Of course, if hiking isn’t your thing, then you can also cycle or canoe Ardennes. Monks came back to Orval in 1927 and they follow the spiritual traditions of the Trappist Order until today. But the Belgian Luxembourg province has something more to offer than only beer and chocolate: le Saucisson d’Ardenne, the Ardennes Sausage. As the Ardennes region is mostly covered by large, dense forests with the Semois and Ourthe rivers creating almost fairy-tale-like landscapes, the area is particularly coveted among outdoor and nature lovers. ⚘ Avoid tourist traps and get the “Belgium Like a Local” itinerary. But read on for inspiration! It’s one of the best hiking places in Belgium. When it comes to marketing, the advertising language of the beers should be marked by honesty and modesty and with respect to the religious setting of the beer production. However, the most intriguing beer productions are the Trappist beers that are only produced in monasteries. There are many great options for where to stay in Ardennes, Belgium, but my number one recommendation is Le Florentin in Florenville. Here, you’ll learn about the fine art of combining flavors with chocolate and the history of chocolate production. This activity made us think about our diet and lifestyle and offers a very good introduction to maybe start adding nettles in our soup or flowers on our plate! We were a little disappointed because there was a lot of work in progress and not everything was open (especially due to the virus). In fact, Bouillon is perfect for a foodie day trip! I particularly liked how different each quarter of Bouillon was. Injustement méconnu des motard français, le massif des Ardennes constitue le terrain de jeu favori de nos voisins belges. Herbeumont is a very small village also surrounded by the Semois and overlooked by some castle ruins. It doesn’t matter the region or the town, you’ll always find a shop selling the most creative chocolate creations. Quality and selection standards are very high. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. It was at Val Joly that we decided to finish our trip. Let's hit the road together! You can find here a selection with the most popular hikes in the Ardennes, Wallonia. The Chimay Brewery has been owned and operated by the monks as the Scourmont Abbey since 1862. The Ardennes are a natural region stretching from France to Germany, via Belgium and Luxembourg, which has a lot to offer for nature lovers. It’s all about the absolute quality standard of the primary ingredients. In case you love well-indicated trails leading through lush green, dense forests, Ardennes will be like your playground. You can’t miss indulging typical Belgian food during your weekend break in Belgium. The place is located at the edge of the Semois and the edge of the forest and is very quiet and pleasant. Road-trip dans les ardennes belges $ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Transferwise (you’ll get a free card on top!). Around 50 fanatic riders made the trip by bus on the morning of September 29 th. Soon, the territory was sold again to the Cistercian Order and became a new home for French monks. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In a second stage, hops are once again added. And, dear readers, after this visit, I see chocolate and ice-cream with different eyes. Découvrez le temps d’un weekend, une partie des Ardennes françaises. Orval beer and cheese can be enjoyed in the surrounding shops and restaurants of Orval abbey. Trappist Beer Tasting in Ardennes, Belgium, 7. A great Ardennes weekend option is a day (or overnight) trip to Liege. However, it is rather difficult to access with a motorhome. After a light breakfast the troops were ready to face their picked route in challenging weather conditions. The Ninglinspo is a mountain river situated in the Liège provence. The Ardennes is a stunning region spanning across four countries: France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Hundreds of well-maintained trails adaptable for every level make it very hard to choose only one. The brewing process only uses spring water, hop cones, barley malt, candy sugar, and the special Trappist yeast. But don’t worry, it still has some great things to do. We first took a lunch break to taste delicious Belgian fries at chez Fernande before going back to France (don’t miss out on eating fries in Belgium!). It’s 9,99€ only. Also known as the “pearl of the Semois” river, Bouillon is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. However, most the local pubs and restaurants also serve Chimay. Bavarian Alps Road Trip If you're planning a trip to the historic city of Munich, Germany, we encourage you to enhance your time by renting a car in Munich to explore the breathtaking scenery and stunning vistas of the Bavarian Alps, just a few hours to the south! My personal favorite is Torgny. The view on the lake is very pleasant and you can observe horses and ponies resting next to you in their pastures. Schedules and opening times depend on the time of the year you want to visit. The craft of salting meat is family-run since three generations. Indeed, the business is managed by women for 60 years! Also discover another epic road trip in Europe by car with Scotland. You can choose among equestrian excursions, skiing (in winter), golf, swimming and climbing activities. