- Attractions
- Woodland, nature reserve or natural area
- Châteaux
- Lake, water body or waterway
- Park (castles)
- Park/garden
- Architectural heritage
Near Brussels, the Solvay Regional Estate is home to the Folon Foundation Museum and the Château de La Hulpe. The paths of the park will take you over the wooded hills of the Soignes forest and ponds.
A spot of history
Built for the Marquis Maximilien de Béthune as an elegant manor house on the outskirts of Brussels in the 1840s, the chateau stands on a hill overlooking a lake set in a park of mature trees which extends for more than 220 hectares. In 1893 the estate was bought by wealthy industrialist Ernest Solvay who redesigned the park and extensively remodelled the chateau from its original Flemish neo-renaissance style to a more classical appearance fronted by a French formal garden.
Château de La Hulpe
Built in 1842 and inspired by the Loire castles, the Château de la Hulpe is surrounded by sumptuous gardens adorned with sculptures. The building is only accessible to the public for events.
Folon Foundation
Located in the castle farm, the Folon foundation presents 500 works by Jean-Michel Folon. Upstairs is a temporary exhibition room.
A stroll in the park
- The estate is part of the exceptional heritage Parks & Gardens of Wallonia. Remarkable trees, French gardens, woodlands, waves of rhododendrons and azaleas, water points... There are over 450 species of wild plants to discover.
- The fauna is quite diverse: the park is a refuge for birds and small mammals.
- 3 walks of about 5 km are accessible all year round, perfect to explore the area.
Good to know
- Possibility to have lunch or dinner at the L'Homme bleu tavern
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash
Contact
Equipement
Non-smoking - Car parking - Parking