Genval combines a walking route through the Belle Époque with architectural and local history, activities at the Genval Yacht Club and an unusual archery heritage. Visits to Vins de Genval may also be an option for larger groups. The different themes can be chosen according to your interests: a walk, architectural discoveries, boating experiences and a group visit arranged in advance each offer a distinct focus.
Walking route and architectural history
The walking route in Genval is 3.9 km long and takes you through the Belle Époque. Its length is clearly defined, as is its historical theme. Those interested in architecture will also find several sites with local histories dating to different periods: Église Saint-Pierre was built in 1923. La Fée du Lac was built between 1902 and 1903 and was previously called Villa Béatrix.
At the railway station, its development can be traced through two dates. It opened in 1889 and was upgraded from a simple halt to a passenger station in 1910. Its design also tells its own story: it combines classical and Art Nouveau elements and is associated with the style of a “ville d’eau,” or spa or villa town. At the station, both the change in its function and its architectural classification are noteworthy. The church and La Fée du Lac add further buildings with clearly stated dates to the town’s history.
Boat hire and sailing lessons
The Genval Yacht Club rents out pedal boats, rowing boats, kayaks, dinghies and water balls. The selection includes various types of boats; the club also specialises in sailing lessons. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between hire and lessons: for boat hire, you can choose from the boats listed, while lessons focus on learning to sail. Availability and lessons may change.
A historical boat trip is offered as a separate option. It lasts no more than one hour, is limited to a maximum of eleven people and costs €150. Its duration, group size and price provide concrete points of comparison with boat hire or sailing lessons. If this trip is important to your plans, check the booking and operating conditions in advance, as they may change.
Archery tradition and museum
The archery tower near the site of the former paper mills of Genval (Rixensart) houses two covered vertical archery butts. They are the last of their kind still in use in Wallonia. The Musée du tir à l’arc in Genval (Rixensart) was established in 2003 in rooms adjoining the tower. The site thus brings together a regional archery tradition and a museum whose history began at this location.
At the Musée du tir à l’arc, you can try shooting at the vertical archery butt; equipment is provided. This adds a hands-on option to your visit to the site. If you plan to try it, check access before your visit.
Visits to Vins de Genval
Vins de Genval offers visits to its facilities for groups of at least 20 people. The minimum group size is important when planning; arrangements must be made in advance by contacting them. The visit is therefore suitable as a separate activity for a sufficiently large group, not as a spontaneous visit without prior arrangements.
On 31 May 2026, tastings were announced for apéritifs or visits to the vineyard. The timing may be seasonal. If a tasting is essential to your plans, arrange a date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Boutersem, Leuven, Bomal, Tienen, Haacht, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Machelen, Roosdaal.
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