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After visiting the castle, you shouldn’t leave Bouillon immediately! For those that are interested in the medieval past of Bouillon, I recommend visiting the Musée Ducal who boasts a dedicated section to the crusades and the architectural evolution of Bouillon castle. If you can’t get enough of cute, picturesque villages, you might want to visit more villages bearing the label “Wallonia’s Most Beautiful Villages” such as Celles,  Clermont-sur-Berwinne, Crupet, Laforêt, Nobressart, Ny, Ragnies, Soiron, Sosoye, Soulme or Wéris. Avoid tourist traps and get the “Belgium Like a Local” itinerary. Slowly, Orval Abbey became one of the richest monasteries in southern Belgium. Maplandia.com in partnership with Booking.com offers highly competitive rates for all types of hotels in Ardennes, from affordable family hotels to the most luxurious ones. C’était une première pour moi, Seb avait eu l’occasion de la visiter un an auparavant à l’occasion du salon des blogueurs voyage. Finally, we drove to Saint-Hubert to spend the night at the Fourneau Saint Michel area at the edge of a small stream. Surrounded by lush forests, Orval Abbey is close to the French corner and one of the remotest corners of Belgium. This decision was partly due to the international context (COVID19), our current situation and a desire to discover our door step’s surroundings. Home » Belgium » Things to do in the Ardennes. Have you been to the Ardennes, Belgium? When it slowly melts in your mouth, you’ll get an idea what heaven must taste like. Circuits en voiture, à moto ou à vélo dans les Ardennes, balades routières dans les Ardennes - ADT des Ardennes The good news is that there are a lot of options for short breaks in Belgium, especially in Ardennes. Although it is technically a city, I also include Durbuy on this list as it is the size of a village! From there, wander through the picturesque city center and check out some of the best things to do in Liege. The road itself winds beautifully through the rolling hills and magical forests of this attractive region. And hiking in Ourthe Valley is definitely a great reason to visit Ardennes, Belgium! Gratefully, Paulina, Travel Coupons & Discounts Become a Sustainable Traveler in 9 Steps Affordable Sustainable Clothing Brands 30 Travel Coffee Table Books, KLOW: a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Experience ». I’d might start thinking to do a retreat at Orval abbey…. Bloggin' in English & Español since 2015. It is a region of southeast Belgium, and extends into France, Germany and Luxembourg. Just make sure to check into a nearby Belgian Ardennes hotel so there’s no need to drive home afterwards. A treasure hunt can be organized upon request. In order to have the best view of the castle, I recommend taking the road to Le Panorama. The restaurants on the banks of the Semois offer a very pleasant setting. Liège m’a donné envie de manger. The top site in Durbuy is the Castle, which seems to take up half the city and has an interesting history. Road trip de 1300 km dans les Ardennes Belges avec les amis Opaleroadtrip. As we visited Orval abbey, we couldn’t leave without a Trappist beer and cheese tasting at the À l’Ange Gardien which served us 3 kinds of Orval beers and 3 different Orval kinds of cheese. After working in Turkey and Lebanon, he came back to Florenville where he opened his shop, tea-room, and atelier. Indeed, the region is very variated when it comes to landscapes as high plateaus contrast with picturesque valleys created by the rivers Ourthe, Semois, Salm, or Lesse. Ardennes is located in: Belgique, Région wallonne, Hainaut, Braine-le-Comte, Ardennes. Indeed, the castle of Bouillon was first mentioned in 988, and still today, it impacts its size and good condition. Of course, you cannot visit Belgium without tasting (at least) one of its world-famous Trappist beers. It is a pretty setting at the edge of the Meuse with the citadel dominating the city. Make sure to stop from time to time in one of its countless restaurants and enjoy the food from its local producers. A deux heures de Paris, ambiance Tourist Trophy assurée. It is a pleasant place and there is a large choice of activities. A great Ardennes weekend option is a day (or overnight) trip to Liege. Read more articles from our trips to Australia, New Zealand or Alaska. The Ourthe is a 165 kilometre long river that runs through Ardennes, Belgium. The hike is charming and the view is wonderful. It is a particularly picturesque