BELGIUM: Bois de Badour, Hainaut

Feeling like a Walk in the Woods? Want to run somewhere different?

Bois de Badour is a mixed forest with several shallow ponds and dotted with traces of the past, like the old gatekeeper’s house and the bridge overhanging  the old railway line, but the main landmark is the Octagonal Building at the edge of the wood, called the Ronde Maison.

There are 3 marked trails to explore that venture through some of the woodland; a 5km, a 10km & a 20km route. But do take care as some of the trails are private; they are the princely family's property!

The Bois de Badour is known for its ‘good mushrooms' spots, in September-October. 

The wood is located northwest of Mons. Access at Chemin du Long Boule or Chemin Du Prince. However, the most beautiful access point is near the Ronde Maison at “Montauban” via rue du Canard, 7050 Erbisoeul.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Mons Mural Walk, have you done it yet?

  

Have you see the fantastic wall murals around Mons? There are 97 of them spread across the city and surrounding districts for you to find but following a 10k walking route you can take in 49 of these beautiful paintings in the city centre itself. 

If you are yet to see them all, you can pick up a map from the Tourist Office in Grand Place and set off on your mission. Which one will be your favourite?

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Explore the Castles of Wallonia

Did you know that there are 1,500 castles in Wallonia? All open to the public with a story to share. With interior and gardens to explore they are beautiful places to spend a warm or wet summers day!

• At Chateau de Seneffe you will find one of the largest silversmith collections in the country
• Chateau de Modave inspired the one in Versailles
• Bouillon Castle is famous for its birds of prey demonstrations
• Fairytale castle Chateau de Veves invites the little ones to dress up as knights and princesses as they explore the castle
• You will find an escape room at Chateau de Chimay
• Bioul Castle boasts its own Vineyard

Plan your castle tour of Belgium and find out more information here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Wallonia’s Living Legends, pick your itinerary and head off by car, bike or on foot…

  

If you are a fan of heritage and legends, you will want to visit these incredible castles and fortresses of South Wallonia.

Each with a unique air of romance, history, fairytale, sports, knight to be and more, there are 13 roadbooks planning visits that can be undertaken by car, bike or on foot.

Pick the itinerary for you here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Canal du Centre, Houdeng-Goegnies

 you are looking for a way to spend a relaxing couple of hours in the sunshine, look no further and head down to Houdeng-Goegnies to hire an electric boat. 

Wind your way down the Canal du Centre with the sun on your face, the breeze in your hair and the sound of water and wildlife in your ears. From 45 Euros you can hire an electric boat for an hour on the water spotting the wildlife and enjoying the peace of the canal.

BELGIUM: Check Out the Ninglinspo Trail in the Ardennes

Like Hiking? You won’t want to miss this amazing trail…

The enchanting Ninglinspo trail in the Belgian Ardennes is a breathtaking 6 km hike through waterfalls, natural pools, and lush forest. It is simply perfect for adventurous families, nature lovers, and photographers alike.

This trail is suitable for children aged 6 and up. It is a 2.5 - 3 hour walk and maybe peppered with frequent ascents and descents, but every step is worth taking. You will find an exhilarating trail of climbing rocks, crossing streams, and splashing in the refreshing river. Be sure to expect wet feet & muddy clothes and do dress & pack accordingly!

On your hike, you will discover:

• Wooden footbridges and stone crossings over the babbling stream
• Mini-waterfalls and carved rock pools with poetic names like Bath of Diana, Bath of the Otter, and Bath of the Water Nymphs
• Cables embedded in the rocks for added safety on steeper sections
• A panoramic viewpoint at Drouet, offering sweeping vistas of the forested valley
• A walk through history and myth

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier awaits you

The Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier was founded in the early 12th Century, consecrated in 1103 and affiliated with the Cistercian Order in 1236. 

Discover this hidden medieval gem in Gelbressee and enjoy a guided tour through the site lasting from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. As well as the architectural beauty of the Abbaye itself, the gardens are a place of tranquil and serenity to also be enjoyed.

If you want to make a weekend of it, there are three charming self-catering guesthouses on site, offering the chance to experience monastic peace overnight.

For family-friendly adventures, wind your way around the forest trail walks, participate in some themed activities or have a magical dining experience in the tree-tops (suitable for age 6+)!

For more information, see https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/abbaye-notre-dame-du-vivier/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

Brussels: Bozar Restaurant cited in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants

 

The two-Michelin star Bozar Restaurant in Brussels has been awarded the great accolade of being named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world!

With artisan-led menus, offering Belgian fare this culinary jewel is well worth a visit if your pockets are deep:

• The seven course menu is priced at 245 Euros
• The five course Horta menu is priced at 195 Euros and
• The three course lunch menu is priced at 115 Euros.

Find out more at: https://bozarrestaurant.be/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Château de Freÿr

The Château de Freÿr in Wallonia has a rich, architectural history and enchanting gardens, so makes for a perfect day out. 

Although the Château dates back to 1378, its current format started to take shape in 1571 after the destruction of the original Castle Keep.

You will find a blend of renaissance and baroque styles throughout the building and when exploring the Château interior, keep your eyes peeled for the award winning Children’s Coach.

In the gardens you can visit Europe’s largest potted Orange trees that date back to the early 18th Century and incredibly, they still live in their original wooden cases! There is also a labyrinth to explore in the beautiful grounds of this stunning Castle.

Château de Freÿr is located in 5540 Hastière and is family friendly place to visit with interactive tours, special events tailored for children, enchanting gardens and captivating stories of the history of this grand old Château.

Find out more at: https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/chateau-de-freyr/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Top Ten Castles

Love a bit of History? Are you are Castle fan? Looking for something to do in your downtime? 

With over 3000 Castles in the country, Belgium is the most Castle dense country per square kilometre in the world. Around 400 of these are open to the public so there are certainly plenty to choose from. 

This article presents one Castle per province for Belgium; a beautiful mix of medieval fortress, enchanting estates and classy castles. Something to really get your teeth into this Summer. Enjoy…https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/10-top-castles-in-belgium/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.