Popular Destination Ardennes: Tips for Relaxation and Hidden Gems

The Belgian Ardennes is a region best known to hikers, mountain biking enthusiasts, and kayaking fans. But our Southern neighbours also offer surprising attractions for children, and renowned spa towns welcome you with saunas and bubbling mineral baths. One of the most famous is Spa – undoubtedly a popular destination in the Ardennes – where you can enjoy various baths and wellness facilities, surrounded by a forested landscape. Curious to discover what other special places the Ardennes has to offer? In this article, we’ll give you an overview of destinations that will make your trip to the Ardennes truly memorable!

Visit Thermal Springs and Nature from Your Holiday Home in Spa

Spa is a village in the heart of the Ardennes that has become well known thanks to its saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and wellness amenities. These facilities are located on a hilltop that you can reach via a cable car. Although Spa itself has a small population, its mineral baths attract visitors from all over the world. If you're more interested in discovering lesser-known spots in the area, head to the Domaine de Bérinzenne nature reserve. There you'll find a lookout tower with views over a scenic peatland area.

Many holiday homes in Spa are situated near the thermal springs and offer stunning views of the hills and forests of the Ardennes. Some accommodations have private wellness facilities such as saunas and whirlpools. Others are located so close to the spa complex that you can make use of the public wellness offerings.

Follow a Scenic and Challenging Hike Starting from Barisart Restaurant

Ready for a good hike and a delicious meal? Start or end your walk with a hearty bite at Barisart restaurant. This place marks both the starting and finishing point of one of Spa’s most beautiful hiking routes. The trail includes some steep climbs, but you'll be rewarded with winding streams and lush hillsides. Along the way, you’ll pass a natural spring that supplies Spa with mineral water, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a beaver!

If you’d like to rent a mountain bike or electric scooter, visit Spabikes. And if you’ve booked a holiday home in Spa but saunas and whirlpools aren't quite your thing, you won’t be bored! Spa offers a wide range of outdoor activities — from kayaking to tree climbing, abseiling to archery.

Mountain Biking and Hiking from Your Holiday Home in Houffalize

Are you staying in Houffalize for your Ardennes getaway? Then you're in the heart of a true mountain biking paradise! Houffalize is famous for its excellent trails. Start your biking adventure at the local tourist office at Place de L’église and cycle across a hilly landscape, passing rocks and WWII bunkers. There are various routes to choose from — ranging from easy to challenging. Just as thrilling as mountain biking is hiking in the area. A charming example is the Fairy Route (Route des Fées), which stretches over 5 km and mostly follows the forested riverside. Tip: end your hike with a Belgian beer at La Chouffe brewery!

If you rent a holiday home around Houffalize, you'll often have direct access to popular hiking and biking trails like the RAVeL routes. You're also surrounded by great day trip destinations — from Luxembourg to the town of Durbuy, and from La Roche-en-Ardenne to the Bastogne War Museum.

Popular Destination Ardennes: The Waterfalls of Coo

Through several picturesque villages — including Coo — the Amblève river winds its way through the Ardennes. At Coo, the water cascades in two streams under a bridge. The waterfall may not be extremely high, but combined with the arched bridge, it makes for a lovely scene. Many visitors combine the waterfall with a visit to Plopsa Coo, a well-known amusement park where children can enjoy various attractions and a petting zoo — often to the sound of rushing water. In the surrounding area, you’ll also find kayaking and mini-golf options.

The Abbey of Orval

A unique place to visit in the Ardennes is the Abbey of Orval — a centuries-old monastery that is open to the public. Join a guided tour to learn more about monastic life and the production of the local Trappist beer. The abbey’s brewery is one of the few in the world still operating within a monastic setting since the 17th century. While beer tasting is not part of the tour, you can purchase bottles in the on-site shop — along with cheese and bread.

Just across the road from the abbey, you’ll find the À l’Ange Gardien restaurant — a perfect spot to enjoy Orval cheese and beer. From the terrace, you have a clear view of the monastery, and there’s a spacious car park right opposite.

Discovering a Popular Destination in the Ardennes

Are you considering a trip to the Ardennes but have never (or rarely) been? You’ll quickly discover the region has so much to offer. In fact, choosing where to go might be the biggest challenge. If you book a holiday home in Spa, you’ll be ideally situated to combine active pursuits with the spa town’s relaxing facilities. Plopsa Coo and the Coo waterfalls are just a 20-minute drive from Spa, making them easy to pair with a local walk or kayak outing. Much farther south, closer to the French border — but well worth the drive — is a Belgian beer experience at the Abbey of Orval that might just be the highlight of your trip!