Roundtrip from Geraardsbergen through the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley
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RouteXpert Catherine De Groote RouteXpert
Last edit: 08-01-2021
Route Summary Characteristic of the region is the slightly hilly and rural character with winding narrow lanes. It largely concerns the southwestern Brabant hilly landscape between the rivers Dender and Zenne. It is also known as the Tuscany of the Low Countries.
The way back goes through the Zenne Valley, an area with rolling valleys and numerous streams.
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Verdict
Duration
4h 22m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
141.64 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review Just outside Geraardsbergen you pass the provincial domain De Gavers (RP 3). The domain is located around a 20-hectare pond. It offers space for walking or cycling, and it has a beach and a sports and leisure complex and some terraces and cafeterias. In addition, there are also a camping site, hiker's huts, bungalows and a youth hostel.
In the vast landscape around Vollezele you pass the artwork in sheet steel by Koenraad Tinel 'The kidnapping of Europe' (RP 6). The Phoenician princess Europa is represented as an ancient Venus figure. She is sitting on the back of a running bull to depict the god Zeus. The statue, eight meters high and almost nine meters long, comes into its own here in the barren meadow.
If you want to relax for a coffee or a drink, this is possible in Café De Vrede in Gooik (RP 13).
The ride continues along the Castle of Gaasbeek (RP 16) - The Castle of Gaasbeek is an original medieval castle, now a national museum, located in Gaasbeek, a part of Lennik.
The castle is surrounded by 50 hectares of walking park and forest. It contains several historic buildings. To the east of the castle is an oval, brick tea house with sandstone frames on a slope. The domain also includes three large ponds. In the valley, near the ponds, there is a baroque Saint Gertrude chapel (protected building). Some of the trees in the park are more than three hundred years old. Open from April to August. Mon: Closed. Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm. Open on public holidays. Entry price: 10 euros.
A few kilometers further you arrive at the Castle of Dilbeek (RP 22) - The castle de Viron in Dilbeek is a protected monument that was built in 1862 for the de Viron family. In 1923 the municipality bought the castle and it was used as a town hall. Today the castle mainly has a ceremonial function. Only to be visited with a guide.
You are now approaching the capital Brussels, the habitation is getting more intense, but you also continue to drive along smaller roads as much as possible, which is also not so bad for traffic.
A little further you come back into an open landscape. On the Puttenberg in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is the 'Boom van Witse' (RP 26) - a summer lime tree - from the TV series of the same name. The tree combines the rural of the Pajottenland with the urban of the big city.
As a result of the series, the tree has become a tourist attraction for the region. In 2010, the Witseboom, together with the 28-meter area around the tree, was protected as a monument because of its artistic, socio-cultural, historical and folkloric value.
If you want to take a break to have a drink, you can do so in Brasserie In 't Vagevuur (RP 28). A little further you also have a nice view of Brussels (RP 29).
Two more castles await you, the next of which is the Castle of Coloma (RP 30). The Domain Coloma is a park and castle domain in the Belgian municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. On the domain are the castle of Coloma and the rose garden. The rose garden is of absolute world level. That is undoubtedly the domain's greatest asset. More than 3,000 different rose varieties from all over the world grow here. The rose garden is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday from sunrise to sunset. Also on public holidays. The recommended visit period is from June to early October.
You cross the Ring (RO) of Brussels and arrive at the last castle along this ride, namely the Castle of Beersel (RP 31). The castle of Beersel, a moated castle, is one of the few, well-preserved examples of medieval martial architecture in our country. It is still there as it looked at the end of the 15th century. Over the centuries, this airlock had a very eventful history. As a visitor you immediately experience how people lived in a medieval, fortified castle. In 1999, the municipal council of Beersel took over the management of the castle. The castle has been renovated in several phases since 2003.
Beersel Castle can usually be visited from Tuesday to Sunday. The castle is closed during the winter months, December, January and February. In March and November: only open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Just like the Pajottenland, the Zenne valley you now cross has a lot to offer: the typical, the unique lambic beers. It is also part of the Green Belt and is located between Brussels and the language border.
Today it is best known for its regional product Lambiek (beer) and the derived drinks Faro, Kriek and especially Geuze.
The brewing of lambic differs from the brewing of other beers by the use of wild mixed yeasts. The environment plays an essential role. Lambic brewers, unlike other brewers, do not themselves add yeast to their brew. During a cold winter night they spontaneously let the wort 'graft' by micro-organisms that are in the air of the Zenne Valley and the Pajottenland.
In Quenast you drive past a quarry (RP 39). This quarry is the largest open-air quarry in Europe with an area of 140 hectares, and in some places a depth of 125 m. Porphyry has been mined here since the 17th century. The rock that is mined is very hard and traditionally served to make the famous Belgian cobblestones.
