Alleys lined with flowers so colourful they evoke fireworks, picnics under the shade of centuries old trees, a honeyish scent in the air… Our parks and gardens in Wallonia offer the best therapy you could hope for! Choose from:
- Castle grounds
- Remarkable arboretum
- Medicinal gardens
- Green spaces in town
- Didactic and artistic gardens
Castle grounds
Listen up. Can you hear these gentle water sounds? These come from the many fountains in the Jardins d’Annevoie, gardens beautifully styled. Some, the French way, others Italian or English inspired.
The Château de Freyr’s terraced gardens and impeccably lined hundred years old orange trees reflect in the Meuse river. Quite a contrast with nature on the other side, still beautifully untamed.
The park of the Château de Beloeil offers a harmony of water bodies and greenery, a constant play on light and shadows. Would you believe the design remains true to the original drawing, which dates back to 1664? Concerts and contemporary art exhibitions often take place there.
A stunning example of landscape architecture alternating between geometry, floral art and hydraulic engineering, the park of the Château d’Enghien features superb gardens and the European Dahlia Conservatory.
English park, French-style gardens and orangery add to the beauty of the Château de Seneffe.
Remarkable arboretums
the Parc du Domaine Régional Solvay reveals lawns, beech trees growing as tall as a cathedral, shaded valleys lined, ancient trees, rhododendron shrubs and no less than 450 species of wild plants.
An impressive 900 metres long alley leads to the Musée royal de Mariemont, which adds rich botanical collections to its art and historical wealth. The park, designed in an English style, is the closest possible to what it was at the beginning of the 20th century. Don’t forget to bow to its 50 ancient trees…
The stunning Lenoir arboretum, planted in the 1930ies with over 1,400 woody species, retains an irresistible wild touch.
Take a refreshing walk under La Reid Bower, the longest in Europe.
Near Saint Hubert, the Fourneau Saint-Michel arboretum gather species such as Douglas firs, noble fir trees, tsugas and Japanese larches.
Medicinal gardens
The Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville known for its romantic ruins, is also proud of 6 gardens: some dedicated to the healing herbs the monks would have collected, others planted with rose bushes collections, hydrangeas, orchards and even a meditative path.
The Hôpital Notre-Dame à La Rose is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. Its philosophy, a healthy soul in a healthy body, makes perfect sense when you walk through its gardens. Look closely, you will learn a lot on how each plant was used to cure ailments.
In the Hautes Fagnes, Herba Sana counts 120 healing plants, grouped by themes. The rest of the site is left to grow wild: the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s native flora.
Green spaces in town
Along pretty paved streets, Thuin suspended gardens offer splendid views on the town. You will even discover vineyards there!
In Liège, await the Coteaux de la Citadelle, 90 hectares of hills planted with terraced gardens, meadows and orchards.
Didactic and artistic gardens
In Chaudfontaine, the Cinq Saisons Festival plays all year round. The park is in constant dialogue with fragile, sustainable art works. A surreal, magical stroll…
The Topiary Park, in the sweet little town of Durbuy, is quite a unique garden: one hectare wide, planted with 250 incredible sculpted shrubs. It’s simply impossible not to be mesmerised!