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Take your pick of water sports at Neufchâteau Lake.

For a day’s fun and relaxation, it’s the place to be: this superb leisure centre in Luxembourg Province offers a host of activities in a beautiful natural environment.

Come here for a preview of the holidays. The Vallée du Lac welcomes you in Neufchâteau, below the town, at the heart of preserved nature. Around this pretty artificial lake, there are many activities that will take you away from the routine. Here, you’ll enjoy swimming, pedalos, fishing or a water sport: kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing… And if you prefer dry land, you’ll also find what you’re looking for – there’s something for everyone.

A variety of activities for all

Those who love a gentle pace of life, you’re in for a treat! Sit reading by the lake, walk along the water or take exercise on the health trail… Live life at your own pace. And if you’d like to explore the surrounding area, that’s great, because the lake is also the starting point of many signposted walks and bike rides. Looking for a group activity or something to entertain the kids? Head for the minigolf, playground or tennis, boules and basketball courts! And if you feel peckish – or even ravenous – there are barbecues available with wooden tables and benches for a congenial lunch. Finally, for the little extras, there’s a great cafeteria!

Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne

Discover the miraculous site of the Saint Thibault Hermitage

With its pretty chapel, this historical site welcomes hikers who come to enjoy its magnificent views and pilgrims who come to find solace in the peaceful setting.

This precious place is nestled in the Ourthe valley, in the village of Marcourt, between La Roche-en-Ardenne and Hotton. Like a treasure that only reveals itself to those who take the time to search for it, the religious site of the Saint Thibaut Hermitage unveils its exquisite beauty and purity as it comes into view. The site comprises a small white chapel erected in honour of Saint Thibaut, a pilgrim and hermit from the 10th century, and the hermitage, a small house with two rooms attached to the chapel. People who had a vocation as hermits and those who served as guardians of the chapel would retreat here, into the heart of the Ardennes forest. A practice that lasted until 1968!

Place of pilgrimage and tourism

The chapel and hermitage were built from 1639. Perched on top of a hill, the site boasts stunning views over the village of Marcourt, which dates back to Roman times and was the medieval capital of the county of Montaigu. A breathtaking panorama, dominating the Ourthe valley from a height of almost 140 metres! This listed heritage site is a real gem of tranquillity. The Saint Thibaut Hermitage also welcomes many pilgrims who come to meditate in the spiritual setting, a place where miracles are said to have occurred... You will find a signposted route to get there and experience all of its charm for yourself.

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape

Escape to the Frahan scenic overlook at Rochehaut

This postcard view will take your breath away! The Rochehaut scenic overlook offers one of the most magnificent panoramic views in Belgium, at the start of a lovely 1.5 km walk through the woods. 

The site is listed as Major Heritage of Wallonia, and we can soon understand why when we get there. The scenic overlook offers a superb, uninterrupted view over the Semois Valley and the small village of Frahan. Along the route to get there, 300 metres have been landscaped for you to be able to admire this incredible panoramic view that will literally leave you gaping before the spectacular beauty of the landscape that unfolds before you. It’s without the contest THE perfect spot to take photos that are will dazzle your friends!

Exotic fauna and flora

Crossed by a grande randonnée trail, the site is also the starting point of a lovely 1.5 km walk that leads to Frahan. The woods you pass through are listed, with an obligation to maintain certain indigenous deciduous trees, such as beech, maple, elm and birch… Abundant nature home to fauna that will delight you (and the children!) if you’re lucky enough to come across any… On this bucolic trail, you’ll also discover old slate quarries, which have become a national nature reserve for bats. As you can tell, coming here will be a complete change of scene!

Copyright photos: Visit Ardenne

Enjoy the view of the Giant's Tomb in Bouillon

It is one of the most impressive panoramas in Belgium. The Botassart viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the Giant's Tomb in Bouillon. Come and reach for the sky!   

To get there, park your car in the free parking lot : Rue de Châteaumont 53, 6833 Bouillon. 

