MY expEriences

The Ardennes boasts incredible heritage and historical treasures. Land of stunning castles and all kinds of legends, inhabited by fantastical creatures such as fairies, gnomes and warlocks, and the scene of many great battles, the Ardennes truly is the ideal spot to discover bygone days. In the Ardennes history is at your fingertips, it really is the perfect for  travelling back in time and diving into the past!

MY FIRM FAVOURITES

What I really love about the Ardennes, is the lush nature that has so many lovely surprises in store. As centuries went by, different tribes and people settled on these lands, and the vestiges of their culture vanished, sometimes only to reappear centuries later, testimonies of a fascinating history you can discover all over the Ardennes.

POSTCARDS FROM THE Ardennes

My experiences

As a true lowlander, I adore cycling, and I use my bike to get around whenever possible. I’m lucky enough to live near the Voie Verte. My challenge for this year is to cycle from Charleville-Mézières to Givet and to have a short break in the province of Namur. The Vennbahn is also on my bucket list! On days when I’m not pedalling my bike, you can find me on a café terrace enjoying a delicious Ardennes beer with some slices of cooked ham. Add to the mix a good dose of history and legends and I’m delighted to be here!

my special favourites

Oh heavens! Where should I start? Since last year, I’ve been able to see and experience a lot in the Ardennes. If you like cycling trips as much as I do, I’d advise you to try the Voie Verte. For a great combination of culture and gastronomy, you shouldn’t miss Orval Abbey. If you like wandering around narrow historic alleyways, I’d recommend Namur. I could go on, but it’s much better for you to do your own exploring and find your own special Ardennes favourites!

my images of the Ardennes

My adventures

Roaming and hiking across the many different landscapes typical of the Ardennes is the perfect way to discover the true identity and many natural and cultural treasures of this magnificent area. Whether in a forest, in a meadow or on the side of a lake, it’s always the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Whether on water, on firm ground or in the air, the Ardennes is the perfect place to unwind, to resonate in harmony with nature and experience new and exciting thrills.

my firm favourites

If you like hiking, I recommend you discover the area around Vianden with its breathtaking castle and awe-inspiring landscapes. For romantic souls, I recommend the discovery of the Virelles Aquascope and sleeping in a bubble on the water, secluded from the world and with a breathtaking view of the lake. And my final tip is for thrill seekers: whizzing down the Ardennes hills on a kick scooter, surrounded by stunning forests.

Postcards from the Ardennes

MY expEriences

I travelled through the Ardennes with my significant other, Tim. We enjoyed ten or so experiences focusing on the themes of nature, gastronomy and heritage.

We got off to a flying start with an over 50km long hike through the Saint-Hubert forest! During this foresty foretaste we discovered the lush open spaces of the Belgian Ardennes. The next day – but only because by some miracle we still are holding up – we continue with a packraft day.

A what ? Well, Luc van Ouytsel takes on a journey of discovery through the magnificent Ourthe Valley…on a dinghy! We continue our travels and head for the Molignée valley for a foodies wet dream: a tasting of local products! We enjoy the small, yet subtly delicious grey snails from Warnant, François Dejardin’s artisan smoked trout, accompanied by a cool glass of white wine, courtesy of local winery Château Bon Baron.

Our taste buds continue their voyage of discovery in Liège, where we dine at the Foyer Grétry, set in the Opéra Royal de Wallonie (Wallonia’ Royal Opera). We get ready/prepare ourselves to sljfd the very first opera of our life! Madama Puccini, a truly wonderful experience in a sumptuous surroundings, the Liège Town opera, which dates back to 1820 and was entirely refurbished/renovated between 2009 and 2012. The next day, we are expected in Huy for a day of grape harvesting grape picking in the Closerie des Prébendiers, a small winery on the heights of the town with splendid views of the Meuse river. It turns out be quite the work out as the vines are planted on a very hilly slope, that we need to climb up and down all day as our baskets overflowingl with grapes!

Heureusement pour notre santé physique, tout le monde s’entraide et la petite équipe prévue pour le ramassage est géniale.

Après cette dernière journée dans les Ardennes Belges, nous nous dirigeons vers le Luxembourg où nous découvrons un pays méconnu et extrêmement boisé. Vianden et son château médiéval grandiose, Clervaux et son exposition The Family of Man qui a fait le tour du monde avant d’atterrir dans ce petit village, nous font découvrir plusieurs facettes de ce pays méconnu d’Europe. Pour terminer, nous passons quelques jours dans les Ardennes françaises, entre visite de Charleville-Mézières, de villages charmants, parfois oubliés, ou encore de dégustation de cidre ardennais !
 

