European Baloon Corporation

How to get there?

• Motorway E411 Namur - Brussels, exit at junction 9 Louvain-la-Neuve/Corroy-le-Grand towards Nivelles (N25). Exit at Villers-la-Ville and follow the signs for the abbey.
• Motorway E19 Brussels - Nivelles - Mons, exit at junction 19 Nivelles South, Ringroad R24 towards Wavre. Then onto the N25 towards Louvain-la-Neuve, exit at Villers-la-Ville, and follow the signs for the abbey.

Take-off takes place on the lawn in front of the second visitor's car park

Description :

The ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville, founded in 1146 under the patronage of Saint Bernard, are one of the greatest historic monuments in Belgium. Originally a perfect example of a monastic retreat, the abbey experienced turbulent times during the Christian unity in the Middle Ages, the unsettled reign of Charles V and the French Revolution of 1794, when it was completely sacked. Two years later, the monastery was suppressed and slowly fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, a large number of artists, painters and romantic authors, such as Victor Hugo, were attracted by the beauty of the majestic ruins, which are still sometimes used as a dramatic setting for French drama and classical concerts.

Come and enjoy this magnificent sight from the heights of a hot air balloon.

Address :

Ruines de l'Abbaye Cistercienne

Rue de l'Abbaye, 53
1495 Villers-la-Ville

GPS coordinates :

50°35'25"N - 004°31'76"E

Le Moulin de Villers

Rue de l'Abbaye 55
1495 VIllers-la-Ville

www.moulindevillers.be

Places

Our flights take place throughout the year from four launch sites (Abbey of Villers-la-Ville, the Lion of Waterloo, the Place of Céroux-Mousty Provinciedomein Huizingen and the Château of Gravenhof) depending on wind direction.

All take off places are ideally situated and are about 30 minutes from Brussels.

• Abbey of Villers-la-Ville
• Enghien Castle
• Gravenhof Castle
• Lion of Waterloo
• Place of Céroux-Mousty
• Provinciedomein Huizingen

Timing

Flights are obviously weather dependant.

During the summer they take place early in the morning and evening, seven days a week. In the winter they take place during the morning and afternoon when the views are the most spectacular. Each flight lasts for an hour although it would be wise to allow three hours for the whole trip.

Once you are booked, telephone us at lunch time before your flight to confirm your booking and for final launch instructions. Please remember that we try to fly every day between April and October, weather permitting.

Light surface winds and stable air are ideal conditions for ballooning. You must contact us at lunch time before your flight to make sure conditions are suitable. If the flight has to be cancelled an alternative date will be arranged to suit you. It may take several attempts before the correct weather coincides with your booking, please be patient, it is worth the wait.