Tulips - Fields, Farms & Gardens in Belgium - An ultimate travel guide

This article first appeared in My Travelogue by Bhushavali 
  
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to See Tulips in Belgium
...and also Cherry Blossoms, Magnolias & Daffodils in Brussels...

When I moved to Belgium, 'going to the Netherlands to see some Tulip fields' was right at the top of my wishlist. However, I came to know that Belgium itself has its own Tulip options and now, I could choose to not visit the Netherlands to see tulips! So here's all about Tulips in Belgium.
Before I start, keep in mind that this is very seasonal, going to these places at any other time would give you a very different appearance without the flowers... 



Tulip Fields in Belgium Meerdonk

Tulip Fields in Belgium Meerdonk

Tulip Fields in Belgium Meerdonk

Tulip Fields in Belgium Meerdonk

TULIP FIELDS IN BELGIUM
I've been on the fence about whether or not to share this... So I'm gonna share 'partially'! Being the neighbor of the Netherlands, located just to the south of it, Belgium has its own fair share of Tulip fields, very close to the Netherlands border, in the towns of Meerdonk and Kronenhoek. The streets of LangeNieuwstraat, Molenhoekstraat, and Polderstraat that go across the border to the Netherlands are all entirely cultivated with Tulips!

Attention when visiting Tulip Fields in Belgium:
May it be the Netherlands or Belgium, keep this in mind when visiting Tulip fields, no matter where. REMEMBER...
1. Those magical movie scenes of gorgeous women walking through the tulip fields look splendid. But the production team of the movie has paid a lot of money to the owners of those fields, to take those shots. Unless you're paying the farmer or at least asking permission, walking through the fields is TRESPASSING! So basically, ILLEGAL! There are boards everywhere, in front of every field, mentioning that going beyond that line is trespassing, but still, I found many people go through the lines of tulips. Here's the thing, if the farmer drops by, they can hold you accountable and call the POLICE! When I was there, I also saw a patrol vehicle of the Sint-Gilles-Waas commune making sure that cultivated tulips are safe and warning visitors who are entering the fields.
2. Those tulips are the farmer's livelihood. Plucking those flowers is basically STEALING and a PUNISHABLE OFFENSE, unless you're on a farm that explicitly allows it, where you pay for the tulips you've plucked (more about one such farm coming up below)! 

Tips for visiting Tulip Fields in Belgium:
1. The tulips cultivated here are for bulk sale and not for display like in Florlia Brussels or Keukenhof Gardens. Some of the farmers may not have cultivated tulips in a particular year if there was no requirement. The farmers who cultivate, harvest the tulips when they're in full bloom (just like farmers who cultivate rice, or wheat, or corn). So, when you visit, there is every chance that the tulips had been harvested already or were never planted
2. If you see a farmer in his field, working, try talking to them. I spotted a gentleman working at his farm and chatted with him. He explained what he was doing step-by-step to Atyudarini. She had fun watching him mix various chemicals and use his fertilizer sprayer on the plants. I also spotted another farmer who generously gave us permission to go very very close to the tulips to take photographs, but of course, barred us from entering the tulip cultivation lines. Atyudarini also tried to interact with his dog!

Where are the tulip fields in Belgium? I don't want to give a pinpoint on Google Maps. Explore the region! Yes, it is possible by public transport but be prepared to walk a lot!
How to reach the tulip fields in Belgium? DeLijn Buses are available from Sint-Niklaas railway station
When is the best time to see Tulips in Belgium: Mid-Apr to Mid-May

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

TULIP FARMS IN BELGIUM
Yes, it is very very tempting to pluck the tulips; even more for the kids! When I told Atyudarini that she cannot even pluck one tulip in the Tulip fields of Belgium she was not happy. So, we headed to the Tulip farm in Brussels where she could do precisely that - cutting her own tulips and making her own bouquet!

Urban Farming in Brussels at Ferme du Chant des Cailles: Ferme du Chant des Cailles (Sound of Quails Farm) is a charming little farm in Watermael-Boitsfort, in South Brussels. It is a farm of animals, vegetables, as well as, of course, flowers. 
It is an urban agriculture project where the locals living in this commune, come together to do farming together. Everything from cleaning the land to making manures to cultivating to taking care of the plants to harvesting, everything is done by the members together. The end result - everyone gets their own farm-fresh products. It's not only vegetables but also herbs, honey, eggs, some sheep milk products, etc. Every Sunday afternoon, from March to October, they also organize a small market where you can buy some of the produce. I love this concept!

Tulips at Ferme du Chant des Cailles: While the vegetable gardens have a specific team of local members to take care of the harvesting, the flower gardens are open to all! When I visited there were Tulips & Daffodils. There are boards on these plots, that mention 'fleurs à couper' which means 'Flowers to cut'. They have scissors but you could also take yours. There's a money box beside when you just pay for the tulips you've cut. It is like a piggy bank, so it is a good idea to carry cash and coins, so you can precisely pay. It is an honesty shop where no one checks your goods and what you pay, so sincerity and honesty, please!

