Uccle

Lying beyond Forest and Ixelles and skirting the Forêt de Soignes, Uccle is Brussel’s largest and most southerly commune. Large, 19th-century detached houses with generous gardens make this green and calm suburb a favourite with well off expatriates, with the art deco area around the Royal Observatory and the fringes of the Forêt de Soignes the two most desirable addresses. The commune has a village-like feel and boasts the Parc de Wolvendael at its centre as well as a section of the Bois de la Cambre, where cycling, rollerblading and horse riding are a must. The Centre Culturel d’Uccle presents drama, music and film in three theatres of various sizes, and during the summer on Sundays there are free classical and jazz concerts in Parc de Wolvendael. Local and boutique shopping can be done along the Rue Vanderkindere, on the Chaussée de Waterloo and around the Bascule area near Ixelles. The commune is home to a number of international schools including the European School I, the Children’s House Montessori School and the Lycée Français. Although Uccle is not on the Brussels metro line, it is well connected by bus and tram to the centre of town.