Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές τρεξίματος στη Βαλλονική Βραβάντη

Here in the courtyard you can get something to drink and eat (be careful, it is only open until 6 p.m.), which is a bit of a shame.

A great woodland setting for a bit of fresh air, a bit of elevation change, or just plain beauty. There's enough elevation change for some truly demanding trail training, and by approaching it differently (starting near the golf course, for example, and following the valley more in its length), it's also possible to maintain a more manageable elevation gain. The wetlands at the bottom are truly charming. Combine with the golf course, the arboretum, Lake LLN, or the Bois des Rêves. A must-see in the BW!

The Porte de Namur – Heritage of the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville The Porte de Namur dates from 1725 and is an impressive remnant of the former abbey of Villers-la-Ville. It was built under Abbot Jacques Hache, the 61st abbot of the abbey, who led it from 1716 to 1734. The gate stands right next to the ruins of the abbey and is located near the tourist information point (Syndicat d’Initiative). It spans the rue de l’Abbaye (national road RN274) and provides access to the Notre-Dame des Affligés chapel and the village of Mellery. On the left, there is a reconstructed terraced vineyard supported by slate retaining walls – a nod to the abbey’s wine-making past. The Namur Gate is built in a classical style, with two tall pilasters supporting a red brick entablature. At the top, a triangular pediment adorns the gate, containing niches, the coat of arms of Abbot Hache and his motto: Fortiter et Suaviter – ‘strong and gentle’.

The mill was built in the 13th century. Part of the building housed the abbey bakery. At the beginning of the 14th century, it delivered more than 2,000 loaves of brown bread every week, intended for the poor who presented themselves at the porter's lodge. Hydraulic wheels operated the millstones for grinding wheat and barley, but also for sawing wood and pressing oil. In the 19th century, the mill-bakery was transformed into a hotel: the Hôtel des Ruines. Victor Hugo stayed there several times.

Villers Abbey was founded in 1146 by the Cistercians. With the presence of slate and rich silt soil, all the conditions were present to found an abbey in this area. The domain surrounding the historical heritage is 30 hectares in size and houses eight gardens with different themes, a historical mill and a monk's pharmacy. Exhibitions, concerts and shows are regularly held on the site. If there is nothing to do, you can still settle down in the bistro to taste the abbey's beer.

To see and don't hesitate to get lost there

The Folon Foundation is a museum institution with its own art collection. It manages this exceptional heritage by adding to it with purchases, preserving it, studying it, exhibiting it and spreading the message to the public. The foundation protects the image of Jean-Michel Folon and manages the rights to his work. Finally, it is committed to the values cherished by Folon, which are central to its social purpose. In accordance with his wishes, the museum welcomes many visitors with a mental or physical disability every year for a free and adapted visit. The foundation also continues the initiatives to defend human rights that Folon set up with Amnesty International, by regularly republishing the Declaration of Human Rights and donating the profits to Amnesty.

Beautiful but very busy. Good to know!