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The cycle route of exceptional gardens
Embark on an enchanting 207 km cycling journey through the most beautiful parks and gardens of Walloon Brabant. Blending heritage, culture and nature, this scenic route invites you to wander, explore at your own pace and enjoy the scenery. With every turn of the pedals, discover preserved green havens and fascinating landscapes.
An inspiring green getaway
From the vast wooded expanses of the ‘Bois des Rêves’ to the historic gardens of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville, via the majestic Solvay Regional Estate and the romantic park ‘Parc de la Dodaine’, every stop along the way is an invitation to slow down and savour the moment.
In every season, the gardens of Walloon Brabant reveal a remarkable biodiversity and tell the region’s fascinating history. To fully enjoy the cycle route at a relaxed pace, allow 4 to 5 days (max. 50 km/day). Alternatively, you can also split the route into two shorter breaks: a 93.5 km loop in eastern Walloon Brabant, starting from Wavre, or a 130 km loop in the west, starting from Nivelles.
Tailor your trip to suit your preferences, with several convenient starting points from different train stations: Nivelles, La Hulpe, Genval, Profondsart, Wavre and Ottignies. All you have to do is choose! Here, we present the long loop starting from Wavre.
Day 1
A green jewel in the heart of the city
From the moment you set off from Wavre station, the tone is set: here, time slows down. Leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and ease into a calm, green and invigorating interlude.
Within just a few pedal strokes, you reach the park ‘Parc Nelson Mandela’, a discreet jewel where nature and history quietly intertwine. The park was renamed in 2013 in honour of the former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, renowned for his fight against racism and inequality. At its edge stands the castle ‘Château de l’Ermitage’, built in the 19th century and now transformed into a cultural centre.
Mélin
Grand Place
The most beautiful villages of Wallonia
After enjoying the park, hop back on your bike and head towards Jodoigne, the capital of Brabant Hesbaye. Along the way, we invite you to discover two gems of Walloon Brabant, both listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia’: Mélin and Saint-Remy-Geest.
In Mélin, the façades made of white Gobertange stone brighten up the peaceful narrow streets. This village is home to a remarkable rural heritage with its square farms, stepped gables and church surrounded by greenery.
A little further on, Saint-Remy-Geest welcomes you with its traditional houses and 18th-century church, perched on a hill. Its winding narrow streets, lined with limestone buildings, tell the story of a beautifully preserved village where time seems to stand still. The panoramic views over the surrounding valleys add to the sense of peace and serenity of the place.
In the heart of Brabant Hesbaye
On arrival in Jodoigne, you will immediately be charmed by the brilliance of its Goberstange stone façades, a local limestone that gives the town a distinctive brightness. The ‘Grand’Place’, entirely paved, is the beating heart of the town. Here you will find the ‘Hôtel des Libertés’, the 18th-century former town hall, now home to the Walloon Brabant Tourist Office and the Gobertange Stone Interpretation Centre. Right next door, the chapel ‘Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Marché’, with its spiral bell tower—a rarity in Belgium— keeps watch over passers-by.
But Jodoigne is also a lively town with a great food scene. The surrounding narrow streets are full of little addresses where you can enjoy local specialities, such as the famous cheese tart or products made from Piétrain pork. You will also find plenty of restaurants, including that of Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Lefebvre, where guests are warmly welcomed at ‘Aux Petits Oignons’.
The castle life
After recharging your batteries, head to Hélécine and its magnificent estate. As you approach the castle ‘Château d’Hélécine’, your eye is immediately drawn to its majestic neoclassical silhouette, rising amidst 28 hectares of a lush park. Once a 12th-century Premonstratensian abbey, this historic estate is now a place of relaxation and discovery for all. The shaded paths invite you to take a leisurely stroll, leading to peaceful ponds where swans and geese glide silently across the water. Leisure enthusiasts can try their hand at the 19-hole landscaped mini-golf course or a game of pétanque.
Afterwards, a well-earned break awaits at the ‘Pop-Up Bar’, whose terrace offers stunning views over the ponds. Here, you can enjoy local products and a selection of Belgian beers in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
A night in paradise
After a day full of discoveries, the ‘Koru Hotel’ welcomes you for a peaceful night’s rest. Located in Autre-Église, this 3-star hotel is a true haven of peace, set within an exceptional garden and offering a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to recharge your batteries. The seven rooms, each decorated according to a different destination, invite you on a journey. The private spa, available by reservation, completes this relaxing experience. The hotel’s restaurant serves refined cuisine, showcasing local products.
