Rouge-Cloître – the Sonian Forest through its former priories

POSTPONED

Like Groenendaal, which we visited in May 2021, the former Rouge- Cloître/ Rood Klooster priory in Auderghem forms another gateway to the Sonian Forest. The Augustinian priory was founded in 1367 and became one of the most important monastic sites in Brabant. Several buildings have been preserved or rebuild and offer an insight into history, architecture and culture.

In addition to the priory and the surrounding park, the area on the edge of the forest, with the Flossendelle valley, is also a nature reserve and a heaven of peace and beauty. Due to the great variety of substrates, from swampy to dry calcareous, the reserve is known for its different biotopes with a wealth of animals and plants.

During the walk, we will follow in the footsteps of Emperor Charles V and discover this surprising mix of culture and nature in the Brussels part of the Sonian Forest, which inspired many artists.

Following our guided walk we head to the Africa museum in Tervuren where we will have lunch ( Central African cuisine) in Bistro Tembo, Leuvensesteenweg,13, Tervuren. Two courses including 1 glass of beer/wine/soft drink plus coffee or tea.  Vegetarians please notify at registration.

In the afternoon participants are free to stroll in the park adjoining the Afica Museum, visit Tervuren or, for ramblers and nature lovers , enjoy the nearby Arboretum.

If you have registered and paid for this event, let the organiser know, preferably by e-mail, and he will arrange for a more detailed programme and more precise guidelines in the week preceding the outing.

How to get there (click for map)

• By car: take the RO to Oudergem  >  exit E411 to Brussel/ Bruxelles  >  exit to Rood Klooster/ Rouge- Cloître /Adeps/ Auderghem centre-Oudergem-centrum/ULB Jardin Massart
• By public transport: from the Central train station take metro line 5 to the Hermann- Debroux station. From there you reach your destination after a 17 min’ walk ( 1,4 km)

Participants are kindly asked to consider car-pooling or communicate their willingness to give a lift to others who have no car.