Have you ever stopped in a place and felt “wow” about it? For many travelers, it appears at La Hulpe. The Solvay Estate in La Hulpe is listed as an “Exceptional cultural site in Wallonia”. It may not be as famous as other cities in Belgium, but don’t let that trick you. La Hulpe is a tinier but wonderful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be amazed by some of the distinctive things to do and places you can explore at this mysterious destination. We have set together some of the things to do in La Hulpe and around. We have a feeling that if you encompass this city in your travel plans, you will be fascinated if you do so.
1. The Château de La Hulpe:
At the heart of an estate appraised as an extraordinary heritage of Wallonia stands the Château de La Hulpe. It was a former property of Count Solvay; this French-inspired chateau pleasures the most selective clients with its splendor.
On the ground floor, the palace has a suite of lounges, some more intimate, others more luxurious, which form a pleasant and relaxed whole. The huge living room, lined with paneling and requesting an astonishing picture of the park, accommodates up to 100 travelers.
Other adequately furnished little lounges tempt you to loosen up. You will fall in love with the French garden. Nice walk in the beautiful Autumn morning. There are lots of paths to wander through the forest and along the lakes. Lots of benches to sit and rest and just enjoy. It is best to arrive as early as possible because it is already a bit crowded around 10 am and it is difficult to find a parking space. Its 227 ha property, categorized as unique heritage of Wallonia, requests astonishing feelings and philosophies.
2. The Folon Foundation
The Folon Foundation engages a special vigilance to the preservation and enrichment of its assortment. To date, more than 8,130 items have been inventoried and digitized among the 10,000 works and archive statements in the collection. It’s a great museum featuring many original pieces. Tickets are cheap, and the staff is very helpful.
You have to come and enjoy this museum. It’s a marvelous and lovely path through the art of this incredible artist. Everything is presented with delicacy and be again.
You won’t regret it for sure. Besides, if the museum is not enough for you, you can enjoy the surroundings, which are extremely beautiful, with immense green areas to walk and appreciate. The Foundation gives a large range of artistic movements planned for all audiences: grown-ups, young people and “tiny people”, schoolchildren, groups, corporations, and visitors with disabilities.
All activities are founded on the human values defended by the artist throughout his career: the environment and human rights.
3. The lake of Genval
Established in magnificent, lush green surroundings, Genval lake is uncovered around 20 km to the South of Brussels. In addition to interesting country walks, the lake pledges a spectrum of exciting & fun activities such as sailing and canoeing.
The alongshore restaurants appeal to travelers with the opportunity to condense culinary enjoyments with the calm and comfortable atmosphere of this captivating site. This marine base rents pedal boats, rowing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Precise to devour a memorable time with friends and family. They also offer; Floating BBQs, Floating apéritif times,
Tours with a guide to learn about the lake’s history and Didactic sessions around the water.
4. Sonian forest
The Sonian Forest is a 4,421-hectare forest at the southeast horizon of Brussels, Belgium. The Sonian Forest was a favorite hunting ground of the Habsburg Imperial family, and as such characteristics prominently in some outstanding Renaissance endeavors of masterpieces such as the Hunts of Maximilian tapestries in the Louvre. It’s a large forest with many paths. It’s simply beautiful to see both in winter and spring.
Peaceful and agreeable. It’s close to Brussels, and it’s so wonderful to break out of the city for a few hours. The park accentuates an artificial lake with an island called Robinson’s island. It’s ultimately an amazing place to stay and admire nature. With a lot of fun activities, the Sonian Forest is a complete place to enjoy.
5. MARTIN’S SPA
An excellent antidote to the stresses and anxieties of everyday life, an integrity message at Martin’s Spa, Fitness & Wellbeing Club in Genval procures an experience to savor. It all begins with a gentle climb to the roofs of the Château du Lac.
Expect a welcome area festoon with prominent wood, a chandelier captioning metallic lace and Glass drops, Flared colonnades captioning Italian stucco, and a knitted floor in flickering silver tones.
Here, you are a VIP; a Guest Relations Manager will greet you and lead the way to the recreational sphere, a prelude to this journey towards wellbeing and elegance. One of the must things to do in La Hulpe.
Opening times Fitness and Thermae:
Weekdays: 7 am to 10 pm.
From Monday to Thursday: by reservation only 45 minutes
Price: 15 euros per person for hotel residents & 30 euros for outsiders
Children (0-16 years old) – Access to the swimming pool: only from Monday to Thursday between 2 pm and 4 pm
Price: 8 euros per child
From Friday to Sunday:
Access to the thermal baths is only available to clients who have previously booked a 50-minute treatment?
Opening Time Spa:
Mondays to Sundays: 9 am to 7 pm (Extra hour on Wed & Thursday).
Children escorted by an adult can access the pool:
Timing on weekends: 9 to 11 am (weekdays from 2.30 to 4.30 pm).
Price: 5 € for children under 12 & 15 € for children between 12 and 15 years of age.
6. L’Homme Bleu
In the heart of the Parc Solvay estate in La Hulpe. The Tavern of the Blue Man; Sheltered in the abandoned stable of the Château de La Hulpe Farm, a gorgeous farmhouse built-in 1833, the lodge has preserved its original decor: red brick walls and floors and high ambushed ceilings.
The Folon Foundation took its place in October 2000 in the Farm of the Château de La Hulpe, which is an ingredient of the Solvay domain, estate of the Walloon Region. During a tour of the museum or a stroll in the vast 227-hectare park, take a break at the Taverne de l’Homme Bleu, placed just opposite the Folon Foundation.
From the plate of “artisanal sausage from Auvergne” to the Chef’s scampi cassolette, through the “Caesar” salad (chicken, parmesan, dried tomatoes), fried chipirones with tartar sauce (mini-calamari), and more Blue Man cheeseburger (Angus Beef), the option is not lacking to renovate you in a friendly and rural atmosphere. Just a little thirsty? Lemonades, fruit juices, hot drinks, beers, wine, aperitifs, and digestives await you. Must try!