Walloon Brabant is a region where the landscape seems to have been gently sculpted: rolling valleys, large trees standing alone in fields, elegant homes hidden behind trimmed hedges. It is also a territory where the art of gardening takes on its full meaning. In this article, we invite you to discover5 remarkable gardens, all different, but all thoughtfully designed. An ideal route for an inspiring weekend or a nature break between two appointments.
1.Folon Foundation – Solvay Park in La Hulpe
It is impossible to start anywhere else. Nestled in theSolvay regional estate, this garden is an ode to poetry. Jean-Michel Folon has installed his sculptures in a landscape designed by exceptional gardeners. The lawns bordered by majestic trees, the shimmering bodies of water, and the perfectly framed perspectives make it an exceptional sensory walk.
- Type of garden: English park, contemporary sculptures
- Not to be missed: the weeping willow by the pond, the bronze silhouettes in the mist
- Recommended visiting time: 2 to 3 hours
- Address: Drève de la Ramée, 1310 La Hulpe
- Website : https://fondationfolon.be
2.The Gardens of the Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac
Less known than La Hulpe, this private estate located in Ophain invites contemplation. The park, partially open to visitors during certain events (such as theGardens in Celebration), offers a beautiful balance between structured gardens, classical alignments, and naturalistic areas.
- Type of garden: French garden mixed with rural areas
- Particularity: accessible only during occasional events
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Address: Rue Armand de Moor 2, 1421 Ophain-Bois-Seigneur-Isaac
- Visitor information: often linked to https://bois-seigneur-isaac.be/index.php/fr/
3.Domaine du Château d’Hélécine
This 28-hectare public park is a gem of landscape balance. The former abbey has given way to a neoclassical castle, set in a romantic garden. There is a large pond, noble species, neatly laid paths, and well-integrated relaxation areas.
- Type of garden: public landscaped park
- Things to do: picnic by the water, walk under the large plane trees
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 2 hours depending on the season
- Address: Rue Armand Dewolf 2, 1357 Hélécine
- Website : https://chateaudhelecine.be/fr/
4.The Garden of Museum L – Louvain-la-Neuve
At the back of theMuseum L, one discovers a contemporary garden that is simple, structured, and open to the urban landscape. Clusters of perennials, works of art, and thoughtfully planted trees: a place of respite in the heart of the university town.
- Type of garden: contemporary, minimalist, integrated into a cultural site
- Note: perfect as a complement to a visit to the museum
- Recommended visit time: 45 min to 1h
- Address: Place des Sciences 3, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
- Website : https://museel.be
5.The gardens and ruins of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville
The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville is much more than a historical site: it is a trueliving scene where the ruins blend with the landscape. For several years, themed gardens have been recreated around the ancient structures: monk's garden, medicinal plant garden, terraced vineyards… Every corner invites contemplation, between stone, silence, and greenery.
- Type of garden: reconstructed monastic garden, vineyards, medieval garden
- Not to be missed: the view from the vineyards over the ruins at the end of the day
- Recommended visit time: 1h30 to 2h
- Address: Rue de l’Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville
- Website : https://www.villers.be/fr
8.The Garden of the Abbey of Aywiers – nature and garden art in Lasne
In the heart of the municipality ofLasne, the former Cistercian abbey of Aywiers hosts one of the most beautiful plant and garden art fairs in Belgium twice a year. But even outside of these events, the place is worth a visit:wooded park, historical ruins, water feature, ancient vegetable gardensand a calming atmosphere make this garden a space for walking and inspiration.
The site combinesheritage, botany and landscape artwith elegance. During the fairs, the paths fill with passionate nurserymen, artisans and garden furniture creators, in an exceptional setting.
- Type of garden: historical park, abbey garden, event garden
- Not to be missed: the spring and autumn fairs in the old orchards
- Recommended visiting time: 1.5 to 2 hours (more during the fairs)
- Address: Rue de l’Abbaye, 14 – 1380 Lasne
- Website : https://www.aywiers.be/
9. Lake Genval – a bubble of escape by the water
On the edge of Walloon Brabant and the Brussels periphery, theLake Genvaloffers an unexpected interlude. Lined withBelle Époque chalets, large tree-lined villasand a path that circles the pond, it is a place conducive to et d’un sentier qui fait tout le tour de l’étang, c’est un lieu propice à la contemplation, walking or jogging..
It is not a garden designed by a landscape architect, butthe atmosphere is so peaceful and refreshing.that it deserves its place in this itinerary. The light is particularly beautiful in the morning or at the end of the day, when the golden reflections glide over the water and the resting sailboats.
- Type of place: leisure pond surrounded by vegetation
- Things to do: walking, running, coffee break on the terraces by the water
- Recommended visit time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on activity
- Approximate address: Avenue du Lac, 1332 Genval
- Information: freely accessible, parking nearby
10.The Bois des Rêves – nature, art and biodiversity in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Nestled in the heart of, Ottignies, theBois des Rêvesis an iconic place in Walloon Brabant, appreciated by both families and nature lovers. While itspondand itsoutdoor art exhibitionsattract many visitors, it is primarily the focus onbiodiversity preservationthat distinguishes this 67-hectare park.
Protected forest areas, carefully arranged clearings, educational trails and teaching ponds make it atrue laboratory of living nature. It is also a particularly popular place for itslarge playgrounds, where children can run, climb, explore, all while remaining in the heart of the landscape.
- Type of place: public forest park, educational and recreational space
- Not to be missed: the walk around the pond and the wildlife observation areas
- Recommended visiting time: 1h to 3h depending on activity
- Address: Allée du Bois des Rêves 1, 1340 Ottignies
- Website : https://www.boisdesreves.be
11.The Parc de la Dodaine – symmetry, water and relaxation in the heart of Nivelles
Located just steps from the historic centre of Nivelles, theParc de la Dodaineis a French-style public garden combininggeometric precision, water metaphorsand playful spaces. It features a large central body of water surrounded by tree-lined paths,fountains, seasonalwater play areas for children, as well as vast welcoming lawns.
It is a spacethat is both structured and lively, where walkers, joggers, families and photography enthusiasts converge. The park also hosts occasional events and floral decorations, offering a variety of atmospheres throughout the seasons.
- Type of garden: French public garden, leisure area
- Not to be missed: the reflections in the central basin and the playful water jets
- Recommended visiting time: 45 min to 1h30
- Address: Boulevard des Archers, 1400 Nivelles
- Info: free access all year round