Location: Genval
Top Things to do in Genval
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What to do and see in Genval, Belgium: The Best Places and Tips
Rixensart is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant. On January 1, 2006, Rixensart had a total population of 21,355. The total area is 17.54 km² which gives a population density of 1,217 inhabitants per km².
Restaurants in Genval
1. Spa Cinq Mondes
2. Aventure Parc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By pgb2pgb - Brussels, Belgium
My wife originally found this Park, it's set about 20 minutes drive outside of Brussels in a lovely forest area. It's an activity park where you can climb amongst the trees, using specially designed courses to suit your abilities (yellow, green, red, black). The climbing courses are for all ages from 5 years upwards. You start off on the easy courses before building up to the more adventurous ones (which get higher and more active). Safety is 100% assured, you are supplied with a set of overalls (to keep your clothes clean), gloves (if required), a climbing harness (fitted by the staff), plus a safety line that allows you to go round each course (keeping you from falling if you slip).
The safety line hooks onto the start of each course, then as you move around it follows you (you also have to slide it past catch points on the sections in the course to ensure you don't get stuck). Even if you loose your footing all is okay as you are held in place by the safety line. Most courses are a mix of tunnels, zip wires, climbing nets and walkways... all suspended high up above the ground in the trees. the park has been built ecologically with flexible fittings to the trees so that they are not damaged and the courses can be adapted as the trees grow (no nails or bolts hammered into the trees).
We started off in the sun and then it rained, but being under the trees it didn't matter that much. The thrill of climbing around was great, plus the variety of different challenges made it exciting. The courses are open to both adults and kids, with the red/black courses limited to children above a certain height (but both our children aged 7 & 12 really enjoyed the green, red and black courses). Kids can climb without adults (if you don't feel adventurous enough to join them), but you do have to follow them on the ground level. Staff are all around on the ground to advise and help if anyone gets stuck.
They have their own car park (free), which can take all types of vehicles (cars, buses, vans etc). You have changing rooms to get into your overalls, plus lockers (1€ returnable with key). The staff are very friendly and speak different languages, so english is no problem. There's a cafe which offers standard food like burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches, etc plus coffees, chilled drinks and ice creams (you can sit inside or out as per the weather). If you want something more then you can also try the restaurant nearby outside of the park.
It was great value compared to other adventure parks, costing 27€ per adult and 23€ per child (above 7), plus kids from 5-6 years are 19€. You can spend as long as you like at the park, we went at 10.30am and didn't leave till 4.30pm, so it was a full on day out. We only left as everyone was getting really tired due to the climbing and walking around.
Overall I'd recommend it as an 'active' day out, wear good shoes (with grips), plus loose clothing for under your overalls so you can flex easily. We also took our own gloves (as they fitted well), but sun glasses are not recommended as the can fall plus you are amongst the trees so not really needed (if you wear glasses then take a neck line). Also get a good nights sleep beforehand as you will need all your energy for the climbing. Dogs are not allowed, but there is a public park opposite the entrance where you can walk your dog, etc.
Our favorite bits were the zip wires which are great fun... we will be going again... hopefully to try the evening climbs at night which also look great fun...
3. European Balloon Corporation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By DianeBelgium - Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
My husband and I took a balloon ride with our two teenagers in early November. We left from Enghien, Belgium and were able to see the beautiful fall colors. Benoit, our pilot, was excellent; professional, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, tri-lingual (French, Dutch, English) and most importantly, very experienced. We flew with complete confidence. This is one of those once-in-lifetime experiences and I would definitely recommend this company!
