Château de Belœil

About the museum

Beloeil Castle has stood in the heart of Hainaut for more than eight centuries and remains the emblem of the princely House of Ligne, one of the oldest and most prestigious noble families in Europe. Originally a medieval fortress, it came into the Ligne family's possession in the 14th century through the inheritance of Catherine of Condé. The family then remodelled and enlarged it according to architectural tastes, keeping elements of its original defensive function, such as its towers and moats, to create an elegant country residence. The family served many European rulers, including the counts of Hainaut, the kings of France, the dukes of Burgundy, the emperors of Austria and the kings of the Belgians.

The castle is a masterpiece of classical architecture with sumptuous interiors. Visitors discover art and furniture collections, mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, in large reception rooms. Its historic library, a literary treasure, holds more than 20,000 rare and precious books. A new multisensory display rediscovers the history of the estate through the five senses, with monochrome works by the artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.

The French formal garden, laid out in the 18th century, covers 25 hectares around long pools, perfectly symmetrical avenues, groves and fountains, inspired by the gardens of Versailles. The central canal stretches for almost 460 metres.

Highlights

• Residence of the princes de Ligne for eight centuries
• Reception rooms and art and furniture collections from the 17th and 18th centuries
• Historic library of more than 20,000 rare books
• New multisensory display, with works by Isabelle de Borchgrave
• 25-hectare French formal garden and 460-metre canal

Permanent exhibition

• Visite du château et de ses jardins – Route through the reception rooms, the library and the new multisensory display, followed by the French formal gardens.

Operated by

Château de Belœil (famille de Ligne)

Admission & discounts

Prices valid outside exhibitions and events.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The estate is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility: only the ground floor of the castle and the park. Free parking spaces for people with reduced mobility at the estate entrance, or drop-off in the castle courtyard. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the gardens; inside the castle only guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free activity booklet for children aged 8 to 12 accompanied by an adult, available from the ticket office; selfie corner; family treasure hunt almost every last Saturday of the month; shop with children's items.

Getting there & parking

By car: from Brussels about 1 hour via the E19/E429 (exit 30 Ath); from Lille about 45 minutes via the A25/E42 (exit 28 Basècles).

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant on the estate and souvenir shop, with children's items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Room hire and filming possible on the estate.

Plan your visit