If you come from the eastern Brussels ring road, you will immediately understand why the region has such a splendid setting, because the Forêt de Soignes provides the best natural barrier to the unruly expansion of Brussels' suburbs, the sort you find so often today on the outskirts of most European capitals. To discover the appeal of La Hulpe, we recommend you leave the main roads behind and take the 430 trunk road, a splendid tourist route. Once you cross the edges of the forest you run alongside a series of lakes leading to Château Solvay with its extensive grounds open to the public, and a favourite place to come and walk for regular visitors. This provincial domain of 220 hectares also includes a farm, known just as the ""Ferme du Château de La Hulpe"", which for the last few years has housed the Fondation Folon, named after the famous contemporary artist and painter, best known for his naïve works in pastel colours.Beyond La Hulpe village and its range of quality shops along the main street, you arrive at Genval lake and its illustrious castle used for holding the most distinguished receptions.