Lavera Gardens Forest

The Lavera Gardens in Forest are a hidden gem in the south of Brussels. The gardens were laid out in the twentieth century around an older town house and have been preserved as a city garden among the typical Brussels terraced houses. Since the municipality acquired the site, it has been opened to the public, with respect for the original planting. A blend of English landscape style and crisper French parterres makes the garden surprisingly varied within a relatively small area. It is a beloved resting place for local residents and an unexpected discovery for those heading south from Saint-Gilles.

Accessibility is good. The street-side entrance has step-free access with an automatic gate. The main paths are paved with clinker or asphalt and offer a level course suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A few side paths are narrower and partly gravelled, but the central loop along the borders and the pond is fully step-free. A partially accessible toilet is available in the management building on the north side. Shaded benches offer plenty of resting places.

The gardens are free of charge and generally open from sunrise to sunset. Street parking is limited; preferably use public transport with the tram stopping at Wielemans a few minutes' walk away. Combine with a visit to one of the other green spots in Brussels, such as the Warande Park in the city centre.