Hopping back and forth across the linguistic border at the start of the Kwadebeek

A lovely little walk around the enchanting Sept Fontaines ponds between Rhode-Saint-Genèse and Braine l'Alleud. It also takes you off the beaten track through the surrounding countryside and forests.

Starting from the Seven Fountains Ponds, this circular walk takes you through a variety of landscapes: ponds, rivers, woods, meadows and fields, spread out on either side of the linguistic border – a border of language, but not a border in nature. How many times during the walk do you find yourself wondering: “Which Brabant am I in? Flemish Brabant or Walloon Brabant?”

A 5 km circular route, largely shaded, in and around the pretty and very peaceful Kwadebeek Valley (which is a ‘natuurpunt’ in Rhode-Saint-Genèse). No traffic noise (what a joy!) but plenty of birdsong in spring.

Starting from the Dworp football pitch, the walk follows the green belt to the south of the Dworp conurbation, joining the picturesque path that runs alongside the Chapitre stream (Kapittelbeek) and finally enters the Bois de Hal proper.From one tree-lined avenue to the next, the route passes through magnificent chestnut and beech woods before emerging into the countryside around Braine-l’Alleud.After the historic boundary marker of the Sonian Forest, dating from the 16th century, the route changes direction towards the Sept Fontaines ponds, running alongside the golf course of the same name. The former Abbey of Sept Fontaines and its farm are now, unfortunately, part of a private estate and are virtually invisible from the public paths.

The Bois de Hal is renowned for the magnificent carpets of hyacinths that decorate the undergrowth in spring, usually from mid-April to early May.The hyacinths are preceded by anemones and followed in some places by wild garlic.With a little luck and, above all, a lot of patience, you may be able to spot a deer or two grazing or frolicking a little further away, in the undergrowth away from the paths.

Walk between the two Brabants, through residential neighbourhoods and fields… A stroll through quiet neighbourhoods, perfect for walking with family or friends.

A lovely little walk where you can enjoy the coolness of the Sonian Forest on hot days or the magnificent autumn colours. In spring, carpets of hyacinths and anemones add touches of blue and pinkish-white to certain parts of the forest.

Set off to explore a walk through fields, woods and orchards in the countryside around Rhode-Saint-Genèse. This walk takes in the communal orchard, which has been laid out in a fun and original way, views over small valleys, walks through meadows among cows and horses, and remarkable trees.