Ardennes Travel Guide

Discover Ardennes with our comprehensive travel guide featuring its top attractions, hiking routes, best things to do, cultural customs, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Ardennes

Located in Europe and spanning across Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, Ardennes is a picturesque region rich in culture, history, and stunning natural scenery. It’s well-known for its dense forests, rolling hills, deep valleys, and charming towns.

In this comprehensive travel guide for Ardennes, we will explore the top places to visit, outdoor activities, hiking and biking routes, must-try foods, transportation options, local customs, and much more. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or merely seeking a peaceful retreat, Ardennes has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Ardennes

Ardennes is home to a diverse range of attractions, from culturally important museums to breathtaking natural scenery. Below are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bastogne War Museum
  • The Battle of the Bulge Museum
  • Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval
  • Dinant Citadel
  • La Roche-en-Ardenne Castle

Natural Attractions of Ardennes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Han-sur-Lesse Caves and Wildlife Park
  • Lesse River Valley
  • Nisramont Lake
  • High Fens Nature Park
  • Bouillon Wildlife Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ardennes

Ardennes is a paradise for hikers and bikers. With an abundance of trails to explore, nature lovers can savor the stunning surroundings. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Ardennes include:

  • Trans-Ardennes Greenway
  • RAVeL Ligne 163
  • GR 16
  • Escapardenne

Best Things to Do in Ardennes: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Ardennes offers a diverse range of activities and tours catering to all ages and interests. Some of the best things to do in Ardennes include:

  • Kayaking on the Lesse River
  • Visiting local breweries and tasting local beers
  • Attending wine tasting tours
  • Taking a scenic hot air balloon or helicopter ride
  • Visiting local markets and festivals

Week-Long Itinerary for Ardennes

Ardennes offers ample opportunities for a week-long trip. Below is a suggested itinerary for a week in Ardennes:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval and Dinant Citadel
Day 2 Hiking through High Fens Nature Park
Day 3 Taking a scenic hot air balloon or helicopter ride
Day 4 Kayaking on the Lesse River or visiting local markets and festivals
Day 5 Visiting the Bastogne War Museum and the Battle of the Bulge Museum
Day 6 Wine tasting in local vineyards
Day 7 Exploring Bouillon and visiting Bouillon Wildlife Park

Food and Drink Scene of Ardennes

Ardennes is famous for its delicious and hearty cuisine. From hearty stews to sweet desserts, the Ardennes cuisine is a fusion of French and Belgian flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carbonnade flamande
  • Waterzooi
  • Boulets Liegeois
  • Tarte al Djote
  • Galettes de Campine

Local Beverages

  • Belgian beers
  • Luxembourgish wines
  • Traditional fruit brandy

Where to Stay in Ardennes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ardennes offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to all budgets. From luxurious hotels to simple guesthouses, the region’s charm and hospitality extend to its accommodations. Some of the best places to stay in Ardennes include:

  • Radisson Blu Balmoral Hotel, Spa
  • Château de la Poste
  • Trees and People
  • Le Château de Moulin le Comte
  • Moulin de lisogne

What to Buy in Ardennes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ardennes is home to a variety of unique and traditionally crafted products. From handmade chocolates to traditional textiles, visitors can take a piece of Ardennes home with them. Some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Belgian chocolates
  • Ardenne ham and sausages
  • Pottery and ceramics
  • Woven textiles and fabrics
  • Cherry and pear liquor

Local Culture and Customs of Ardennes

Ardennes is a region rich in tradition and customs. Visitors can experience a glimpse of local life and customs by attending local festivals, fairs, and markets. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  • The St. Martin’s Day Festival in November
  • The Ciney Flea Market
  • The Tourist Train of the Aisne Valley
  • The Namur Fair

Best Time to Visit Ardennes

Ardennes can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from April to June and September to November. In these months, the weather is pleasant, and the fall colors make Ardennes a visual delight.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ardennes

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Tip in restaurants and cafes
  • Bring warm and waterproof clothing while hitting nature trails
  • Try local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Litter in natural and public spaces
  • Enter churches or religious places in beachwear
  • Take photographs of people without their consent

Safety and Health

Safety in Ardennes

Ardennes is a safe region to visit, with low crime rates. However, visitors should be cautious while hiking through the woods and avoid going far off the marked trails.

Health in Ardennes

Visitors should carry their essential medicines and take precautions against tick bites, which can pose a risk of Lyme disease.

Getting to Ardennes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ardennes is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Visitors can choose their mode of transportation according to their convenience and budget. Below are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Ardennes

  • Liège Airport, Belgium
  • Luxembourg Airport, Luxembourg
  • Charleroi Airport, Belgium

Bus Stations Near Ardennes

  • Namur bus station, Belgium
  • Bastogne bus station, Belgium

Other Options

  • Car rental
  • Train

How to Get Around in Ardennes

Getting around Ardennes is easy, with multiple public and private transportation options available. Visitors can choose from buses, trains, taxis, and car rental services.

Where to Go Next from Ardennes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ardennes is surrounded by a diverse range of destinations, making it an excellent base for exploring other regions. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
  • Champagne-Ardenne, France
  • Brussels, Belgium
  • Bruges, Belgium

Conclusion

Ardennes is a region that can provide visitors with an immersive experience of culture, history, and adventure. The above travel guide should equip you with the information you need to plan your trip to Ardennes and explore the beautiful region. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the picturesque Ardennes!

Signal de Botrange, the highest point in the Ardennes Signal de Botrange, the highest point in the Ardennes