Martin’s Cycle Tour – Etape 1 – Tubize – Genval

Martin's Red, flagship of the Belgian sports sceneAn excellent hotel in Tubize, Martin's Red welcomes you to the site of the Belgian Football Center, built in 2005. This headquarters of the Red Devils guarantees an incomparable stay for big names in sport and travellers from all horizons, with its customized services and contemporary setting.

Il est difficile d'imaginer que ce canal sinueux, creusé au début du 19e siècle, était autrefois une importante voie navigable entre Bruxelles et Charleroi. Sa construction fut un travail titanesque, puisque plus de 50 écluses ont dû être construites. Sur le chemin de halage où vous êtes, les chevaux tiraient autrefois les bateaux. Des cygnes ont construit un nid au milieu du canal. Vous traversez une réserve naturelle. Elle dispose d’une cabane d'observation des oiseaux.

The St. Gertrude Collegiate Church is the pride and joy of Nivelles, with its impressive 102m nave with two opposing choirs and its 11th century crypt. This is one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world, an exceptionally handsome, grandiose monument that was consecrated in 1046 by Wazon, Bishop of Liege, before Henry III Emperor of the Holy German Empire.The Collegiate Church is still in use, regularly assembling Christians from the St. Gertrude Parish.You can also visit the crypt, the archaeological basement, the cloister and the central steeple that houses the bells and carillon.The southern turret boasts the Jean de Nivelles jacquemart, a copper warrior some 2.08 m high.The Nivelles Collegiate Church is a must-see. Don't miss it!

Discover the site of the battle of 18th June 1815 where 300 000 men from 7 nations clashed. The Memorial 1815 pass combines various attractions linked to the Waterloo Battlefield:- After a memorable climb of 226 steps, the Lion's Mound gives you a unique view of the battlefield.- Buried at the foot of the Lion's Mound, the Memorial allows you to experience one of the most turbulent times in our History as if you were there.- An immense panoramic frieze (circumference 110m, height 12m) made in 1912 takes you to the heart of the battle with an impressive soundtrack.- Last authentic witness of the battle, the Hougoumont Farm provides a unique setting: 4 exhibition rooms coupled with a multimedia show.

From the 17th to the 19th of June 1815, at the end of the Battle of “Quatre-Bras” Wellington set up his headquarters at an inn in the heart of the village of Waterloo. It is here that he drew up his victory bulletin following the Battle of the 18th of June, which he named “Waterloo”. Since then, this building houses the Wellington Museum which includes a unique collection dedicated to each army. It presents in an educational way the role and implication of each of the nations involved in this conflict. Opposite the Museum looms the Chapelle Royale de Waterloo, which was built in 1687. In the wake of the battle, this Royal Chapel was converted into a commemorative temple honouring Wellington and his allies. The walls of the adjacent church are adorned with numerous funerary plaques of officers or soldiers killed in combat. Chaussée de Bruxelles 147 • 1410 Waterloo visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/wellington-museum-waterloo-museum-retracing-1815-battle

On June 15th 1815, the Duke of Wellington decided to establish his field hospital at the farm of Mont-Saint-Jean. During and after the battle of Waterloo, near 6000 soldiers were treated there.This former, hardly ever sanitized hospital is now a museum. Discover the work of surgeons in times of war, the surgical instruments used, the weapons, uniforms, ammunition ... with an impressive recontextualisation of the facts.Stories and illustrations of the work of the Scottish surgeon Charles Bell, present at the site in June 1815, are also on show.The broader history of the farm is also presented. More than eight centuries old, it was occupied by the Order of Malta, turned into a farm and housed a brewery. Take the opportunity to enjoy the Waterloo beer, brewed on site.

Surprises abound in the ancient headquarters of the Duke of Wellington, the future Prince of Waterloo. This is where he slept on the nights of 17 and 18 June 1815, and where he drafted his victory announcement.By means of authentic souvenirs, weapons, etchings, the 14 museum rooms trace the events of the times and perpetuate the memory of the nations and troops that took part in the fray.The museum also offers several guided tours:●       Classic: 1 or 2 hours with a professional tour guide, adapted to all ages and audiences.●       Family: with a guide dressed as an English soldier.●       corporate: adapted for teambuilding and complimentary drink●       School groups (nursery, primary and secondary): adapted guided tour covering the period from the French Revolution to the end of the Napoleonic Empire, as well as the history of the Battle of Waterloo.

The Solvay Regional Estate in La Hulpe is affectionately called the "Park of a thousand rhododendrons", and is one of the loveliest places for a stroll in the country.Lawns, woods, rhododendron beds, and remarkable varieties of trees enhance some 227 ha. This magnificent wooded park just outside Brussels boasts paths around and over tree-lined hills and ponds with exceptionally rich animal life.It is also home to Béthune castle, built in 1842 using the Loire castles as a model, and its French gardens with decorative sculptures.The castle is not open to visitors.Not far away, Folon’s discreet but clear presence is expressed through the poetry of his art. Like an open book, the Folon Foundation will reveal the different works by this Belgian artist. You will find some of his sculptures spread over the four corners of the property, guarding the estate. The estate, a protected site since 1963, has been listed as a Major Walloon Heritage Site since 1993 and is also part of the Natura 2000 network.

Combining beautiful old stones and avant-garde design, the legendary "Château du Lac" is unique in Wallonia and boasts a lake and grounds adorned with replicas of the Trianon in Versailles and chapel of William Tell... just like the Lake of the Four Cantons in Switzerland! Romantic and modern, the chateau stands out for the quality of its welcome and top-of-the-range amenities.**Cycling break**From March to October, explore Genval and surrounding area by bike. Package includes one night in a Cosy room with breakfast, bike parking and several cycling tours of your choice: local cuisine, culture, nature, long or short...Find out more about Martin’s Château du Lac cycling offer

Set in magnificent, green surroundings, Genval lake is located around 20 km to the South of Brussels. In addition to delightful country walks, the lake promises a range of exciting leisure activities such as sailing and canoeing. The waterside restaurants offer visitors the opportunity to combine culinary pleasures with the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of this enchanting site.