Martin’s Cycle Tour – Etape 3 – Louvain-la- Neuve - Leuven
Description
Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve, these two great university cities, are linked by their past. The University of Leuven was founded in 1425 in Flemish Brabant. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. During the 20th century, the Catholic University of Leuven saw its student population gradually split between Flemish and French speakers. At the end of the 1960s, the presence of French-speaking students and professors was increasingly contested by their Dutch-speaking compatriots. In 1968, paving stones were thrown and demonstrations were held with cries of "Walen Buiten" ("The Walloons out"). The situation was such that the government of the day fell. This community quarrel, combined with the sharp increase in the student population, forced all the French-speaking faculties of the UCL to move to Wallonia. The municipality of Ottignies hosted the project on the Lauzelle plateau. The first stone of the new town was laid on 2 February 1971.
You will then leave Louvain-la-Neuve in Walloon Brabant to reach Wavre and its Adventure Park. You will then travel through Flemish Brabant to discover its architectural gems. You will arrive in the historic city of Leuven via the Heverlee woods and the magnificent Parc Abbey!
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve
Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve welcomes you in the pedestrian centre of Louvain-la-Neuve. The 108 rooms in contemporary design with no compromise on comfort provide a restful and welcoming ambiance. They are perfect for your business, academic or leisure trips right in the pedestrian centre of Louvain-la-Neuve and invite you for a unique experience in the heart of the Agora complex with all its facilities. Set between the lake and city centre, Martin’s Louvain-la-Neuve hotel shares a lobby with Martin’s All Suites. All guests can access the City Spa (spa, wellness and fitness), restaurant, wine bar and seminar space. **Cycling break**From March to October, explore Louvain-la-Neuve 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 Louvain-la-Neuve cycling offer
Brouwerij De Kroon
Tasting of beers that come directly from the brewery to the pump. You will have the opportunity to accompany your beer with good food. www.brouwerijdekroon.be/
Leefdael Castle
Leefdael Castle, also known as Liedekerke Castle, is a Renaissance castle with medieval remains. Boskee, 3061 Leefdaal
Castle Arenberg
In the fourteenth century, a first castle was built here by the Dukes of Arenberg. The de Croy family received the estate in 1446. From the beginning of the sixteenth century, the present castle was built in the Renaissance style. In the nineteenth century, it was largely transformed into a neo-gothic style. In 1916, the Duke of Arenberg donated the estate to the University. Today the castle is occupied by the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the KU Leuven and forms the heart of a green campus for the Wetenschap&Technologie (Science &Technology) group. Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, 3001 Leuven
Parc Abbey
Parc Abbey is an exceptionally well-preserved 12th century historical site. It is located on the outskirts of Leuven, surrounded by greenery. Founded in 1129 on land given to the Premonstratensians of Laon by the Duke of Brabant, Godfrey the Bearded, it has already passed through almost 900 years of history.
Large Beguinage
The beguinage dates from the 13th century. At its peak in the 17th century, some 360 beguines lived here. There is a chain of alleys, squares, gardens and parks, with dozens of traditional sandstone houses and convents. In 1998, the Grand Beguinage was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leuven Botanical Garden
The Leuven Botanical Garden is the oldest in Belgium. The University of Leuven built it in 1738 for its medical students. Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven
Martin's Klooster
Martin's Klooster is a 4-star hotel ideally located in the heart of the historic district of Leuven, less than half an hour from Brussels. It invites you to enjoy an exceptional stay, combining the charm of its listed structure with the refinement of the most modern facilities. With its turret, porte cochere, gables, lattice windows, shutters and oak beams, Martin's Klooster is a true jewel of Leuven's heritage. Each of its rooms has its own unique character and everything has been designed to make it a place of serenity and refinement. But the Klooster is more than a 4-star hotel. It is situated on the banks of the Dyle and offers you a wide range of relaxation areas, with beautifully planted gardens and terraces. It is also the ideal starting point to discover Leuven, its university city, its historical sites, its rich culture and the art of living that makes it a unique destination, especially when the sun is shining. Are you looking for an exceptional place to hold your seminars and business meetings? Martin's Klooster also offers a conference centre and 3 meeting rooms with the most modern technical equipment and comfort. In order to control and reduce the impact of its activities on the environment, Martin's Hotels set up an environmental management system (EMS) in 2011, inspired by the Emas standard. The EMS of Martin's Hotels has been certified by Emas from 2012 to 2020 and awarded an Emas Award in 2017. Botanische tuin van Meise en kasteel van Bouchout
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