By Nicole Anderson.
Even prior to my first visit to Europe, I had heard a bit about the Ardennes Belgium. Also known as the Ardennes Forest or Forest of Ardennes, this is a region of extensive dense forests, rough terrain, rolling hills, and ridges. It is one of nature’s unspoiled areas, rich in fauna and flora, with vast forests of broadleaf and fir, many hills, valleys and gorges, and some fast-flowing rivers.
It is not a small forest either. Primarily located in Belgium and Luxembourg, but stretching as well into Germany and France, we are talking about a total area of roughly 11,200 km² (4,300 sq mi).
Specifically situated within the Wallonia (southern) part of Belgium (more particularly the south-east), the Ardennes is easy enough to reach by road from the capital Brussels.
What also makes this area quite special is that there are so many towns and villages with smaller populations (less than 10,000) live within the Ardennes region with the notable exceptions of Eupen, Namur, and Bastogne. These smaller centers are gorgeous set against the majesty of nature, usually settled alongside picturesque rivers and full of friendly people.
Ardennes Belgium as a center of outdoor adventure
This region is broadly acknowledged as Belgium’s main attraction for people who love the outdoors. Hiking is popular here as is cycling, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking along meandering rivers within this forested region gliding past towns, cliffs, and castle ruins. In addition, there is horse riding, climbing, and mountain biking as other examples of popular sports in the Ardennes. The keen mountaineer has an exciting choice of challenges with numerous cliffs to conquer. In Winter, the Ardennes are a fun paradise for downhill and cross-country skiers, or perhaps you prefer tobogganing and snow scooter racing in this otherwise quiet part of Europe.
There is little wonder that the Ardennes is a big hit with hikers. There is no shortage of stunning and well-marked trails here. There are many websites and blogs that provide detailed information on the various different trails, providing beautiful photos and practical tips including trail length and degree of difficulty. One article that is full of useful information was published earlier this year by Bey of Travel and another really good blog (that I love the photos of) was published by Belgium blogger Joëlle via her World Wanderista blog.
There are lots of camping and motorhome sites as well as farm stays for those who are keen to immerse themselves in nature. Wallonia Belgium Tourism based in Namur even has a website with a UK domain that offers specific search parameters around what site type and location you are interested in. Once you have entered your preferences, it will display all the options that meet your requirements. If you are interested in researching your own trip to stay within the Ardennes, you can check out their website search facility here.
Conflicts of the past
Those with a keen interest in history are drawn to the Ardennes Belgium for the battles that occurred in this region from both world wars.
Due to the dense forests and difficult, uneven terrain right across this area, it was often believed that the Ardennes was inaccessible to any army and hence was not heavily defended from potential attack. However, the invading German armies proved that it could be done by surprise attack, even with armored divisions in WW2, as they broke through as part of a strategy to avoid the Maginot Line and drive further down to France. So, there were terrible battles that took place here.
In particular, there was the Battle of the Ardennes in World War I as well as the Battle of France and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Thousands of people perished as a result and evidence of the battles can still be found throughout the area, not to mention the cemeteries dedicated to the war dead, including the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial.
For the most part though, the Belgium Ardennes today is extremely peaceful and offers some wonderful nature and escapism from the otherwise mayhem of modern-day cities.
Exploring Dinant and the River Meuse
Dinant is located in the Upper Meuse Valley within Belgium’s Namur province, some 90 km (56 mi) southeast of Brussels and only 20 km (12 mi) north of the border with France. We approached Dinant by road, having traveled from Luxembourg. Traveling across a very high bridge on our way following the signs, we caught our first glimpse of the River Meuse in the valley below.
The River Meuse that runs through Dinant is a significant river in Europe originating in France and running through Belgium and the Netherlands. It exits at the North Sea from the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta. It has a total length of 925 km (575 mi) and the stretch that we saw meandering through the Ardennes Belgium was just beautiful and calm.
Having discussed past battles, one of the strategic locations in the Ardennes was the town of Dinant. It was here where the Germans were successful in crossing the River Meuse on their way to invade France in 1940. Dinant was also where the German advance was stopped when the Allies prevented their crossing the river again in 1944’s Battle of the Bulge.
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Features of Dinant
The imposing rock looming large over the town on one side of the river is impossible to miss. Atop this massive rock is the fortified Citadel of Dinant that was first built in the 11th century to control the Meuse valley. People are able to visit the Citadel either by way of the 408 steps or via cable car. From the top, there is a fabulous view down to the town, the valley, the river, and the lands beyond.
The city’s landmark is the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant. It was rebuilt in Gothic style on its old foundations after falling rocks from the adjacent cliff partially destroyed the former Romanesque style church in 1227.
Another interesting thing is how much the town revers one of its famous citizens, inventor and musician Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Not only is there a museum that you can visit, showing you about his life and the story behind his inventing the saxophone, but there are also a number of giant, colorful saxophones, most conspicuously placed on the Charles de Gaulle bridge!
Cruising up and down the River Meuse is something many enjoy while visiting Dinant. Not surprisingly, there are multiple boats moored here, including commercial/tourism boats offering trips such as the Dinant Evasion cruises.
Cruising out of Dinant
Leaving Dinant, we enjoyed traveling along the River Meuse for a while, enjoying the lovely scenery as we went. Eventually, we found ourselves next to the forests of the Ardennes again.
For those foodies, the Ardennes Belgium happens to be well known for its cuisine. Specifically game, wild boar, cheese, and the world-famous Ardennes smoked ham and pâté. Food enthusiasts travel here especially to experience the authentic cuisine created by many who have been producing this fare for generations. It is just another dimension and another reason to savor the lovely Ardennes Belgium.
Please comment below, to let me know…
Is the Ardennes Belgium somewhere you have visited or would like to? What are your impressions of this place of natural beauty? Would this make your holiday plans in the future?
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
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