Things To Do
in Perwez
Perwez is a small, peaceful town in Walloon Brabant, Belgium, surrounded by rolling farmland and quiet village lanes. Its compact centre features a traditional town square, a parish church, and a handful of cafés and local shops that give a strong small‑town Belgian character. The area is an excellent base for cycling and walking through the Hesbaye agricultural landscape and for day trips to nearby castles and larger towns.
Visitors come for relaxed countryside life, local food, and easy access to greater Brussels and Wallonia attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Perwez, admiring the well-preserved historic architecture. Don't forget to visit the Church of Saint-Remy, a beautiful landmark that offers insight into the town's history.
In the afternoon, head to the Parc de la Dendre, where you can relax among the greenery or take a short walk along the Dendre river. For lunch, indulge in some traditional Belgian dishes at a nearby brasserie, sampling local favorites such as stoofvlees or moules-frites. Afterward, visit the Perwez Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of the region.
As the sun sets, dine at a cozy restaurant, savoring the flavors of Belgian cuisine paired with regional beers. Take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated town square, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Finally, end the day with a glass of wine at a nearby bar, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting off for a guided tour of the local art galleries. Spend your morning immersed in the world of Belgian art, featuring both contemporary and traditional works that tell the story of the region. After the tour, visit a local artisan shop to pick up unique souvenirs.
For lunch, try a charming restaurant that specializes in regional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Once refueled, visit the nearby town of Gembloux to explore its Abbey, a historical site steeped in tradition. Take your time strolling the grounds before returning to Perwez in the late afternoon.
Enjoy an outdoor dinner at a restaurant with a terrace, taking advantage of the pleasant evening weather. After dinner, consider catching a local performance at the town's cultural center, showcasing music or theater talents from the community. Finally, unwind with a nightcap at a local pub, mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pint in a bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket / short train (regional) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural setting ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities
- Easy access to agriculture-based local produce and small-town charm
- Good base for day trips to castles, larger towns and Brussels
- Safe and family-friendly environment
- Limited nightlife and few specialty restaurants within town
- Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
- Fewer cultural attractions within the town itself—best for nature and rural life
- Language barrier possible if you don't speak French
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / le marché ?" - Where is the train station / the market?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je suis végétarien/ne" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Perwez
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming central square with traditional architecture, municipal buildings and cafés—great for capturing everyday town life and façades.
Historic church (typical Walloon parish architecture) offering architectural detail shots as well as atmospheric interior photos when open.
Wide open fields, hedgerows, and rural lanes provide classic pastoral and seasonal landscape photography—excellent at golden hour.
Nearby castles and formal gardens offer dramatic architecture and landscaped shots; plan a visit for sweeping vistas and detail work in historic settings.
Food in Perwez
Perwez Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Belgian classic—fresh mussels served with crispy fries; available at brasseries in the area, especially during mussel season (late summer to early autumn).
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in a rich beer-based sauce, often served with fries or mashed potatoes; hearty and commonly found in local restaurants.
Regional cheeses and cured meats from nearby farms make excellent picnic items or starters at local taverns and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market in or near the town square offering fresh bread, cheese, vegetables and seasonal treats—ideal for assembling a picnic or sampling local flavors.
Scattered around the surrounding countryside, these offer seasonal fruit, vegetables, eggs, jams and cheeses—great for tasting local agricultural produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite formal greetings matter: say 'Bonjour' (in the morning/afternoon) or 'Bonsoir' in the evening and use a handshake in initial meetings. Using a few words of French is appreciated.
Belgians value politeness and orderly behaviour—wait your turn, be punctual for appointments, and speak quietly in public transport and shops.
Respect private property and farmland—stay on public paths, close gates behind you, and avoid disturbing livestock or crops.
Safety
Tipping in Perwez
Ensure a smooth experience
In Belgium service is usually included in restaurant bills, but leaving a small tip (5–10% or rounding up) for good service is appreciated. For taxis and small services you can round up to the next euro.
Cards (chip-and-PIN and contactless) are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants, but small cafés, markets and farm shops may prefer cash. ATMs are available in nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Fields and hedgerows bloom; mild temperatures and occasional rain. Great time for cycling and seeing farmland come to life, but pack a light waterproof layer.
Warmest, sunniest period—ideal for outdoor activities, picnics and long bike rides. Expect more visitors on weekends; bring sun protection and insect repellent for rural walks.
Crisp air and autumn colors across the countryside; harvest season brings farm stalls and seasonal produce. Cooler evenings mean layers for comfort.
Cold and often damp with short daylight hours; occasional frost or snow. Town is quieter—good for cozy indoor meals and lower tourist numbers, but dress warmly.
Perwez at Night
Hiking in Perwez
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of rural walking routes through farmland, hedgerows and small villages—suitable for short loops or longer hikes and ideal for birdwatching and seasonal landscapes.
Formal gardens and parkland around a nearby château provide scenic walks with historic and landscaped features—good for photography and leisurely strolls.
Smaller wooded areas and community green spaces on the outskirts of town offer shaded trails and short nature walks for families and casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach Perwez by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels and Belgium; roughly a 45–75 minute drive depending on traffic. Good rail and road connections to the region.
A popular low-cost airport south of Brussels, often used for European flights; reachable in around 45–75 minutes by car or shuttle services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are French-speaking Walloons and families who have lived in the region for generations; community and local agriculture are important.
The surrounding Hesbaye plain is agricultural, so farmers and those working in agribusiness are a significant demographic.
Some residents commute to nearby larger towns or Brussels for work, blending rural living with urban employment.
Like many small towns, there is a notable older population enjoying quieter life and local community activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally, with local amateur clubs and youth teams typical of Belgian towns.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are widespread—quiet roads and scenic routes attract cyclists of all levels.
Local sports clubs offer tennis, pétanque and other community sports common in small-town Belgium.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Perwez.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but can be limited in small-town brasseries—look for salads, omelettes, cheese platters and vegetable-based seasonal dishes; communicate dietary needs in French ('Je suis végétarien/ne').
Vegan-specific options are more limited; larger nearby towns have restaurants and shops with vegan choices. Plan ahead or buy supplies at supermarkets or health-food stores.
Some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, and bakeries or supermarkets sell gluten-free products—always inform staff ('sans gluten') to reduce cross-contamination risk.