Watermael-Boitsfort

Watermael-Boitsfort (Watermaal-Bosvoorde in Dutch) is a leafy, affluent municipality in the south-eastern corner of the Brussels-Capital Region. With approximately 25,000 residents and a remarkable 60% of its territory covered by forest, it is by far the greenest commune in Brussels. Watermael-Boitsfort was formed in 1811 by the merger of three historic settlements: Watermael, Boitsfort, and the village of Auderghem (which later became a separate municipality). The area has long been a retreat for wealthy Brussels residents seeking fresh air and country living.

The municipality is best known for its direct access to the Forêt de Soignes (Zoniënwoud), a vast ancient beech forest that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The forest covers over 4,000 hectares and is criss-crossed with walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails. Within Watermael-Boitsfort itself, notable landmarks include the 14th-century Rouge-Cloître (Roodklooster) priory ruins, the modern headquarters of the European Court of Auditors (on the border with Luxembourg), and several beautiful Art Deco and modernist houses.

Watermael-Boitsfort has a tranquil, village-like atmosphere despite being only 10 km from the Grand Place. Its residents enjoy a high quality of life, with excellent schools, sports facilities, and a strong sense of community. The municipality's commercial centre around the Place de la Petite Espinette (shared with Uccle) and the Drève de Lorraine provides all essential services.

The climate is temperate maritime, with mild summers and cool winters. The Forêt de Soignes is especially beautiful in spring (bluebells) and autumn (golden foliage). Rain is possible year-round, so pack waterproof footwear for forest walks.

By Plane

Brussels Airport (BRU) is 12 km north-east. Take the train to Brussels-Luxembourg station, then bus 72 directly to Watermael-Boitsfort (45 min). Taxi from the airport costs €30–45 (25–35 min). Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is 60 km south-west; Flibco bus to Brussels-Midi then train to Etterbeek and bus 72.

By Train

The municipality has two railway stations: Watermael (on line 26, with local trains to Brussels-Luxembourg, Etterbeek, and Halle) and Boitsfort (on the same line). Trains run every 30 minutes. A journey to Brussels-Central takes about 15 minutes.

By Car / Road

Watermael-Boitsfort is accessed via the E411/A4 motorway (exit 3) and the R0 ring road (exit 20). Driving from central Brussels takes 15–20 minutes. Parking is generally easy, with most residential streets offering free parking. Some paid parking zones exist near the commercial centre.

The municipality is too spread out to cover entirely on foot, but the forest trails are best explored by hiking or cycling. Bus 72 connects Watermael-Boitsfort to the Herrmann-Debroux metro station (line 5) in nearby Auderghem. Bus 95 runs along the western edge. STIB single ticket €2.50. Cycling is very popular — the Forêt de Soignes has an extensive network of marked mountain-bike trails.

• Rouge-Cloître (Roodklooster): A 14th-century Augustinian priory set within a beautiful forest clearing. The ruins include a restored farm, a pond, and a café. Free entry, open daily 08:00–dusk.

• Forêt de Soignes (Zoniënwoud): A UNESCO World Heritage ancient beech forest covering 4,400 hectares. Entry from numerous points along the Drève de Lorraine. Marked trails of varying lengths. Free.

• Musée de l'Eau et de la Fontaine: Drève de Lorraine 43. A small museum dedicated to the history of water supply and fountains in Brussels, housed in the former Watermael pumping station. Free entry, open weekends 14:00–18:00.

• Église Saint-Clément: Place de Boitsfort/Bosvoordeplein. A neo-Gothic church (1878) with a distinctive spire and beautiful stained glass.

• Domaine des Silex: An archaeological site with evidence of Neolithic flint mining, set within a small nature reserve.

• Étang de la Pinède: A peaceful pond surrounded by pine trees, ideal for a quiet picnic.

• Hiking in the Forêt de Soignes: Over 100 km of marked trails. The "Rouge-Cloître – Groenendaal" loop (8 km) is especially scenic.

• Cycling: The forest has dedicated mountain-bike trails. Bike rental available at the Rouge-Cloître farm.

• Horse-riding: Several stables offer guided rides through the forest. Contact Manège de la Pinède for bookings.

• Picnicking at the Rouge-Cloître: The grassy area around the pond is perfect for a family picnic. The on-site café serves Belgian beers and light meals.

• Sunday Walkers' Market: A small, informal market on Sunday mornings at the Place de Boitsfort.

• Le Relais du Rouge-Cloître: Rouge-Cloître farm. A charming restaurant set within the priory buildings, serving Belgian-French cuisine with forest views. Lunch €18–25, dinner €30–45.
• L'Atelier du Silex: Drève de Lorraine 5. Modern bistro with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Menu changes weekly. Mains €16–24.
• Le P'tit Boitsfort: Place de Boitsfort 3. A neighbourhood bistro serving classic Belgian dishes — waterzooi, stoofvlees, and mussels. Mains €12–18.
• La Trattoria del Parco: Drève de Lorraine 20. Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. €10–18.
• Boulangerie Artisanale de Boitsfort: Place de Boitsfort 8. Excellent bakery for fresh bread, croissants, and quiches. All under €5.

The Rouge-Cloître Café is the most atmospheric place for a drink — set in the historic priory farm, it serves Belgian beers, wine, and coffee on a leafy terrace. Le Châlet de la Pinède (Domaine de la Pinède) is a quieter option with a lovely garden. For a more urban vibe, head to the Place de Boitsfort, where Café de la Place offers a neighbourhood pub experience.

• Budget: Ibis Brussels Centre Gare du Midi (near Brussels-Midi, 15-min train). Doubles from €70.
• Mid-range: Hotel The Moon, Avenue Louise 225 (on the Uccle border). A modern 3-star hotel with a rooftop terrace. Doubles from €90.
• Upscale / heritage: Dolce La Hulpe Brussels, Chaussée de Bruxelles 135 (nearby in La Hulpe, 10-min drive). A 4-star château-style hotel set in a 70-hectare park with a golf course and spa. Doubles from €150.

Watermael-Boitsfort has a modest commercial centre around Place de la Petite Espinette and Drève de Lorraine, with a Delhaize supermarket, bakeries, a pharmacy, and several small boutiques. For serious shopping, head to the larger centres of Uccle or Ixelles. The Saturday market at Place de la Petite Espinette (Uccle) is within walking distance.

• Auderghem (adjacent north-west) — The Priory of Val Duchesse and the Herrmann-Debroux shopping centre.
• Forêt de Soignes (extends south and east) — Endless forest walks and cycling trails leading to Tervuren and Groenendaal.
• Tervuren (6 km east, 20-min cycle through the forest) — The Royal Museum for Central Africa and the vast Tervuren Park.
• Overijse (8 km south-east, 15-min drive) — The Druivenstreek (grape region), with vineyard tours and the annual grape festival.
• Brussels City Centre (10 km north-west, 15-min train) — Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and the museums of the Mont des Arts.