Vestalia festival 2026: Private heritage homes in Belgium welcome visitors in June

Some 40 stately homes across the country open their doors to the public in the third edition of the Vestalia festival from 6 to 14 June.

These exceptional private homes include castles, historic residences and beautiful landscaped gardens.

For 2026, the event focuses on the people who bring these places to life. The theme ‘Meeting’ honours the individuals at the heart of these historic homes.

“This edition gives a voice to the owners and managers of the sites, who are invited to share their stories, their commitment, and their personal connection to these places steeped in history,” said Vesta, the network of 50 properties belonging to the Royal Association of Historic Residences and Gardens of Belgium.

In addition to visits and tours, the festival programme features concerts and performances in intimate and prestigious settings, as well as opportunities to sample gourmet delights.

Among the participating properties is Château de Beloeil in Hainaut (pictured above). It offers a visit followed by a concert and a glass of Champagne on 9 June. On the other side of Wallonia, the Priory of Beaufays in Chaudfontaine, Liège province, opens its grand gates on 7 and 14 June. The owners of the property provide a guided tour which concludes with the opportunity to sample the Prieuré de Beaufays beer.

The Gardens of Annevoie in Namur province are among the finest in the land thanks to their restored series of water courses and features. Private visits of the gardens are organised on 7, 10 and 11 June, followed by a tasting of the domain’s wines.

In East Flanders, Kasteel Van Nokere organises a guided tour of its remarkable horse-drawn carriage collection on 6 June. It also hosts a Walking Lunch in the property’s French Garden. Adornesdomein in Bruges offers a guided tour by its owners (pictured above) with a focus on how they manage the heritage site dating from the 15th century.

The Lord of the Manor of Wijnendaele Castle estate in Torhout, West Flanders (pictured, main image), is also waiting to take visitors on a tour of the castle grounds on 11, 13 and 14 June. Although this spectacular moated domain has largely been rebuilt, one wing originates from the 15th century. It bears an illustrious history as the Dukes of Burgundy were former owners, although unfortunately Mary of Burgundy suffered a fatal fall while hunting here.

Among the residences in Brussels opening their doors are the Art Deco Hôtel Ruiz in the canal quarter of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, as well as the Museum and Gardens Van Buuren in Uccle and the Boghossian Foundation’s Villa Empain. The Maison Frère Orban, located opposite the Royal Park, invites actor Bruno Georis to illustrate the visit with the Fables de la Fontaine, followed by a glass of bubbly.

Says Vesta: “By emphasising dialogue, Vestalia highlights the unifying role of heritage. The event fosters intergenerational exchange and creates connections between visitors and owners.”

Vestalia
6 to 14 June
Across Belgium