Pajottenland-Belgium

Pajottenland - Belgium

Pieter Bruegel, the Flemish Renaissance painter famed for his unforgettable peasant scenes and landscapes gained much of his inspiration from the area we now know as Pajottenland.

Like him, discover the six neighbouring communities of Bever, Galmaarden, Gooik, Herne, Lennik and Pepingen. As he did, visit this undulating and rural paradise in Flemish Brabant, South West of the European capital, Brussels. Wander along the twisting paths by little streams through wooded valleys.

Follow the country lanes with their thorny hedgerows, look over the gates at the fertile clay soil surrounded by poplars and knar led willows. Neat orchards of apples, pears and small fruit, producing their refreshing natural juices. Not forgetting the renowned Flemish fruit beers: made from cherries, raspberries and peaches. Beers brewed by natural fermentation like Lambik, Geuze and Kriek that are still brewed in the region.

Many other regional and farm products such as “mattentaarten”(a tasty sweet tartlet), hard and soft cheeses from Bever, goat cheese from Gooik, chocolate from Bever and Gooik and jenever the strong and unforgettable spirit from Lennik, distilled from juniper berries.

Shop at the weekly farmer’s markets in Gaasbeek, Gooik, Kester and Oetingen and taste the real flavours of the countryside.

Farm products with the “Pajot” label are available in four local shops in Lennik, Pepingen, Bever and Oetingen.

In the “Baljuw House” in Galmaarden there is a yearly tasting of regional and farm products.

The “Brabant” working horse has its origins here and is still being bred in Vollezele and Lennik.

Witness this agricultural history, and visit the wind and water mills that have been saved in the Mark valleys. The Hertboom windmill in Onze Lieve Vrouw Lombeek and the Pede watermill in Sint Gertrudis Pede are unique.

“Square” farms like Hof ter Reist in Heikruis and the Bree Farm in Lennik and many other interesting farms invite are open to visitors.

The most beautiful castle is in Gaasbeek. The tapestries, panel work, pieces of art and beautiful furniture are a delight for the eye. After the murder of the Brussels civil servant Mr Serclaes (1388) the people from Brussels attacked the castle and set fire to it. They stole all the chickens, thereby inheriting the nickname of “chickeneaters”. The garden has plants that were cultivated according to methods known in the early 20th century, without the current know-how of techniques. The highlights of this garden are the fruit trees probably amongst the biggest in the world.
Other places of interest are the “Kartuizersklooster” in Herne, 101 chapels in Bever. Feel the origins of the Flemish folk music in Gooik at the yearly “Gooikoorts” folk’s festival.
“Muziekmozaiek” organises a yearly training course, which has some 300 participants.
Try the old bowling game and many other folk games.
Enjoy nordic walking in Pajottenland, walks that give an extra dimension to exercise for all ages.
Relax during the walking, cycling or horse riding throughout the rich, cultural and rural life. If you wish you can even call upon a guide to make your visit more interesting.
In other words taste Pajottenland and enjoy the meals as painted by Bruegel: hot pot with sausages, stew with Geuze and chips.
Find rural lodgings at a farm or in a village, folk’s café with local food. Find us on: www.pajottenland.be


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