The hamlet of Botassart is tucked away in a wide valley floor which contains the magnificent Giant's Tomb, one of Wallonia’s outstanding natural heritage sites. Rumour has it that Victor Hugo was a great admirer of this corner of the Semois. You too can come and discover this recently restored viewpoint!

Change of scene guaranteed

The vista from the Botassart viewpoint, close to the village of the same name, is spectacular. In a magnificent forest setting, the lingering Semois meanders around a rocky hillock. The river surrounds a wooded hill whose uniform shape has earned it the name "Giant's Tomb". According to legend, a centurion in Labienus' army murdered a Gallic giant here. An old man came across the giant’s body and, with the help of a group of young teenagers, decided to bury it on this hill at an altitude of 250 metres.

An ideal activity for those who love nature and a change of scenery!

 

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Wallonia

Reach Soaring Heights at Le Hérou Viewpoint

It’s an extraordinary place, the only one of its kind in Belgium, listed by the regional authorities of Wallonia as aprotected heritage site. Le Hérou is an incredible 1.5km-long rocky spur overlooking the winding river Ourthe at Nadrin and boasting a breathtaking view of the valley.

The view from Le Hérou has to be earned. The path to the viewpoint is difficult (and not recommended if you have children with you), but what a reward when you get there, with the view of the magnificent landscape spread out before you likesomething out of the French Alps! You can find this astonishing natural site, a listed heritage site since 1937, in the Nadrin district of the province of Luxembourg. It was once known as ’Li Cresse di laid saut,' and it is said that a herald used to announce the sentences passed by the Nadrin High Court from the top of this rock. This legend was enough to lend the place a sheen of mystery... Want to go there? You’ll need to take route no. 6 from Nadrin - marked with a green rectangle - 5.4km.

On Top of the World

Whoever said Belgium was a flat country? Le Hérou proves, in any case, that you can find superb views here and there is no doubt that this one, in the Deux Ourthes nature park in the heart of the Ardennes, offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Belgium.  It’s this rocky cliff, impressive both for its height (you stand 80 to 90 metres above the Ourthe) and for its shape (the rock face being almost completely vertical), that makes the site so phenomenal. You can see how the elements have worked tirelessly in an age-old battle to make it what it is today. 

You can take the steep paths that lead to the top of the cliff, then follow the river in total peace and contentment... It’s a gorgeous walk where you’ll want to drink in the smallest details of the abundant plant life spread out before you (including blueberries as far as the eye can see). Handy tip: there are other trails starting in the centre of the village.

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape

Enjoy the diverse natural landscapes in the Deux Ourthes Nature Reserve

Looking for beautiful landscapes and walks along the water? In the province of Luxembourg, the Nature Reserve welcomes you to a vast area comprising traditional villages, wild landscapes, beautiful valleys and enchanting streams.

It covers 76,000 hectares in the north-east of the province of Luxembourg and includes the municipalities of Bertogne, Gouvy, Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Sainte-Ode and Tenneville. This is the Deux Ourthes Nature Reserve, a vast mountainous area, so named because it covers the valleys where the two branches of the river Ourthe (eastern and western) have their sources. The heart of the Ardennes awaits you: traditional Ardennes villages, deep, wooded valleys, peat bogs and marshes, meadows and rural uplands.

A paradise of flora and fauna

The Deux Ourthes Nature Reserve is full of diverse landscapes that take you on an exploration through rich, varied and generous nature, where flora and fauna flourish in harmony. Stroll along the small clear-water streams, follow the educational paths along the Ourthe, open your eyes and take your time, go hiking (there are dozens of routes for all levels, including the famous Escapardenne trail) and marvel at the sound of nature's heartbeat along the way...

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape

Nisramont Lake and Dam: an Exceptional Place in the Heart of the Ardennes

This remarkable site is the perfect place to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of nature and take part in a whole host of activities. Come to Nisramont for one of the most beautiful walks in the Ardennes and an escape into a different world!

Nisramont is many things: first of all, a lake - the point where the western and eastern parts of the river Ourthe come together. It’s also a dam built to supply water to all of the neighbouring valleys. The dam, 116m long and 16m high, doubles up as a hydroelectric power station and treatment plant. And the whole place is an outstanding, spectacular site surrounded by nature!

