Martin’s Cycle Tour – Etape 4– Leuven - Mechelen

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

The Little Beguinage of Leuven, also known as the Saint Catherine Beguinage or Saint Gertrude Beguinage, is a beguinage located in Leuven in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. The beguinage, whose origins date back to the 13th century, is located in the northern part of the city and should not be confused with the Great Beguinage of Leuven, which is located at the southern end of the city. Author: Wikipedia

This green recreational park, located near Leuven, is perfect for families with young children. Children can have a great time on the playgrounds, the boats, the pedal boats, the road course, the miniature golf course and the rollerblade track. The shallow, heated outdoor paddling pool is ideal for young children. Sports enthusiasts can play tennis, fishing, football, volleyball and basketball. In the bee house, visitors can observe the activities of bees behind glass and a small exhibition tells you all about honey and beeswax (by appointment only). In the ecocentre you can learn all about 'water', such as water pollution, water purification, water catchment, aquatic fauna and flora and the rational use of water (by appointment only). www.vlaamsbrabant.be/nl/vrije-tijd-en-toerisme/provinciedomein-kessel-lo

This former water mill on the Dyle now houses a project on sustainable living. Visits by appointment only. www.molenvanrotselaar.be

A 100% Belgian family brewery for four generations, the Haacht Brewery is proud of its tradition and know-how. A rich history that comes to the fore during a visit to the buildings and remains from the beginning of the last century. But don't be fooled: behind the historic facades of the brewery, the brewing process, bottling and refermentation in hot rooms are equipped with the latest technology. Provinciesteenweg 28, 3190 Boortmeerbeek haacht.com/fr-be

Planckendael is a Flemish Belgian zoological park located in the Muizen section of the city of Mechelen, between Brussels and Antwerp. It is owned by the Royal Society of Zoology of Antwerp, which also owns and manages the Antwerp Zoo, the Serpentarium in Blankenberge and the nature reserve De Zegge in Geel. It is a permanent member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is committed to ex situ conservation by participating in European programmes for threatened species.

At the De Nekker sports and recreation domain, you can play a variety of indoor and outdoor sports. In the summer, you can take a dip in the swimming pond or lie on the sandy beach and enjoy the sun. A covered playground is available for children in all weathers. In short, the estate offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for the whole family. Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, Mechelen www.denekker.be

During the Second World War, 25,484 Jews and 352 Roma were deported from Dossin Barracks to Auschwitz. Only 5% of them survived. Simon Gronowski, now 86, escaped the horror and returns to the barracks from time to time to tell his story. The children's journey is based on his experience.

Brouwerij Het Anker is a Belgian brewery located in Mechelen in the province of Antwerp. It is part of the Belgian Family Brewers brewing association.author: Wikipedia.

Are you a history buff or do you simply want to keep an unforgettable memory of your visit to Belgium? The Church of the Friars Minor in Mechelen is the place to be. With its pointed arch vaults, columns, stained glass windows, numerous religious testimonies and the care taken with every detail of the interior design, it invites you to enjoy the comfort of a 4-star hotel in a setting that is simply breathtaking. Martin's Patershof is ideally located in the heart of the historic district of Mechelen, 20 minutes from Brussels by car and 10 minutes from Brussels Airport by the Diabolo express train. It is the perfect starting point to discover Mechelen, its Beguinage, its historical sites, its generous culture and the art of living along the Dyle, which makes it a unique destination, especially when the sun comes out. www.martinshotels.com/fr/hotel/martins-patershof