Wavre can be discovered in many different ways: architectural history and folklore sit alongside walking trails, an archaeological site and leisure activities. When planning, it helps to distinguish between enduring traces of history, recurring events and activities with changing visitor conditions.

Churches, History and Art

A striking landmark is the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Built from 1470–1480 onwards, it has the ground plan of a Latin cross. Inside are 16th-century wall paintings; those in the south transept depict Saint Guidon. A detail from the history of the battle is also connected with the church: a cannonball from the fighting on 18 June 1815 is still lodged in a pillar in the nave. Visitors who want to see the carillon in the tower must climb 140 steps.

The Basilica of Basse-Wavre is associated with another religious history. Monks from Affligem founded a priory at this site at the end of the 11th century; the basilica later developed into a centre of Marian devotion. After passing various sports facilities, the Belle Voie leads to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre. This gives the route description a specific destination without assuming a walking time or distance.

The Roman villa of Basse-Wavre is also part of the area’s history. It was probably in use between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Today, the site lies buried beneath the grounds of the de l’Hosté farm. Here, the archaeological past is revealed differently from a building whose architecture and details can be described directly.

Folklore and Dates to Know

The Grand Tour is an annual procession covering 8 kilometres; its specific format may vary. The Jeu de Jean & Alice has a different focus: this folkloric performance in the form of a musical comedy commemorates the historic granting of the Charte des Libertés et Franchises communales on 23 April 1222. It is performed every five years. If this tradition is important to your trip, check whether a performance is scheduled for your dates.

Walks and Nature

The Belle Voie is a tree-lined avenue along the Dyle. Its described route passes various sports facilities on the way to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre. In 1628, a path was laid out on the present route at the initiative of Affligem Abbey to make it easier to reach the priory. The route thus combines a landscape feature with a historical connection, without implying a specific walking time.

Pré des Graisses offers a different kind of destination: a footpath leads to a naturally preserved site, reached via paths along the river. If you are interested in directions and background information about a walk, the Boucle Touristique has QR codes that provide access to audio commentary in French and Dutch. The two options have different focuses: Pré des Graisses is a naturally preserved site, while the Boucle Touristique offers information along the way.

Leisure Activities in Wavre

Aventure Parc is a treetop adventure park in the heart of the Bois de Beumont. Walibi is a family amusement park with attractions for all age groups. Aqualibi is also located on the Walibi park grounds. It has swimming pools, water slides, a wave pool and areas dedicated entirely to children. If you plan to include these attractions in your trip, check the latest visitor information for Aqualibi in advance.

WIK adds a karting track to the range of activities: it is 650 metres long and has 15 electric karts. As facilities may change, check the latest information if this particular activity is important to your plans. VisitWavre provides information about Wavre’s heritage, walking trails, events and activities. This lets you prioritise historical discoveries, trails and leisure activities according to your interests, without trying to fit every stop into a single itinerary.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Limal, Bierbeek, Rixensart, Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve, Herne, Haacht, Hoeilaart, Rebecq.

Go to the main travel overview: Brabant.