Brabant

The region of Brabant and Brussels is today formed by three provinces. Flemish Brabant and Wallonian Brabant were split along the language border in 1995, and Brussels became an administrative unit on its own.

The ancient university city of Leuven is ideal to wander through and admire the beautiful town hall, the many terraces, the Grand Convent, the Museum of M and much more. Nature is never far away – De Groene Gordel (the green belt) encircles Brussels, and in the shadow of the metropolis are dozens of beautiful parks and gardens. East of Leuven is the rural region of Het Hageland which features six charming small towns.

In French-speaking Brabant (Brabant Wallon) the best known city is Waterloo; here and in the surrounding villages are echoes of the atmosphere of the great battle of 1815. There are 500 kilometres of footpaths passing through a landscape with diverse fauna and flora. High-tech meets nature south of Brussels in the ‘Ardennes brabançonnes’, a region of dynamic towns (Louvain-la-Neuve, Wavre), with rich heritage and a wealth of tourist attractions, from castles and museums to rural scenery.

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium and home to the EU, offers everything you would expect from a major European city. The stunningly rich architecture of the 16th-century houses at the Great Market, in the very heart of the city, is a magnet for visitors.

Places of interest

Leuven: Town hall and Great Market, new M-Museum, many cafés and restaurants.

Brussels: Great Market, Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, themed walks, cafés and restaurants.

Villers-la-Ville: Impressive monastery ruins hidden in a forest.

Napoleon’s last headquarters: Belgium’s only Napoléon Museum with battle memorabilia and items relating to the emperor.

Attractions

The Waterloo Battlefield: Carefully preserved site of the famous conflict of 1815.

Horst Castle: Beautiful moated castle in the green valley of the Wingebeek, among the Hageland hills.

National Botanic Garden of Belgium: One of the largest botanic gardens in the world, set in historical castle grounds.

’t Wit Gebrouw: Visitor centre where you can learn the secrets of, and sample, the famous Hoegaarden white beer.

Cuisine of the region

The cuisine of Brabant is a diverse and delicious mix of traditional and modern dishes. It is influenced by the region's rich history and culture, as well as its proximity to other European countries.

Some of the most popular dishes in Brabant include:

• Worstenbroodjes: These savoury rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, beef, spices, and herbs. They are a popular snack or light lunch item, and are often eaten with mustard.
• Brabantse worstenbrood: This version of the worstenbroodje is made with a sweeter bread dough and is filled with a mixture of ground pork, beef, and raisins. It is often served with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Bossche bol: This sweet pastry is filled with whipped cream and a layer of chocolate icing. It is a popular dessert in Brabant and throughout the Netherlands.
• Brabantse vla: This thick custard dessert is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. It is often flavored with vanilla, but can also be made with other flavors such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit.
• Stoofpot: This hearty stew is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It is a popular winter dish in Brabant and is often served with mashed potatoes or bread.