The farm also has a small vacant area (the plot where the Sunday market happens). If you go on any other day, the kids could run around and play in this area. We did carry some frisbee and footballs and the kids had fun. There are picnic tables here, so we had a nice, relaxed, lunch here as well. 

Where is the tulip farm in Brussels (Ferme du Chant des Cailles) (on Google Maps)Ferme du Chant des Cailles
How to reach the tulip farm in Brussels (Ferme du Chant des Cailles)? It is about 1.3km (16 mins walk) both from Demey & Hermann-Debroux metro stations (connected by STIB-MIVB Metro Line 5). It is about 800m (12 mins walk) from Tenreuken tram stop (connected by STIB-MIVB Tram Line 8.
Ferme du Chant des Cailles entry ticket: Free
Ferme du Chant des Cailles timings: Sunrise to sunset
Cost of Tulips at Tulip Farm in Brussels (Ferme du Chant des Cailles)€0.70 per flower  (carry cash & coins)
Cost of Daffodils at Tulip Farm in Brussels (Ferme du Chant des Cailles)€0.60 per flower (carry cash & coins)
When is the best time to see Tulips in Belgium: Mid-Apr to Mid-May
Update 2024: Tulips have been planted this year and will be available soon for picking

Ferme du Chant des Cailles Brussels | Make your own Tulip Bouquet | Tulips to cut in Brussels

Tulips in Brussels Cinquantenaire Park | Where to see tulips in Brussels

Tulips in Brussels Cinquantenaire Park | Where to see tulips in Brussels

Where to see Tulips in Brussels
Divider of  Boulevard Auguste Reyers

TULIP GARDENS IN BELGIUM
The easiest, straightforward way to enjoy seeing Tulips in Belgium is to visit Floralia Brussels. Floralia Brussels is an annual event that happens at Groot Bijgaarden Castle, to the north of Brussels. Though it is called Floralia Brussels, it is technically on the outskirts of Brussels in the Flemish Brabant province and one of the best castles to visit near Brussels. Every year, more than a million tulips in 400 varieties are here on display alongside daffodils & hyacinths. It is one of the most picturesque, most instagrammable places in Brussels in April & May. Keep in mind that the Groot Bijgaarden & Castle is open to visitors only for 1 month in Apr-May during the Floralia Brussels event. 

All about Floralia Brussels: Click here for my article on the Tulip Gardens in Belgium

SMALL PATCHES OF TULIPS IN BRUSSELS
Apart from the major gardens, and farms, you can always see patches of Tulips in most of the parks in the city including Cinquantenaire Park, Jardin Botanique, Josaphat Park, etc. Also, in some streets, you'll see tulips on the green patches on road dividers and in the middle of roundabouts. I've seen some on Boulevard Auguste Reyers, the roundabout of Schuman, Merode, etc. 


OTHER FLOWERS IN BLOOM IN BRUSSELS

Apart from Tulips, you can also see quite a few other flowers in full bloom in Brussels in the Spring season. 
Also read: Bluebells in Halle (Hallerbos Hyacinten), Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

DAFFODILS IN BRUSSELS
Almost everywhere that you see tulips, you'll definitely see Daffodils too. Even Ferme du Chant des Cailles (where you can cut & make your own Tulip bouquet), has a section for Daffodils which also you can cut and use as a part of your bouquet. 

Where to see Daffodils in Brussels: 
1. Ferme du Chant des Cailles 
2. Avenue des Narcisses in Parc du Laeken
3. There are small patches of Daffodils in all parks including Cinquantenaire Park, Jardin Botanique, Josaphat Park, etc.
4. Daffodils are relatively wild and you might find them in many wooded areas like Bois de la Cambre, Roodebeekpark, Parc de Woluwe, etc. 

When is the best time to see Daffodils in Belgium: Apr to June

Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Brussels | Avenue Emilie Max
Avenue Eugene Plasky

Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Brussels | Avenue Emilie Max
Avenue Eugene Plasky

Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Brussels | Roodebeek Park
Avenue du Verseau

Where to see Daffodils in Brussels | Cinquantenaire Park
Cinquantenaire Park

Where to see Daisies in Brussels | Josaphat Park

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN BRUSSELS
There are certain streets in Brussels where Cherry Blossoms are on either side of the street and in late April and May when it's the right weather, Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and it is just incredible! 

When is the best time to see Cherry Blossoms in Brussels: Mid-Mar to Mid-May
 
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Brussels: 
1. Avenue des Cerisiers and Avenue du Mai near Parc Georges Henri. Nearest metro stop: Gribaumont (When a street's name is literally Cherry Tree Avenue, obviously that's the best place to go. When it says May Avenue, go there in May month)!
2. Avenue Eugene Plasky, Avenue du Diamant, and Avenue Emily Max near Plasky roundabout. Nearest tram stop: Diamant (STIB MIVB Lines T 7, 25) 
3. Avenue du Verseau near Roodebeek Park. Nearest bus stop: Heydenberg  (STIB MIVB Lines B 80)
4. Rue des Tritomas, Berenshide, Avenue des Cailles and Avenue des Halletons near Ferme du Chant des Cailles. Nearest metro stop: Demey (STIB MIVB Lines M5) 
5. Les cerisiers du Japon inside Parc Josaphat from Av. des Glycines. Nearest tram stop: Louis Bertrand (STIB MIVB Lines T7).

