Ardennes: Versatility for everyone
Nature lovers, hikers, mountain bikers, WWII enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts, culture freaks and gourmands: everyone gets their money's worth in the Belgian Ardennes. Add to that the fact that every season is special here and you have the ideal holiday region.
You can get there in no time by car: the Belgian Ardennes. Here you will find historic villages, endless forests with babbling rivers and phenomenal views. You feel like you are in a distant country. Every season is special here. In spring you see red poppy fields and lambs in the vast meadows. The rivers and extensive forests provide cooling in the summer. With the arrival of autumn, the forests change into a beautiful color palette and you can listen to bellowing deer at night. And in winter, a thick layer of snow transforms the Ardennes into a fairytale cross-country skiing paradise.
Every season is special here
Whether you come for adventure or relaxation: the wooded hilly landscape makes the Ardennes a fantastic holiday destination for everyone. Active people enjoy the rock formations, wild rivers and steep mountain slopes. Cycling, abseiling, rafting or on the back of a horse. In winter you can even go cross-country skiing here. Those seeking peace and quiet enjoy wonderful walks and beautiful views. The rich history is clearly visible. From beautiful towns such as Dinant and La Roche to special castles. The Second World War has also left its mark on the Ardennes. You will find this in the impressive war museums. Tasting Belgian beers and enjoying the Ardennes cuisine: gourmets will also have fun here!
A must do in the Ardennes
Visit Dinant. The city seems to be built against a steep rock face, with a huge citadel on top. You can go up there with the cable car, then take an exciting tour within the meter-thick walls and back over the 408 steps to the pleasant center. www.citadellededinant.be
A must see in the Ardennes
The world famous Caves of Han with a wildlife park. A historic tram takes you to the entrance of the caves for a tour among limestone (360 million years old!), stalactites and stalagmites. Then you can walk or take the open safari car through the wildlife park.
A must taste in the Ardennes
Orval beer! Cistercian monks live and work in the Trappist monastery of Orval. They brew 70.000 hectoliters of Orval beer annually. Trappist beer is for sale in the shop and in the cozy brasserie A l'Ange Gardien you can eat and taste the special Trappist beer.
www.orval.be