Visits by reservation only - Groups of 10 to 40 people. - For the classic visit: € 1 / pers. with a flat rate of € 10 (- of 10 people). For the long visit: € 2.50 / pers. with a flat rate of € 20 (- of 8 people). Duration: Minimum1: 00 - Maximum1: 30
When you cross the A8 motorway you will return to the Flemish Ardennes. About 15 km and you are back in Geraardsbergen.
The gently sloping landscape of the Pajottenland and the Senne Valley determines the character of the region. Nature, landscape, agriculture, heritage and culture go together intensely here. You can discover all this in this ride along winding quiet roads. That is why this route is definitely worth 4 stars.
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Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Hainaut Province
About this region
Hainaut (, also US: , UK: , French: [ɛno]; Dutch: Henegouwen [ˈɦeːnəɣʌuə(n)] (listen); Walloon: Hinnot; Picard: Hénau), historically also known as Heynowes in English, is a province of Wallonia and Belgium.
To its south lies the French department of Nord, while within Belgium it borders (clockwise from the North) on the Flemish provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant and the Walloon provinces of Walloon Brabant and Namur.
Its capital is Mons (Dutch Bergen) and the most populous city is Charleroi, the province's urban, economic and cultural hub, the financial capital of Hainaut and the fifth largest city in the country by population. Hainaut has an area of 3,831 km2 (1,479 sq mi) and as of January 2019 a population of 1,344,241.
Read more on Wikipedia
To its south lies the French department of Nord, while within Belgium it borders (clockwise from the North) on the Flemish provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant and the Walloon provinces of Walloon Brabant and Namur.
Its capital is Mons (Dutch Bergen) and the most populous city is Charleroi, the province's urban, economic and cultural hub, the financial capital of Hainaut and the fifth largest city in the country by population. Hainaut has an area of 3,831 km2 (1,479 sq mi) and as of January 2019 a population of 1,344,241.
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Route Collections in this region 5 tours in Belgium in flat Flanders the hills of the Pays des Collines and the Ardennes
Those who like a winding and hilly course, along many small lanes with little to no traffic, will certainly find what they are looking for in the Pays des Collines, the region east and south of Ronse.
Between Diksmuide and Ypres there are many commemorative monuments of the First World War. In Vinkt in East Flanders, the monument commemorates the massacre that took place in May 1940.
Along rural quiet roads you can taste the history of World War I and II.
Marche-en-Famenne is an excellent starting point to thoroughly explore this plateau, which is cut by rivers and strewn with coniferous forests. The real Ardennes are the most hilly areas of Belgium behind the Meuse. Nature plays an all-important role on this trip.
In addition to the Ardennes, the route with start and end point in Huy also goes through a part of Condroz and Famenne. The Condroz, where wooded hills and valleys alternate, and the Famenne, which makes the transition to the Ardennes plateaus. In the summer it is wonderful motorcycling in the vast forests. You will not only enjoy the natural beauty, but you will also pass numerous castles, wild flowing Ardennes rivers, quiet villages and authentic tourist towns.
The tour from Namur runs through the Meuse area where you discover that the tributaries of the Meuse are of picturesque beauty. You will pass a large number of castles and fortresses. The roads along the Maas are busy arterial roads. But as soon as you can you will look for the smaller roads that are immediately a lot quieter and take us through forests and meadows.
Between Diksmuide and Ypres there are many commemorative monuments of the First World War. In Vinkt in East Flanders, the monument commemorates the massacre that took place in May 1940.
Along rural quiet roads you can taste the history of World War I and II.
Marche-en-Famenne is an excellent starting point to thoroughly explore this plateau, which is cut by rivers and strewn with coniferous forests. The real Ardennes are the most hilly areas of Belgium behind the Meuse. Nature plays an all-important role on this trip.
In addition to the Ardennes, the route with start and end point in Huy also goes through a part of Condroz and Famenne. The Condroz, where wooded hills and valleys alternate, and the Famenne, which makes the transition to the Ardennes plateaus. In the summer it is wonderful motorcycling in the vast forests. You will not only enjoy the natural beauty, but you will also pass numerous castles, wild flowing Ardennes rivers, quiet villages and authentic tourist towns.
The tour from Namur runs through the Meuse area where you discover that the tributaries of the Meuse are of picturesque beauty. You will pass a large number of castles and fortresses. The roads along the Maas are busy arterial roads. But as soon as you can you will look for the smaller roads that are immediately a lot quieter and take us through forests and meadows.
