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Rixensart

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City
—°11
Rixensart (Belgium)
ℹ️

Practical info — Rixensart

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The beautiful Château de Rixensart is privately owned, so you can mostly admire its striking exterior unless a special event is taking place.
  • Lake Genval is very close by; renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the lake and the surrounding Walloon Brabant region.
  • The Rixensart train station provides a direct and quick connection to Brussels, making it a handy peaceful base.
  • Bring a raincoat even in summer, as the Belgian weather can be famously unpredictable.

🍽 Food

🍽
Belgian Frites

Stop by a local 'friterie' (fritkot) for thick-cut fries served with a variety of sauces.

🍽
Walloon Brasserie Fare

Enjoy a hearty stew or local beer at the brasseries around the town center or nearby Lake Genval.

🍽
Artisanal Waffles & Chocolate

Check out the local bakeries near the station for sweet Belgian treats.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Rixensart Market

Visit the local weekly market to buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal goods.

🛍
Lake Genval Boutiques

Stroll near the lake to find small, independent shops offering home decor and local crafts.

🧘
Lac de Genval

A highly pretty lake first-rate for a calm afternoon walk or a quiet moment by the water.

🧘
Bois de Rixensart

Explore these peaceful local woods, offering shaded trails away from the town traffic.

Located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant, Rixensart is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty at the gates of Brussels. The town is primarily renowned for the Château de Rixensart, a 17th-century masterpiece surrounded by magnificent gardens and listed as a historic monument. Another major attraction is Lake Genval (Lac de Genval), a popular spot for water sports, strolls, and relaxing at one of the many lakeside cafes. The area is part of the Sonian Forest, offering endless opportunities for hiking and cycling. Getting to Rixensart is extremely easy. The town is directly connected by train from Brussels, with the journey taking about 30 minutes, making it a first-rate day-trip destination. By car, it is easily accessible via the E411 motorway. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn, when the weather is pleasant and nature is in full bloom, good for outdoor activities. Culinarily, Rixensart features a variety of restaurants serving both Belgian and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as mussels with fries (moules-frites) or a hearty steak at one of the local brasseries. The town also hosts regular markets where one can find fresh local produce and artisanal crafts, reflecting the authentic charm of Walloon culture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C236913161818141163
Rain mm706359426165727853627079

Geography

Population
21,616
Coordinates
50.71667, 4.53333

Facts

  • Located in the province of Walloon Brabant.
  • Home to the historic Château de Rixensart.
  • Adjacent to the scenic Lake Genval.
  • Part of the Brussels metropolitan area.
  • Direct train connection to Brussels.
  • Near the extensive Sonian Forest.
  • Known for its quiet, green environment.
  • Hosts regular local markets.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rixensart (11)

Piscine de Rixensart🎡 recreation

The swimming pool of Rixensart provides modern facilities for swimmers of all levels.

Musée du Tir à l'Arc🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to archery, housing a collection of bows from around the world, in Rixensart.

Château du Lac🏰 castle

A lakeside castle in Rixensart, from the early 20th century.

La Grande Bruyère🌿 nature

La Grande Bruyère is a protected nature reserve offering a recreational space in Rixensart.

Le Carpu🌿 nature

The Le Carpu nature reserve preserves the local flora and fauna in Rixensart.

Église Saint-Pierre⛪ religious

The Église Saint-Pierre is St Peter's Church in Maubroux, Rixensart.

Centre Culturel de Rixensart🎭 culture

The Centre Culturel de Rixensart is a bustling meeting point for art and culture in the city.

Terrain interactif ludique pour tous🏛 museum

The Terrain interactif ludique pour tous gives interactive museum experiences for the whole family in Rixensart.

Maison Communale de Rixensart🏰 castle

The town hall of Rixensart, built in the 20th century.

Musée du Vélo de course🏛 museum

A museum showcasing vintage racing bicycles, including Tour de France memorabilia, in Rixensart.

Château de Rixensart🏰 castle

Château de Rixensart is a 17th-century castle.

Frequently asked questions

How many days?
One day for the castle and Lake Genval.
When to visit?
Summer for lakeside activities and hiking.
From Brussels?
Direct train from Brussels (approx. 20-30 mins).
Food tip?
Belgian waffles and chocolate are a must-try.
For families?
Lake Genval has pedal boating and nice walks.
Rixensart: where is it located?
Rixensart is located in Belgium.
Rixensart: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscine de Rixensart, Musée du Tir à l'Arc, Château du Lac.
Rixensart: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rixensart: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant, Rixensart is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty at the gates of Brussels.
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