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Green and Eco Tourism in Belgium
Belgium is a peaceful country where harmony with nature is present in the cities and countrysides. Brussels and its surrounding areas have more green areas than any other European capital, with numerous parks and the magnificent Soignes Forest . Members of the tourism industry are working hard to sustain the quality of Belgium's environment whether it be hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfasts or visitor attractions.
| Brussels |
| Some ideas for walk : Brussels and its closest surroundings form one of the cities with the most green areas per inhabitant |
Eco Edibles
Every Wednesday, "Le Marche Bio" (green market) at the Place Sainte Catherine sells organic and locally-produced food between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm
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| Organic Accommodations in French Speaking Wallonia |
Gîtes or Guest Rooms "Panda"
The requirements for Panda accommodations were created by the WWF in collaboration with the associations for regional tourism and are as follows:
- Accommodations with character, located in a region known for the beauty of the surrounding nature
- Built or renovated with natural materials
- Concern for the preservation of the environment (waste sorting, energy conservation etc.)
- Observational materials and appropriate information for guests (binoculars, nature guides etc.)
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"Organic" Gite or Guest Room
This accommodation has to be located in an active farm where "biological" agriculture is practiced or at least where "working methods with respect for the environment" are used. The suggested activities are a means to discover this agriculture, as well as quality products. |
Gîtes or Guest Rooms "Nature Discovery Activity"
Located in a region where nature is privileged, it valorises the richness and the diversity of the natural heritage in respect of the environment. The lodger can do various leisure activities linked to the discovery of the surrounding nature. The owner will suggest at least three discovery activities, one of which at least at personal initiative. The other activities may be organised by the local authorities or, for example, by a nature guide |
Durbuy Adventure
Original accommodation
in a real indian tipi
or in a typical chalet.
A choice of 30 accommodations from 6 to 63 persons. |
| Museum Shops, Museum Food - where food meets Art! |
Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
On the top of this Art Nouveau style museum you will find a restaurant with one of the most beautiful views of Brussels. |
Museum Food
Situated in the Fine Arts Museum, you have the choice between the ‘Museum Cafe’ and the ‘Museum Brasserie’. |
BELvue Museum
Where visitors discover the major historical periods of Belgium by means of numerous historical documents, and where they can relax in a new cafe. |
| Date |
Brussels Event |
| May 31, 2008 |
Zinneke Parade: A great example of a famous Brussels procession composed with hundreds of floats all made with reprocessed materials. |
| August 31, 2008 |
Around the green walk : The festive and multicultural event "Around the Green Walk" allows all inhabitants of Brussels to meet to discover the beautiful trips in our capital city. On the agenda: bike and walking trips, followed by a giant picnic in a convivial and musical atmosphere. Everybody is welcome! |
| Sep 16-22, 2008 |
European Week of Sustainable Mobility:
A week filled with festivities concerning sustainable mobility. This year's European theme "Reclaiming streets for people" wants to return the streets to the citizens. |
| Sep 21, 2008 |
European Day - A Sunday Without Car:
This event takes place all over Europe. No cars are allowed in the city center from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm. The area is only accessible by bike, public transport or on foot. |
| Oct 17-19, 2008 |
Fair for Alternative, Ethical and Fair Tourism:
International and interactive fair for ethical and responsible tourism in Brussels. |
Nov 21-23, 2008 |
Planet Attitude: A fair for sustainable development. If you a bring a cell phone to the recycling point at the entrance of the fair, you receive two free entrance tickets. |
May 17-22, 2009 |
Dring Dring: Week of the bike in Brussels. The traditional bike festival takes place at Cinquantenaire Park. |
| Date |
Events in French Speaking Wallonia |
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| Mar 14-17, 2008 |
Bois & Habitat Fair (Namur): Fair for wooden constructions, decorations. |
| Mar 15-16, 2008 |
Garden Fair (Enghien): This event for flower and garden lovers takes place
on the grounds of the beautiful Castle of Enghien. Over 130 exhibitors will display their beautiful flowers.
In the castle itself there will be conferences, floral workshops and scrap booking workshops. |
| May 4, 2008 |
Arboretum Day (Monceau-Sur-Sambre):
Offering a trail with 28 stops where visitors discover the main tree species of the region. |
| May 18, 2008 |
Chlorophyll Festival (Dochamps): Activities for children, storyteller, folklore, crafts, Ardennes music and dances, hunting horns, gastronomy. |
| Aug 24, 2008 |
Forest Festival (Assesse):
70 craftsmen of wood in action. Cultural exhibitions, sculptors with chain saws, transport by draught horses, sawmill in operation, riding schools and activities for children. |
| Sep 6-7, 2008 |
International Hunting and Nature Days (Saint-Hubert):
A great historic procession has been taking place for over 40 years with concert, the
blessing of the animals, and high mass. |
| Sep 13-14, 2008 |
Euro Nature (Saint-Hubert): The objective of this event is to gather all the visitors and users of the forest. Sportsmen, hunters, ecologists and wood companies get to know and respect one another. |
| Sep 20, 2008 |
Autumn Equinox :
Sleeplees night yo take a rest in nature .Numerous original activities in several museum that are member of the association Musées et Société en Wallonie. |
| Sep 21, 2008 |
Autumn Festival (Dochamps): With numerous fun activities in the park, an exposition and a guided walk on the theme mushrooms by Jean-Marie Hamoir, reputed mycologist. |
| Oct 17-19, 2008 |
Week-end of the forest : This event wants to raise awareness among the large public on the forest and wood by means of educational, playful, festive, recreational and artistic initiatives |
| Nov 2008 |
A Tourist, a Tree - Come and Plant Your Tree in Wallonia: 30 towns invite you to come and plant a tree. Every tree will get a name tag which will allow you to come back the following years to see "your tree". Visitors will also receive a certificate for their participation. |
| Nov 21-24, 2008 |
Energy & Habitat Fair (Namur): Exhibition on energetic efficiency and sustainable construction. |
| Nov 29 , 2008 |
Day of the Tree (Wallonia): Tree of the year - the viburnum. Numerous fun activities including distribution of plants, exchange of ligneous plants, information booths and bars with samples of regional products. |
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