La Hulpe, kingdom of trees and gateway to the Brabant Ardennes, has about 7,103 inhabitants across an area of 1,556 hectares.

South of Brussels, in the shadow of the Soignes Forest, La Hulpe was founded by the Dukes of Brabant in 1230.

The life and history of La Hulpe are closely related to its abundance of water (35 hectares of lakes as well as two rivers, the Argentine and Mazerine) which formed the basis of the paper industry .

Since the 17th century and up until 1975, the paper industry thrived here.

With the appearance of a green, quiet and charming village, La Hulpe has retained a remarkable quality of life.

With its architectural heritage as well as the Solvay Estate - which is listed amongst the Outstanding Heritage Sites of the Walloon Region - covering an area of 220 hectares, La Hulpe is an ideal setting for walking and relaxation ...

Famous inhabitants :

• Ernest Solvay (1838- 1922), an industrial chemist who invented "industrial soda"
• Toots Thielemans (born in 1922), a famous harmonica player and jazz musician
• Pierre de Caters, one of the first pilots in Belgium,
• Jean Jadot, who created the Peking railway,
• Willy Maltaite, also known as Will is the creator of "Isabelle" and cartoonist of "Tif and Tondu"

Useful number

Castles

Classified as Outstanding Heritage Site. Property of the Walloon Region, the park is accessible to the public, but the castle is not open to the public. The “La Longue Queue” Estate was acquired by the Marquis de Béthune, who built a castle in 1842 Sold and bought back by Ernest Solvay (1838-1922) in 1893, Victor Horta carried out various works on the property. Worthy of note are the fountains, sculptures and the famous "Horta Pump".

Museums – Exhibitions

Folon foundation

In the middle of the beautiful Solvay Park, The castle of La Hulpe Farm has housed the Folon Foundation since October 2000. Created and designed by Jean-Michel Folon, the Foundation represents more than forty years of creativity, in a lively and original setting designed by the artist himself.

Here, Folon opens the book of his life … Throughout its pages, the visitor discovers the many facets of his art and his universe amongst the 300 exhibited works: watercolours, serigraphs, etchings, posters, misappropriated objects, stained glass, sculptures…

Music, films, and visual effects animate this interactive tour, which has been specially adapted for a large audience.

Infos:
Ferme du Château de La Hulpe
Drève de la Ramée
1310 La Hulpe
Tèl : 32 (0)2 653 34 56
Website: www.fondationfolon.be
Email: reservations@fondationfolon.be

Maison Communale - Rue des Combattants 59
1310 La Hulpe - tel.: +32.(0)2 653 67 84
www.lahulpe.be

La Ramée Farm - Hamlet of Gaillemarde

Former property of the Afflighem Abbey which dates from the start of 16th century. It currently houses a riding school.

Folklore

The Giants "The Great Colas", "The Great Nananne"

The Giants "Jean-Baptiste" and "Marius"

Religious heritage

Church of Saint-Nicolas

Known for its excellent acoustics, the church dates from the 13th century.
Check out: the tombstone of Charles Bailly, Secretary to Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland; he died in 1624. The pulpit dates from 1862.