Genval
About Genval
The formerly separate municipalities are part of Rixensart these days and lay in the South-East of Brussels. Near Genval you can find the lake of Genval that not only offers some beautiful surroundings but also activities that vary from sports to opportunities to behold art.
Visit Genval and its surroundings for its history and beautiful nature all to reach within a short period of time. When looking for a hotel be sure to have a look at the 5* residence of Castle Du La Luc that offers very good accommodation for wonderful stay.
Is your aim a romantic trip for you and your other half? Or are you looking for a family trip? This area is exactly what you are looking for. With the Capital just at your doorstep and public transportation nearby you are assured of going to any place rather quickly.
When you are looking for a wonderful experience do not hesitate and come and visit this wonderful are in Walloon Brabant.
Attractions to see in Genval
Lake of Genval
The lake is near the municipality of Genval, stretches over 18 ha and is a great leisure lake for all people visiting the area. You can go for water sport, swimming or anything you can think of to have a nice day on or near the water.
Water and fountain museum
The museum takes all its visitors on a journey back in time to earliest piping of water from the ground. You will learn more about the process of delivering water has changed over time. Varying from religious decorated pumps all the way to the cultural influences of taps in smaller villages.
Cap D’art: Art gallery
Just recently, a modern art gallery started doing business in the beautiful surroundings of Genval Lake. In the gallery you can find paintings, sculptures, jewels,and glass works. Every month’s first Monday morning the gallery organizes an art market along the lake, when around, be sure to stop by to have an artistic morning and even meet the artists who created the pieces.
Chateau Du Lac Hotel
The hotel is the only Hotel in Wallonië where you can stay on the side of a lake and park where replica’s of the Trianon of Versailles and the Wilhelm Tell-Chapel can be found. The castle, romantic but still modern, has a capacity to host parties up to a thousand people.
Districts to visit in Genval
Rixensart
A town near Genval called Rixensart, often referred to as the “Pearl” of the Brabant Ardennes, can be traced back all the way to the year 1244 when the lord of Rixensart is mentioned for the first time on paper. The municipality is characterized by a varied relief and it has a much to offer from a tourist perspective. One of the highlights is the beautiful, 17th century castle of Rixensart. The castle was founded by Jean-Charles de Gavre, the first duke of Fresin, who acquired this property by marrying Françoise de Croÿ. As Rixensart's history goes back all the way to 1244 as mentioned above you may realize the town has much historical value. Visit this town very close to Genval and discover its treasures, as you will not be disappointed.
Sonian Forest
The Sonian Forest is part of the scattered remains of the Charcoal forest, and is mentioned under the name of the Ardennes. In the beginning of the 19th century the forest was still about 120km2 but due to wood cutting its size diminished to 44.21 km2 nowadays. The forest is also well known for the battle of Waterloo in 1815 where Napoleon Bonaparte made his last stand. Today, the forest is the home of many animal species, and is open to the public. Throughout the forest bed you are able to find hostels where you can spend your weekend/holidays in peace. Enjoy the flora and fauna through hiking, cycling, rafting, climbing, and many more activities that can be done in the surroundings. So the area is not only for the people who are seeking for a quiet place, but also for an outdoorsy person looking for adventure.
Brussels
Since World War II Brussels has been the administrative centre to many international organizations like the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which have their main institutions in the city. Brussels is not officially declared to be the capital of Europe but it is considered to be the capital to the public. On the other hand Brussels is officially the Capital of the Kingdom of Belgium. Genval is only 20 km away from Brussels , it is therefore a perfect location for day trips or even multiple. The best time period to be in Brussels and even Genval for that matter is May to September where the average temperature ranges is between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Visit the city for its history, culture, architecture, events, and the diversity of people that live in it. You will have a perfect understanding of the Belgium culture by experiencing Genval from a more country side perspective opposed to Brussels as the capital.
10 Genval travel tips
Car or public transport
Using the train will only take you 5 minutes to walk to lake Genval but when you come to visit the surroundings as well it might be better to travel by car.
Nautic Club
This club offers opportunities to go sailing on the lake of Genval. Visit Genval during the spring of summer and make use of this wonderful watersport.
Bed and Breakfast de Genval
This hotel is one of the popular one’s in Genval and is the most booked for a stay during the weekends.
Manoir Du Lac
This is a larger hotel in town. Are you planning on going to Genval with a big group of people this is a great place to go to. L’Amandier is a restaurant that offers you the specialities of the French cuisine. The restaurant is part of the hotel with a view over the lake.
Sunset over the lake
It is considered as a must, when the weather allows it, to witness at least one sunset over the lake.
Le Shangri La Du Luc
Is the French cuisine nothing for you and you still want to have dinner with the beautiful view across over the lake of Genval? Le Shangri La Du Luc is specialized in Chinese kitchen or visit restaurant Genval Le Bains in of the exclusive 5* hotel Castle Du Lac. Eat in one of these restaurants and you will not be disappointed.
Fitness at the lake
There is a fitness centre in the famous 5* Castle Du Lac. Certified instructors work here that will plan your very on schedule and help your reach your personal goals.
Outdoor activities
Around Genval and its lake you have the opportunity to go horse-riding, jogging, mountain biking, hiking, croquet, watersport and much more. Are you the active tourist than you have come to the right address.
Fun and facts about Genval
Region: Wallonia
Province: Walloon Brabant
Area: 17.54 km²
Density: 1217 inhab./km²
Population: 21.355
Males: 47.55%
Females: 52.45 %
Find your ideal Hotel in Genval and enjoy your stay!