Pierre Paulus Park
Parc Pierre Paulus

Looking for a green escape? Pierre Paulus park is the perfect gem of the city.

Brussels is considered one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with more than 30 parks. Pierre Paulus Park, divided into 2 parts, is a green escape that can be found in the happening Saint-Gilles neighborhood.

The first part of the park is in English-style and was once the garden of a grand mansion. Here you will find the magnificent Pelgrim House, fake antique ruins, a pond and waterfalls. Looking for a romantic stroll? This is the place. The second part of this park is laid out in the garden of what once was a former monastery. You can lie down here with friends and family or stroll along its paths and discover the busts of numerous famous figures.

The park takes its name from the famous expressionist painter, Pierre Paulus de Châtelet, who is most known for designing the rooster on the flag of Wallonia, the french-speaking side of Belgium. It was once the private garden of the Pelgrims house (Maison Pelgrims/Pelgrimhuis), a beautiful villa that was constructed in 1905. The house is still there today and occasionally opens for the public to come for a visit and is used by the Saint-Gilles community as a cultural hub.

Inside the park, you’ll find tons of pathways leading to ponds, a playground, and even a few petanque lanes where you can play for free! This park is mostly secluded from tourists and you’ll always find it only half-full with locals looking to spend the afternoon with their kids or wanting to be left alone with a good book. Needless to say, it’s the perfect urban escapade.