Hi everyone and welcome to my blog. Make yourself at home, have a seat, and grab a snack because I take you on to my journey.
My name is Ange and I am a 20 years old student living in Brussels. Brussels is a very interesting city with plenty of things to do, it isn’t the European capital for nothing. Sadly it will be difficult to travel this year but now we have the opportunity to do some staycation and discover so many places we might not know. Luckily the weather is very enjoyable these days, lucky us! I don’t know about you friends but with hot temperatures like this, all I ask for is WATER! Water to drink and eventually to swim in to cool a little bit down. I listed up a few places in Brussels where you can find ponds and parks to relax and enjoy your day.
A little bit of knowledge
A pond is an area filled with natural or artificial water, smaller than a lake. It may be formed naturally in a floodplain, part of a river system, or a somewhat isolated depression. It may contain shallow water as well as aquatic plants and animals.
Ponds are usually man-made or beyond their original depth and limits. Ponds have many uses: it can provide water for agriculture and animal husbandry, help restore habitats, used as fish hatcheries, or for solar energy.
- The Ixelles Ponds
The Ixelles ponds also are known as the green lungs of Brussels have a central location in the city. These are two freshwater ponds in Ixelles nearby the Flagey square and the Bois de la Cambre forest. The advantage is that the ponds (North – and Southern pond) are big enough so the risk of overcrowding little. It is a very calm and charming place where you can read a book, have a romantic walk, dip your toes in the water or just sit, close your eyes, and let yourself be rocked by the sound of slow-moving water, tweets of birds and the wind. Car traffic has been reduced to keep the tranquility of local residents. It is even possible to fish on Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Fishing is good to reduce stress, to improve your concentration and it lets you unplug. You should try it once!
- Parc des Etangs Anderlecht
The Parc des Etangs is the green space that animates the municipality of Anderlecht. It is located in the Neerpede valley in the west part of Brussels. It connects the park of Scherdemael and the regional park of La Pede, the so-called Parc System. You can see there are a few fountains in the water that provide oxygen for the well-being of the fish. They are beneficial for the many water birds too. This parc overwhelms you with so many things to do and to look at. It’s good for youth and adults as well. You can go for a stroll around the lake, have a picnic in the grass, play a game of petanque, or admire the marvel graffiti bridge that displays the art of talented graffiti artists.
- Mellaerts ponds
The Mellaerts ponds are situated in the parc of the municipality of Woluwe-St-Pierre, in the south-east part of Brussels. It is considered as one of the greenest areas of the city. The ponds are not so for away from the center, right at the crossing of Souverain Boulevard and Tervueren Avenue. The larger of the two ponds is dedicated to water sports in summer: kayaks and pedal boats. This is a great activity to have some quality time with your friends. You could also do mini-golf. The paths in the parc are flat, which makes cycling very easy and pleasant. During your tour, you will be able to see some cute ducks, swans, gulls, and rabbits while idolizing the fascinating nature at its finest. After your relaxing day, you can even eat in the Brasserie des Etangs Mellaerts , the highly recommend restaurant opened by the Mellaerts family.
- Leopold parc pond
The pond is situated in the Leopold park right within the European quarter. It is the remains of the former valley of Maelbeek. The park is a small yet alluring green hotspot in the heart of Brussels. Some assume its one of the finest parks of Brussels. It also houses museums and institutes as well as the Solvey Business school. You will notice that the environment urbanized is, what makes the pond very charismatic. Its vast lawn area shaded by trees, and its winding paths crisscross, inviting visitors to take a stroll. This pond is a striking place to walk while admiring the water under the shade of the trees growing on the banks of the river. The park is even accessible for kids. You can combine your walk with some playground fun.
