Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Genval

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Genval (Lac de Genval) is a romantic artificial lake situated exactly on the border between the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, just about 20 kilometers southeast of Brussels. It was created at the end of the 19th century when a wealthy entrepreneur dammed the marshland of the small Argentines river to establish a luxurious retreat for the Brussels bourgeoisie. Today, the lake is best known for its dramatic architecture: its shores are lined with magnificent villas and castles built in the Belle Époque style. A true landmark of the lake is the five-star castle hotel 'Château du Lac', which, with its turrets and manicured gardens, evokes images of French fairytale castles. Lake Genval is a hotspot for relaxing water sports such as sailing and stand-up paddleboarding, while motorized boats are strictly prohibited.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Sint-Judocuskerk · Hagaard · Château du Lac
Nearby: Wavre (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	9	13	16	18	18	14	11	6	3
Rain mm	70	63	59	42	61	65	72	78	53	62	70	79

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The lake is generally easily reachable by car or train, with a local railway station situated relatively close by. Major road connections from nearby cities typically make it a highly favored destination for weekend escapes.

📅

Best season

The warmer months of late spring and summer are usually the best times to enjoy the lakeside terraces and paths. Winter can also offer a quiet, atmospheric walk, though many nearby facilities might have reduced operating hours.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The perimeter of the water is surrounded by generally flat, well-paved roads and dedicated pedestrian walkways. Walking here is extremely easy, as the paths accommodate the elegant residential and commercial lakeside properties.

🎒

What to bring

Standard, comfortable footwear is normally all that is required for a leisurely stroll along the developed shoreline. Bringing a camera is often recommended to capture the pretty views and the striking local architecture.

🅿️

Parking

Visitors can typically find parking spaces scattered along the surrounding streets or in privately managed lots nearby. Securing a spot during sunny weekends generally requires arriving early, as the area is quite popular with locals.

⚠️

Safety

The paths are generally very safe and well-maintained, but pedestrians should remain mindful of passing traffic on shared roads. It is usually advised to respect the privacy of the numerous private properties bordering the water's edge.

⏱️

Time needed

A relaxed walk around the entire lake usually takes approximately one to two hours, depending on your pace. Many visitors typically extend their stay to a half-day by stopping at one of the many lakeside cafes or restaurants.

Geography

Coordinates

50.74800, 4.51200

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Castle of La Hulpe3 km · SWExplore →

Rixensart4 km · SEExplore →

Groenendaal Arboretum4 km · NWExplore →

Wavre Biotech Hub6 km · SEExplore →

Sonian Forest7 km · WExplore →

Forest of Soignes8 km · NWExplore →

Wavre8 km · SEExplore →

Park of Tervuren9 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Genval (9)

Sint-Judocuskerk

Sint-Judocuskerk is a church in the hamlet of Maleizen, part of Overijse municipality.

Hagaard🏰 castle

Hagaard is a castle in the Flemish municipality of Overijse.

Château du Lac 🏰 castle

Château du Lac is a castle on Lake Genval in Genval.

Église Saint-Nicolas

Église Saint-Nicolas is a church in the Walloon municipality of La Hulpe.

🌐 saintnicolaslahulpe.org

Onze Lieve Vrouw van Zeven Smarten

Onze Lieve Vrouw van Zeven Smarten is a wayside shrine in the Flemish municipality of Overijse.

Église Saint-Pierre

Église Saint-Pierre is a church in the Walloon municipality of Rixensart.

Musée du Tir à l'Arc🏛 museum

Musée du Tir à l'Arc is a museum of archery in Rixensart.

Espace Muséal Toison D'or🏛 museum

Espace Muséal Toison D'or is a museum in Rixensart.

Ancien château Castaigne🏰 castle

Ancien château Castaigne is a former castle in Rixensart.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lake Genval located?

About 20 km southeast of Brussels, on the border between Flanders and Wallonia.

What is the most famous building by the lake?

The Château du Lac, a magnificent hotel built in the style of a medieval castle.

Can you walk around the lake?

Yes, a pleasant path takes about 30-40 minutes to walk around the lake.

Is there boat rental?

Yes, you can rent pedal boats and rowboats on the lake.

Is swimming allowed in the lake?

No, swimming is officially not allowed in Lake Genval.

Lake Genval: where is it located?

Lake Genval is located in Belgium.

Lake Genval: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sint-Judocuskerk, Hagaard, Château du Lac.

Lake Genval: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lake Genval: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Genval (Lac de Genval) is a romantic artificial lake situated exactly on the border between the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, just about 20 kilometers southeast of Brussels.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →