Located south of Brussels, this Belgian municipality is known for its historic Lion's Mound monument and the nearby Waterloo battlefield from 1815. The town has a medieval church and active weekly market.
Braine-l'Alleud, 20 kilometers south of Brussels, played a crucial role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. You can climb the Lion's Mound for panoramic views of the battlefield, explore the 110-meter circular painting at the Waterloo Panorama, or throw discs at the 18-hole golf course in Parc du Bourdon. Look for El Gamin qui piche, the town's playful take on Brussels' Manneken Pis statue, in the town center.
Getting Around Braine-l'Alleud
Trains run regularly between Brussels and Braine-l'Alleud on line 124. Ten bus routes connect you to Waterloo, Wavre, and Nivelles. Cyclists can use dedicated paths through the countryside - rent bikes at the train station or bring your own.
Battle of Waterloo Sites
The Lion's Mound rises 45 meters above the battlefield where the Prince of Orange was wounded in 1815. Inside the visitor center, watch 3D battle reenactments and examine original uniforms and weapons. Walk around the 110-meter Waterloo Panorama, where painted scenes bring the battle to life. Visit Hougemont farm to see the preserved stone walls and chapel where British forces held their position during the battle.
Outdoor Recreation
Try disc golf at Parc du Bourdon - bring your own discs or rent them at the park entrance, located 1 kilometer from the train station. Walk or cycle along 40 kilometers of marked paths through woods and farmland. Stop by the tourist office for free trail maps with routes from 2 to 15 kilometers, rated by difficulty level.
Local Culture and Events
Watch giant puppets parade through streets during carnival season - in February in Ophain and March in central Braine-l'Alleud. Catch RCS Braine football matches at the municipal stadium or see BC Castors Braine compete in Belgium's top women's basketball division. Visit Cardinal Mercier's former residence, now the tourist information center, to learn about upcoming local events and festivals. The staff can help you plan your visit and suggest seasonal activities.