place located near the river which invites you to sit down for a moment and enjoy the place in all its beauty. kilometers (29,000 sq. This also allows you to visit the citadel and enjoy the view from above. We went over it by bike, it is very easy to access and the distance is short even by foot. I got mine at HeyMondo. In 1082, Bouillon Castle was inherited by Godfrey of Bouillon, who sold it to the Bishop of Liège in order to finance the first crusade. Indeed, the setting reminded me of an enchanted forest and I wouldn’t be surprised to spot a little fairy… The trail is about 1.5 km and leads through a magical forest, with curious rock formations, home to the fairies of course. Only a part of Orval abbey can be visited as several patios and buildings are restricted to the monks and accommodated guests at the guesthouse. This city isn’t for everyone, but I enjoyed my time here. Without any doubt, Durbuy completes this list of the most beautiful villages in Belgium. If you can, I highly recommend a visit to the High Fens Nature Reserve, a marshland area just outside of Liege in lower Ardennes. If heaven tastes like chocolate, paradise must have the flavour of Edouard’s ice-cream! Here’s how to tackle seven days in Belgium, traversing buzzing fashion capitals, charming coastal towns, Great War battlefields, and the wooded Ardennes … Plus, isn’t it just cool to say you visited the smallest town in the world? Just a perfect way to spend your weekend in Belgium. miles) -- around one-fifth the size of neighboring Germany, and not much larger than West Virginia. Luckily there are a lot of great day trips from Luxembourg. Routes touristiques. Visiting Trappist abbeys is just the perfect road trip for your weekend in Belgium. We have always been able to sleep in nature and take advantage of hikes or access to villages on foot or by bike  directly from the campsites. Well, the territory of the Belgian province used to be part of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg until 1839. In fact, the Ardennes sausage was only created by the producers of Ardennes ham to enhance its by-products. See more ideas about Ardennes, Belgium, Region. Visits can be arranged as part of your stay in the Le Florentin *** or upon request here. Finally, the legends and history linked to the region’s witchcraft have sparked our curiosity…  Magical stay guaranteed! Get it here. Belgique Destinations Epic road-trip Europe; Road-trip dans les Ardennes. Belgium seems to have something to satisfy any traveler’s needs. It has a fruity note with a little bitter hint. But the Ardennes region cannot only be explored by foot but also by bike, by horse or following the routes of former stagecoaches. I hope some of these, admittedly very personal, highlights of my visit to Ardennes Region in southern Belgium could convince you to include the region in your travel plans. Our road trip in the Ardennes was an opportunity for us to reconnect with the pleasure of travelling in a van which we are big fans of. We left from the North of France to explore, a few hundred miles in a neighbouring country, the Belgian Ardennes region. It is an incredibly picturesque area and well looked after and it was a pleasure to drive around and see some of the sites we’d heard so much about and also discover some unexpected delights. I am a huge fan of weekend breaks! Liege waffles have rounded edges, and while you can find them throughout Belgium, they originated here! Later on in 1132, the abbey was incorporated into the Cistercian Order. Even though most Maitre Chocolatiers are located in the larger Belgian towns such as Brussels, Antwerp or Bruges, the Ardennes, and the Gaume region boasts several chocolate makers as well. Did you enjoy it? We visited the castle which we found a little disappointing because of the lack of explanations (which may be due to the COVID restrictions). Pour notre premier road-trip après 14 mois de tour du monde, nous avons voyagé près de chez nous ! When in the city center of Bouillon, you’ll pass along the Liege Bridge, which was the first structure to be built over the Semois River. It is an artificial lake created by the Plate Taille dam and its impressive observation tower. This decision was partly due to the international context (COVID19), our current situation and a desire to discover our door step’s surroundings. His creations are real and surprising in taste. If you like cheese, make sure to ask for a Chimay cheese, as well – also made the abbey. Many locals gave their lands to the monastery hoping for the eternal prayer of the community. We travelled with a motorhome equipped with toilet and shower and were able to camp off the grid on the numerous free areas in the region. Things to do in Liege, Belgium: 7 Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss. It’s not only a way of slow traveling but also to travel in a more sustainable way. Est-ce la pluie qui me donnait envie de