Louvain-la-Neuve Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Louvain-la-Neuve, located in the Wallonie region of Belgium, is a vibrant and charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Brabant Wallon province, this modern city is known for its innovative urban planning and its thriving academic community.

One of the main highlights of Louvain-la-Neuve is its rich history. The city was founded in the 1960s as a purpose-built university town, with the goal of accommodating the growing population of students from the nearby Université catholique de Louvain. As a result, the city features a fascinating mix of contemporary architecture and historic landmarks, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Explore the Grand-Place, the central square of Louvain-la-Neuve, which is surrounded by a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Admire the stunning Town Hall, a modern masterpiece of architecture that stands in stark contrast to the traditional buildings found in many Belgian cities. Take a stroll along the charming pedestrian streets, lined with colorful facades and lively outdoor terraces, offering an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

For those seeking cultural experiences, Louvain-la-Neuve has much to offer. The city is home to several museums and art galleries, showcasing both contemporary and traditional works of art. Visit the Musée L, a modern art museum that features an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene by attending one of the many concerts, theater performances, or film screenings that take place throughout the year.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Louvain-la-Neuve. The city is surrounded by lush green landscapes and picturesque parks, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a relaxing walk through the Bois de Lauzelle, a nearby forest that offers scenic trails and beautiful views. Enjoy a picnic by the lake at the Parc de la Source, a tranquil oasis located just a short distance from the city center.

Alternative names: Population: 31.6 thous.Area: 12.73 mi²Elevation: 384 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°40'9"N, 4°36'51"E

Location

WallonieBelgium

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Louvain-la-Neuve Top Attractions

Louvain-la-Neuve Attractions - What to See and Explore

Louvain-la-Neuve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Musée L, Ferme du Biéreau, Aula Magna, Louvain-la-Neuve Cyclotron. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Art museum • Museum
Musée L
Nestled in the heart of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, the Musée L invites visitors on an eclectic journey through art and human ingenuity. This dynamic museum, housed within the University of Louvain, is a treasure trove of over 32,000 works spanning various disciplines...
Theater
Ferme du Biéreau
Biéreau Farm is an old Brabantine farm now turned into a cultural and musical centre. It is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, part of the municipality Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, in the province Walloon Brabant in Belgium.
Concerts and shows • Event space • Theater
Aula Magna
The Aula Magna is a postmodern building of the University of Louvain located in Louvain-la-Neuve, a section of the Belgian city of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, in Walloon Brabant. It holds one of the country's largest auditoria, with a maximum capacity of 1050 seats, and Wallonia's largest stage.

50°40'3"N • 4°37'29"E
Louvain-la-Neuve Cyclotron
The Louvain-la-Neuve Cyclotron is a brutalist architectural complex of the University of Louvain built from 1970 to 1972 in Louvain-la-Neuve, Walloon Brabant, Belgium, notably holding UCLouvain's CYCLONE particle accelerators.
Sleek showcase of a cartoonist's life
Musée Hergé
The Musée Hergé, or Hergé Museum, is a museum in Belgium dedicated to the life and work of the Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, who wrote under the pen name Hergé, creator of the series of comic albums, The Adventures of Tintin.
Park
Bois de Lauzelle
Lauzelle Wood is a private forest belonging to the Catholic University of Louvain and located in the municipality of Ottignies, in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant.
50°40'12"N • 4°37'2"E
Maison des jeunes "Chez Zelle"
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Universities and schools
Université catholique de Louvain
The Université catholique de Louvain is Belgium's largest French-speaking university. It is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, which was expressly built to house the university, and Brussels, Charleroi, Mons, Tournai and Namur.

Day trips

Louvain-la-Neuve – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Louvain-la-Neuve, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Grand Place (Brussels), Mini-Europe (Brussels), Atomium (Brussels).

17 milesNW
, Square
Grand Place, Brussels
The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels, Belgium, and a shining example of the city's opulent history and architectural prowess. Dating back to the 10th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its decorative and aesthetic...
20 milesNW
Park
Mini-Europe, Brussels
Nestled on the edge of the Heysel Park in Brussels, Belgium, Mini-Europe is a charming park that offers visitors a unique journey through the European Union in miniature. This delightful attraction showcases replicas of the most famous buildings and monuments from...
20 milesNW
Specialty museum, Museum, Sculpture
Atomium, Brussels
The Atomium is an iconic landmark towering over the Brussels skyline with its futuristic and unique design. Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58), this architectural marvel stands at an impressive height of 102 meters and represents an iron crystal...
12 milesN
Museum, Art museum, Natural history museum
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Overijse
The Royal Museum for Central Africa, located in the serene suburb of Tervuren, just outside Brussels, Belgium, is a window into the heart of the African continent. This expansive museum, established in 1897, is set within the lush greenery of Tervuren Park, offering a...
15 milesNW
Park
Cinquantenaire, Brussels
The Parc du Cinquantenaire, or Jubelpark in Dutch, is an emblematic green space in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. This expansive park, covering 30 hectares, was established in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.