Outings at €0

MUSEUMS, WALKS, FESTIVITIES... Plenty of free activities in Belgium, leaving us extra cash to buy ice cream. FOR THE FAMILY An 18th-century farm and farmyard, a large walking park and a rose garden, a vegetable garden and an aromatic herb garden, a nature reserve and goat's milk ice cream... All of this makes up the charm of Domaine Bovy, an ideal spot for a family day out. Domaine Bovy, 22 Galgeneinde, 3550 Heusden-Zolder. Open all year round. Info: 011/53.02.30. PADDLE YOUR FEET Nothing beats a quick dip in the North Sea to clear your head. And to rinse your feet for free, slip discreetly over to the beach sailing club, which always keeps a hose available for its members. Take the opportunity while you're there to check out the tanned kite-surfers... PADDLE YOUR FEET (PART 2) Another beach, another vibe: welcome to Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure in the province of Hainaut. Fine sand and a free swimming area, a playground for children, and pétanque courts for their dads. As for us, we take the opportunity to go for a dip with friends. Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure, 6440 Boussu-lez-Walcourt (E42 motorway Liège-Mons-Tournai, Charleroi exit). Info: 071/50.92.92. leisure QUICK WORLD TOUR How can you visit China, Egypt, Japan, Greece, and Ancient Rome in a single day? Easy: by visiting the Musée royal de Mariemont and, if the weather is nice, strolling through its park filled with sculptures from the four corners of the globe. Musée royal de Mariemont, 100 chaussée de Mariemont, 7140 Morlanwelz. Visits: daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except Mon and public holidays). Info: 064/21.21.93. YUM Notice to food lovers, two local markets not to be missed in two very pretty Walloon villages: July 20 in Torgny (municipality of Rouvroy) and August 17 in Vierves (municipality of Viroinval). Just to sample that small piece of cheese, that bit of pâté too, and a few slices of sausage. Go on, another small tomato, and a tiny bit of quiche. Plus a micro slice of sugar tart for dessert. And a little rhubarb compote. Delicious. On 20/07 from 9 am to 7 pm, on 17/08 from 11 am to 7 pm. Info: asbl Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie, 083/65.72.40. DIFFERENT The M.A.D (Musée d'Art Différencié) is dedicated to art created by mentally disabled individuals. On site: a permanent exhibition room, a temporary exhibition gallery, and a documentation center. Among the works presented, admire the contemporary assemblages of Hendrick Heffinck, female nudes by Jean-Marie Heyligen, or pastel portraits by Pascale Vincke. Astonishing. Musée d'Art Différencié, Parc d'Avroy, 4000 Liège. Visits: weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm (closed Sun and public holidays). Info: 04/222.32.95. ROCKING THE BOAT Two unusual competitions to watch on the Meuse. The first on July 27 in Anseremme: crossing the river on a bicycle along a 100-meter, more-or-less stable pontoon without putting a foot on the ground... or in the water. Not so easy! Free registration on site from 2 pm, race at 3 pm. The second on August 15 in Dinant: the 21st International Bathtub Regatta, starting around 3:30 pm near the casino, featuring around thirty bathtubs modified to float. Water splashes guaranteed. Crossing of the Meuse by bike, info: 04/382.21.95. Regatta, info: 082/22.28.70. IN MUSIC Every summer, Brussels' Grand-Place offers visitors various musical interludes. This year, every day at 2 pm, 7 pm, and 10 pm, Jacques Brel will take over the venue and enchant us with his tunes. And at 10:30 pm and 11 pm, a mini sound and light show set to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Magical. Info: 02/513.89.40. FEAST FOR THE EYES Set in magnificent locations, a tour of sound and light shows aimed at highlighting the region's heritage. Breathtaking. July 21 in Dinant, August 9 in Huy, August 30 in Sprimont, September 14 at the Fêtes de Wallonie in Namur. Info: 02/736.01.04. GRUB TIME! For food lovers again, in the province of Liège: on August 15, the Confrérie mondiale de l'Omelette géante de Malmédy (yes indeed) will prepare the said specialty with over 10,000 eggs. There will be enough for everyone. And from August 22 to 24, it will be the Strawberry Festival in Trois-Ponts. Plenty to treat yourself. 8th giant omelette in Malmédy, info: 080/79.96.52. Strawberry Festival in Trois-Ponts, info: 0479/76.65.58. CHEERS What do a blonde and a brunette have in common? They are both beers to be enjoyed at Brasserie des Fagnes. In the tavern, discover everything there is to know about the art of brewing and taste various craft beverages. Hic! Brasserie des Fagnes, 26 route de Nismes, 5660 Mariembourg. Visits: daily from 10 am to 9 pm (except Mon). Info: 060/31.15.70. NEAR MY TREE... At the arboretum of the Domaine de Monceau-sur-Sambre, get acquainted with the main tree species of our regions. Follow the arrows and stroll among majestic oaks and chestnut trees, subtle tulip trees and birches... And for explanations, Walkmans (subject to a deposit) will be lent at the entrance. Arboretum du domaine de Monceau-sur-Sambre, access via the Route de Mons, "Château de Monceau" (60 km from Brussels). Visits: daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except Mon). Info: 071/86.61.52. ROLL ON YOUTH The night rides of the Roller Parade are no longer limited to Brussels, and that's great news. From now on, it takes place in Hasselt on Monday, Namur on Tuesday, Ghent on Wednesday, Liège on Thursday, Brussels on Friday, Mons on Saturday, and Coxyde on Sunday. No more excuses for not putting on your skates. Until August 31 in these different cities. Info: 0900/24.064, www.belgiumrollers.com. A BIT OF (S)CUL(P)TURE From August 4 to 31 in Sprimont, at the stone museum site: 10th International Sculpture Meetings. An opportunity to meet the artists, watch them carve stone, and better understand their work. Musée de la Pierre, 54 rue Joseph Potier, 4140 Sprimont. Daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Info: 04/382.21.95.