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Car Free Style - From Namur to Brussels
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From Rops to Folon, passing by Hergé,
a fabulous artists trail.
Begin your adventure with the Wallonian capital of Namur, the perfect city for embracing
the concept of slow tourism. You’ll find great tables and terraces to eat, drink and be merry
in the historic centre along the riversides of the Sambre or the Meuse. A city perfect for
strolling and chillaxing. A city of great culture. At the heart of the old town you’ll discover
Belgian’s finest such as the Musée Félicien Rops (Museum) which celebrates the greatest work
of the 19th century Belgian artist.
Namur - situated in the geographical centre of Belgium is the perfect starting point to
explore the best of the Brabant Walloon region. Nestled between the capitals of Belgium
and Wallonia this young region is abundant with beautiful little valleys. Amongst them you’ll
discover the ’Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville’ (Villers-la-Ville Abbey). Founded in 1146, it’s considered
one of the most beautiful architectural sites in Europe. Following from there you’ll
discover Louvain-la-Neuve, the youngest town in Belgium. A buzzing pedestrian university
town which stands out for its 1970‘s urban architecture and particularly atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Hergé Museum. Plunge yourself into the artist’s and creator of Tintin’s world
with its particular architecture and immersive imagination. You then continue on your way
to Wavre and the Dyle Valley. The town has witnessed tumultuous past, witnessing clashes
between Prussian and French troops in June 1815, during the Napoleonic campaign. Many
buildings still bear the scars of these armed exchanges, such as the ‘Saint-Jean-Baptiste’
Church whose pillars are still embedded with a cannonball. After Wavre, you’ll find another
journey through time on offer, as you walk or drive towards Lake Genval – a real jewel of
18 hectares. It was especially created for holidaymakers to be able to enjoy the pleasures
of the water. It’s a cert you’ll fall under the spell of this romantic natural setting with all its
‘Belle Époque’ buildings.
Finally, the heritage and artistic finesse of this trip is the gift that keeps on giving. In the
Solvay Regional Estate in La Hulpe, (Exceptional Heritage of the Walloon Region), you’ll
find 1000 flamboyant rhododendrons. This huge park offers 227 hectares of greenery with
the Folon Foundation and the ‘Château de La Hulpe’ set within. Built in 1842 the castle was
modelled on the Loire Valley castles. You can also discover the many facets of Jean-Michel
Folon’s art in an original and surprising scenography. After la Hulpe and this dazzling journey
full of heritage and culture, you’ll discover Brussels that is just a stone’s throw away.
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