{"id":8286,"date":"2025-01-06T10:48:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T09:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledomainedestroistilleuls.be\/an-unusual-group-stay-coming-together-in-the-heart-of-nature-4\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T22:19:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T20:19:25","slug":"discover-villers-la-ville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledomainedestroistilleuls.be\/en\/discover-villers-la-ville\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Villers-la-Ville, Gem of Walloon Brabant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction: an authentic escape to Villers-la-Ville<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Set in the heart of Walloon Brabant, Villers-la-Ville is a destination where history and nature blend harmoniously. Ideally placed a short distance from Brussels and Namur, this charming municipality invites you to get away, whether you are a history buff, a keen explorer or simply a lover of beautiful landscapes. Discover a land rich in tradition, where every corner tells a story and every path is an invitation to serenity.<\/p>\n\n


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1. Location and natural setting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

1.1. Geographical location<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Villers-la-Ville is a Belgian municipality in the province of Walloon Brabant, in the Walloon Region. It lies about 30 kilometres south of Brussels, which makes it easy to reach for a break from the capital. The municipality is surrounded by picturesque villages such as Marbais, Mellery, Sart-Dames-Avelines and Tilly, each with its own charm and character.<\/p>\n\n

1.2. Getting there<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Thanks to its proximity to major roads and an efficient rail service, Villers-la-Ville is easy to reach by car and by train. Villers-la-Ville station makes it simple to travel to and from the larger surrounding towns, a practical option for visitors who prefer public transport.<\/p>\n\n

1.3. Landscapes and natural environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

The municipality is nestled in a green setting of wooded valleys, winding streams and peaceful meadows. The surrounding forests, such as the Bois de l’Ermitage and the Bois d’Hez, offer hiking trails ideal for walks in the countryside. Wildlife and plant lovers will find rich biodiversity here, a sign of how well the local natural areas have been preserved.<\/p>\n\n


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2. A municipality rich in history<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

2.1. Medieval origins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Villers-la-Ville takes its name from the Cistercian abbey founded in 1146 by monks from Clairvaux, at the instigation of Saint Bernard. This foundation played a central role in the development of the municipality, drawing a religious and lay community around the monastery.<\/p>\n\n

2.2. Key events<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Over the centuries, Villers-la-Ville has been the setting for many historical events. The abbey enjoyed periods of prosperity, notably in the 13th and 18th centuries, but also times of decline, particularly during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, which led to its suppression in 1796.<\/p>\n\n

2.3. Historical heritage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Today, the remains of the abbey bear witness to the municipality’s rich history. The majestic ruins attract visitors from around the world, who come to discover Cistercian architecture and step into the medieval history of the region. The municipality also preserves other monuments and sites of interest, reflecting its rich and varied past.<\/p>\n\n


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3. Exceptional historic heritage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

3.1. Villers-la-Ville Abbey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Villers-la-Ville Abbey<\/a> is undoubtedly the municipality’s most emblematic jewel. Founded in 1146, it is one of the most prestigious testimonies to the life of the monks of the Cistercian Order. Despite the ravages of time, the abbey ruins offer a fascinating glimpse of medieval architecture, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Classical styles.<\/p>\n\n

The abbey gardens<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

The abbey is surrounded by several themed gardens that enrich the visit:<\/p>\n\n