Walloon Brabant, the green escape… - Province du Brabant wallon

Prehistoric flintto Gobertange stoneHélécine, a must-seein Hesbaye BrabançonneThe Provincial Estateof HélécineThis exceptional estate coveringalmost 75 acres is on the site of theformer Premonstratensian Abbey inHeylissem, which was founded in1129. The thirteenth-century castle inthe neoclassical style is well worthadmiring.The Provincial Estate of Hélécine nowhas a tourism and an economic function.The former monk’s abode hasbeen converted into a first-rate venuefor seminars and receptions.The 10-acre park surrounding the castleis open to the public. It boasts anineteenth-century ice cave, Belgium’sonly giant sundial, a children’s maze,an educational nature trail and and abiological pond.The estate offers sporting types tenniscourts, a horse trail and three fishponds.A refreshment room, animals, a petan -que area, two playgrounds, a mini-golfcourse and Heylissem beer tasting helprelax visitors to this prestigious site.Rue Armand Dewolf 21357 Opheylissem& +32.(0)19.65.54.91www.brabantwallon.bechateauhelecine@skynet.beAll year from sunrise to sundown.The castle is closed in theChristmas-New Year holiday period.Restaurant/catering option on site. Guidedtours in French and Dutch by appointment.Armand Pellegrin Museumin OpheylissemFounded in 1930 by village teacherArmand Pellegrin, this museum isspread over various rooms, includingan old school, flax works, the dynasty,the homeland, the former café andstoreroom, and the kitchen furnishedin the fin-de-siecle style. Two collectionsare well worth particular attention: a set of lamps tracing the historyof lighting and a fine collection of toysmade by children.bayeArmand Pellegrin Museum also housesthe collection of the Biscuit Tin Museum.Rue du Moulin 151357 Opheylissem (Hélécine)& +32.(0)19.65.69.90or +32.(0)19.65.51.00www.helecine.bemusee.pellegrin@skynet.beMondays by reservation.Tuesdays to Fridays9.30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.Saturdays 2 pm to 6 pm.Sundays 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.Closed Mondays and Saturdays mornings.Guided tours for groups possible Mondaysand Saturdays mornings by appointment.27