The Promenade Verte is an incredible 60-kilometer bike trail (which can also be followed as a pedestrian), winding its way around the Brussels region, taking in the varied and enchanting landscapes of its communes. Inspired by the official Promenade Verte guide, we’ve put together 7 wonderful spots for you to see along the way.
1. The Royal Parks and the Atomium (Laeken > Schaerbeek: 6.6 km)
From the Heysel plateau, look out for the Atomium, then drive north around Laeken Park to the start of Avenue Van Praet. Look out for the formidable Chinese pavilion on the left, while on the right, a huge pagoda clad all in red touches the clouds: this is the sublime Japanese Tower.
2. Evere Mill (Schaerbeek > Woluwe-St-Lambert: 7.1 km)
Walk along the park, cross the canal and head north through Schaerbeek, past the station and the Bon Pasteur park. Once you’re in Evere, cross the commune and take a detour (off-course) onto rue W. Van Perck to photograph the pretty mill and its museum. Follow the chaussée de Haecht and rue J-B Desmeth to return to the route at the Hoedemaekersfontein.
3. Woluwe castles and parks (Woluwe-St-Lambert > Boitsfort: 10.1 km)
Drive down to the entrance of Woluwe-St-Lambert along Avenue du Cimetière de Bruxelles, turning left towards M. Thiry. Look out for the mill at Hof Ter Musschen; a second mill (Lindekemaele) awaits you this time at the entrance to Parc Malou. Take the opportunity to admire the castle of the same name, a veritable English nugget.
Pedal to Parc de Woluwe and take Route bis via Boulevard du Souverain, skirting the ponds. Stop off at the Abbaye du Rouge-Cloître and its gardens (one of which is botanical), then take the road to Bergoje, Seny and Ten Reuken parks. Cross the north-east of the Forêt de Soignes (we recommend a detour to Château Charle Albert) and reach the Boitsfort ponds.
4. Soignes forest and nature reserves (Boitsfort > Calevoet: 7.8 km)
The Forêt de Soignes is a real gem in the Brussels region. With the Promenade Verte, cross the forest from east to west and allow yourself a few outings along its valleys, ponds and wildlife (you might even spot a deer!).
Glide through to the Verrewinkel and Buysdelle woods, then admire the Kriekenput and Kinsendael nature reserves after passing the Engeland plateau.
5. The Bempt parks and canal (Calevoet > Anderlecht: 11.1 km)
6. Parc de la Pede (Anderlecht > Molenbeek: 7.2 km)
Walk up Parc de la Pede and say hello to the moorhens splashing about in its ponds. To the north, enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden cities of Bon Air and Moortebeek, where town and country meet. Cross the Scheutbos park and watch the cows graze against the buildings: the contrast is striking. Walk up to the Wilder woods.
7. The Baudouin Marshes and Jardins du Fleuriste (Molenbeek > Laeken: 9.5 km)
Walk up to the border between Berchem-Ste-Agathe and Jette, stopping off at Château de Rivieren (off-course). Enter the Parc Roi Baudouin along the Ganshoren and Jette marshes, then head east towards Square Prince Leopold. Put your bike down for a moment at the Jardins du Fleuriste: their relaxing setting offers a magnificent view of the city’s skyline, making for a wonderful end to this ride.
Ride all the way back to the Atomium, and congratulations! You’ve come full circle! You’ve just completed the Promenade Verte!
If you’re interested in cycling, there’s a bike ride through the trees, and another at water level, immersed in a lake.