The good things in life
Do you know what ‘slow tourism’ means? It is about a different way of travelling, forgetting about the frantic pace of our lives and taking our time. It is also about sitting and doing nothing, or going to meet local people. And above all, travelling in a calm way: forget the car and traffic jams and get on your bike!
Basically, rediscovering the pleasure of simple things… This is what is on offer in Walloon Brabant… Tempted?
A refreshing break in the country
In Walloon Brabant we are lucky enough to live in this little corner of paradise close to Brussels. This ‘garden of Brussels’ is the perfect setting to recharge your batteries: large parks, two provincial estates, lakes, woods…


Take a walk in the woods...
On the edge of the Sonian Forest you will find the wonderful Solvay regional estate, also known as the park of 1,000 rhododendrons! Wander along footpaths, beside lakes or in the shade of tall trees… Is this not what happiness looks like?
When art and nature meet
The Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon did a lot of work on the theme of nature, the environment and childhood. Discover his multi-faceted artwork at the Folon Foundation, right in the heart of the estate.

On the provincial estate of the Bois des Rêves in Ottignies, you will feel the leaves crunching beneath your feet and smell the undergrowth. You can also let off some steam on the 17km marked route. A closed circuit mountain bike track and a ‘health walk’ complete the infrastructure.

Good tip
Find all the parks and gardens here.
Beside the water...
25km from the centre of Brussels, in the heart of the Lasne Valley, Genval Lake is a little nugget of Walloon Brabant, a little corner of paradise that is a real breath of fresh air. Covering an area of 18 hectares, this lake was created in 1904 so that holidaymakers from the time could come for a dip! Still today you will love the charm of the buildings from the Belle Époque. Relaxation and romanticism are in good supply!

For the more sporty among you, Genval Yacht Club provides pedalos, paddle boards and even sailing boats. That’s not all: they also have barges for hire! What’s that? They’re a kind of wooden platform floating on the water with tables and chairs… Why? To enjoy yourself with friends and family, maybe having an aperitif on the water for example! And the cherry on the cake? Some barges even have a barbecue! Aperitif + barbecue on the water = a great summer’s day!

Fancy a walk, run or cycle...
They say that happiness is not the destination, it’s the journey! So what are you waiting for? Time for a nice journey around Walloon Brabant!

By bicycle...
Cover the 1,050km signposted route around Walloon Brabant by bike! Use the map of the ‘points of interest’ network to create your own route or be inspired by tourist routes designed just for you.
...Or in trainers
On foot you can also discover fields stretching as far as the eye can see, landscapes marked by the square farms typical of the region, rural villages, country roads… This is also Walloon Brabant! In the woods or the countryside… you choose!

Relax
Take a break from your hectic everyday schedule, let time stand still for a while... We all dream of it! In Walloon Brabant it is possible! Relax and pamper yourself in one of our wellness accommodations!
Au « 1001 Nuits »
à Villers-la-Ville
For a romantic moment of relaxation in the heart of nature!
Au Koru Hotel
à Autre-Eglise
In Maori, ‘Koru’ symbolises renewal and eternal peace… Tranquillity and relaxation are in store!
Au Dolce à La Hulpe
Luxury and wellness in the heart of the Sonian Forest, within easy reach of Brussels…
Au Martin’s Château du Lac à Genval
Live a fairy tale: charm, luxury and wellness by the lakeside…
Enjoy simple pleasures
Because happiness also comes via the stomach! And yes, you have not truly discovered a place if you have not tasted one or other local speciality!

Local flavour
There is a lot of farming in Walloon Brabant and no shortage of local producers. From farm produce to beer and wine, this region has much to offer the taste buds!
Meet local producers proud of their identity and expertise, and eat local produce! Whether you are looking for cheeses, wines, chocolate or beer, there are many local tradespeople to meet your needs! You will even find some specific products: saffron made in Walloon Brabant at L’Histoire d’Anthony, or snails at Saint-Véron snail farm.
Good tip
Three establishments in Walloon Brabant have the label ‘Bistrot de terroir’. This is a label indicating Walloon quality and commits restaurants and cafés to offering local products.
Between tradition and… dégustation!
Go right to the heart of Brabant folklore by sampling the good products of our associations! Try the delicious ham from the Order of the Piétrain Pig association, the green sausage from the Mougneûs d’Vete Trëpe association, the tarte au Stofé from Wavre or the famous Tarte al Djote from Nivelles! Find all the associations in Walloon Brabant here.

Le Château d'Hélécine
Le Château d'Hélécine
Le Bois des Rêves
Le Bois des Rêves
Fondation Folon
Fondation Folon
Genval Yacht Club
Genval Yacht Club
Au « 1001 Nuits » à Villers-la-Ville
Au « 1001 Nuits »
à Villers-la-Ville
Au Koru Hotel à Autre-Eglise
Au Koru Hotel
à Autre-Eglise
Au Dolce à La Hulpe
Au Dolce à La Hulpe
Au Martin’s Château du Lac à Genval
Au Martin’s Château du Lac à Genval
La Galoute
La Galoute
La Taverne de l’Union
La Taverne de l’Union
La Taverne d'Arenberg
La Taverne d'Arenberg
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