The #Staycation of Cécile

I spent my childhood in the French Ardennes and often went mountain biking in the woods there. When I moved to Ghent, in Belgium, I soon started cycling everywhere. It took me a while – and a couple of falls – too get used to the tram rails. In Brussels it was mainly the Roller Bike Parade that got me cycling. Thanks to that weekly event, I felt more and more at ease on my bike in the city. The setting gave me confidence, and you discover a lot of places at the same time.

I don’t have my own bike anymore, but during the lockdown, the Villo! promotion made me enthusiastic about getting back in the saddle again. A bike is a really fun way of getting around, and there’s no doubt it has a very positive impact on the environment and the quality of life in the city in general. At the moment I don’t have a car either. One per family is enough for the weekly shopping and days out, and I don’t need a car to get around Brussels for my work or private life.

The distance you travel in 20 minutes on your bike can easily take up to an hour by car. The decision is easily made when you look at the time you save and other advantages: less stress, more exercise, and you don’t waste time looking for a parking space.

When I’m in Ixelles, I often go through Bois de la Cambre and then take a spin around the Racecourse in Boitsfort. Brussels is quite a green city, so you can really breathe here.

Recently I discovered the Promenade Verte in Ganshoren. It’s just what I was missing in Brussels! I haven’t explored the whole route yet, but what I have seen of it was definitely worth the effort. In Avenue de l’Exposition there are two entrances to the route, one going towards Ganshoren and one towards Jette. On Sundays I like to go to the centre of Brussels too. There’s less traffic than during the week, and you’ve got more time to get to know the city differently.

The Promenade Verte is fantastic. You’re in Brussels, but it feels as if you’re out in the countryside. The landscapes are very peaceful and you’re in a green environment. The route that begins in Ganshoren Marsh leads to Laerbeek Wood too, a favourite playground for mountain bikers.

I’d like to buy a mountain bike soon, so I can go on some nice trips with it. The other entrance through Parc Roi Baudouin takes you to the Atomium and the parks around it, in Osseghem and Laeken. You can carry on to the fantastic buildings that house the Museums of the Far East.

I like to cycle to Bar Fabiola in the Parc Roi Baudouin. It’s an open-air café in the shade, which is ideal if you want a refreshing drink or a burger. It’s a nice place to go with the whole family, too. Just before you get to it there’s a great children’s playground.

Ganshoren Marsh is a wonderful place too. Some shady paths lead to the Chalet de Laerbeek, where you can share an aperitif platter and drink a nice cold beer, or just have a snack.

In Jette I like to buy a tasty box of fries on Place Cardinal Mercier and eat them in peace at café Op Den Hoek.

When I’m in Ixelles, I like to go down to the town centre and eat a delicious ice cream at Gaston, on the Quai aux Briques. Or I drop by Noordzee, where you can order things like razor clams à la plancha.

Cycling to Bois de la Cambre and drinking a coffee in Café Belga as I pass by the ponds in Ixelles. Then along Place Chatelain towards the centre, stopping for a moment to enjoy the beautiful view from Place Poelaert. And finally, of course, buying soap by the kilo at Les Savons de Lyna in rue Haute, before cycling to Place du Jeu de Balle to enjoy the unique atmosphere in that neighbourhood.

Then it’s off to the Dansaert district for a meal at Noordzee: razor clams à la plancha, fried fish and other goodies from the sea, with a delicious glass of white wine. Before going back to the Bascule via Avenue Louise or Place Chatelain, I pick up an e-Villo at the Bourse, clip on my battery and then go for a cool drink at bistro Chez Richard, on the Sablon, or at Chez Franz a bit further on.