Where can you go for a nature stay in Belgium, for 2 or 3 days, when the Ardennes feel far away? Walloon Brabant offers woodland, meadows and a river 40 minutes from Brussels. At Le Domaine des Trois Tilleuls, in Villers-la-Ville, within the listed landscape of the Thyle valley, five walks start from the Cosy Cabins.
In this article: where the Domaine is, the walks, nights in a cabin, rainy days and prices.
Where to have a nature stay in Belgium, close to Brussels?
Walloon Brabant offers a corner of nature right next to the capital. Le Domaine des Trois Tilleuls lies within the listed landscape of the Thyle valley.
Around the cabins: meadows where horses graze, and the woods. The Moulin d’Hollers walk follows the Thyle valley, a Natura 2000 site.
From the major cities, the journey stays short:
- 40 minutes from Brussels;
- 20 minutes from Nivelles or Louvain-la-Neuve, 25 minutes from Waterloo;
- by car, outside rush hour: about 35 minutes from Namur, about 1 h from Liège, about 1 h 10 from Antwerp or Ghent;
- by train: Villers-la-Ville station, on the line between Ottignies and Charleroi, is 2 km from the Domaine, a 30-minute walk.
“[…] the silence is broken only by birdsong, the croaking of frogs and the neighing of horses.”
Eric, the Domaine’s guestbook (translated)
Walks starting from the cabins
Five walks start from the Domaine, from 25 minutes to 2 hours on foot. You will find their routes in the folder in the Foyer and on AllTrails.
| Walk | Distance | Duration | Level | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vieux-Châtelet, around the estate | 1.54 km | 25 min | Easy | 26 m |
| Rigenée golf course | 3.12 km | 50 min | Easy | 61 m |
| Moulin d’Hollers, Thyle valley (Natura 2000) | 3.34 km | 50 min | Easy | 65 m |
| Water tower | 4.58 km | 1 h 15 | Easy | 82 m |
| Abbey, to Villers Abbey | 6.86 km | 2 h | Intermediate | 173 m |
Little ones start with the Vieux-Châtelet; keen walkers save the Abbey for the second day.
Beyond these five routes, 70 km of trails start from the Domaine.
With children, the Totemus treasure hunt “À la rencontre des moines et des chapelles au fil de l’eau” turns the walk into a game. It covers about 7 km through Villers-la-Ville, past the abbey, with the Totemus app.
And to visit Villers-la-Ville Abbey, allow 5 minutes by car; opening hours and prices are on the Villers Abbey website.
Sleeping in nature, with every comfort
After your walk, everyone heads back to a Cosy Cabin, for 1 to 4 people. Each cabin has a king-size bed on the mezzanine, two single beds side by side in the alcove, an equipped kitchen and a rooftop terrace. The bathroom has a shower, a washbasin and a dry toilet.
Everything is ready when you arrive: beds are made and bath towels provided. Firewood, firelighters and matches are waiting for you, and end-of-stay cleaning is included.
The Finnish sauna, heated to 85 °C, is open 24/7; the fire pit and the wood-fired plancha barbecue stretch the evenings outdoors.
The cabins are heated with green electricity, their wastewater is treated by reed-bed, and the Domaine has held the Green Key label since 2025.
“A fine balance between a nature stay and real comfort.”
Cécile, Google review (translated)
Several families in nature: the children outdoors, the adults in the Foyer
For a nature stay with several families, exclusive use of the 4 Cosy Cabins and the Foyer welcomes up to 16 people, children included.
The day is spent outdoors. In the evening, the group gathers in the Foyer for dinner, in a large common room with 4 tables for 4. Then each family returns to its cabin for the night.
Children find plenty to do outdoors: the horses in the meadow and outdoor games, including pétanque and mölkky.
A high chair and a baby cot are available on request. In season, the Cosy Cabins pool, open from April to September, rounds off the stay (children swim under the responsibility of the accompanying adults).
To see how a full weekend unfolds, read how a group weekend runs, from Friday to Sunday.
“All 4 families are leaving with a wonderful feeling of calm, peace and joy!”
Sébastien and Tatiana, the Domaine’s guestbook, All Saints’ weekend (translated)
If it rains: a nature stay in autumn and winter
Rain is part of a nature stay, and the Foyer is built for it. The wood-burning stove warms the lounge, the covered terrace lets you stay outside under shelter, and firewood is included in your stay.
In the Foyer, board games and books can be borrowed for your cabin; with exclusive use, the home cinema in the lounge is yours.
After a walk in the rain, the Finnish sauna warms you up.
“We weren’t very lucky with the weather, but thanks to the covered outdoor areas […] and the warm, spacious lodge, it was a real pleasure despite the weather.”
Alice, Google review (translated)
How much does a nature stay at the Domaine cost?
Exclusive use of the 4 Cosy Cabins and the Foyer costs 4 times the price of one cabin, that is from €720 per night, incl. VAT.
Price guide, incl. VAT
| Nights | Exclusive use, per night |
|---|---|
| Sunday to Thursday, outside school holidays (stays of 2 nights or more) | €720 |
| Sunday to Thursday, during school holidays (stays of 2 nights or more) | €796 |
| Friday and Saturday (at least 2 nights at weekends) | €996 |
- Longer stays get a discount on the total: from 10 % for 3 nights to 25 % from 7 nights (15 % for 4 nights, 20 % for 5 or 6).
- Meals are booked at least 72 hours in advance, with group options from 10 people and a vegetarian option.
- When you book direct, cancellation is free up to 7 days before arrival; a 50 % deposit is requested at booking.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights should you plan for a nature stay?
At weekends, stays are at least 2 nights, from Friday to Sunday. On Sunday, check-out is until 5 PM: time for one last walk. During school holidays, a midweek or a full week lets you do all five walks at a relaxed pace. The discount ranges from 10 % for 3 nights to 25 % from 7 nights.
Can you come by train or by bike?
Yes. Villers-la-Ville station, on the line between Ottignies and Charleroi, is 2 km from the Domaine, a 30-minute walk. Keen cyclists ride from Brussels: allow about 2 h 30 for 40 km. For a group, there is free on-site parking.
Are pets allowed?
Pets stay at home: the Domaine’s rules keep them out of the cabins and the shared spaces alike. As for animals, the children have the horses in the meadow.
Can you book a single cabin?
Yes: a Cosy Cabin sleeps 1 to 4 people. Exclusive use of the 4 cabins and the Foyer suits groups of up to 16 people.
Your nature stay, 40 minutes from Brussels
The Thyle valley, five walks from the cabin door, the sauna afterwards and the Foyer when it rains. With exclusive use of the 4 Cosy Cabins and the Foyer, you enjoy your nature stay with up to 16 people, 40 minutes from Brussels.
A question about the walks, the season or coming with children? Write to us or call 0472 28 05 68.
Tanguy, founder and host, Le Domaine des Trois Tilleuls
