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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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| Castles in Flanders |
Castle of Alden Biesen (Bilzen-Rijkhoven)
The enormous castle-abbey is the largest between France's Loire River and the Rhine River. The present brick buildings date from the mid-16th to late 18th century. There is also a church, a gallery, an orangery as well as extensive French-style gardens. It is
now a cultural center of the Flemish Community. Open: Daily from 10:00-6:00 (until 5:00 pm from Nov 1 - Easter. Closed Mon.).
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Castle of Beersel (Beersel)
Beersel is one of Flanders' greatest medieval castles. The flat landscape forced the local lord to create a very large moat, high walls and impressively tall towers compared to other Belgian fortresses of that period. Open: Daily (except Mon) from 10:00-12:00 and 2:00-6:00 from Mar 1 - Nov 15 and only on weekends the rest of the year.
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Castle of Gaasbeek (Gaasbeek)
This castle was once lorded over to the city of Brussels in 1240 when the townspeople took terrible revenge and destroyed it. Restored in the 19th century, it contains outstanding 15th & 16th-century tapestries. Rubens's will is found in the castle museum which is set among the 110 acre park. Open: Daily (except Mon & Fri) from Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, 10:00-5:00. Open daily (except Fri) July-Aug. |
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Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Ghent)
The construction of the first castle, the foundations of which still remain, undoubtedly dates from the 13th century. The castle contains a crypt, a dungeon a court museum and an exhibition of historical weapons and armor. Open: Daily from 9:00-6:00 in Apr-Sep and from 9:00-5:00 in Oct-Mar.
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The Castle of Hex (Heks)
The Castle of Hex was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by 12.5 acres of formal gardens set in a 150 acre English style park. A collection of old botanical roses, the oldest of which date from the original garden lay-out, is of particular interest. Every year, on the second weekend of Jun & Sep the gardens are open to the public. |
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Castle -Brewery Ter Dolen (Houthalen-Helchteren)
During the middles ages, Ter Dolen was a fortified castle of the abbots of St-Truiden. In 1994 the family brewery Ter Dolen was established in the annex. Open: Daily Jul-Aug and only on weekends from Sep-Jun. |
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Castle of Ooidonk (Ooidonk)
This typically Flemish castle that we see today is much the same as when it was rebuilt in 1595. The interior was redecorated in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles by the artisans of the Second Empire. Open: from Apr 1-Sep 15 on Sun and holidays from 2:00-5:30. Also open on Sat in Jul & Aug. |
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The Steen (Antwerp)
Located on the Antwerp harbor, the Steen (Stone) was one of the first building made of stone, in the year 1200. Throughout the centuries it was used as a prison and an archeological museum. Today it is the home to the National Maritime Museum. Open: Tue-Sun from 10:00-5:00.
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Castle of Wijnendale (Torhout)
Since the 11th century the fortress of Wynendale has dominated the plateau of Wynendale. Restoration began in the 19th century, the general aspect of an open country castle with water defenses was retained as well as part of the old walls and the 14th century turret.
Open: May 15 - Sep 1 on Tue, Wed & Sun from 2:00-6:00.
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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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Arboretum Kalmthout (Kalmthout)
A stroll through the 29 acre arboretum plunges you into a journey of discovery of the luxuriant and diverse world of plants. More than 7000 varieties of plants from all over the world, colorful flowering borders, rose gardens and butterfly gardens. Open: Daily Mar 15 - Nov 15 from 10:00-5:00. |
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The Castle of Hex (Heks)
The Castle of Hex was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by 12.5 acres of formal gardens set in a 150 acre English style park. A collection of old botanical roses, the oldest of which date from the original garden lay-out, is of particular interest. Every year, on the second weekend of Jun & Sep the gardens are open to the public.
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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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| 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. |
Castles of Wallonia
In depth information on Belgian castles including, packages , accommodations, visits and more. Also, castles with golf courses. |
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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