Day 2
Contrasting landscapes
After a lovely, restful night, the morning dawns on a peaceful countryside. It is time to get back on your bike and set off along the paths that wind through the golden fields of Perwez and Walhain. Along the way, you may catch sight of the remains of the feudal castle, whose romantic ruins echo legends of times gone by.
Within a few kilometres, the agricultural landscapes give way to the gentle modernity of Louvain-la-Neuve. It is well worth a visit: follow in the footsteps of Tintin, or rather those of his creator at the Hergé Museum, or enjoy the Musée L, as rich in its collections as it is in its architecture, a true gem to discover in an unusual town like Louvain-la-Neuve.
After a scenic countryside ride, your journey leads you to a true natural paradise: the ‘Bois des Rêves’. Here, 67 hectares of forest await you. Tree-lined trails, a peaceful pond where ducks glide by, and even a mountain bike trail for the more active visitors. While children explore the playground or the more curious discover the forest’s hidden corners, enjoy a tasteful break: the restaurant ‘Brasserie du Bois des Rêves’ welcomes you for a well-deserved meal, to be savoured on the shaded terrace.
Where nature and heritage become one
In the afternoon, the route continues southwards, through wooded valleys, to Villers-la-Ville. The majestic ruins of the Cistercian abbey stand before you, bearing witness to a history spanning nearly thousand years, preserved since the 12th century. Its gardens bring monastic knowledge back to life: medicinal plants, ancient orchards and fragrant rose gardens offering a truly sensory experience. Here, time seems to stand still.
At the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville, you can also discover Villers-la-Vigne, the Abbey’s own vineyard, a true hidden gem. Here, you can enjoy an exclusive tasting of the delicious vintages. Do you prefer beer? The Abbey even has its own microbrewery! Housed in the Abbey’s former laundry room, south of the mill, the microbrewery is run by the fraternity ‘Confrérie des Hostieux Moines’. Fancy a taste? Do pop into the Bistro 😉
Stay at a ‘Bikes Welcome’ accommodation
For your overnight stay, three ‘Bikes Welcome’ establishments are ready to warmly welcome you:
- ‘Chambres Léonard’, a friendly B&B,
- ‘Gîte du Châtelet’, perfect for groups or families,
- ‘Domaine des Trois Tilleuls’, offering a 2-person guesthouse as well as four rustic cabins, each accommodating up to four guests, an ideal setting to unwind and reconnect in peaceful, rural surroundings.
Day 3
To Nivelles, via the RAVeL
In the morning, the route follows the RAVeL, winding through gentle countryside to Genappe and on to Nivelles.
On arrival, it is impossible to miss the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude, a Romanesque gem of impressive scale. It stands on the site of an abbey founded as early as the 7th century. Gertrude, daughter of Pepin the Elder and great-great-aunt of Charlemagne, was its first abbess. The church was consecrated in 1046 in the presence of Wazon, Bishop of Liège, and Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor.
Right next door, the park ‘Parc de la Dodaine’ offers a romantic setting of shimmering ponds, French gardens and discreet sculptures. It is an ideal spot for a contemplative pause. Laid out in the early 19th century and listed since 1945, the park features footpaths, a pond, two lakes, a French-style garden and an English-style garden, flowerbeds, artworks such as the sculptures by Albert Desenfans, neo-Gothic gargoyles and a 17th-century Baroque gate. The ‘Reine Astrid’ sports ground, inaugurated in 1938, attracts both sports enthusiasts and families with its wide range of facilities.
Nivelles is well known for its heritage and idyllic setting, but it is also a real foodie’s paradise! Do you know what its speciality is? The famous Tarte al Djote… This savoury tart is made with fermented cow’s milk cheese and chard and is best enjoyed warm, topped with salted butter. There is nothing like it for recharging your batteries! You can try it at the restaurant ‘L’Union’ or at the ‘Bar à Djotes’ 😉
Along the water
After all those calories consumed, the day continues towards Rebecq and then Tubize, following the old Brussels-Charleroi canal, now transformed into a greenway. Tracing the route of this old waterway lends the trip a distinctly riverside feel, with waterside paths that tell the industrial and commercial story of Walloon Brabant.
Near Ronquières, the more curious can catch a glimpse of the impressive inclined plane, an engineering feat that allows barges to overcome a significant change in level. Further upstream, a stop at the ‘Capitainerie d’Ittre’ is a must: a charming little port that has become a lively meeting hub. Here you will find a welcoming brasserie, pleasure boats and sometimes even cultural events. The gentle lapping of the water and the rhythm of the locks create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a gourmet break or simply watching the slow passage of boats.
A medieval interlude
Continue your journey with a short but unmissable detour to Braine-le-Château, where medieval charm lingers on every street corner.
