After my studies in Leuven like so many, I settled in the area of Leuven. I live since 1984 in a beautiful nearby village, Neerijse. Professionally I worked mainly in an international context on water and agriculture. Always, I have been fascinated by the local culture and history. I would like to take you on a discovery, spiced with funny anecdotes and stories, during which we see surprising witnesses from the past. Relaxed cycling or walking with me as an interactive guide is an experience through a landscape with many years of history and culture.
I am accredited as a guide by Tourism Flanders.Guiding is possible in Dutch, French, English and Spanish.
The guided classic highlights walk through Leuven with special attention to the many university college-buildings and some hidden corners is a must for those who come to discover Leuven.
As a Leuven city guide
But following the river Dyle downstream through Leuven is my favourite cycling or walking tour. Starting in the park of Arenberg we do “Island-hopping” from the Grote Begijnhof, largest Beguinage in Flanders, to the newly developed Sluispark. We see the remains of 19 disappeared watermills with only one surviving inside the vest. We relive the flood of 1891, we discover the remains of the first city wall.
As a regional guide for Hageland and surroundings
Watermills in Hoegaarden by bike was my graduation project as Regional guide for Hageland. The theme of water mills unites the history, agriculture, landscape and miller’s craft of this village which once housed 39 breweries. Watermills played a role in this industry. Renewable energy from the flow of the river “Grote Gete” and tributaries powered the mills in a region of fertile agriculture during several millennia.
