With the return of the sun and weekends finally inviting us to get out, some plans couldn't be better timed. This time, we're heading to Villeneuve-d'Ascq, where the Jean Bruggeman Windmill Museum transforms its grounds into a pastoral playground for an afternoon that's both playful and poetic.
A free party among windmills, kites, and steam
Named "Eureka!", the event runs from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and promises fantastic moments for the whole family. On the agenda: demonstrations around Archimedes' screw, this ingenious system that can generate electricity using the power of water, complete with models and hands-on activities. Kids will also get to make their very own kite during a workshop led by the Belgian association Pass to Fly, before taking their creation home. Another highlight is sure to be the presence of steam machines...
fear miniatures and two authentic locomotives on a track, installed in the museum for the occasion. It's the kind of detail that delights both little ones and big kids alike.A charming spot just a stone's throw from Lille
The setting is also a huge part of the appeal. The museum boasts two stunning 18th-century pivoting mills, both classified as Historical Monuments and still in working order. It's an ultra-rural decor, perfect for turning a simple Sunday outing into a delightful pastoral escape just minutes from Lille. And like every third Sunday of the month, guided tours of the mills will be offered, with departures every 20 minutes to discover their history and understand how they work.
A great idea for...Free entry for this Sunday
With workshops, games, windmills, steam, and a lush green setting, this plan really checks all the boxes for a great weekend outing. The little extra: the museum also offers a 360° virtual reality experience, accessible to everyone, to explore the flour mill in a whole new way. So, between heritage, nature, and fun activities, it’s tough to find a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon without breaking the bank.
Jean Bruggeman Windmill Museum - Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Source: Lilleactu