4. Martin'Spa Bodywhealth
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 73 reviews
Experience a world of enjoyment at the Martin'Spa with 1500 m² stretched across the roof of the Chateau du Lac overlooking the Genval Lake. Spoil yourself with our relaxation pool, Hammam, sauna and Jacuzzi. Or take advantage of our various Spa treatments starting from 45€. Engage yourself in our spacious fitness area.30€ (access to the thermal baths and fitness area)Open from 7 am to 10 pm (week) weekends: 9am to 8 pm
5. Memorial 1815
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Buried at the foot of the Lion's Mound, the Memorial 1815 enables you to to experience one of the most turbulent times in our History... as if you were there. Dive into the heart of the battle, in a multi-sensory experience, full of special effects, the only one of its kind in Europe! 1815 m² of immersive journeying in a narrative set design which focuses on the experience of the battle! The Panorama is an impressive fresco with a circumference of 110 m and a height of 12 m, made in 1912. The painting puts you at the heart of the battle thanks to an impressive sound system. The Lion's Mound offers a unique view of the battlefield after a memorable ascent of 226 steps! As last authentic witness of the battle, the Barn of Hougoumont features a brand-new scenography made of 4 exhibition rooms as well as an impressive multimedia show.
Reviewed By SteveAussie - Surfers Paradise, Australia
Last minute European side trip where we flew here enroute from Italy to Poland for one night just to see the museum and surrounding attractions relating to Waterloo. Expense aside, so glad we did.
This museum and the Lion hill behind are very interesting to visit as is walking around the field at dusk and visiting the farm down the road and the house where Napoleon stayed the night before the battle. We didn't have time to visit Wellington's musuem back in town unfortunately.
The interactive display here and down at Chateau d'Hougoumont are very well made and interesting. The displays at the museum well thought out. The museum isn't too big that you need hours to consume and therefore kids will enjoy it. The view of the battlefield from the Lion hill is awesome. Up there you can rent virtual-reality glasses so you can get into the mood of what happened there back in 1815.
We made a special trip to the area, a 24 hour stopover and as I said so glad we did. What they have on display in this area celebrating what went on there is a credit to those who thought it all up and keep it all going. Outstanding effort and world class. And I do feel it necessary to say, I am no war tragic, someone into military attractions. But this was very cool. Again well done.
6. Royal Waterloo Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By NICOL62 - Villers-la-ville, Belgium
Of the two 18-hole golf courses (Le Lion & La Marache), my favourite is La Marache. which has many tree line fairways and undulating terrain - quite steep in several places.
7. Maison du Tourisme de Waterloo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
8. Le Tilt
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
If you're looking for an activity for your family the Tilt is for you. You wil travel all around the world in one day and explore a thematic proposed by the members.
9. Herge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 614 reviews
Just outside of Brusells, continue the celebration of cartoons at the Herge Musee (Herge Museum). The museum is dedicated to the creator of Tintin, following him and his life, including his personal experiences.
Reviewed By Steeve P
Tintin is undoubtedly the most famous Belgian in the world. In Louvain-la-Neuve, a student town less than one hour by train from Brussels, there is a Tintin Museum (called "Hergé Museum"). It's only a seven or eight-minute walk from the train station. It isn't the best museum on the planet, but it's new, well-designed, and there is a lot to discover about the different albums of Tintin and his creator, the Belgian Hergé. The souvenir shop at the ground-floor is great too. If you are a fan of Tintin, you shouldn't wait to pay a visit to this museum!
10. Bois des Reves
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Maciej B - Brussels, Belgium
This place, around 40 km from Brussels, offers many possibilities of having joy if the weather is nice. I'm not familiar with the way it works but given the small prices it must be state-owned or at least financed. You pay 1-2 EUR for parking. The playground (huge and well preserved) is free of charge. The pool (we did not try but it looks nice) costs 1,5-2,5 EUR depending on the age. Besides you can find there a BBQ facility (upon earlier reservation), a pond where you can fish, walking and biking routes. The only small problem may be the food. You can easily get some snacks and drinks but if you intend to stay long there you'd better take something with you. There is one cafe with light dishes but it was closed on the day we were there - perhaps it was because it the national celebration on that day. But since the rest was working it was a bit strange.
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