The Robinson Chalet - © Visit.Brussels
500 Avenue Louise is one of Brussels’ economic lungs, nestled next to another, but green: the Bois de la Cambre. Just 188 meters from Beci’s offices, 122 hectares of greenery unfold, including a beech forest envied around the world. A true green paradise.
The Bois de la Cambre is historically linked to its abbey, founded in the early 13th century, from which it takes its name. Its landscaping dates back to 1860. It is the gateway to an exceptional forested area of nearly 5,000 hectares. A vast playground for sports, culinary delights, cultural discoveries, and social connections. Here, a meeting can easily turn into a leisurely stroll.
Take a slight detour to the sublime Abbaye de la Cambre, often overlooked because it is hidden in its green setting. It is one of Brussels’ heritage gems, with perfectly designed gardens. Your legs will warm up on its magnificent staircases both vertiginous and majestic.
Eat ! Drink ! Dance !
Dining in the Bois is a true pleasure. Start with Villa in the Sky, offering a breathtaking view over Brussels, or Villa Lorraine. At the foot of the Sky Tower, Lilly’s brings life to the neighborhood. These three establishments belong to the Litvine family. Another Michelin-starred gem, Chalet de la Forêt, run by Pascal Devalkeneer, also opens its doors. Four stars concentrated in the same gourmet area how many forests can you name where the food is this good?
If you prefer a brasserie atmosphere, settle in at the Patinoire, Pesage, Flore, or Chalet Robinson, with a bucolic walk over the water. For a drink (or more, if the mood strikes), two guinguettes welcome you all year round: the Woodpecker and the Kiosque. And to extend the night, the Jeux d’Hiver will have you dancing until the early morning.
Let’s get active !
Beyond walking, cycling, running, skating, scootering, or rowing, the Bois is also a playground for your four-legged companions. You can hit golf balls at Drohme, play tennis at Intero or David Lloyd, and enjoy the padel courts at Lloyd. It’s not uncommon to see riders and ponies with little ones in tow. The 20 km of Brussels finds one of its highlights here, as do the 24-hour bike races of our scouts, celebrating their 40th edition this year.
Cultural indulgence !
At the Louise side entrance, two art galleries will soon open their doors. You’ll also find a rock and pottery school at Drohme, as well as a theater showcasing daring performances, Théâtre de Poche. In summer, Guignolet and its puppets take over a green haven. The Bois serves as the backdrop for the Festival de Théâtre Nomade, Afrodisiac Festival, Fiesta Latina, Fête de la Musique, and many other events.
There is always a good reason to enjoy “your” forest. The only downside is the forest of concrete blocks, often as massive as they are inhospitable.
Next time you come to Beci, remember to bring a good pair of shoes on your feet or in your trunk. Treat yourself to a body reset, a true recharge. Pure happiness reconnecting with nature, which is ready to flood you with its benefits. And free of charge, to boot.
Isn’t life beautiful and green?!
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