The best hikes in the Ardennes with children
100% kid-friendly hikes
The Ardennes is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. Along the water, in the forest, on a plateau... there's plenty of choice! However, not all walks are necessarily suitable when it comes to introducing younger children to this activity. Trails that are too long or too steep can quickly become discouraging. That's why we have selected the best hiking trails in the Belgian and French Ardennes, perfect for family adventures and discovering the beauty of our region together.

IGN Map

Aerial Photos / IGN

Slope Map (IGN Plan)

Map 1950 / IGN

State Major Map (1820-1866)

Open Street Map
The best hikes with kids




Le Drapeau: Château-Thierry
The departure of this walk is on the right bank, at the Pavillon du passage d'eau. To reach it, there are two options: on board the ferry boat of the "passeur d'eau" (what an adventure) or via the footbridge of the dam. This walk starts with a beautiful ascent by the Crétias path, used in the past by the inhabitant of Falmignoul to reach the Waulsort station in order to go to Dinant by train (1871). We discover the state reserve of Crétias and the Thierry Castle (or what remains of it). It belongs to the Walloon Region and is unfortunately forbidden of access. At the top, a breathtaking view on Waulsort, its old hotels, its villas and its houses awaits us. It is at this place that we discover the best the old abbey. We leave the plateau to go back to the wood and walk through the boxwoods. However, be careful with the risks of slipping. After your walk, why not take a well-deserved break at the Panama Rio located on the banks of the Meuse.




The mushroom walk
This mushroom walk takes you on a journey of discovery through exceptional natural surroundings and a unique heritage. Follow the mushrooms, and they'll guide you through the Harzée, Hutois, Monks, and Care woods! Don't hesitate to climb up to the Calvary for a beautiful view!
Do you notice a problem along the route? Contact Mr. Rosart at 0476 86 30 10.
The walk map can be downloaded here.

The Fairies’ Footpath
Do you know Oriande, the queen of the fairies? It is said that she can be seen at Croix-Rouge where she watches over a mysterious limestone cave, the Fairies’ Hole. On the Fairies’ Footpath, these magical little creatures set you 9 challenges, suitable for small children, and tell you their stories. If your intentions are good and your heart is pure, maybe your wishes will come true...

The chapel of Saint-Roger
Come and breathe in the pure atmosphere of this small valley in the heart of the Élan national forest.

Clairefontaine: along the river
There are three hikes near the Clairefontaine site. This walk follows the Eisch river through rich and varied countryside! Halfway along, you will come across the old dam at the Belgian-Luxembourg border, built after the First World War. Unfortunately, the flow of the river ultimately proved inadequate to supply Arlon and Steinfort, as intended when the dam was built. The project was therefore abandoned.Not far from there, don’t miss the Clairefontaine site: the Notre-Dame du Bel Amour chapel, the remains of the Abbey, the Saint-Bernard spring, the crypt and the tomb of Ermesinde, as well as the garden of aromatic plants set in peaceful surroundings. Start: old apostolic school of Clairefontaine (rue du Cloître - 6700 Arlon).Waymarking: red rectangle on white background.

Baelen : walk around the village
A 4.7km walk during which it will be difficult to leave the view of the spired bell tower of the church of Baelen. The hilly nature of the walk makes it easy to discover the highest point of Baelen and offers spectacular views of the countryside. Children will enjoy this walk as they will come across cows, donkeys, chickens, goats and horses along the way.
> Download the PDF of the walk < (only in french)
| Signposting: orange diamond + Baelen coat of arms |
Particular difficulties: hilly terrain but accessible to all: bike, off-road pushchair recommended, dog.

More walks

Promenade des Chapelles
After a walk through the surrounding countryside passing, in particular, the Champ des Bœufs where remarkable species such as the small rhinanthus or the centaury are found, you will arrive at the chapel of Notre-Dame de Haurt . This walk will take you to the calvary at the Croix Gloriette.
In the surroundings of Bâtis d'Haurt, the forests and paths are dotted with rare and protected plants: orchids, gentians, but also sweet wood, spikenard, oregano and wild thyme. Deer, foxes and even stoats live in this flora.
Numerous breeding birds, passerines and butterflies accompany you to the chapel Notre-Dame de Haurt. Built in the 18th century from clinker and sandstone, it consists of a two-bay nave lit by low keyed windows. During your visit, admire the axial pore, crowned by an oval oculus, also called a bull's eye. The chapel's slate roof has a charming bell tower at the front.At La Bouteille, discover the vast panorama of the Ardennes promontory to the south-south-west and, closer to home, of the limestone plain covered with cereal crops.The old castle of Bure, Saint-Lambert church and the village's fountains, described in the previous route (the Chemin de Bruyères), are also part of the municipality's remarkable heritage.
This signposted walk is included on the Tellin walking map, available for €6.50 at the Tellin Tourist Office and at the Maison du Tourisme de la Forêt de Saint-Hubert.
Signposting: yellow rectangular triangle


Marsoult
Forests, ponds, and rivers? The Provincial Domain of Mirwart will delight you! This walk, dotted with educational panels, starts near the fish farm, where the small Marsoult stream meets the Lomme. The Marsoult and the ponds it feeds will accompany you throughout the route.The trail winds up and down the narrow valley carved by this stream, leading you to discover the educational apiary and the site of the Marsolle blast furnace.
This signposted walk can be found on the Saint-Hubert hiking map, available for €8 at the Maison du Tourisme de la Forêt de Saint-Hubert
Marking: red right-angled triangle
For more ideas, explore the website of Maison du Tourisme de la Forêt de Saint-Hubert: www.foretdesainthubert-tourisme.be/en/going-for-a-walk/


Diable Château (La Roche)
This walk is part of the La Roche-en-Ardenne walking map available in our reception offices or can be ordered online at www.coeurdelardenne.be/shop