me réfugier dans une des nombreuses boutiques de glaces, gaufres ou autres gourm… Ardennes, also spelled “Ardenne”, is a region of extensive forests, hills and enchanting rock creations covering most of the Belgian provinces of Namur, Liege, and Luxembourg. It was part of an important trade route connecting Verdun and Liege. Learn how your comment data is processed. Guests can even eat together with the monks and the meals are often prepared with Orval beer and the delicious Orval cheese. You will find all the information on her website. The audio guide is not included but is essential to obtain a minimum of information. It is also the place where the Lesse joins the Meuse, a very nice  canoe / kayak trip for the most adventurous. The lands of the Belgian Province de Luxembourg have very rich soil which makes it easy to grow a large variety of vegetables and Northern European fruits. Voyage de Miel road trips. LES CHOCOLATS D’EDOUARDPlace Albert 1er, 36B-6820 Florenville. The large forests gave birth to a long tradition of wild game meals and the rivers teem with fish like trout, carp, and perch. If you want to enjoy a view on the backside of the castle, you should take the road down to the gothic bridge from 1935 on the Semois river in order to admire the castle in all its beauty. We stopped at the Eau d’Heure Lake, Bouillon, Herbeumont, Orval Abbey, Saint-Hubert, Dinant before going back to the French side with Chooz and Val Joly. Read more articles from our trips to Australia, New Zealand or Alaska. Bouillon Castle, one of the prettiest Belgian castles, is open to visitors and the entrance fee includes a falcon and owl show. This village is surrounded by the Semois river and its impressive castle overlooking the river. So we explored the village by bike before leaving for another place to spend the night. The castle was later fitted for heavy artillery by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military architect in the late 17th century. However, if you’re looking for a Belgian Ardennes hotel here my top recommendations! The income from the beers should cover the production fees, expenses of the monks, and maintain the buildings and ground of the abbey. Indeed, the hand-hewn stones, colorful flowers growing along the ochre-colored house fronts with their red curved tiles, rather remind Southern France than Wallonia, Belgium. Other typical meals (some of them can be found in other parts of Belgium too)  that you need to try when visiting the Ardennes region are: Where to enjoy Belgian food in the Ardennes region: More elaborated Belgian cuisine:Le FlorentinL’Auberge de Rochehaut, Traditional Belgium food:Friterie La GrignotteLa Vieille FermeChez Betty. The Ardennes region in the Belgian Luxembourg province is heaven for hiking and trekking lovers. After living for 4 years in Spain and an epic Boat HitchHiking journey over the Atlantic Ocean, I am ready for new travel adventures. Hopefully if you are considering a short break, Belgium is now on your radar! Kayak and canoes routes can be adapted to your needs upon request. It flows through the most amazing pieces of nature. Your email address will not be published. The combination of the finest cocoa and top ingredients from all over the world results in such alluring creations like melting praliné with rosemary, chocolate with violet flowers, black chocolate with black tea from China, and with a hint of pear and hazelnut. For this peaceful and short nature road trip, we didn’t cover long distances. Several factories can be visited, but we opted for the Salaisons G. Blaise (G. Blaise Saltings) in Florenville founded in 1910. In addition, many activities are available: swimming pool, aquarium, water sports, horse riding, tree climbing… Please note, the motor-home area is on a slope, so make sure you have wedges if you want to sleep flat. Whenever I can, I take one of these short breaks to Belgium to explore further. Explore Belgium’s breath-taking nature and visit the highlights of the Ardennes picturesque towns and lovely sights. I particularly liked the contrast of the old, medieval ruins with the modern, imposing abbey which boasts gorgeous Art Deco details. advertisement Taken together, the Benelux nations of Belgium, Holland (the Netherlands), and Luxembourg cover a small area, a mere 75,000 sq. There’s the old town, right below the castle which has vast streets, open plazas, and bright colored houses. The charming city center of Bouillon is perfect for strolling around and along its river. The route encompasses historical sites that mark “The Battle of the Bulge” or Ardennes offensive that took place in the enigmatic dense forests of the Ardennes and the Eiffel. The Ardennes region offers a wide range of possibilities for those that are looking for a more active getaway. A chocolate tasting is definitely a must-do on your weekend break to Belgium. We had made this tour in order to deepen Clémentine’s research