The Ardennes are the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Within a few hours' drive, you'll find yourself in a completely different world. Think rolling hills, dense forests, medieval towns, and babbling rivers. Whether you're looking for sporting activities, culture, or good food and drink, this region offers a wealth of variety.

 

Curious about what you can do? We have listed the most beautiful places and sights in the Ardennes for you. Everything is within easy driving distance of Center Parcs Les Ardennes: the ideal base for your trip!

 

The most beautiful places in the Ardennes

  1. The High Fens (41 km from Les Ardennes): This is one of the oldest and largest nature parks in Belgium. You can lose yourself endlessly in impressive peat bogs, forests, and heathland. You won't really get lost, though, because there are hundreds of kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails. Go on an adventure and keep your eyes peeled: you might spot rare birds such as the capercaillie or the black stork.

  2. Ninglinspo Walk (35 km from Les Ardennes): Feel like going on an expedition? Put on your hiking boots and walk the Ninglinspo Walk. This 6-kilometer hiking trail takes you along Belgium's only real mountain river: a must-see in the Ardennes. In about 2.5 hours, you will climb past waterfalls, rocks, and clear streams, while enjoying the most beautiful views along the way. Great for families with older children!

  3. Coo Waterfalls (15 km from Les Ardennes): The Ardennes is also the place to be for natural wonders. The Coo waterfalls are a real sight to behold, as the Amblève river plunges no less than 15 meters here! This makes it the highest waterfall in Belgium. An added bonus: the waterfall is located right in the middle of the village of Coo. On summer evenings, it is atmospherically lit, creating a magical scene.

  4. Remouchamps Cave (44 km from Les Ardennes): If you are in the Ardennes, be sure to put this cave on your bucket list. You can walk past beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and enter impressive chambers such as ‘the Cathedral’, which is no less than 40 meters high. The icing on the cake is a magical 700-meter boat trip on an underground river. Wow, what an experience!

     

Cultural attractions

  1. Stavelot Abbey (15 km from Les Ardennes): You can only really get to know the Ardennes with a touch of history. At Stavelot Abbey, you will find a beautiful monastery garden and three museums under one roof. Discover the ancient principality of Stavelot-Malmedy, the story of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, or the work of poet Guillaume Apollinaire. Something for everyone!

  2. Bulge Relics Museum (8 km from Les Ardennes): This museum is the place to be for history buffs. Here, you will be transported back to the harsh winter of 1944-1945, during the Battle of the Bulge. Impressive relics, vehicles, films, and photos allow you to see with your own eyes what the world of soldiers and civilians looked like at that time.

  3. Maison du Pays de Salm (2 km from Les Ardennes): Want to take your children on an adventure through history? In this charming museum, you will discover the exciting stories of the Counts of Salm and their influence on the region. Learn about the geology and folklore of the region and step into a living room that takes you back to the days of coticule mining. A fun and educational outing for the whole family!

  4. La Roche en Ardenne (34 km from Les Ardennes): This picturesque Ardennes town is known for its castle ruins, which tower above the village like a landmark. The medieval castle is an adventure in itself, with crumbling towers, ivy-covered walls, and mysterious corridors. In addition, you can enjoy a wildlife park, a miniature train, and all kinds of sporting activities in nature in the surrounding area.

 

Fun activities for families and adventurers

  1. Plopsa Coo (15 km from Les Ardennes): Fancy a day full of fun and adrenaline? In Plopsa Coo, right next to the waterfalls, you will find more than 20 attractions for the whole family. Zoom through the rapids in a log with the Maya Splash, pedal your way into the sky with the Flying Bikes, explore the Ardennes from the chairlift, or take a ride on Vicky The Ride, if you dare!

  2. La Chouffe Brewery (28 km from Les Ardennes): When you say Belgium, you say beer. And so a visit to the famous La Chouffe brewery is a must. During a guided tour, you will discover how this characterful gnome beer ends up in the bottle. And afterwards? Time for a tasting! In the cozy Auberge des Lutins, you can enjoy a delicious Chouffe, perhaps with some matching cheese.

