Péripléties
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Freedom in a motorhome
The Ardennes by camper van
True to Ardennes legend
4 min OF ADVENTURE
Where worlds meet, in the heart of the forest or along the riverbank, discovering fortresses or learning legends, to explore the Ardennes by camper van is to enjoy an incredible sense of freedom and discover another way of life. You live fully and breathe deeply in this awe-inspiring land!
But where do you start with your camper van? If there's one thing we've learned on our travels, it's that water is often the best guide to follow. It carves and shapes the landscape as well as the lives of men. In the Ardennes, there's always a river nearby, flowing continuously on an infinite journey, past mysterious forests, unshakeable fortresses, authentic breweries and other treasures of heritage. And in every valley there are men and women ready to tell you a few tales... In fact, if the Ardennes were a book, then the River Meuse would be its binding and its tributaries would be the pages, overflowing with wonderful stories
The best of atmospheres
We think it's wise to start our adventure on the corridor of water between Maastricht and Mouzon, where, here and there, the green landscape bears witness to a once prosperous industrial activity. Where the massif unfurls indifferently across the borders of France, Belgium and Luxembourg! The Semois valley (as far as the Semoy in France) that stretches to the Meuse is an excellent example of the magic of touring regardless of borders. We love that mystical atmosphere that comes with the early morning mist and a camper van is the best way to fully appreciate it. Today by the river, tomorrow above the clouds, the next day at the heart of luxuriant greenery to listen to the bellow of deer, and the day after that, in one of the picturesque towns or in the calm of the countryside.
A great sense of freedom
Because our Ardennes exploration also includes the discovery of a rurality that's still full of authenticity and perpetuated traditions. From the source of the Semois to Arlon and the Gaume region, along the Amblève or other small rivers such as the Lienne, it's so easy to stop and marvel at the exceptional heritage of characterful villages rated among "the most beautiful villages of Wallonia" or to try the generous local cuisine. It's easy to find somewhere to stop overnight, on a campsite, at a service area, or in the middle of nature. We love this reenergising freedom. After all, isn't that what camper van holidays are for?
A patchwork of landscapes and traditions
Deep in the valleys, we even come across an ancient savoir-faire, a legacy of flavours that the people of the Ardennes are very proud of: beer brewing! Following advice from the locals, we visit a few of the breweries spread across the area and learn to taste the difference between beers brewed on an industrial scale, abbey beers and beers brewed at one of the many small breweries that flourish here. Lupulus, Chouffe, Lienne, Elfique… After all, it's the pureness of the water that gives the beer its quality and we mustn't forget that, near the source of a river in the secrecy of the forest, nymphs, fairies and other legendary creatures come to life, including the famous Ardennes elf!
A surprise round every corner
Then there are those incredible features along the way. The Ourthe and Grand-Duchy itineraries are the ones we find the most sensational, with carved-out landscapes and islets formed where rivers meet, or the impressive fortresses and castles that dominate the area. Like Victor Hugo, we're under the charm of Vianden, captivated by Sedan and the fortresses of Namur and Dinant, and thrown into another world by the secretive Château de Petite Somme, a retreat venue for the Hindu community of Radhadesh. Truly original!
"Have we really travelled that far in such a short time?"
The more ground we cover, the more we discover the intricacies of the Ardennes. After just a few kilometres, we realise that the fabulous Hautes-Fagnes region - on the route that takes us to the River Amblève - comes with a dose of Germanic culture. We're so surprised that we can't help wondering: have we really travelled that far in such a short time?
So, the Ardennes turns out to still be what it has always been: a land where different European cultures come into contact. A communal space, perhaps inherited from the vicissitudes of History, but it's truly a pleasure to witness it and, better still, be a part of it. Yes indeed! That irresistable "Belgitude", the apparent reservedness of the people of the Ardennes, does nothing to hide their rock solid generosity and their unconditional love for their region. As they say here, "Chips and a beer, and everyone gets along!"
To explore the Ardennes by camper van is to enjoy an incredible sense of freedom and discover another way of life