Less than an hour and a half’s drive from Brussels, the Château de Belœil has all the makings of a film set: moat, imposing façade and formal gardens stretching as far as the eye can see. A true icon of Belgian heritage, it has been attracting the curious, walkers and history buffs for centuries. The estate is currently closed to the public, but the good news is that it will reopen in April 2026.
Get lost in a majestic estate
Château de Belœil is more than just a pretty setting. It tells the story of eight centuries of history. Residence of the Princes de Ligne since the XIVᵉ century, it began as a medieval fortress before becoming an elegant classical residence, rebuilt after a fire in the early XXᵉ century. Among its treasures, the castle library is particularly noteworthy. More than 20,000 volumes are housed here, bearing witness to the history, travels and passions of successive generations. As you stroll through the aisles and courtyards, you’ll feel the weight of time while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Its elegant facades, tranquil moat and building details – statues, bridges and viewpoints – give the impression of having left the city for a place where the past blends with the present.
The magnificent park
The Château de Belœil park extends over 25 hectares of perfectly ordered greenery. Designed in the purest tradition of French gardens, it impresses with its geometric paths, shimmering ponds and neatly trimmed hedges. Each perspective has been designed to create a balance between water, greenery and architecture, offering a panorama of great elegance. A true extension of the château, the park reflects the Princes de Ligne’s taste for symmetry, rigor and refinement, and today remains one of the finest examples of classical garden design in Belgium.
An easy day out
The château is accessible by car, and the visit requires no complicated planning. A morning stroll through the gardens (valid only during the Amaryllis exhibition), lunch at the Relais du Maréchal, the Château’s restaurant, and a few hours exploring the estate are all it takes to make the day perfect. The getaway works just as well for solo travelers as it does for couples or friends. Simple, relaxed and visually stunning. It’s the kind of outing that makes you feel like you’ve taken a real break without leaving Brussels.
📍 Address: Rue du Château 11, 7970 Beloeil
📆 Open to visitors from April 2026
⏰ Opening hours: April, May, June, September, weekends and public holidays from 1pm to 6pm / In July and August, every day from 1pm to 6pm / In April, for 9 days in a row from 10am to 6pm, for the Amaryllis exhibition.