Pajottenland District (Belgium), a part of the Flemish Brabant province situated west of Brussels, between the Zenne and Dender river valleys. This quiet, rural area is known for the unique microflora of bacteria and wild yeasts responsible for the spontaneous fermentation of lambic beers. See lambic. True lambic beer is only produced here and in the Senne Valley in which Brussels lies. The area has been known for its gastronomical specialties for centuries, and the area was made famous the world over by the paintings of Pieter Brueghel the Elder, who often portrayed the day-to-day life of Pajottenlanders. On Sunday mornings locals can still enjoy the authentic lambic café atmosphere in In de Verzekering tegen de Grote Dorst (“The insurance against the great thirst”), which organizes events such as “The Night of Great Thirst” festival, during which lambic brewers welcome beer lovers from all around the world.

See also belgium and flanders.