Ottignies & Louvain-la-Neuve

One city, two urban centersLocated in the heart of the young Walloon province of Brabant with a population of about 30,000, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve is a unique town, made up of two urban centers with very different origins and characteristics.  Originally a rural community, Ottignies would be used to accommodate the Francophone section of the Catholic University of Louvain.  Thus, in 1971, not just a university site was created, but a whole new town in East Ottiginies was also created -- Louvain-la-Neuve.Pedestrian, multicultural, friendly…The cultural center of Brabant Walloon, Ottiginies-Louvain-la-Neuve is always bustling with life and projects.  It offers the charm of the countryside with the advantages of a city with its accessibility, museums, theater, concert halls, shops…as well as the user-friendy open-air markets, pedestrian streets, and signposted trails.A listed heritage“Old stone” enthusiasts can stroll the old communities.  A 16th century castle and 17th century church in Ottignies, a magnificent Roman church with an exceptional crypt in Mousty, and a 12th century dungeon in Céroux are among the highlights to visit. Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve has exceptional heritage sites, some dating back to the Middle Ages, of which the main example is the Moriensart Tower in Céroux. At least five remarkable churches and old farms are scattered here and there.  The farms are often transformed into exhibit or meeting places like the Douaire Farm in Ottignies and the Biéreau Farm in Louvain-la-Neuve. The few castles of the city, including the famous Castle of Ottignies and Castle of Limelette, complete this old stone landscape with an ever present charm.To visit these sights, you will need either a car or public transportation to get from the center of Ottignies to the center of Louvain-la-Neuve and car to get to some of the points in the outskirts.For more information about Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve beyond this tour, don't hesitate to contact the official tourism office.Tourism Office-InforvillePlace de l’Université 1, Galerie des Halles1348 Louvain-la-NeuveTel: +32 (0) 10 47 47 47Fax: +32 (0) 10 47 35 31Email: info@tourisme-olln.beWeb: http://www.tourisme-olln.be/en/home.html