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Vosges Mountains The Ultimate Collection out of Col de Bussang
The "Vosges Mountains Ultimate Collection" is an ultimate route collection that allows you to enjoy the Vosges in many ways. There is absolutely something for everyone in this collection, which includes arrivals and departures from Belgium (Hasselt, Kortrijk). from 17 different routes: 13 local and 4 transit routes.
The collection is also neatly divided into four groups, each of which in turn consists of a small, medium & XXL route version.
This makes this route collection extremely suitable for a group outing where different driving styles can be connected without any problems and you can also get to know the Vosges in a different way.
The more experienced 'iron butts' can try their hand at the XXL routes that will really get the most out of it, while the tourist rider will find something to his liking again in the small versions with its tourist stops and interesting facts.
Driving pleasure can be found for everyone in this collection that covers the full spectrum of the Vosges. You will of course cross the more famous parts such as the 'Route des Crêtes' and the famous 'Ballon', but we go much, much further in this ultimate collection. For those who really want to get to know and master the Vosges, this collection is a must.
For example, the Northeastern Vosges show their hidden gems (Riquewihr) and how about - you read that right... - an uninterrupted curve course of no less than 175 kilometers? And that's only part of the route..... Your tire dealer will recommend this route with a smile...
Your partner, on the other hand, will probably have some objections and will not share the tire farmer's smile. You pass virgins (Col du Vierges), neurotes (Col du Neurot), you get worms where you would rather not have them (Col du Wormspel) and you do not come home without alcohol (Col du Rothenbach) in the calvary tours (Col du Calvaire) which we present to you here.
You ride them all.... all the peaks of the Vosges slide under your wheels while unique vistas from the four corners of the world become your part. Perhaps you will not be able to stop talking about this at the tables of Motorhotel 'Col de Bussang' in the south of the Vosges. This hotel, completely renovated in the spring of 2022, has been selected as the departure and arrival point for all the routes in this collection.
You are of course free to look for an alternative here, but the excellent cuisine of 'Col de Bussang' and the renovated hotel are certainly recommended, partly because you will find a lot of like-minded (motorcycle) souls here. The location is also ideal for (re)discovering the four corners of the Vosges.
Fun not only during the day but also in the evening can be enjoyed extensively with all motorcycle friends while enjoying a tasty snack and a drink.
So add this "Ultimate Collection" to your motorcycle travel bucket list. You will not regret getting to know the Vosges Mountains in such a diverse way, while each route perfectly suits your individual driving needs.
So do. With greetings from your tire farmer and a tear from your partner.
The collection is also neatly divided into four groups, each of which in turn consists of a small, medium & XXL route version.
This makes this route collection extremely suitable for a group outing where different driving styles can be connected without any problems and you can also get to know the Vosges in a different way.
The more experienced 'iron butts' can try their hand at the XXL routes that will really get the most out of it, while the tourist rider will find something to his liking again in the small versions with its tourist stops and interesting facts.
Driving pleasure can be found for everyone in this collection that covers the full spectrum of the Vosges. You will of course cross the more famous parts such as the 'Route des Crêtes' and the famous 'Ballon', but we go much, much further in this ultimate collection. For those who really want to get to know and master the Vosges, this collection is a must.
For example, the Northeastern Vosges show their hidden gems (Riquewihr) and how about - you read that right... - an uninterrupted curve course of no less than 175 kilometers? And that's only part of the route..... Your tire dealer will recommend this route with a smile...
Your partner, on the other hand, will probably have some objections and will not share the tire farmer's smile. You pass virgins (Col du Vierges), neurotes (Col du Neurot), you get worms where you would rather not have them (Col du Wormspel) and you do not come home without alcohol (Col du Rothenbach) in the calvary tours (Col du Calvaire) which we present to you here.
You ride them all.... all the peaks of the Vosges slide under your wheels while unique vistas from the four corners of the world become your part. Perhaps you will not be able to stop talking about this at the tables of Motorhotel 'Col de Bussang' in the south of the Vosges. This hotel, completely renovated in the spring of 2022, has been selected as the departure and arrival point for all the routes in this collection.
You are of course free to look for an alternative here, but the excellent cuisine of 'Col de Bussang' and the renovated hotel are certainly recommended, partly because you will find a lot of like-minded (motorcycle) souls here. The location is also ideal for (re)discovering the four corners of the Vosges.
Fun not only during the day but also in the evening can be enjoyed extensively with all motorcycle friends while enjoying a tasty snack and a drink.
So add this "Ultimate Collection" to your motorcycle travel bucket list. You will not regret getting to know the Vosges Mountains in such a diverse way, while each route perfectly suits your individual driving needs.
So do. With greetings from your tire farmer and a tear from your partner.
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