for her book. The longest and most famous trails are the  Transardenneaise, the Transgaumaise-Trans Semoisienne, or the Escapardenne-Eisleck Trail connecting Belgium to Luxembourg. The beer must be produced within the walls of a Trappist abbey, either by monks or under their supervision. If you’re looking for a short weekend break, Belgium is home Durbuy, the smallest town in the world. As a sustainable travel enthusiast from Luxembourg, I am the happiest while hiking, cycling, or sailing. Orval beer was first brewed in 1931 by a brewmaster originally from Bavaria. This historic road trip takes you through the fields of the bloodiest battle the Americans fought during the Second World War. Jun 25, 2015 - Its green longs, largest forest and region of Belgium. The walk is very varied. It simply became uninhabitable due to the massive destruction. When you buy through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission. The Belgian Ardennes are very accessible with a van, RV or motorhome and we loved each of our overnight stops. Exploring Torgny feels like traveling back in time within one of these classical Southern French movies. so you can sample lots of this unique country. The best way to explore and enjoy the beauty of Torgny is by strolling around and absorbing the Mediterranean vibe. Get it here. A cycling / walking lane runs along the Meuse to Chooz, it is ideal for exploring the place by bike. Visit Orval Abbey in Ardennes, Belgium, 4. When you enter Torgny in the Gaume region, also known as the southernmost village of Belgium, you might feel like in Southern France for a second. Cette décision a été en partie dû au contexte international (COVID19), à notre situation actuelle et à une envie découvrir les alentours de notre lieu de vie. But Torgny is not only reminiscent of the Mediterranean by the outside, but it also boasts a very particular micro-climate that allows the cultivation of wines. READ: Where to Eat Traditional Food in Brussels. From the tea-room, you have a direct into the atelier where Edouard’s team is preparing tasteful delicacies. Let me take you on a weekend break, right across the Luxembourgish border. Some 7km north of Robertville, on the road to Eupen, the Centre Nature Botrange (t080 44 03 00, wwww.botrange.be) provides a focus for explorations of the national park.A bus runs to the centre from Eupen, but otherwise you’ll need your own car to get there. The town of Bouillon will immediately enchant you by its fairytale setting. Don’t forget to stop by at one of the 2 restaurants (À l’Ange Gardien and L’Hostellerie d’Orval) near the abbey to taste some typical Belgian meals prepared with Orval cheese and beer. Spiritual life should still be more important than the beer production and the brewery shouldn’t be a profit-making venture. Tourism in the Ardennes is still small-scale and ecologically minded. And of course, enjoy Belgian cuisine in one of its numerous restaurants. It also stretches well into Germany and France. Torgny, the most beautiful village in Ardennes, Belgium, 3. However, wars and fires disrupted the routine several times. Ardennes Road Trip – Battle of the Bulge We spent 11 days on an Ardennes road trip to experience the battlefields and museums of World War 1 and 2 as well as some of the castles in this area. In the end, even home countries can satisfy the chronic wanderlust of a frenetic traveler like me. It is an easy ride of 1 hour (there’s the option to do 4 hours as well) which will let you immerse in Ardenne’s beautiful natural landscapes. I hope these suggested itineraries will help you organize your time as you plan your own trip to Benelux. In other words, a road trip across this quirky land doesn’t involve that much road, which frees up time for you to actually see the sights. The day after, we drove to discover Bouillon village in the Ardennes. I loved to see how the only 200 inhabitants cherish their village and each house front is covered by a different type and color of flowers. Does my ViaMichelin trip to, from or through Ardennes take into account the traffic conditions in Ardennes? Hola! There are a few Trappist abbeys in the Belgian Luxembourg province, but we opted to visit the imposing Orval abbey in the Gaume region, south of the Ardennes. We definitely recommend a road trip around here if you get the chance! Find detailed maps for Belgique , Région wallonne , Hainaut , Braine-le-Comte , Ardennes on ViaMichelin, along with road traffic and weather information, the option to book accommodation and view information on MICHELIN restaurants and MICHELIN Green Guide listed tourist sites for - Ardennes. Just the perfect way to enjoy your weekend break in Belgium. In case you might still be hungry, you should also try other typical dishes from the Ardennes. A canoe ride makes any weekend trips to Belgium even more relaxing. All the rest is supposed to go into charity, social welfare, and people in need of help.