A weekend to discover Wallonia: head to Nivelles

It's impossible to visit Nivelles without starting at its Grand Place and the imposing collegiate church of Sainte-Gertrude. A true emblem of the city, this Romanesque edifice boasts a nave of 102 meters, two opposing choirs, and an 11th-century crypt. Depending on the visiting options, you can also discover its cloister, archaeological basement, or bell tower, where the famous jacquemart Jean de Nivelles is located.

Around the collegiate church, the city center naturally invites you to wander. Take your time strolling through the shopping streets, sitting at a terrace, or stepping inside the local small businesses. The main points of interest are close to each other, making it easy to visit Nivelles on foot and at your own pace.

Continue your walk in the Saint-Jacques district, the oldest part of the city. Once frequented by pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, it retains picturesque streets, old houses, and several vestiges of Nivelles' medieval past.

You can also spot the Simone Tower, sometimes called the Devil's Tower. It is the last remaining defense tower among the remnants of the city's old fortifications. To deepen your discovery, the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, Art, and History features archaeological artifacts, antique furniture, paintings, and sculptures related to local history.

After visiting the streets of the historical center, head towards the Dodaine Park for a green break. Located in the heart of Nivelles, this protected park combines French and English-inspired gardens, a large pond, artworks, and various walking spaces.

Families can enjoy a playground here, while sports enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to walk or run around the lake. The ducks and geese that drift along the shores also contribute to the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Dodaine Park is ideal for slowing down without necessarily planning a long hike. A walk by the water, a few moments on a bench, or a picnic when the weather allows is enough to shift the pace. From certain viewpoints, the collegiate church of Sainte-Gertrude even reveals itself behind the trees.

Travelers who wish to extend the stroll can reach the green spaces dominated by the wood of the Holy Sepulchre or follow one of the routes offered around Nivelles. A RAVeL trail of about nine kilometers starts near Mont Saint-Roch and allows visitors to explore the surrounding landscapes on foot or by bike.

Nivelles also serves as an excellent starting point to explore Walloon Brabant. The surrounding countryside offers numerous opportunities for walks, between small roads, rural paths, and cycling routes.

Bike enthusiasts can notably take routes connecting Nivelles to Genappe or Villers-la-Ville. A 35-kilometer itinerary, for example, links Villers-la-Ville to Nivelles, crossing the landscapes of Roman Païs and passing near several iconic buildings.

The abbey of Villers-la-Ville is also a great idea for an excursion during your weekend. Its ruins, gardens, and arranged walks in the surroundings offer a refreshing setting for heritage and nature lovers.

You can thus dedicate one day to Nivelles and enjoy the next day to discover the region. This proximity between city and countryside makes it easy to compose a stay mixing cultural visits, strolls, and moments of relaxation.

Discovering Nivelles also means discovering its culinary delights. The essential local specialty is the tarte al djote, a true symbol of the Aclote city. This savory pie made from chard, cheese, and butter is enjoyed hot and featured on the menu of several establishments in the city.

After a morning of exploration, settle in the center to taste this traditional recipe, possibly accompanied by a local beer. Nivelles proudly claims its gourmet identity and is notably presented as the capital of Roman Païs and tarte al djote.

The restaurants, cafes, and shops in the center allow you to shape your stay according to your desires: a quick lunch between two visits, a romantic dinner, or a convivial family meal. A weekend in Wallonia is also an opportunity to take the time to reconnect around a good table.

After a day spent exploring the city and Walloon Brabant, return to the comfort of the Van der Valk Hotel Nivelles-Sud. The establishment features a Fitness & Wellness area operated by Kineo, including an indoor pool, a sauna, a hammam, a jacuzzi, a fitness room, and a treatment center.

You can thus alternate discoveries and relaxation without multiplying travel. A few laps in the pool, a session in the sauna, or a moment in the jacuzzi allow you to end the day gently before returning to the comfort of your room.

The hotel's restaurant and brasserie also offer you the opportunity to extend the evening around a meal, without the need to drive. Heritage, nature, gastronomy, and well-being are thus united within the same stay.

On Saturday morning, start at the Grand Place and visit the collegiate church of Sainte-Gertrude. Continue your discovery in the Saint-Jacques district, then indulge in a gourmet break in the city center.

In the afternoon, head to the Dodaine Park for a walk by the water before returning to the hotel. You can then enjoy the wellness facilities and end the day with a delicious meal.

On Sunday, choose your program based on your mood: a walk or bike ride around Nivelles, a visit to the municipal museum, or an excursion to the abbey of Villers-la-Ville. This pace allows you to discover the destination without turning your weekend into a race against time.

For your next getaway, our Van der Valk hotels also welcome you in Waterloo, Charleroi Airport, Mons Congrès, Liège Sélys, Liège Congrès, Verviers and Spa.

Historical stay, cultural city trip, nature break, wellness weekend, or vacation departure: each destination offers a different way to discover Wallonia, always in a comfortable and friendly setting.