  3. Domaine de Palogne (46 km from Les Ardennes): There is plenty to do here for adventurers of all ages. Discover the medieval ruins of Logne Castle, explore the underground passages, and search for the treasure of the Gatte d'Or. Prefer to be out in nature? Go kayaking along the Ourthe or mountain biking through the beautiful limestone landscapes of the Calestienne.

  4. Barvaux Maze (45 km from Les Ardennes): In the middle of a gigantic cornfield near Durbuy, an adventure awaits the whole family. Find your way through the 6-kilometer-long maze and enjoy live entertainment and shows along the way. Still haven't had enough fun? Let the kids loose in the Play Zone with slides, a merry-go-round, and a mini circus school! Finish off with a snack and a drink in the Summer Circus Bar.

     

 

Practical tips for visiting the Ardennes

Now that you know the most beautiful places and best sights in the Ardennes, it's time to plan your trip. Make a list of your favorite spots and put together some fun day trips. Many excursions are close together and easy to combine. This way, you can enjoy varied days full of nature, action, history, and regional delicacies. Before you know it, you'll know the Ardennes inside and out.

 

The Ardennes are a great destination all year round, but spring offers the best balance. The weather is mild and it's still relatively quiet. In summer, the region is perfect for outdoor activities, but expect it to be a little busier. If you're looking for peace and quiet, come to the Ardennes in autumn or winter.

 

To make planning easier, we have put together a few fun day trips for you:

 

 

Day trip 1: A day full of nature, adventure, and underground discoveries

From Center Parcs Les Ardennes, it's a half-hour drive to the starting point of the Ninglinspo Walk. Put on your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh Ardennes air, and enjoy the wild nature around you. After your walk, it's only a 6-minute drive to the Remouchamps Cave, where you'll be transported to a magical underground world of stalactites, giant chambers, and a boat trip on an underground river.

 

After this full day, you will return to your cottage feeling satisfied. Time to take off your shoes, put your feet up, and have something tasty delivered via the Center Parcs app. Tonight, you don't have to do anything except reminisce.

 

Day trip 2: Castles, waterfalls, and a touch of Plopsa magic

Drive half an hour to La Roche-en-Ardenne. From a distance, you can already see the impressive castle ruins looming ahead, which you will visit today. Wander through medieval corridors and enjoy the view over the valley. Then it's another 40-minute drive to the Coo waterfalls: the highest in Belgium! The winding roads through the greenery are an attraction in themselves.

 

If you're traveling with children, it's fun to end the day at Plopsa Coo. If you're traveling with adults, pay a visit to the La Chouffe Brewery. Still have energy left when you return to Center Parcs Les Ardennes? Take a refreshing dip in the Aqua Mundo or discuss the day's adventures over dinner in one of the cozy restaurants in the Market Dome.

 

Day trip 3: Culture and adventure in the Ardennes

Start your day with a visit to Stavelot Abbey, just a 20-minute drive from Center Parcs Les Ardennes. Explore the museums and stroll through the serene monastery garden. Then drive 40 minutes to Domaine de Palogne, where there is plenty to do. Explore the medieval Castle of Logne, go kayaking on the Ourthe or mountain biking through the beautiful countryside.

 

Prefer to seek peace and quiet? After visiting the Abbey, drive on to the High Fens and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. After this active day, you can relax in the hot tub at Aqua Mundo or enjoy one of the shows in the Market Dome. You really made the most of this day!

 

Center Parcs Les Ardennes: your perfect base

Whether you fancy a brisk walk, a dip into history, or simply want to relax in nature, everything is within easy reach from Center Parcs Les Ardennes. Want to go cycling? Bring your own bike or rent one at the Cycle Center and explore the area at your own pace. One thing is certain: you won't be bored here! Book your stay at Center Parcs and count down the days until you arrive.