The best gravel rides around Court-Saint-Étienne

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.

From here you have a good view of the landscape in which the Battle of Waterloo was fought, you can still clearly see the slope in the landscape that allowed the British to take up a good defensive position.

Steep and bad cobblestones

Heverleebos. Forest on the outskirts of the magnificent city of Leuven. Its paths, perfect for gravel riding, hosted the 2023 European Gravel Championships (with victories by Lorena Wiebes and local rider Jasper Stuyven) and the 2024 Gravel World Championships (with victories by Marianne Vos and Mathieu van der Poel).

It's definitely worth a visit, unfortunately the site was vandalized at the end of 2025 and the original atmosphere is gone. What a shame!

Beautiful little chapel in the middle of a field

As the photo shows, this track is narrow and is also used by pedestrians and people on horseback. I live near it and use it a lot, and am sorry to say that in recent years there’s been a significant increase in the proportion of electric bikes at outrageous speeds. I think it’s time to impose a speed limit.