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There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. Beautiful castles to experience, formal gardens to get lost in, peaceful abbeys and historic battlefields are awaiting your visit. We would like to suggest a few special sites for your historic journey through French speaking Wallonia and Brussels.
| Castles in French Speaking Wallonia |
Annevoie Castle & Gardens (Annevoie)
Designed and laid out between 1758 and 1776 by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier, the castle and gardens are an authentic historical record and above all a living work of art. Graceful fountains and waterfalls fill the garden and the arbors with music. Open: Daily Apr-Nov from 9:30-5:30 except during Jul & Aug when it is open to 6:30 pm. |
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Castle of Attre (Attre)
Built in 1752, it is the only castle in Belgium that has preserved the original decoration and furniture of that period. The romantic gardens with mysterious rocks and other formations reflect the 18th century. Behind the château are grounds that stretch over 42 acres. Open: Sat-Sun from 1:00-6:00 in Jul & Aug. © Collection Château d'Attre |
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The Castle of Beloeil (Beloeil)
The Castle of Beloeil has been the residence of the Princes de Ligne since the 14th century. It houses a fantastic art collection, with paintings from the 15th to the 19th century. The castle has an outstanding library with 20,000 books and large French-style gardens. Open: Daily May-Sep from 1:00-6:00 and weekends the rest of the year. |
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Castle of Bouillon (Bouillon)
This castle-fortress is the oldest and most interesting remains of feudalism in Belgium with the first fortifications from the 8th century. It was built on three rocky outcrops and is characterized by a labyrinth of corridors and huge vaulted halls. The castle became first famous due to Godefroid, the leader of the first Crusade (1096). Educational falconry exhibition all year round. |
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Castle of Chimay (Chimay)
The castle of Chimay, one of the twelve noble houses of Hainaut, was built in 1607 and hosts a beautiful theater built in 1863. Every year the Prince and Princess of Chimay host an International Baroque Chant Competition (Oct) and a Baroque Music Festival (Jun). Visit with the Princess Elisabeth of Chimay daily from Easter to September 30 at 10:00 am , 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm. |
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The Citadel of Dinant (Dinant)
On a cliff above the River Meuse, the citadel offers views of the town and countryside. This fortress was built in 1051 to defend the city against invaders. It is reached either by cable car or by the 408 steps cut into the hillside. Closed Fridays from Oct-Mar. Open: 10:00-6:00 in season and to 5:00 pm off season. |
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Freyr Castle and Gardens (Hastiere)
Named after the Scandinavian goddess of beauty, Freyr (1554) is located along the River Meuse. Most of the orange trees originate from the Court of Lorraine and are nearing 350 years old. They are brought inside during the winter. The gardens are in the style of Le Nôtre and are surrounded by mazes made of horn beam hedges. Open: Daily in Jul & Aug (except Mon) from 10:30-12:45 and from 2:00-5:45. |
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Chateau D' Hassonville
A lovely escape in the French speaking Ardennes, the peacock-laden grounds alone are worth the trip to this castle hotel with a gourmet restaurant on-site. Château d’Hassonville and the 135 acres of private grounds were constructed in the 17th century as a hunting palace for Louis XIV. Other features include: restaurant, bar, greenhouse & wine cellar. 60 miles from Brussels. |
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Castle of Jehay (Jehay)
This fine example of Renaissance style dates back to the 16th century and houses splendid collections of furniture, silver, lace, china, tapestries, paintings and sculptures. The bridge crossing the moat takes you into the gardens with paths, arbors, fountains, waterfalls and nymphs. Open: Jun-Sep on Sat-Sun 11:00-6:00; Tue-Fri 1:00-5:00 (Jun) 2:00-6:00 (Jul & Aug), 2:00-5:00 on Tue & Wed (Sep).
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Castle of Lavaux-Ste-Anne (Lavaux Sainte Anne)
This magnificent castle portrays seigniorial life in the 17th and 18th centuries.You’ll never see another castle like this medieval oddity, a moat-encircled collection of domes with an impressive collection of stuffed animals inside. Try out the on-site restaurant for the multi-course Burgundian lunch. Open everyday (except 25/12 and 1/1) from 9:00-5:30. In Jul & Aug the castle closes at 7:00 pm.
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Castle of the Counts of Marchin (Modave)
This superb 17th century castle is built on a rock peak in the middle of a nature reserve and has about twenty richly decorated and furnished rooms. Musical evenings are often held and the Christmas decorations are quite magical. Open: Daily (except Mon and holidays) Apr-Nov from 10:00-6:00.