En résumé, ce fut un séjour intense et riche en découvertes sur une région que nous ne connaissions absolument pas.

mY FIRM FAVOURITES

- The town of Charleville-Mézières, capital of the department of the French Ardennes, and its enthralling Puppet Festival, we were pleasantly surprised to discover during our visit.
 

- Our very first bivouac in the Saint-Hubert forest, in the Belgian Ardennes. Two days spent walking over 50km per day, quite a challenging but definitely also an extraordinary experience!

POSTCARDS FROM THE ARDENNES

My adventures

For me, visiting the Ardennes was the perfect illustration of what it feels like to meet new people with a different cultural background by means of an enthralling territory where nature is ever-present, and where such a distinctive energy flows that is quite impossible not to be enthused by the passionate locals you meet. Locals who, with a few shared moments, will get you longing to come back even before you have left!

my firm favorites

To enjoy an experience that is as “ slow” as can be, I recommend the horse-drawn caravan “Au Rythme d’Arduina”, where – for the space of an evening – time almost seems to stand still. The ideal opportunity to slow down, during which you might almost come to believe that a time warp has transported you to a totally different place, a totally different time… And for those who are in search of a relaxing experience, but also seek to understand the special feeling of connectedness between nature and mankind: head straight to the Ardennes forest to meet with Patrick from EcoSophia with whom you will enjoy the unique experience that is forest bathing… nature’s shortcut to your inner, essential you!

Postcards from the Ardennes

My adventures

In my spare time I love to go for a couple of hours of Nordic walking, my favourite sport because I can practise everywhere! The Ardennes are one of the greatest playgrounds.

But there is more to discover in the Ardennes, such as the war history, in the “Guerre and Paix” museum. Ever heard about Berlin-sur-Meuse?   

my firm favorites

What I love about Charleville is the direct proximity of nature. With my young kids, I like the family friendly spots around Charleville: Elfy Park, Domaine de Vendresse, Educational Farm of Liart,… no shortage of ideas in the Ardennes!

Postcards from the Ardennes

OUR expEriences

We've explored the natural spaces of the Ardennes from Hautes-Fagnes to Les Deux Ourthes Nature Park. The lakes, forests, winding rivers and magnificent viewpoints have offered us many moments of pure contemplation when time has simply stood still.

OUR SPECIAL FAVOURITES

To us, the Ardennes forest is one of the region's best assets. It's also our favourite place to be. With its layers of mist, the sun's rays filtering through the canopy and the fungi covering the forest floor, we never get tired of observing every detail.

oUR PICTURES OF THE ardenneS

MY expEriences

I love my region with its forests and hidden valleys. At dawn, I'm moved by the glacial wind that transforms the Hautes-Fagnes plateau into tundra, or when the great forest sparkles after the rain. Because the Ardennes is at its most beautiful when the elements are unleashed.

mY SPECIAL FAVOURITES

The Ardennes region hides many secret corners and authentic landscapes, like the beautiful French Semoy or the steep Amblève and Our valleys. I also discovered the  little-known Belle-Epoque heritage of Waulsort, where I also met some beautiful people.

mY PICTURES OF THE ardenneS

MY expEriences

Behind every town lies a history and behind each stone, a legend. And behind every inhabitant of the Ardennes you'll find kindness, sincerity and an authentic love for this region. How emotional it's been, exploring the area! Sharing a drink or an intimate meal, at the foot of a castle or in the lush green heart of nature, in the Ardennes we have everything an adventurer could hope for, with no concessions made on our sense of freedom.

MY SPECIAL FAVOURITES

Waking up to the early-morning mist, walking through mysterious forests, listening to the sound of clear springs, following bucolic paths deep into the valleys, admiring the unusual landscape of the Fens, or the picturesque villages and romantic castles... Not forgetting that irresistable "belgitude" or the revitalising flavour of the craft beers! The choice is difficult when you're overcome by the beauty and authenticity of the Ardennes.

mY PICTURES OF THE ARDENNES

MY expEriences

I'm something of a MacGuyver and have the curiosity of a 3-year-old. You might meet me on a long and strenuous hike or find me stretched out relaxing on the beach. I enjoy finger-licking street food but can also be found in Michelin-starred restaurants. I might suddenly decide to pitch a tent at the roadside but also enjoy the comfort of a quality hotel and spa. And if you lead me to a nice cool river in the middle of summer, then I'm the happiest person on the planet.

mY SPECIAL FAVOURITES

The Tchar Scaille in Monthermé, without hesitation! This unique place is a mix of Ardennes legends, European history and world cuisine. It's quite a surprising combination! Without moving from his spot in the deepest heart of the forest, Philippe, my host, took me on a journey. Then there's Julien at the Clos Belle Rose in Haybes, another style of storyteller who led me through the troubled past of his town and his own property as we drank his house-brewed beer...

mY PICTURES OF THE ardenneS