Nature and Fun

Come to Nisramont for one of the most beautiful walks in the Ardennes and escape into an unexpected, idyllic world amidst a well-preserved, almost untouched natural landscape. Take steep little paths up to magnificent viewpoints, following the banks of the Ourthe, around the lake or on another one of the many walks. As well as walking, Nisramont lake also offers a whole host of ways to relax and have fun: fishing, paddle boarding, boating, kayaking, etc. 

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Ardenne / Visit Wallonia

The Mardasson Memorial, an exceptional site of remembrance

An impressive monument, not to be missed. Honouring the Battle of the Bulge, which took place in Bastogne, this unmissable memorial also offers incredible panoramic views.

A moving and awe-inspiring place. The site has a poignant significance. The Mardasson Memorial honours the memory of the 76,000 American soldiers who fell on Belgian soil during the Battle of the Bulge, a major offensive in the Second World War. Inaugurated in 1950, the monument takes the shape of a five-pointed star, each point measuring 31 metres long. You can read the story of the battle engraved in gold letters on the walls of the open gallery. Under the memorial is a crypt with mosaic walls created by Fernand Léger. One of the world’s unique works of art that represents the Jewish,Catholic and Protestant faiths.

Between heaven and earth

The Mardasson Memorial is situated on a hill just 2 km from the centre of Bastogne. A staircase leads up to the covered walkway. From there you can take in the breathtakingpanoramic views of the surrounding area.

Are you fascinated by history? Why not complement your visit to the Mardasson Memorial with a visit to the beautiful and moving War Museum next door, which brings the Second World War to life in an interactive way.

Copyright photos: Ardennes-étape

The Saint Hubert Basilica, an outstanding cultural heritage site

One of the most impressive basilicas in Europe is right here in the Ardennes! A remarkable symbol of Wallonia’s cultural heritage, the majestic Saint Hubert Basilica is a famous pilgrimage site for animal lovers.

Its imposing silhouette stands out against the wooded Ardennes landscape, a proud symbol steeped in history. Built in the 16th century, the basilica is a pilgrimage site in honour of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of the Ardennes, hunters, foresters and butchers. It is impossible not to be impressed by the magnificent architecture, which mixes the abundant Gothic style with Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Tradition and a love for animals

The Baroque facade welcomes you and guides you inside the basilica where you will find the nave, the choir and the attic (which is accessible by prior arrangement - enjoy the experience of walking under the roof!) as well as the paintings of Saint Hubert and his mysterious stag. Animals have a special place here; many pilgrims bring their faithful companions with them, seeking the protection of Saint Hubert. Three times a year, dogs, cats and other animals are blessed by the Dean during Mass. A tradition that combines folklore, beliefs and history and attracts large crowds, making it an unmissable event in the region!

Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne

Malmedy Cathedral, a remarkable historic location

With its Renaissance style and Latin cross shape, it’s an essential part of the town’s architectural heritage and a location with an exceptional history.

Malmedy Cathedral was built between 1776 and 1784 in Waimes sandstone (regional stone). Initially, it fulfilled the role of a Benedictine abbey, then became a parish church after the French Revolution before eventually being elevated to the rank of a cathedral under the ephemeral Eupen-Malmedy diocese from 1921 to 1925. It’s a surprising title (because its architecture and size are still comparable to those of other religious buildings) that it only owes to the town’s specific political situation between the wars, but has retained pursuant to the Code of Canonical Law.

What can you see there?

Straight away, the majesty of this location with its pure, stripped contours is evident. Two tall square towers welcome you inside to vast spaces bathed in light. In here, your glance will be drawn by the Holy Virgin’s altar, which is original, as well as its four sculpted wood confessionals and pulpit. Although the stained glass windows are not original (they were destroyed in the December 1944 bombings), the bells are; built in 1786, there are 35 authentic bells, which are the work of Martin Legros, an inhabitant of Malmedy.

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape