Just 30 minutes from Brussels, the municipality of Overijse has transformed a green area near the IJsevijver into a temporary summer beach. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the beach offers swimming, paddle-boarding, sports activities and open-air cinema. From June 25 to July 21, 2025, families and groups of friends can enjoy a festive and refreshing summer just a stone’s throw from the capital! Bruxelles Secrète tells you more about the program that awaits you.
Ephemeral beach: swimming and paddling at Overijse
As soon as you arrive, the fine sand and the view of the IJsevijver set the tone: it’s time to relax and swim! In fact, the bathing area – whose water quality has been tested and approved – allows you to cool off in complete safety. A word of advice and a condition. It’s best to wear water shoes, and you must be at least eight years old to go swimming.
Please note that there is no lifeguard on site. For the more sporty, the site offers paddle and kayak activities, as well as free introductory courses every Sunday. Just bring your own beach gear to make the most of this getaway! Towels, chairs and snacks are your best allies for this summer outing.
Entertainment and program: open-air cinema, sports and pop-up bar
At weekends, the beach is transformed into a veritable living space. Every Sunday, free sports and leisure activities are organized:
- Sunday, July 6: dance initiation in the morning, raft building and water challenges in the afternoon (sessions at 2, 3.15 and 4.30 pm, registration required).
- Sunday, July 13: free paddleboarding with eight SUPs available from 2pm to 6pm.
- Sunday, July 20: try out the aqua bubbles, giant bubbles for walking on water, from 2pm to 6pm.
- Monday, July 21: entertainment and pop-up bar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to round off the season in style.
Throughout the event, a pop-up bar staffed by volunteers offers cold drinks to accompany your beach afternoons. Open-air film screenings under the stars add a magical touch to your summer evenings. All activities are free of charge, but some require prior registration. In the event of bad weather, the program may be adapted or cancelled to ensure everyone’s safety!
This summer, don’t miss the IJsestrand in Overijse: the coolest ephemeral beach just 30 minutes from Brussels, where swimming, entertainment and open-air cinema await you for unforgettable memories. And if you prefer to stay in Brussels, Quai d’été awaits you from July 3 to 13.