Top 20 Castles around Rixensart

The most prominent castle in Rixensart is the Château de Rixensart. This remarkable example of Brabantine Renaissance architecture has been the residence of the Princes of Mérode since 1715 and is recognized as exceptional heritage in Wallonia.

The Château de Rixensart is typically open on weekends and holidays from April 15 to October 31, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Guided tours may require reservations. The spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather for exploring the castle and its French-style gardens.

Yes, several castles and their surrounding domains offer family-friendly experiences. The park around Château de La Hulpe is freely accessible and features lush gardens. Similarly, Domaine Solvay, which houses the Château de Béthune, is a public park covering 227 hectares of forest, lawn, and ponds, perfect for family strolls. The Château de Rixensart also hosts special events like the 'Garden of Lights' which can be enjoyable for families.

The castles in the region boast rich historical narratives. The Château de Rixensart, for instance, showcases Brabantine Renaissance style and has housed illustrious residents, including figures from the Belgian Revolution. Hougoumont Castle was a pivotal site during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Even the Sint-Hubertus Chapel in Tervuren dates back to 1617 and is associated with Saint Hubert.

Absolutely. Many castles around Rixensart are set within extensive parklands and gardens. The Château de Rixensart features French-style gardens inspired by André Le Nôtre. The Château de La Hulpe is surrounded by lush gardens that are part of the 'Parks and Gardens in Walonia' exceptional heritage. Domaine Solvay is a vast public park with forests, lawns, and ponds.

Yes, there are several hiking trails near the castles. For example, you can find routes like the 'Lake Genval – Rixensart Castle loop' or the 'KW Line Bunker – Rixensart Castle loop'. You can explore various hiking options in the area by visiting our Hiking around Rixensart guide.

Beyond hiking, the region offers road cycling and running opportunities. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Lake Genval – East Pond, Bois de la Cambre loop' for road cycling or the 'Lake Genval – Lakeside View loop' for running. Discover more options in our dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Rixensart and Running Trails around Rixensart.

Yes, the Château du Lac on Lake Genval, which is near the highlight The Little Mermaid of the Lake, was built in 1904 and now serves as a five-star hotel. It features a distinctive neo-Romanesque look with many round arches and a round tower.

The castles around Rixensart showcase a variety of architectural styles. The Château de Rixensart is a prime example of Brabantine Renaissance. Château de La Hulpe and the Château de Béthune within Domaine Solvay were built in the style of the Loire castles. The Château du Lac on Lake Genval exhibits a neo-Romanesque appearance, while the Sint-Hubertus Chapel is a baroque castle chapel.

The Château de Rixensart offers a glimpse into opulent past with sumptuously decorated interiors featuring Louis XV and Louis XVI-style furniture and traditional Flemish tapestries. It also houses a unique collection of Arabian arms brought back from Egypt by Gaspard Monge during Napoleon's expedition.

Yes, Domaine Solvay is a public park that covers 227 hectares of forest, lawn, and ponds, making it a significant natural heritage site. The Château de La Hulpe is also surrounded by lush gardens and is part of the 'Parks and Gardens in Walonia', offering beautiful natural settings.