Green spots

Brussels city center is dense and although we have a nice park near the house you may want to spent a day off somewhere greener. Of course, you can take a train and go to the Ardennes or on the coast. But there are also great excursion spots closer. Here is a shortlist:

1. The Sonian forest : important forest in the south of Brussels. You cannot do it all in one day. You can start your walk at several locations. Here is a link to a map:

http://www.zonienwoud.be/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MAP_20160727_Zonienwoud.pdf

Best starting points are:

- Tervuren : It will take you 45 minutes from the house. Use tram 25 or 7 and switch to 44 at Montgomery. Go to the last stop.

Around the Royal Museum for Central Africa (definitely worth a visit), which has been renovated and opened to public end of 2018, you will find a nice park with lakes and large lawns. Close to the lakes is a small café, ideal for small refreshments.

You can extend your walk in to the Sonian forest and reach the Arboretum of Tervuren.

- Bois de la Cambre: It will take you less than 40 minutes taking tram 25 to Buyl or Marie José. It is maybe the most well-known park in Brussels. Around, is the ULB (French university of Brussels) and many impressive houses. You can take a small boat to a brasserie called Chalet Robinson standing on an island.

By bike, it is a good starting point to reach La Hulpe Castle in the Solvay Domain.

- Rouge-Cloître: Finally Rouge-Cloître centre is also a nice area to discover. It is less frequented and is still easily accessible taking tram 25 to Arsenal and then bus 34 to Sainte-Anne.

2. Meise Botanic Garden : Formally National Botanical Garden, it is simply one of the biggest botanical garden in the world. Greenhouses display impressive specimens. A new house on the wood will explain you everything about trees. And magnolias are just outstanding in the spring.

You can reach the garden in less than one hour taking tram 62 to Bockstael and then bus 250.

3. Forest of Halle: Further away you will need a car or patience to reach it (Itinerary). Often listed in books for "places to see in the world", it is a must do if you are in Brussels when bluebells are blooming. A site allows you to know the best moment to go (Official website). Just look, don't walk on them even for a picture. They are extremely fragile.

4. Gassbeek Castle: Also out of the city (Itinerary). The 13th century castle is surrounded by wonderful gardens. It can be visited from spring to autumn.