Pear Orchard Walk, from blossom to pear
This picturesque walking route guides you through the castle surroundings of the church villages of Hoepertingen and Zepperen. You pass orchards bursting with blossom in April or heavy with millions of ripe apples, pears and cherries in autumn. Zepperen lies in the wetter part of Hesbaye and, thanks to an impermeable clay layer, there are seven springs here. Genoveva Square, with the presbytery, chaplaincy and Gothic Saint Genevieve Church, forms the perfect starting point for this walk.
Highlights along the way
THE RESIDENCE OF AN IMPORTANT LANDOWNER
Ouwerx farm is named after its commissioner, François Ouwerx. He was a soldier in Spanish service and an important landowner. The gatehouse with dovecote dates back to 1665. The adjoining classical residence is from around 1790.
HEALING WATER FROM A PARISIAN SAINT
In the middle of the fields stands Saint Genevieve Chapel with its pilgrimage well, from which healing water was drawn in the 15th century. Saint Genevieve, a Parisian and the patron saint of the city, is still honoured during the annual procession. Be sure to also visit her church at the start of your walk.
‘HUNGARIAN’ VIEW OF ZEPPEREN
Head uphill to Honsberg or Hongarenberg. The name refers to Hungarians who were not allowed to enter the town and settled here instead. With binoculars, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the village: including Saint Genevieve Church, the meadow plains of d’Oye and, on the horizon, the tower of the Basilica of Kortenbos.
SPOTTING PEARS AT EYE LEVEL
After the Second World War, Hesbaye largely switched to low-stem fruit cultivation. These trees are easier to maintain and you can now spot the pears at eye level. High-stem trees take up much more space and only yield a full harvest after ten years. Internationally, Belgium is known as a pear country, and Zepperen is a proper pear hotspot.
A BEAUTIFUL CASTLE HOTEL
Château de Looz was once a fortified medieval castle. In the 17th century, it was beautifully transformed into a noble country residence. Between 1930 and 1985, the castle served as a school and later as a retreat centre. Today, it is a stunning castle hotel where you can dine, drink, stay the night and celebrate.