In the heart of the village, the castle ‘Château des Comtes de Hornes’ rises gracefully, its towers reflected in a tranquil moat. Built in the 13th century and later remodelled during the Renaissance, it seems to have watched over the town for centuries. The castle grounds, open to visitors during guided tours, invites you to wander beneath ancient trees and across neatly kept lawns, an ideal spot for a pause in the shade. For further information, feel free to stop by the Tourist Office!
Just opposite, the village square charms with its authenticity. Here you will find the famous 16th-century pillory, listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia. This carved stone monument, once a symbol of seigneurial justice, lends the square a truly timeless atmosphere.
Overnight at the Red Devils’ HQ
Are you a football fan? How about spending the night at our national team’s headquarters? Quite an unusual experience, isn’t it? What is more, ‘Martin’s Red’ in Tubize is also a ‘Bikes Welcome’ certified hotel. This modern hotel offers every comfort so you can recharge your batteries… and your bike’s too!
Day 4
Unexpected discoveries
The final day begins gently as you make your way through the countryside towards Braine-l’Alleud. Here, the domain of ‘Château Cheneau’ has a pleasant surprise in store for you: a wooded park, shaded paths and vegetable gardens in bloom – perfect for a short morning stroll before setting off again.
The castle itself dates from the early 20th century. Far more than a mere relic of the past, the site is prized for its wealth of activities and its exceptional biodiversity. Blending history, nature and leisure, the domain covers over five hectares and offers numerous ways to rewind. With four tennis courts and a tennis club, it also offers sporting activities. Families can enjoy precious moments together at the playground too, while a visit to the garden ‘Jardin du docteur Arouete’, nestled in a peaceful corner of the park, is not to be missed – its vegetable plots and flowerbeds will surely charm you. Throughout the year, this haven of peace opens its gates for visitors to explore its heritage, nature and warm atmosphere. With its concerts, local markets, equestrian shows and a host of other activities, the park is the ideal venue for unforgettable events.
Where art meets nature
In La Hulpe, the Solvay Regional Estate stands out as a must-see on this route.
From the moment you enter, a serene atmosphere envelops visitors. The park covers 227 hectares, blending sweeping lawns, ancient forests and peaceful ponds. Here you will encounter early morning joggers, families out for a stroll, artists in search of inspiration… and sometimes even a few elusive deer.
The castle ‘Château de La Hulpe’, built in 1842 in a style inspired by the Châteaux of the Loire Valley, rises majestically above the landscape. Although its interior is not open to the public, its French-style gardens offer a splendid view of the surrounding wooded hills.
A must-see gem
But the estate’s real treasure lies hidden within the old adjoining farmhouse: the Folon Foundation. This unique museum showcases over 500 works by Jean-Michel Folon, a Belgian artist renowned worldwide for his poetic watercolours, socially engaged posters and dreamlike sculptures. The exhibition design invites visitors on a sensory journey: soft lighting, mirrors, subtle sounds… Each room is designed as an immersive experience. Throughout the park, several of Folon’s sculptures line the paths, extending the magic of the exhibition into the open air.
After so many discoveries, a well-earned break awaits at the ‘Taverne de l’Homme Bleu’, situated right opposite the museum. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes inspired by local products, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The perfect place to recharge your batteries before setting off again.
Back to the Belle Époque
The cycle route then continues towards Genval, where the Belle Époque charm is reflected in the lake’s tranquil waters.
Along its shores, splendid early 20th-century villas reveal their elegant façades adorned with bow windows, ornate balconies and intricate roofs. These residences tell the story of a time when Genval was a favorite resort of the Brussels bourgeoisie, who came here in search of peace and fresh air by the water. Even today, their graceful silhouettes create a picture-postcard setting.
The Lake Genval invites you to linger awhile: swans and ducks glide gently across the surface, whilst walkers stroll along the path encircling the lake. In the warmer months, a few terraces offer the chance to enjoy a gourmet break, with views over this soothing panorama.
Further on, as you enter Rixensart, the park ‘Parc du Héron’ offers a completely different setting. Spanning 14 hectares, it combines woodland, flower-filled meadows and wetlands. Winding paths lead to peaceful viewpoints over the pond, in which the silhouette of the castle ‘Château du Héron’ is reflected – an elegant, eclectic building inspired by the Louis XV style.
Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of trees – including an impressive Ginkgo biloba, a symbol of longevity – and may even be lucky enough to spot the grey heron that gave the park its name. In spring and summer, the park becomes a haven for many birds, offering a subtle concert to attentive visitors.
At last, the loop draws quietly to a close as you return to Wavre, your starting point. With your heart and panniers full of memories, you bring this journey to an end – one where nature and heritage revealed their finest treasures.
