The best gravel rides in Walloon Brabant

Visit Abdij Villers-la-Ville Abdij van Villers – a ruin to reflect on 😉 The Abdij van Villers-la-Ville is an impressive Cistercian ruin from 1146 and one of the largest and best-preserved medieval abbey sites in Europe. Wander among the gigantic Gothic walls, columns, and roofless vaults where nature and centuries-old architecture are beautifully intertwined. The abbey reached its peak in the 13th century, but after centuries of wars and changes, monastic life came to an abrupt end in 1796. During the French Revolution, the monks were expelled and the abbey was sold. Buildings were dismantled stone by stone, after which wind, rain, and encroaching nature slowly transformed the complex into an impressive ruin. In the 19th century, Villers became a beloved spot for artists and romantics. Victor Hugo (French writer, poet, playwright, and political thinker) was also fascinated by the ruins and visited the abbey several times. Thanks to restoration and heritage conservation, the site is beautifully preserved today. The combination of history, architecture, and nature makes a visit particularly atmospheric. Tip: allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the abbey at a leisurely pace. Admission – entrance fees: Adults: €10 Children (6 to 12 years): €4 Children (under 6 years): free Seniors (65+): €8 People with disabilities: free Dogs are welcome on a leash. An absolute must-see for anyone who loves history, mysterious ruins, and photogenic places! “Post tenebras, spero lucem” – “After darkness, I hope for light.” 🌑➡️☀️

It is probably this contrast that makes Villers-la-Ville so endearing. On one hand, the majestic remains of an abbey founded in 1146; on the other, paths that plunge into the woods and cross the peaceful landscapes of Walloon Brabant. The mineral and the vegetal respond to each other throughout the hike, giving the route a historic, romantic, and deeply natural atmosphere.

You can also eat well here.

Nice cycling with a good surface and no traffic.

This tour goes for kilometers through the forest. In spring it is beautiful with the hyacinths and wood anemones. In summer nice and cool.

A strenuous climb or easy descent depending on where you start.

Steep and bad cobblestones

The Groenendaal racecourse was built in 1888-1889 on the initiative of Leopold II in the middle of the Sonian Forest, next to the road to Waterloo, and in 1892, as part of easy access, it received its own railway connection to Groenendaal station. To realize this racecourse, approximately 100 hectares of forest were cleared at the end of the 19th century. King Leopold II had his own box there, located between two metal grandstands for the public. After the First World War, this area was used for the dismantling of weapons and ammunition left behind in the Westhoek. German prisoners of war had to clear mines under the supervision of the Belgian army. During a fire and the subsequent explosions of ammunition on May 6, 1919, the hippodrome's grandstands and buildings were heavily damaged. After another explosion in November, the ammunition depot was completely dismantled in 1920. Two years later, the racecourse was restored and the grandstands were rebuilt. The royal box for Albert I was not rebuilt until 1924. Its appearance was completely different from the pre-war grandstand. When the current appearance came about is not entirely clear, although the current box is attributed to Albert I in the literature, see also monogram. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Royal Box and remains of bookmaker's room, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302991