Watermael-Boitsfort

Half the territory of Watermael-Boitsfort is covered by the Forêt de Soignes (Sonian Forest).

Watermael-Boitsfort is the most prosperous commune of the Brussels-Capital Region, with the highest annual income per inhabitant.

Territory

Until the beginning of the 19th century, Watermael and Boitsfort were two separate hamlets.

Long removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, the commune and its undulating scenery were turned upside down by Léopold II’s major redevelopment projects. Once efficient links had been created with the capital the commune gradually started to establish itself as a highly appreciated residential area.

Today half of Watermael-Boitsfort’s 12.9 square kilometres is covered by the Forêt de Soignes (Sonian Forest). The small groups of semi-rural working-class and middle-class houses give the commune a quaint charm. The Le Logis and Le Floréal city garden are protected areas.

The commune’s centre and main activities centre is made up of three squares – place Bischoffsheim, place Wiener and place Gilson. Place Keym has developed into the main centre for shopping.