fermes, champs de céréales et saveurs de terroir.
- Distance : 90 km
- Dénivelé : 458 m
- Durée : 2 jours
- Point de départ : Gare de Gembloux
- Difficulté : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)