The best running trails around Mont-Saint-Guibert

Feel free to take a seat on the wooden benches near this classic 18th-century forest chapel. Our Lady of Sorrows was not historically visited for a standard prayer: it was an important refuge for pilgrims and the sick suffering from severe pain, deep grief, or life's 'trials'. What passers-by often don't know is that this peaceful crossroads was once a strategic access road to the mighty, nearby Villers Abbey. Travelers were obliged to stop here at the time to pray for safe passage through the then still inhospitable, dense Ardennes forests where robbers were active. Today, it is fortunately an oasis of peace where you can catch your breath in the shade of the monumental oak trees!

Its impressive purple carpet of wild bluebells can be admired every spring. The peak period to witness this floral splendor is usually between mid-April and early May. The bloom lasts only about two weeks and is highly dependent on the early spring weather and the sunbeams filtering through the still bare canopy. Make sure to stay on the official paths during this period to avoid trampling the fragile bulbs!

Beautiful hiking trail runs under the railway. With special lighting, you can take beautiful photos here. (Highlight is in the wrong location = passed on to the editorial team)

Although the historic watermill itself is hidden behind the greenery, you are here at an important piece of monastic heritage. This mill on the Thyle was already built in 1293 after the Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Villers were granted permission to divert the stream for more water power. Through the centuries, the complex served as a grain mill, forge, oil press, and in the 19th century even as a marble and wood sawmill. During the French Revolution, the mill was nationalized and sold. Please note: the grounds are private property today.

A small, clear forest stream in the vicinity of Villers-la-Ville, which is part of the Thyle river basin. Thanks to its good water quality, the stream offers a suitable habitat for brown trout.

According to local tradition, a French officer on his way to the battlefields in Germany vowed to build a chapel if he survived the war. Upon his return, he brought an old statue of Mary with him, which he had rescued from a fire in Germany. The statue in the niche is an oak statue of Mary from around 1600.

Very pleasant avenue, bordered by two rows of trees. Very pleasant in summer. The branches of the trees form a beautiful tree-lined arch.

Le Bois des Rêves, located near Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve in the province of Walloon Brabant, is a beautiful forest area that fully lives up to its name (the "Forest of Dreams"). You walk between tall trees, past open grasslands and peaceful ponds. Nature is in abundance, with numerous species of birds singing and the occasional squirrel hopping through the trees.