Best castles around Wavre are found in the Walloon Brabant province, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. While Wavre itself features historical buildings like the Château de l'Ermitage, the surrounding region is rich in châteaux. These sites often include impressive architecture, expansive parks, and opportunities for historical exploration. The area provides diverse historical and architectural styles for day trips.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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Two important lordships formed the basis of the current Hoeilaart: the lordship of Ter Heyde south of the IJse on the one hand, and the lordship of Holaer or Hoeilaart north of the IJse on the other. Here once stood the castle of the Ter Heyde lordship from the fifteenth century. That lordship ceased to exist after the abolition of the ancien régime. The current castle was built in 1858 on the orders of baron Jean de Man d’Attenrode (mayor of Hoeilaart from 1854-1878) and his wife Maria Carolina d’Ormesson. It is therefore not a remnant of the old lordship. BUT: the chapel and former closed farm next to it are. This building has now, as others have mentioned, been given a different function and dominates the view in the park. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Kasteel van Hoeilaart, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/39785
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The veneration of Saint Hubert in Tervuren, the presumed place of death of the patron saint of hunters, dates back to at least the 16th century and is probably even older. Every year on the last Sunday in October, an open-air mass is celebrated there in honor of Saint Hubert, and horses and dogs are blessed to protect them from running amok.
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Excellent quality hotel and restaurant
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To see and don't hesitate to get lost there
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Beautiful but very busy. Good to know!
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Early in the morning to avoid the crowds
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Le Château du Lac is best known today as a 5-star hotel. Events are also often organised there and that is why I know it from a professional long-gone past. But the building, whether you call it a castle or rather a glorified villa, it does have a fairly intense past. In the past, the mineral water of Genval was collected and bottled here. Together with the source of Bonne Fontaine, the Château du Lac was the true symbol of Genval-les-Eaux. The Etablissement des Eaux, as it was originally called, was built between 1905 and 1907 by the architect Julien Wendrickx, the future production director of the Compagnie Internationale des Eaux Minérales, to house the collection of sources and the bottling of the mineral water of Genval. After the First World War and the receivership of the companies that managed the Genval site, the castle became the property of an English company before being taken over by the Princes of Merode, who leased the facilities to Schweppes Belgium. The Belgian branch was then managed by John Martin, an English brewer based in Antwerp, who had been importing beers from Great Britain and Ireland to the continent since 1909, including the famous Guinness. He obtained the exclusive production rights for the Schweppes range, which he transferred to Genval in 1952 following the deterioration in the quality of Antwerp's drinking water, which was now pumped into the Albert Canal. Since the divestment of Schweppes in 1988, the John Martin group has further diversified its range, with speciality beers (Timmermans, Gordon, etc.), soft drinks (Orangina) and fruit juices (Looza). After the Schweppes factory moved to Rue du Cerf, the château, now owned by the Martin family, was converted into the five-star Château du Lac Source: https://www.parismatch.be/lifestyle/voyages/2020/08/23/le-lac-de-genval-et-ses-villas-2D3Q25DBTVANBFBV5WXJG3R2NI/
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The Genval lake is located in the Zilverbeek valley. The artificial lake is located for the most part on the territory of Overijse and was constructed by order of lawyer and businessman Gustave Smets - Mondez. The 18 ha lake was constructed in 1904 in an area with a series of spring-rich ponds and marshes through which the Zilverbeek or the Argentine flowed. The Zilverbeek still flows along the lake on the Overijse side. The area attracted many tourists from the very beginning. Around 1900, the urban development plans were also drawn up for the construction of the park on the Walloon side. Several impressive villas were built here that were reminiscent of copies of buildings from Versailles and monuments on the Swiss Lake Lucerne. On the Overijse side, there was less interest in the construction, which is why the slopes are less developed than on the Walloon side, where it was promoted as a spa. After the First World War, the lake was sold to John Martin (1886-1966), an English brewer from Antwerp. He would establish the Schweppes factory here (Belgian license) in the "Château du Lac" (until 1981). The lake is still in the hands of his heirs. On the Meerlaan there are still a few cottage-style villas overlooking the lake. These villas are depicted on various old postcards and are still recognizable today but have been heavily modified. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Maleizen, https://id.erfgoed.net/themas/14294
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The region around Wavre, particularly Walloon Brabant, offers a diverse range of historical buildings. You'll find 19th-century châteaux like the Château de La Hulpe, former feudal fortresses transformed into pleasure castles such as Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac, and elegant Neoclassical estates like the Domaine d'Hélécine. Wavre itself hosts the 19th-century Château de l'Ermitage, which serves as a cultural center.
Yes, several estates are excellent for families. The Domaine Solvay, which encompasses the Château de La Hulpe, offers vast parks perfect for leisurely strolls. The Domaine d'Hélécine is particularly family-friendly, featuring a nature reserve, multiple ponds, and two playgrounds, alongside its 18th-century Neoclassical château.
Many castles are set within extensive natural parks. The Domaine Solvay, for instance, boasts 227 acres of forest, lawns, and ponds, with over 450 types of wild plants and 130 types of mosses. The Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac features charming French gardens extending into a pleasant English-style park with remarkable trees. You can also find beautiful lakes, such as the one near the Château du Lac in Genval.
Absolutely. The expansive parks surrounding many châteaux are ideal for outdoor activities. For example, the Domaine Solvay offers numerous trails. You can find various cycling routes, including those around Wavre, with options like the 'Château de La Hulpe – Domaine Solvay loop'. For more details on routes, explore the Cycling around Wavre or Gravel biking around Wavre guides.
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for visiting, as the extensive parks and gardens are in full bloom, offering beautiful scenery for walks and outdoor activities. However, the historical significance and architectural beauty of the châteaux can be appreciated year-round. Autumn also provides stunning foliage in the surrounding forests.
While the interiors of some châteaux may have accessibility limitations due to their historical nature, the vast parks and grounds of places like the Domaine Solvay (Château de La Hulpe) are generally publicly accessible and suitable for leisurely strolls, including for those using wheelchairs.
The castles offer a glimpse into various periods of Belgian history. The Château de La Hulpe showcases 19th-century Flemish Neo-Renaissance architecture, while the Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac evolved from a feudal fortress. The Château de l'Ermitage in Wavre, though a 19th-century building, has roots in a former hermitage and now functions as a cultural center, reflecting the city's heritage.
Many outdoor areas and parks, such as the Domaine Solvay, are generally dog-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy walks with their pets. However, it's always advisable to check specific rules for each location regarding leash requirements or restricted areas before your visit.
The Château de La Hulpe, located within the Domaine Solvay, is accessible via public transport. You can find detailed information on routes and schedules to La Hulpe through local transport services. For more specific travel planning, you might consult resources like Visit A City.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical architecture with expansive, well-maintained natural parks. The opportunity for leisurely walks, enjoying the serene landscapes, and discovering the rich heritage of Walloon Brabant are frequently highlighted. The Château de La Hulpe and its surrounding Domaine Solvay are often praised for their beauty and accessibility.
While popular sites like the Château de La Hulpe attract many, exploring places like the Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac or the Domaine d'Hélécine can offer a more tranquil experience. These châteaux, though well-known, might provide a less crowded atmosphere, especially during off-peak hours, allowing for a more intimate appreciation of their history and grounds.
The Château de l'Ermitage in Wavre is a 19th-century château that functions as a cultural center. You can find more information about its history and current role on the Visit Wavre website. It also houses an archaeological museum, though its public accessibility may vary.


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