La Cambre Abbey Brussels

La Cambre Abbey Brussels

Abbey, park and arts in the city

Renata from Brussels

About me: I was born and raised in Torino, in the North of Italy. Studying engineering allowed me to live in many different countries. When I came to the point where I needed to look for a job I decided I wanted to have another experience abroad. In 2003 the job offer came from Brussels, for a big multinational company. I wasn’t that excited, didn’t know Brussels very well, and I always thou...
""La Cambre Abbey" is an abbey tucked away in a corner of a small square in Brussels. I'm sure most visitors never notice it. It's a precious gem."

When I first heard of this place, I, like most of the people I know, thought it was just an abbey. I still went to check it out and discovered a precious gem!

There is indeed an abbey with its cloister and gardens, founded in the 13th century by Cistercian monks. The church itself (still functioning) is tucked away in a corner of the small square, and I am sure most visitors never notice it.

Instead, what strikes everyone are the nice paths, the pond with the benches facing the sun, the trees and the small but well-kept park leading to the upper side of the area.

Away from cars and noise, I like to go there when I run. It has a few ramps and steps, which is very useful for a good running training to improve my performance.

Here on summer evenings, it's not unusual to find young people having picnics or playing petanques, so nice! If you want to be more comfortable, you can try to find a place at the big table with benches in the front side of the premises.

Behind the abbey, close to the area where they play petanque, there's a small outdoor bar, I don't know the timings, but it's a nice add-on on warm summer days!

This park just has everything you need!

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Relaxing

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Brussels Spotter Renata

About me: I was born and raised in Torino, in the North of Italy. Studying engineering allowed me to live in many different countries. When I came to the point where I needed to look for a job I decided I wanted to have another experience abroad. In 2003 the job offer came from Brussels, for a big multinational company. I wasn’t that excited, didn’t know Brussels very well, and I always thought it was a grey and boring city. But I moved anyway and less than 6 months later this city had already changed my opinion and I have now declared it my hometown. I’ve even bought an apartment here n...

About this spot

Abbaye de la Cambre 11

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Sep 17, 2025

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