Family Trip to the Ardennes Region in Belgium with Accommodation in Center Parcs
The Ardennes region in Belgium is the most successful destination for a nature trip in the country.
It is great to tour as a one-week independent trip or to combine it with a trip
to the Netherlands, mainly to allow for both nature exploration and active recreation in nature
with more dramatic landscapes than flat Netherlands.
The landscapes in the Ardennes,
which stretches from the center of the country southwards, are completely different from its northern
and western parts. While the northern part of the country is a direct continuation
of the Dutch landscape, completely flat, the Ardennes area is mountainous and features
castles rising on hills, rivers winding like snakes between
the hills, ancient towns, coal mines, and plenty of dripstone caves. It is
a wonderful destination for kayaking, extreme sports activities, and of course
impressive nature trips, including a visit to one of the best dripstone caves
in Europe.
A Holiday Village in the Ardennes Named Les Ardennes
The popular and wonderful Center Parcs network for families has opened a holiday village in the Ardennes named Les Ardennes. It bought a holiday village from a competing company and added to it the Aqua Mundo - the indoor tropical water park found in all the chain's holiday villages, in addition to a massive upgrade of all the facilities and of course the vacation cottages.
At the holiday village, there is a modern
ropes course and zip lines named High Adventure Experience,
you can join quad biking,
buggies, electric bikes,
and mountain biking near the park. All this in addition to activities and entertainment
for children and youth (some activities are included
in the stay price and some
for an additional fee).
The place is a paradise for enthusiasts of challenging mountain biking. The environment is forested and mountainous. Four mountain biking trails start from the center of Vielsalm village and connect to a network of trails with a total length of 300 km!
All cottages have been renovated and redesigned, from the bathroom to the kitchen and from the floor to the ceiling. There are cottages in a variety of levels and types, including a cottage intended for a group/extended family of 20 people.
At the holiday village, there is a supermarket with a bakery and a variety of restaurants including delivery service.
There is nothing like touring the impressive landscapes of the Ardennes, visiting a castle or a mine, and returning in the afternoon to enjoy and relax at the park's facilities.
The Ardennes are divided into several districts, with the attractions in all of them located within a driving distance of an hour to an hour and a half from the Center Parcs holiday village.
Traveling in Namur Province:
The two main cities worth visiting in the province are Namur and Dinant. Both feature impressive castles, breathtaking views, and plenty of activities.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Ardennes is the area of Han-sur-Lesse. This is a small village featuring several successful and famous attractions. If you wish to visit all of them (or most of them), you should dedicate a full day to the place.
The Grotto of Han
Large and impressive dripstone caves where visiting them is an experience in several stages: first, you ride an old train from the village center to the cave entrance, afterwards, a 3 km guided walking tour takes place inside the cave between massive halls containing numerous dripstones and stalagmites in a variety of shapes that have received interesting names such as: "The Chalice" - a stalagmite 7 meters high and 20 meters in diameter, the "Mystery" room, the "Weapon" room, and more. During the tour, an impressive audiovisual show takes place in one of the huge underground halls. Exit from the cave is by a boat sailing in an underground river. The duration of the walking tour in the cave is about an hour and a half. The temperature in the cave is constant all year round: 13 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended to bring warm outerwear.
La Ferme
Here lies the attraction in Han-sur-Lesse:
the "Speleogame" - a 4D interactive
movie that allows viewers to discover and explore new and magical dripstone caves.
The movie is projected on huge screens and with the help of 3D glasses
and a joystick, you are drawn inside, into
the movie and feel like real cave explorers. The fourth dimension is provided by special effects
that will surprise you during the movie. The movie is shown in four languages, including
English.
The site also features a successful playground, a small farm with
a petting zoo, a restaurant, and a cafe.
Wildlife Reserve
A safari park spanning a large area, near the dripstone caves, where you ride in carts among various wild animals, such as wolves, bison, bears, deer, wild horses, donkeys, wildcats, eagles, and more. A total of 20 different animal species.
Underground World Museum
A small museum dealing with how dripstone caves are formed, the vegetation characteristic of the area, and archaeological findings discovered in the caves and their surroundings. You can peek in if you purchased the combined ticket.
Railway and Rock Activity Center
10 km northeast of Han-sur-Lesse, in the town of Jemelle, lies a museum that will tell you everything you wanted to know about railways, iron tracks, and their history, with a special emphasis on the World War II period. The place features an intricate miniature railway system upon which toy trains run, as well as a train driver cabin simulator. In addition, the museum includes a fascinating collection of fossils and minerals.
Namur
The Citadel of Namur
Namur is considered one of the most impressive fortified cities in Europe. Its citadel,
rising above the city, spans a large area and the tour of it
combines riding a tourist train throughout the fortress, among the various buildings
and walking on foot on a guided tour (also in English) inside an extensive network
of underground tunnels, among bunkers and many rooms full of mystery and history.
The citadel has exhibition rooms full of weapons,
uniforms, and other war accessories and a room where an audiovisual movie is shown about
the 2000-year history of the site.
In the summer months,
many family events, festivals, and shows take place within the citadel complex.