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The Citadel of Namur (Namur)
The Citadel of Namur, built in a prestigious setting, stretches out on 19 acres of greenery and offers superb views across the Meuse Valley. Besides its quality as an historical witness, it also has several attractions such as a tourist train (though all the fortifications), underground passages, an audiovisual show and exhibition rooms. Open: Daily Apr 1 - Oct 31 from 11:00-6:00. |
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The Castle of Reinhardstein (Robeetville- Ovifat)
The halls of the castle house an impressive collection of armor and tapestries, making it one of the most important medieval castles in Belgium. Concerts and medieval banquets are held at the castle. Open for guided visits: From mid Sep - mid Jun at 2:30 on Sat and 11:00 on Sunday (FR, NL). In Jul & Aug 3:30 on Tue, Thu & Sat. |
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The Castle of Seneffe and its Gardens (Seneffe)
This summer residence is at the center of a remarkable 18th century group of buildings which include outbuildings, an orangery, a small neo-classic theater, an icehouse and a French garden, set in a park of 54 acres. It houses the Silversmiths' Museum and the European Silver collection of Claude and Juliette D'Allemagne. Open: Daily (except Mon) from 10:00-6:00.
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The Castle of Veves (Celles)
If Cinderella ever had a ball - she must have had it here. This picturesque, turreted feudal castle dates from 1410. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the picturesque village of Celles, it is still lived in by the same family and is fully furnished . It illustrates what life was like from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century. Closed public holidays and Mon except in Jul & Aug. Open from 10:00-6:00 (5:00 pm in Apr & Oct). |
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| Gardens |
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Annevoie Castle & Gardens (Annevoie)
Designed and laid out between 1758 and 1776 by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier, the castle and gardens are an authentic historical record and above all a living work of art. Graceful fountains and waterfalls fill the garden and the arbors with music. Open: Daily Apr-Nov from 9:30-5:30 except during Jul and Aug when it is open to 6:30 pm. |
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Topiary Gardens (Durbuy)
With a unique collection of sculpted box trees, it is the largest topiary garden open to the public.This very original garden boasts more than 250 figures, some of which are more than 120 years old. Topiary art embellishes gardens and gives a living shape to evergreen plants using pruning and braiding. |
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Freyr Castle and Gardens (Hastiere)
Named after the Scandinavian goddess of beauty, Freyr (1554) is located along the River Meuse. Most of the orange trees originate from the Court of Lorraine and are nearing 350 years. They are brought inside during the winter. The gardens are in the style of Le Nôtre and are surrounded by mazes made of horn beam hedges. Open: Daily in Jul & Aug (except Mon) from 10:30-12:45 and from 2:00-5:45. |
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The National Botanic Garden of Belgium (Meise)
This paradise for nature lovers is an historic royal domain extending over 227 acres. Endless promenade walks lead through open-air collections of medicinal plants, herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, and conifers. Another world is revealed in the Plant Palace, an enormous glasshouse covering 2.5 acres with more than 10,000 plant species including unusual plants from America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. |
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The botanical garden of Liège was created by the University in 1840 and houses its exotic collections in magnificent Victorian style greenhouses. They are a rare example of glass and iron construction in Liège and are now listed.1050 m² house nearly 5,000 plants, including numerous begoniaciae, bromeliaceae, cactaceae, orchids, carnivorous plants and grass plants, Mediterranean or tropical plants (banana trees, cocoa trees, vanilla plants,…) as well as some exceptional Cycad specimens.
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| Tour Operator in US and other useful links |
Open Gardens
The association Jardins Ouverts of Belgium (Open Gardens of Belgium) organizes visits of privately owned gardens.
The gardens can be visited from March until October, either on set dates following the timetable (no reservation required) or by appointment. Groups must always come by appointment, out of public visiting dates. |
| Visit Europe
Guide for exploring the beauty and interesting diversity the European countries have to offer. All the countries have joined together on visiteurope.com to provide you with a wonderful resource to obtain all the information you need to make your trip to Europe the trip of a lifetime.
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Destinations Europe (Travel & Tours) Ltd.
For castles and gardens tours |
Dream It
In depth information on Belgian castles including, packages , accommodations, visits and more. |
Gardening Tours
Custom tour designed specifically for garden writers taking place in Belgium & Holland. |
Tulips & Windmills Cruises
Several tour operators offer floral inspired small ship cruises and barges throughout Belgium and the Netherlands. |
Hainault Castles
Over 500 castles to discover in this Walloon province. |
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