Make the most of your study stay in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to do sport!

To help students do sport, most of the higher education institutions offer high quality sports facilities. And the cities in which the institutions are based also offer multiple possibilities: sports centres, tennis courts, football, rugby and hockey pitches, volleyball, basketball, swimming pools and even golf courses.


Did you know?

Going by the name of the “Red Devils”, the national football team makes all Belgians proud. At the 2018 Russia World Cup, the Red Devils made it through to the final, where they faced France (0-1).

And what about field hockey?

Our professional hockey players have nothing to envy of our footballers! In fact, the Red Lions took the World Cup back in 2018, winning against the Netherlands. The following year, the Belgian team was crowned champions of Europe. This victory qualified it for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.


Studying in French-speaking Belgium as an athlete or high-level athlete

If you are classified as a high-level athlete, as showing promise in sports or as a training partner, you are also entitled to spread out your studies. Belgium’s higher education institutions have put specific structures in place to help and support students recognised as high-level athletes or showing promise in sports. This is also available to athletes who although not recognised, have submitted a file explaining their status. Full information about how to obtain recognition of this status and the structures implemented in the institutions is available from the Association Sportive de l’Enseignement Universitaire et Supérieur website. You can also contact your higher education institution.

Winter sports in Belgium

Even if Belgium does not have its own mountains, winter sports are still available! When it snows, the Fagnes and Cantons of the east offer a perfect place for descents on skis, walking or hiking in snowshoes across the powder snow. Enjoy the magical landscape and make your mark! In the heart of winter, alpine skiing is available on some slopes. And when snow is late in coming, try heading to the inland slopes, like the Ice Mountain de Comines centre and its 9,000 m² of real snow.

Looking for excitement? In less than eight hours, you can reach France’s most popular mountain range: the Alps. As well as boasting Europe’s summit, Mont Blanc, the Alps offer the world’s largest ski resorts: Les Menuires, Chamonix, les Arcs, etc. The Pyrenees between France and Spain offer its visitors a land of contrasts. The Pyrenees ski resorts have the advantage of combining multiple activities in addition to their winter sports. Finally, although less well-known, Vosges also offers a slightly small, but very enjoyable, skiing environment. The mountain boasts an exceptional natural setting and offers a good alternative for holidays with friends.

During your study stay, clock up the kilometres through French-speaking Belgium!

On foot or by bike, Belgium offers multiple angles and routes for a pleasant ramble. Both in the city and in the countryside, on a free circuit and on a race, there are plenty of options available and they will all let you discover Belgium in an alternative way.

The 20 km of Brussels

Are you into running? Is one of your great dreams to take part in the most iconic marathons around the world? Before heading into the world famous races, like the marathons of Tokyo, New York or London, make the most of your study stay in Belgium to train along one of Belgium’s most beautiful races: the “20km of Brussels”! Each year, the route that crosses through the capital brings together tens of thousands of runners, professionals and amateurs alike, of more than 125 different nationalities and from around seventy different countries. Still looking for more? The Wallonia-Brussels Federation offers numerous marathons and jogs throughout the year and across its territory.

The RAVeL and the cycle paths

With more than 1,400 km in paths, the RAVeL will take you on a discovery of French-speaking Belgium in the most attractive, sporty way! Reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and those of reduced mobility, the Réseau Autonome des Voies Lentes (RAVeL – autonomous network of slow ways) features green paths, most of which run along the old tow-paths and rail roads. More than 45 local routes allow you to enjoy beautiful walks, cycle rides or horse rides across the whole of Wallonian territory. Almost 2,000 km to travel to discover cities, rural lands and natural spaces all well-preserved in Wallonia!

The nature parks of Wallonia

In all, Wallonia numbers 10 nature parks. Recognised for their biological and geographic interests, they are situated in rural areas. All year round, they reveal remarkable landscapes where nature takes back its rights and biodiversity is protected. So make the most of your study stay in French-speaking Belgium to travel around and get some fresh air. Full information is available from www.parcsnaturelsdewallonie.be