Queen Fabiola Amusement Park
Adjacent to the Namur Citadel is a charming amusement park, visiting which
makes a successful end to a visit to the citadel. The park features a spacious playground
(for ages 3-12) including castles, rope bridges, swings,
balance equipment, and more, climbing and challenge equipment for ages 8 and up,
mini golf, electric and pedal cars, and trampolines.
Admission for a modest fee.
Dinant
A picturesque small town full of attractions, one of the most beautiful in all of Belgium.
The Citadel of Dinant
The citadel is located on the edge of a cliff, at a height of about 100 meters above
the city level. From its observation deck, a breathtaking view of the entire town
is revealed, the picturesque Notre Dame church, and the river winding at its feet.
You can join a guided tour (also in English) of about 75 minutes passing
through the citadel rooms, courtyards, kitchens, and prison.
The citadel has
two museums (included in the admission price): the Weapons Museum
and the War Museum.
Ascent to the citadel is by cable car (sporty people
can also climb 420 steps).
Kayaking in the Dinant Area
A very popular family sporting activity in the Ardennes is kayaking.
Several companies organize kayaking in the Dinant area on several routes of various lengths.
A very successful and highly recommended experience! It is desirable
of course to choose a day with nice and sunny weather, which increases
the fun and enjoyment. Many kayaking trips begin in the town of Anseremme
located at the confluence of the two rivers Meuse and Lesse winding like a snake between medieval castles, lush green parks,
towering rocks, and prehistoric caves. Most of the kayaking is calm except for two whirlpools.
All companies provide all the necessary equipment
for the cruise, transportation to the starting points and from the finish point to the parking lot,
restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe. It is recommended to book places
in advance. Among the companies operating in the area:
"Blue Kayaks" Kayaks Bleus
Kayaks Libert company
Kayaks Ansiaux company
Recrealle company
Boat Cruises on Rivers:
Anyone who does not wish to row or prefers a larger and more stable vessel
can cruise on one of the many passenger ships sailing the Ardennes rivers in pastoral landscapes. Not recommended for adrenaline-filled teenagers,
but definitely suitable for families with toddlers.
Many ships depart for a calm cruise on the Meuse River of about 45 minutes
from Dinant. During the guided cruise, you pass by beautiful views of
the charming city and hear explanations about its history. Some companies have longer cruises, of two hours or more to nearby towns, but
in my opinion, it's better to settle for the short cruise. The cruise is also suitable for overcast days since some of the ships are covered and heated.
The Dripstone Caves of Dinant La Merveilleuse
The uniqueness of the cave is the white and delicate dripstones and the waterfalls
inside it.
The entrance to the cave is about 500 meters from the city's railway station
and the Dinant bridge, on the left bank of the Meuse River.
Guided tours (also in English) take place in the cave departing
every hour. The tour duration is about 50 minutes.
Annevoie Gardens
Halfway between Namur and Dinant in a settlement called Annevoie are located
charming gardens boasting more than fifty water fountains and waterfalls
all operating without pumps or any technological aids. In the gardens,
there are over 20 lakes and water bodies. They are counted among the most beautiful water gardens
in Europe. The construction of the gardens began as early as 1758 in French style, but over the years English and Italian gardens were also added to them.
The place also features berry fields, which can be picked
in season.
Admission is paid. Discounts for children up to age 12.
Railbikes "Molignee La "
11 km (about a 20-minute drive) west of Dinant in the town of Falaen,
a recommended family experience awaits you combining physical activity while
watching picturesque views of the Molignee valley amidst windmills, a fortress, ancient buildings, and lush vegetation.
Special bikes (looking more like an open cart) intended for 4
passengers, which you ride on railway tracks (see above
under family attractions in eastern Belgium). Duration of the ride (round trip)
about an hour and a half.
The price of the ride (referring to the four-passenger bike) is higher on weekends and holidays.
Valery Cousin Provincial Recreation Area
A spacious recreation park located about 20 km east of Dinant (about half an hour's drive). The park features well-kept gardens of various types, such as French gardens and medicinal herb gardens, towering trees, small lakes, and ten playgrounds scattered in various areas of the park, including a ropes course, mini golf, boats, a small train, a pool, "Noah's Ark", a farm animal petting zoo, etc.
Mariembourg
A town located at a distance of about 42 km southwest of Dinant where there are two family attractions "on wheels":
Karting des Fagnes
A long and impressive open-air go-kart track, considered one
of the longest and most successful in Europe. Its length: 1365 meters and it is entirely surrounded
by a large lawn. The track is also used for professional races.
The site features a restaurant, cafeteria, and playground.
Driving is permitted
for children aged 14 and above. The price depends on the number of laps (you can
choose between a short race of 5 laps or a long one of 16
laps).
Steam Train "Three Valleys" Chemin de Fer a Vapeur des 3 Vallees
A historic steam train crossing on its journey to Treignes three
picturesque valleys: Eau Blanche, Eau Noire, and Viroin Rivers.
At the final station, there is a railway museum with four ancient locomotives that
you can climb and sit in the driver's cab.
Suitable only for die-hard train
enthusiasts and families looking for peace and quiet.
Duration of the ride
in each direction is about 40 minutes.