This is NOT an exhaustive list. There are many more streets with Cherry Blossoms lined on either side. Here's an idea. Try to look at the map and find the streets named 'Avenue ...' near where you live/study/work. There is a good chance that at least a couple of those would be Avenues of Cherry Blossom trees. Let me know in the comments below of the other avenues of Cherry blossoms in Brussels that you've been to. 

Best places to see Magnolia flowers in Brussels | Best things to do in Brussels in Spring Season

Best places to see Magnolia flowers in Brussels | Best things to do in Brussels in Spring Season

MAGNOLIA IN BRUSSELS
While there are not as many avenues of Magnolia, as much as Cherry Blossoms, there are some streets (avenues) with Magnolia trees lined up. In the right season, they are in full bloom and are absolutely picturesque!

When is the best time to see Magnolia in Brussels: Mid-Mar to Early-Apr

Where to see Magnolia flower trees in Brussels: 
1. Avenue Michel Ange which connects Cinquantenaire Park and Square Ambiorix. Nearest metro stop: Schuman (STIB MIVB Lines M1 & 5) 
2. Avenue de la Dynastie in Parc de Laeken. Nearest tram stop:De Wand (STIB MIVB Lines T7) 
3. Meise Plantentuin (Meise Botanic Garden) has an area dedicated to magnolias.

Again, this is NOT an exhaustive list. If you know more, let me know!

DAISIES IN BRUSSELS
One of the simplest and easiest flowers that you can see here in April is Daisies. Most of the places with a large grassy area would be dotted with these gorgeous, stunning little flowers. All parks, on the green patches on road dividers, in the middle of roundabouts, and even in the front yards of many houses - you will spot Daisies everywhere!

Tulip Fields in Belgium Travel guide to visit tulip fields in Belgium

all about Cherry Blossoms in Brussels Best of the Spring Season in Brussels

Places to visit in Brussels in Spring Season Best places to see Magnolia in Brussels


Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

9 comments:

  1. I must admit that every spring I long for a trip to see vast fields in bloom with tulips. I always thought I would need to visit Amsterdam or other spots in the Netherlands. So I was surprise to read about tulip fields in Belgium. I am fascinated by the variety of colours that the tulips come in. Good reminder about not picking the tulips! And a hard one to tell kids about! We may just have to plan a visit for Floralia Brussels and get our fill of the colourful sights.

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  2. This is a great guide to the tulip fields in Belgium. We have some in the north of Italy but not to this scale! Also we can collect the tulips here for a cost of course. I’d most like to see the cherry blossoms, the colours are mesmerising and we don't have that here.

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  3. Good to know that there are tulip fields in Belgium as well. I have always been fascinated by them. Very good that you emphasized what not to do at tulip farms which I unfortunately witnessed too much of - while people trampled over the flowers to get that Instagram shot. Great guide and pretty pictures. I would pout too if i was told I could not get to pluck and bring the tulips home.

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  4. We all know about tulips in Netherlands, but to see them up close in your country of residence is so much more exciting. Delhi also held a Tulip festival in spring with 1,20,000 spread across the diplomatic areas. This was the first time, I saw the famed tulips up close. I could just imagine the fields in Belgium while reading your post--so colourful and your daughter learnt about them too.

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  5. I am Belgian myself (but we live in France) and to be honest, I had no idea there were Tulips in my country. My partner has been rambling about seeing them over at Netherlands but now I know we don't have to go far and can see have fields in my country. This will be on top of our list for next Spring when we visit family in Belgium!

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  6. I thought tulips are only in the Netherlands, but I did not know there are so many tulip fields in Belgium. Tulips in Belgium
    with Cherry Blossoms and Magnolias blossoms seem perfect for a spring trip. The season is short so it's good to plan a trip properly. Great tips on illegal trespassing or plucking of tulips. I love the idea that reaching them by public bus is possible! I want to visit Urban Farming in Brussels at Ferme du Chant des Cailles. I want to see them Sunday afternoon when they organize a small market with their produce. Pictures of Atyudarini in those tulip fields are fantastic!

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  7. I am in awe of how colorful these tulip fields are! I adore your photographs. Those cherry blossoms are really gorgeous. They're all such a visual delight. Additionally, I'm hoping that upcoming visitors will safeguard the flowers by not picking them.

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  8. I would love to see a tulip farm some day, I can imagine what a sight it is to see colour all around you. It's very good to remember people not to trespass, that those fields are not for their entertainment but someone's livinghood. I am surprised that the entry to the tulip farms in Belgium is free and you only pay per plant. I am used to the lavender fields here in the UK, where you have to pay to get in, and then pay some more if you want to buy flowers - you can't pick them yourself most of the times though, they are already cut and available at the farm's shop.

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  9. Let me just say that I'm ABSOLUTELY jealous!! I've never seen tulip fields like this in person. Although, I've always thought about going to The Netherlands. I think Belgium would be a great choice, too (and maybe not as crowded?). Your photos are so lovely, and I'm glad that I got to experience it through your eyes. It's so inspiring!

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