Attractions - Belgium

Attractions - Brussels

Ardennes, Belgium

Lying in the south of Belgium, the picturesque Ardennes region is one of deep valleys, high forests, historic cities and medieval castles. Hire a car or rent a bicycle and explore this magical region of castles, monasteries and beautiful gardens. Stop in welcoming country inns and sample the region’s excellent cheeses and wide range of beers.

The region’s three main cities are Liege, Namur and Tournai. Liege is known as "La cité Ardente" (the hot-blooded city). Long a centre of ecclesiastical power, many fine churches still dot the city. Check out the Palace of the Prince Bishops, one of the largest secular Gothic buildings in Europe. The Arms Museum is also well worth a visit displaying weaponry from different periods in history. Lying on the Meuse river, the historic fortified city of Namur should not be missed. Namur’s citadel looms over the city and can be reached by road or by cable car and offers stunning views over the town and the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Visit the town’s Treasury of the Priory of Oignies. There you will see many pieces designed in the early 13th century by Brother Hugo of Oignies, one of the most talented goldsmiths of the middle ages. Tournai is home to the grand Cathedral of Notre Dame, a five-towered Romanesque and early Gothic masterpiece constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries. The cathedral’s treasury houses the copper and silver Shrine of Our Lady as well as works by Rubens and Jordaens. The city’s fascinating Museum of Tapestry and Museum of Fine Arts are also well worth a visit. When Tournai was under the control of the Dukes of Burgundy, the city was the main production centre for beautiful tapestries which are now in museum and royal collections throughout Europe.

The dense and mysterious Ardennes forest is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you want to scale the region’s highest peaks, stroll along the banks of its many rivers, go hand-gliding off one of the cliffs in the Meuse valley or go pony-trekking along forest paths - you’ll find something to suit you here! Go fishing for rainbow trout, watch Formula 1 motor racing on one of the best circuits in the world at Spa-Francorchamps, and enjoy fine dining in the region’s outstanding restaurants.

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