From Nature to Art Nouveau (11 km) in English

Park Duden is one of Forest’s green treasures, but it is also the starting point for discovering another side of the neighbourhood. From the paths and history of the park, this 11 km walk takes us through Forest and Saint-Gilles, into the extraordinary world of Brussels Art Nouveau. Just as the Sonian Forest offers us hundreds of trees to discover, the streets of Forest and Saint-Gilles offer us dozens of remarkable Art Nouveau houses and buildings. But this is not simply about counting them! I  will take the time to explain what Art Nouveau actually is, why it emerged in Brussels, and how to recognise its ideas, forms and details. Along the way, we will discover the architects, artists and society behind this remarkable movement, ending at Victor Horta’s own house and studio, now the Horta Museum.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. If the event is sold out, please sign up for the waiting list by filling out the form. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, the full amount is due. In the latter case, please make the payment to the following account in the name of Walking in Belgium: BE30001917749311. A reminder email will be sent a few days before the activity begins.

Meeting point:  Parc Duden, Chaussée de Bruxelles, near the historic Joseph Marien Stadium (home of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), on the lower western border of the park (Meeting next to the historic stone on the corner of Rue du Mystère)

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gCnC9GmiCq6UnBYT9

10.15am:           get together

10.30am:           Start of the walk

12.30pm:          Picnic whilst walking (please bring something easy to eat)

3:30 PM:            End in front of the Musée Horta – Those who would like to continue the Art Nouveau experience can book a visit to the museum in advance and explore Victor Horta’s former home and studio at their own pace.

Please arrive promptly out of respect for other participants. There will be no waiting time longer than the 15 minutes specified in the programme.

Difference in height:    negligible

Distance: approx.         11 kilometres

Difficulty:                        EASY

 A one-way walk of approximately 11 km from Duden Park through Forest and Saint-Gilles, taking around 5 hours including plenty of time for thorough explanations. We will begin with a gentle immersion in the greenery of Duden Park, taking time to appreciate its natural surroundings and discover the history of this remarkable park, before moving into the streets of Forest and Saint-Gilles, where dozens of Art Nouveau houses and buildings await us. Just as a forest invites us to look at its trees in greater detail, this walk will teach us to look at the city with new eyes. The guide, Florence Berteletti, has researched the architectural history along this route and will take the time to share the buildings’ stories, explain what Art Nouveau is (and how it differs from Art Deco), why it emerged in Brussels, and how to recognise its characteristic forms, materials and details. The walk ends at the Horta Museum. Those who would like to continue the Art Nouveau experience can book a visit to the museum in advance and explore Victor Horta’s former home and studio at their own pace.

Equipment: Comfortable walking shoes are very important. Not suitable for people with limited mobility. Suitable for children over 10. Bring water in your backpack. Dogs are not permitted.

Transportation: Various public transportation options reach the starting point. Getting there:

Bus 52 (stop: Union) — about 170m / 3-minute walk to the stadium; Bus 54 (stop: Mystère or Jupiter) — drops you near the corner of Rue du Mystère, right by the stadium; Tram 82 (stop: Châtaignes) — a 5–10 minute walk up Chaussée de Bruxelles to the park entrance

See stib.be/itineraire. Bike parking is also available.

COST:
€30 per person. Children under 12 pay €15. The fee includes the guided walk and liability insurance. The guide, Florence Berteletti,  has researched the architectural history along this route in great detail. She also completed the first year of the Centre de Formation pour Accompagnateurs en Randonnée (CFAR) programme, including the technical and practical examinations, and holds a First Aid certificate.

Payment is made on site before the start of the activity.