Top 20 Lakes around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode

While Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode is highly urbanized, the broader Brussels area offers notable water features within its parks. You'll find artificial lakes, scenic ponds, and grand basins rather than large natural lakes. These are often integrated into beautiful park landscapes, providing tranquil spots for relaxation and recreation.

Yes, several locations are great for families. The Drowned Children Ponds and Boitsfort Ponds, both within the Sonian Forest, are popular for their natural settings. Josaphat Park in Schaerbeek, with its string of ponds, also offers playgrounds and mini-golf, making it ideal for families. The Red Cloister Abbey area is also family-friendly with its walking paths and historical context.

The Red Monastery (Rouge-Cloître) is a significant historical site, featuring an old Augustinian priory surrounded by ponds. Similarly, the Red Cloister Abbey is a historical site and walking park. Josaphat Park also has historical charm, designed in the English style, while the Basins of Parc du Cinquantenaire are part of a grand architectural setting with nearby museums.

The areas around these water features are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and relaxing in parks like Bois de la Cambre, which offers extensive paths around its lake. The Sonian Forest, home to several ponds like Drowned Children Ponds and Étang Sec, is perfect for hiking. For more structured routes, you can explore options like those found in the Hiking around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode guide or the Cycling around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode guide.

Many parks in Brussels, including those with water features, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Bois de la Cambre and the Sonian Forest (where ponds like Drowned Children Ponds and Boitsfort Ponds are located) are popular spots for dog walkers. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets.

The lakes and ponds are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, blooming flowers, and opportunities for outdoor dining at guinguettes. Autumn provides stunning foliage, especially in areas like Bois de la Cambre and the Sonian Forest. Even in winter, a crisp walk around the frozen ponds can be quite picturesque.

Yes, several locations offer refreshments. The Red Monastery (Rouge-Cloître) often has an open-air bar or kiosk in the central court during summer. Bois de la Cambre features the unique Chalet Robinson on an island, accessible by ferry, which has dining options. Josaphat Park also has guinguettes (eateries) within its grounds.

Most major parks with water features are well-connected by Brussels' public transport system. Bois de la Cambre is easily reachable by tram or bus. Josaphat Park in Schaerbeek is also accessible via tram and bus routes. Parc du Cinquantenaire is served by metro, tram, and bus lines, making it convenient to visit from Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode.

Many of the larger parks, such as Bois de la Cambre and Parc du Cinquantenaire, have paved or well-maintained paths that are generally wheelchair-friendly. Josaphat Park also offers accessible routes. However, some paths within the more natural areas of the Sonian Forest, particularly around ponds like Drowned Children Ponds, might be unpaved or uneven. It's advisable to check specific park information for detailed accessibility.

Lac du Bois de la Cambre is popular for its picturesque setting and extensive recreational opportunities. This 6-hectare artificial lake features Robinson Island, home to the Chalet Robinson, which you can reach by a small ferry. The surrounding paths are ideal for walking and cycling, and the area is closed to motorized traffic on weekends, enhancing its appeal for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Boitsfort Ponds are known for their rich biodiversity and tranquil environment. Located between the Sonian Forest and Tournay-Solvay Park, these three consecutive ponds are connected by the Karregat stream. They offer a great variety of environments, including moist forests and reed fields, making them an excellent habitat for amphibians and dragonflies, and a peaceful spot for nature observation.

While many spots are popular, areas like Étang Sec within the vast Sonian Forest can offer a more secluded experience. The Sonian Forest itself provides numerous trails and smaller, less frequented ponds, allowing for a quieter connection with nature away from the main crowds.