For a change from the gray skies and noise of Brussels, what could be better than recharging your batteries in a cute little village not far from Brussels? Just a few kilometers away by car, a whole new world awaits you: the world of Belgium’s most charming villages. We’ve compiled a list of the country’s 19 most beautiful villages for you, all within two hours of Brussels. Come on, let’s get out of the capital for a bit!
At the confluence of the Grande and Petite Nèthe rivers, in the province of Antwerp, lies one of Flanders’ most beautiful treasures: Lierre. With its picturesque facades and tranquil canals, the town reveals a heritage of inestimable richness, far fromthe hustle and bustle of city life. An invitation to a timeless journey to the heart of Lier’s roots, where the UNESCO-listed beguinage exudes its unique charm. The getaway then continues to the site’s iconic monuments before ending on a lush, green note along the banks that encircle the city.
Gros-Fays, perched on a hill overlooking the Semois River, is an Ardennes village frozen in time, about 130 km from Brussels. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, it enchants visitors with its schist houses, its 17th-century castle-farm, and its authentic narrow streets. The 2-km Discovery Trail combines nature, rural heritage, and a World War II memorial site.
Torgny
A member of the“Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia” association, Torgny is a magnificent rural village with a heritage of a thriving wine-growing tradition; did you know that its current production includes one of Belgium’s most important dry white wines?
Must-see sights in this charming village with a Provençal feel: the chapel of the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg hermitage, the old washhouse, the vineyards, and the pink farmhouse.
Beersel
Just about fifteen kilometers south of Brussels, Beersel is a little gem in Flemish Brabant, famous for its imposing medieval castle surrounded by a moat. This peaceful village charms visitors with its authentic atmosphere and the beauty of its heritage. Stroll through its quiet streets, admire the traditional red-brick houses, and marvel at the majesty of Beersel Castle— one of the best-preserved in Belgium—whose crenellated towers seem straight out of a fairy tale. Be sure to sample the famous local gueuze at one of the local breweries.
Formerly the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands under Margaret of Austria, the Flemish city of Mechelen boasts an extraordinary architectural heritage, dominated by the iconic St. Rumbold’s Tower and its 97 meters of Gothic splendor. From its majestic monuments to the absolute serenity of the Great Beguinage, not to mention the famous Ursuline Winter Garden, get ready for a unique getaway. A city where historic charm and the good life come together at every street corner.
You could almost think of Bouillon as a small town (it has over 5,000 residents). Yet this pretty Walloon town, bordered by the Semois River and a magnificent fortified castle, has a genuine village atmosphere.
Bouillon Castle (a medieval fortress), the old bridge, and the banks of the Semois are must-see attractions during your getaway.
Located in the Condroz region, the village of Sosoye boasts a built heritage consisting of old limestone houses, which lend the town a beautiful sense of uniformity. The town is also one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia.
Must-sees in Sosoye: the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, the rectory, the Saint-Roch Chapel, and the Villa Haute Bise (designed by Victor Horta). At the summit of Sosoye Mountain, you can also explore the Annevoie Gardens, Belgium’s only water gardens.
Perched on a hillside, with numerous steep alleyways radiating from it, Vierves-sur-Viroin is an architectural gem centered around the majestic castle of the Barons of Hamal. It lies at the junction of three Ardennes valleys. During your visit, be sure to explore the castle of the Counts of Hamal, the Church of Saints Rufin and Valère, the Calvary Chapel, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace. And if you’re planning your getaway for February, keep in mind that the Vierves Carnival is one of the most famous in Belgium—it dates back to the 12th century!
Aubechies
How can you resist the charm of Aubechies and its pretty Romanesque church surrounded by a small pond? Part of the municipality of Beloeil, Aubechies is home to a museum and archaeological site focused on traditional crafts and prehistoric, Celtic, and Gallo-Roman settlements. Must-sees: the Aubechies-Beloeil archaeological site and museum, the Romanesque Church of Saint-Géry, the former Bruycker Castle, the former Descamps Mill, and the former Abbey of St-Ghislain.