Luxembourg Province:
Located in southeastern Belgium and bordering the country of Luxembourg and France. The official tourism website of the province: https://www.ftlb.be.
Durbuy
A small and charming town that is fun to stroll through its ancient streets full of souvenir shops. The town has two successful family attractions:
Topiary Park Parc des Topiaires
A spacious park spanning an area of 10,000 square meters featuring trees and bushes
sculpted and shaped into various figures, such as: crocodiles, birds, the symbol of Brussels: Manneken Pis, a woman in a rocking chair, a mermaid,
a deer, an elephant, and plenty of other charming shapes. Total: 250 figures
sculpted from plants. A feast for the eyes. Considered the largest park of its kind
in the entire world.
Some of the plants in the park are over 120 years old
and gained their current shape after 20 years of sculpting and growth. The park
is located in the town of Durbuy, on the bank of the Ourthe River opposite the ancient
city. The park has a cafeteria with a nice terrace overlooking the city.
Durbuy Adventure Park
A wonderful site for fans of extreme activity, sports, and active recreation including over 60 activities, among others: kayaking on the Ourthe River (for various distances), canoeing, biking, jeeps, quad bikes, rock climbing, a ropes course, paintball, mini golf tables, target shooting, and more. Especially suitable for teenagers. The place also has a playground for children. Some activities are intended only for organized groups, but you will still find enough options for the independent traveler. It is recommended to check and coordinate in advance.
Cruising Down the Ourthe River
Several companies organize cruises down the Ourthe River, in different parts of it.
For example:
Outdoor Center
A 21 km cruise in one of the most beautiful areas of Belgium departing
from the town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, about half an hour's drive (30 km)
south of Durbuy. You can also rent mountain bikes there.
The cruise departs from the Les Merlettes hotel in the town.
Ardenne Aventures
Kayaking for an individual or couple for a full day for a distance of 25 km or half a day for a distance of 10 km departing also from the town of La Roche en Arden. Here too mountain bikes can be rented: one way to cruise in a kayak and return by bike to the starting point.
River Ourthe Kayaks
Kayaking for an individual, two or three people, or in boats for 6 or 10 people for a distance of 10 or 25 km. In the same areas as the previous two companies, including the option to ride back on mountain bikes.
Chlorophyll Park
A modern park located in a large forest in the town of Dochamps, near
the Ourthe River and the town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, whose purpose is to discover
the wonders of the forest in a unique way combining fun with education.
The park has 30 play, activity, and adventure areas. The main attraction
is a 40-meter-long rope bridge suspended at a height of 15 meters above
the ground over the treetops. The park also has shops and stalls of
farmers selling local produce as well as a restaurant with a terrace overlooking
a wonderful view.
The Labyrinth
The only plant labyrinth of its kind in Belgium. Every summer you will discover a new labyrinth with new patterns and various activities. The place has several additional labyrinths, aside from the huge plant labyrinth: "The Doors Labyrinth", which opens only with encrypted codes, a labyrinth for the little ones in the group (especially suitable for ages 3-8) as well as a display of miniature labyrinths and a labyrinth-making workshop. In the large labyrinth, actors walk around entertaining visitors in it. Various shows and children's activities also take place in the place. The children will refuse to leave the place...
Hotton Caves
Relatively small but beautiful and impressive dripstone caves. In the cave whose walls are in pink, red, and white colors, there are small water bodies. A guided tour is conducted in the place between rooms and various formations that ends with an elevator ride back above ground. The temperature in the caves is constant all year round: 12 degrees Celsius. Near the caves is a short walking trail (600 meters long) passing through vegetation characteristic of limestone soil. In the middle of the trail is a wonderful viewpoint of four different regions in Belgium.
Euro Space Center
A large and popular center located in Transinne with many facilities simulating space flights accompanied by special effects, including a facility that cancels Earth's gravity. The place features displays from the dawn of the universe, through spaceships from various periods to the most innovative futuristic space programs. Four space-themed movies are screened at the center as well as an amazing space show in a dynamic cinema. Outside the building are rocket models, satellites, a galactic labyrinth, a huge solar system, and additional surprises. Highly recommended for space and aeronautics enthusiasts.
Bouillon
A tourist city in the south of Luxembourg province, near the border with France. The city is famous mainly for its ancient fortress, which is the oldest remnant of the feudal regime in Belgium.
Bouillon Fortress
An ancient and impressive fortress where a tour is conducted among the halls, towers, cellars, underground passages, and torture chamber. Especially recommended to tour the fortress in the evening by torchlight. Bird shows take place in the place and from the fortress, a nice view of the city of Bouillon can be seen.
Archeoscope Godefroid de Bouillon
An audiovisual show describing the First Crusade of Godfrey to Jerusalem. The show is held inside an ancient monastery in the center of Bouillon, on the bank of the river crossing the city. The show is accompanied by a variety of special effects and takes viewers back 1000 years to the dark period of the beginning of the Crusades. The place also has an exhibition describing the history of the region.
Bouillon Karting
(Uncovered) go-karting suitable for ages 6 and above. An excellent place to blow off steam after all the history you absorbed in the city.