Under the spell of La Roche-en-Ardenne

Under the spell of La Roche-en-Ardenne

A day to explore the town

5 mins OF ESCAPE

With its 4000-strong population of Rochois (as the residents are called), this little town should be on the itinerary of every visitor to the Ardennes. La Roche-en-Ardenne is an invitation to enjoy a perfect blend of visiting a town and taking a deep breath of fresh country air.

I decide to treat myself to a pleasant day out here, hand in hand with my partner, seeing all the sights and tasting the local specialities. That's how this excursion kicks off, without warning. We only realise it when we're at the top of the town, enjoying the view over this delightful little town exalted by the gentle rays of the golden autumn sun 

Here's how to regale all your senses on a perfect day out in the Ardennes.

 In La Roche-en-Ardenne, the banks of the Ourthe are an invitation to take a break and contemplate.

9.30 am - Delights of a morning in the Ardennes

We make a gentle start to the day at one of the excellent pâtisseries of La Roche-en-Ardenne, treating ourselves to some of the local delights: a tube (rolled biscuit filled with speculoos-flavoured or mocha-flavoured butter cream), a baiser (meringue biscuit with smooth butter cream) and, of course, a waffle, which we enjoy nibbling in the bucolic setting of the Ourthe riverbank in the  company  of ducks and geese.

On a quick visit to the Maison du Tourisme you'll find details of a 2 km itinerary together with various historical anecdotes. Did you know that La Roche-en-Ardenne was liberated by the British during the Second World War? There are various memorials to be found between the parks, bridges and sculptures.

10 am - Bridges, walls and greenery

It only takes a few hours to fall in love with the little streets of La Roche-en-Ardenne, while taking the time to learn more about the town's past and many legends. We're guided by the River Ourthe, admiring the beautiful facades as we cross picturesque bridges between cobblestone streets and cliff faces, pausing to succumb to the bewitching reflections and enchanting views.

It still feels like summer at the Place du Bronze, where passers-by stop to greet one another or chat on the café terraces. A short distance away, we take a break in the romantic setting of Rompré park with its sculptures and fountains.

This place combines the tranquillity of a village and the grandeur of a city.

Salted meats, smoked meats, fermented meats… At Monsieur Bouillon's place, my stomach seems to know no limits. They say you only live once!

2 pm - New perspective from the Feudal Castle

More than just another building, the Feudal Castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne is an invitation to take to the heights. Besides the pleasure of walking on such timeless stone, it offers a 360° panoramic view of the valley, the town and the surrounding countryside which leaves us speechless. From here everything looks tiny and we can see from a completely different angle the paths and streets that brought us here.

3 pm - Getting to know the local animal life

We've come to the Game Park to observe all the animals that we can never get close to while hiking in the region. On the wooded trail of 1.2 kilometres, we see a stag and his herd, as well as a large family of wild boar, busily rooting. I really like these animals. Here, they seem as docile and curious as any domestic pet. The park also has a fallow deer and some farm animals, including a large flock of hens and ducks who (to our delight!) are not very shy, as well as rabbits, donkeys and goats.

5 pm - Greeting the town from above, to better embrace it

On leaving the Game Park, captivated by the beauty of the autumn light, we head for the forest paths above La Roche-en-Ardenne. The town is out of sight and out of mind as we walk through the woods, filling our lungs and ears with the fresh, pure air. Then it reappears, looking tiny from our natural balcony, its windows and rooftops glistening at the bottom of the valley. It seems to be greeting us in its most colourful manner, just before night falls. 

Exploring further

After all, we could easily have spent two days in La Roche-en-Ardenne! If you have enough time, visit the Battle of the Ardennes Museum, which exhibits a replica of Enigma, the German army's decoding machine. And if you're interested in crafts, you can also visit the Grès de la Roche pottery and find out about the history and traditions of Ardennes pottery.

Try this experience 

Syndicat d'initiative de la Roche-en-Ardenne
Place du Marché 15, B-6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne, Belgique
Tél: +32 (0)84 36 77 36
www.ardennebelge.be