La Hulpe(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Lajoux, the top boutique choice is Hotel des Cérès, a restored 19th-century manor featuring antique furnishings, original wood beams, and a private courtyard garden. Located steps from the Town Hall and Notre-Dame Church, it offers intimate rooms with handmade textiles and local art. The hotel hosts seasonal events like wine tastings and candlelit dinners, providing authentic immersion in Walloon-Brabant culture. Its peaceful setting amid cobbled streets makes it ideal for travelers seeking quiet elegance and historical authenticity.

The Old Town (Vieux Village) is the prime walking district in Lajoux, where cobblestone alleys wind past half-timbered houses and flower-filled balconies. It’s centered around the Market Square, home to artisan shops, cozy cafés, and the historic Town Hall with its intricate façade. Walking here reveals hidden courtyards, old stone wells, and views of the Notre-Dame Church spire. The area is pedestrian-friendly, well-lit at night, and perfect for capturing authentic Belgian village life through photography or leisurely strolls.

To experience genuine rural life in Lajoux, visit the Saturday Farmers’ Market at the Market Square, where locals sell fresh cheese, sourdough bread, and regional apple cider. Stay at a family-run gîte such as Gîte de l’Olivier, where hosts share stories of farming traditions and invite guests to help harvest herbs or tour nearby orchards. Participate in the annual Village Festival, featuring folk dances, craft workshops, and traditional cooking demonstrations—offering deep cultural connection to Walloon-Brabant’s heritage.

Near Lajoux, must-see landmarks include the Notre-Dame Church, a 15th-century Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass and a bell tower offering panoramic views. The Town Hall features ornate carvings and houses a small museum of local history. Just outside town, the Forêt de Braine offers scenic hiking trails leading to hidden springs and wildflower meadows. Don’t miss the ruins of Château de Renesse, a medieval estate now open to visitors, set in a peaceful woodland clearing with panoramic vistas.

When in Lajoux, savor Carbonade Flamande—a rich beer-braised beef stew served with fries—and Belgian frites topped with homemade mustard. Sample Cidre de Lajoux, a locally crafted apple cider made from heirloom apples, often enjoyed at rustic taverns like Le Bistrot du Vieux Village. This family-owned eatery uses time-honored recipes, serving meals in a stone-walled dining room with exposed beams and flickering candlelight, delivering an unforgettable taste of authentic Walloon cuisine.

Winter in Lajoux is magical, especially during the Christmas season, when the town lights up with traditional lanterns and the Market Square transforms into a festive market selling handmade gifts and mulled wine. Stay at Hotel des Cérès, where fireplaces warm cozy rooms and snow blankets the surrounding gardens. Enjoy unique experiences like snowshoeing tours through the Forêt de Braine or a candlelit dinner in a historic manor, complete with seasonal treats like chocolate hazelnut cake and almond cream pudding—perfect for romantic getaways.

Yes, Lajoux is a photographer’s paradise. Capture the morning mist over the Notre-Dame Church spire or the golden glow of the Town Hall at dusk. Narrow alleyways in the Old Town offer dramatic shadows and textures, while the snowy trails of Forêt de Braine create serene, minimalist compositions. Visit during the Winter Market for candid shots of artisans crafting candles and ornaments. Some guesthouses even offer guided photo walks to highlight hidden viewpoints and seasonal lighting effects.

For couples, Le Jardin des Étoiles is a dream stay: a former manor with a private garden, rooftop terrace, and rooms featuring fireplaces and luxury bathtubs overlooking the church tower. Each suite includes personalized touches like local wine and handmade chocolates. The hotel arranges intimate experiences such as moonlit boat rides along the Rhine tributary and private candlelit dinners using seasonal ingredients. With its tranquil ambiance and bespoke service, it’s perfect for a romantic retreat in the heart of rural Belgium.

Public transport in Lajoux is convenient via the NMBS/SNCB train line connecting to Antwerp in about 45 minutes. The Lajoux Railway Station provides regular services, and buses link key sites within the municipality. While there’s no metro, the town center is walkable, and many hotels offer free parking. Bike rentals are available for exploring nearby vineyards and forest paths. During peak seasons, HopeGoo transport in advance is recommended for a smooth journey.

Lajoux hosts several vibrant annual events. The May Folk Music Festival features live performances by regional bands in the Market Square, blending traditional tunes with modern rhythms. In August, the Fête de la Fleur celebrates spring with flower-decorated floats, craft stalls, and a parade through the old village. The December Winter Market brings holiday cheer with artisan vendors, hot cider stands, and workshops where visitors can make candles or glass ornaments—each event deeply rooted in community spirit and local tradition.