Crupet
Easily recognizable by its incredible keep (of the Carondelet Castle), Crupet boasts a rich history: legend has it that the village was already inhabited duringthe Gallo-Roman era! Also worth seeing in Crupet: the keep and the Carondelet Castle (also known as Crupet Castle), Saint-Martin Church, Saint-Antoine Cave, the water mills, and Saint-Roc Chapel.
As you step onto Clermont’s central square, the Place de la Halle, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time: historic houses, old bricks, gray roofs, a stone fountain, a nearby 17th-century farmhouse… could we be in a fairy tale?
Must-sees: the Place de la Halle and St. James the Greater Church, the Pirenne House, and the Château de Clermont farm.
Head to Diest, a historic gem nestled on the edge of Flemish Brabant. Once a sentinel watching overthe Belgian state, this fortified city invites you on an epic journey through its military past. From its unique pentagonal brick citadel to the ramparts encircling the town, each bastion tells a story steeped in prestige. But Diest also promises absolute serenity: between its UNESCO-listed beguinage and the vast, wild plains of Webbekoms Broek, nature reclaims its place with poetic grace.
Chassepierre
Do you remember the Semois, the river that flows past Bouillon? Follow its course and you’ll soon find yourself in Chassepierre, a magnificent village in the province of Luxembourg. Its name comes from Latin (casa petrea: stone house). It certainly lives up to its name!
Must-sees: Saint-Martin Church, the 19th-century washhouse, the farm on Rue Antoine, and the buildings of the Marci Foundation. Chassepierre is also renowned for its street arts festival, the “Fête des Artistes,” the second-largest Walloon summer festival after the Francofolies de Spa.
Recently crowned “My Most Beautiful Village” in 2025, this gem of Hainaut captivates with its historical heritage, from the stables of Lahamaide Castle to its centuries-old windmills . But Ellezelles is, above all, a realm of the strange: from the legend of the witch Quintine to the famous “Sentier de l’Étrange”(Path of the Strange), folklore is second nature here.
Located right in the heart of the Ardennes, Redu charms us with its natural surroundings and its pretty little river. To make the change of scenery complete, we love strolling among its beautiful sandstone houses. Nicknamed the“Village of Books,” Redu is renowned for its many bookstores and secondhand bookshops.
Nestled in the province of Hainaut, Barbençon is a little-known gem that charms lovers of history and architecture. Its cobblestone streets, lined with limestone houses, evoke a rich industrial past, while the Church of Saint-Lambert—a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles—bears witness to the legacy of the master glassmakers. For a unique experience, lose yourself in the nature reserve with its century-old yew trees. End your day on the shores of the peaceful Lake Barbençon, where the castle’s reflection creates an enchanting sight.
Oostkerke
Oostkerke is often considered the most beautiful village in West Flanders. White houses, windmills, a castle… it’s one of those magnificent, picturesque villages we just love! Legend has it that it even had a port (the Bruges-Ecluse Canal), now buried underground.
Fun fact: the TV series *The White Queen* (BBC) was partly filmed at Oostkerke Castle! Must-sees during your visit: the brick grain mill in Oostkerke, Oostkerke Castle, and St. Quintinus Church.
Oud-Rekem
In 2008, Oud-Rekem was named the“most beautiful village in Flanders” by “Toerisme Vlaanderen”—which just goes to show how well it deserves its place on this list! Dotted with historic buildings and located right on the border with the Netherlands, it’s crossed by the Willems South Canal.
Must-sees: Aspremont-Lynden Castle , the church-museum, the pharmacy museum, and the Senden distillery. If you’re visiting Oud-Rekem, be sure to take the opportunity to stop by the Netherlands!
Nestled in a lush green valley in the Condroz region, the village of Chardeneux seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale. This small hamlet in the province of Namur, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, reveals an architectural landscape of rare harmony, where the typical limestone houses and farms tell the story of centuries of history.
