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.
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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.
It also levitra order prescription ensures the same quality ingredient that is enclosed in the generic form. This was the reason for me to put buy viagra discount time into the research of what foods were a good choice and what foods were a not so good choice when it came to addressing gastritis from a food intake perspective. So there you have viagra soft tablets find now few of the main L-arginine benefits that you should know about. With robertrobb.com viagra online high temperatures, the thirst for hydration increases but so does preventative medicine. Looking at Dinant today, you really don’t see too much in the way of evidence of these conflicts. You will see a statue of the famous French General Charles de Gaulle (later French President) depicting him while he was still a lieutenant in the first world war, where he was wounded in August 1914. This was unveiled 100 years later by the river and next to the bridge as a tribute to him. The bridge across the River Meuse at Dinant is now called the Charles de Gaulle Bridge.
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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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
Ardennes Belgium would definitely make my future travels plans. I loved this.
Thank you, Alita. Hope you have as much enjoyment as we did.
I would love to see the Gothic Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant. I love the structure of the building.
Aside from being quite stunning in its design, it is indeed an imposing structure nestled between the river and the rock face, Michele. Many visit the church and are extremely impressed.
That view of the River Meuse is so beautiful! Could you take a boat along the river?
You definitely can, Amy! There are opportunities to either take an organized boat trip or hire a boat. Understandably a lot of people love doing just that!
I’ve never been to Belgium and am impressed with this post and the beautiful photos. I would love to visit and stay on a farm. Sounds like great fun.
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Kristi. If you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, I’m sure you would love this region.
Belgium has really beautiful places to visit. I would love to visit here.
Thanks, Khushboo. I’m pleased this article has put the Ardennes on your travel radar.
Wow – I’ve been to Belgium, however, never would have thought about this inspiring region – I only visited the cute small towns. Great inspiration!
Thank you so much, Renata. Perhaps you might consider a return trip in the future.
Deifinitely a travel bucket list for me and my family, we have ideas how Belgium is, so amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You are very welcome, Kenneth and I hope you and your family end up having a lovely trip.
Oh wow this really looks like my kind of trip. Dinant looks like a lovely and pretty place and I am loving the saxophone on the bridge – very cool photo opportunity x
That was just one of quite a few giant saxophones adorning that bridge, Melanie, and yes, it makes for a cool photo opportunity in such a lovely location. Thanks very much for reading.
Travelling is something that I’m looking forward to, and soon. These are great places to visit, I must say. Lovely photos!
Thanks very much, Shar. So happy you enjoyed this post.
I love doing outdoor activities, these places are so beautiful! I would love to visit Belgium someday.
The way the pandemic is being managed now that we have vaccines, Risa, hopefully, it won’t be too long and you will be able to visit.
It looks really cool place to visit. I like the greenery and river. My favorite place to chill and enjoy summer outside.
Many people definitely agree with that, Frank, myself included.
Wow! these are some amazing pictures. Would love to visit Belgium. I have heard a lot about the country but never had a chance to visit it
There are some very beautiful spots in Belgium that are well worth visiting, Pooja, and hope you will see it for yourself one day. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I would love to explore the dense forest of Ardennes Belgium; with my family and friends. An overnight camping would be a great idea.
That sounds like an adventure for sure, Ramil! Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
Wow! What a beautiful place to visit, the giant saxophones are definitely a cool touch to Dinant but the rock with the Gothic collegiate church reminds me of Lord of the Rings so much.
LOL…I get what you mean, Alvern! The whole town was so cool, especially set amongst the Ardennes forest, River Meuse, and the rock formations.
It’s a very nice region indeed. We did Bastogne-Liege-Brussels cycling trip and it was awesome even though we were not fortunate with the weather (it was right after the rainstorm and many roads were blocked, we had to circle around so much, our routes were doubled.
Wonderful reading your travel post. I have visited Belgium, but have never been to Ardennes region. Will add this to my bucket list.
Thank you, Sudipta. That is really nice of you to say and lovely to hear.
Wow, that sounds like quite an ordeal, Lyosha! Hopefully, you might consider returning to Belgium one day and heading to the Ardennes region to relax and soak in the beauty here. A totally different pace altogether!
There are so many lovely places that I know nothing about! The pictures in this post are beautiful. I haven’t been to Belgium before but this looks like it would be a fun stop!
We found it to be both beautiful and fun, Dominique. I’m sure you would as well. Thank you for reading and sharing your comment.
Amazing photos! It makes me wanna go visit Belgium one day!
Thanks for the compliment, Risa! I also hope you do get to go one day.
I can’t wait to visit Belgium which I rescheduled for June of next year.
That sounds great Marjie! I would think the borders will all be open and be much safer by then to travel and explore again. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
I’ve read and watched some travel vlogs about Ardennes Belgium and it’s definitely perfect for outdoor lovers! It would be great to go hiking in the forest and just enjoy the natural scenery.
That’s for sure, Alyssa! It is such a beautiful area to explore.
Belgium hasn’t really been on my radar in terms of travel. Dinant seems such a picturesque place I do like to visit those sorts of destinations.
I totally agree with you, Melanie. So many small towns in rural areas have so much charm and character compared with cities.
Gorgeous. I would love to see the Gothic Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant. I didn’t know about the Ardennes Forest. Thanks for the education!
My pleasure, Rachel. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this article and the facts included here.
Ive never been but it looks beautiful
Thanks, Kimmy. Maybe you will also visit one day.
I have heard about Belgium and how it is one place that should totally be on your bucket list and now I see why. Loved this article! Dinant seems very unique and beautiful too.
That is such a lovely thing to say, Sage, thank you. It really is a lovely part of Europe and I enjoyed our time here very much.
I’ve never heard of this area, but it looks like a great place to go and spend some time outdoors. Dinant looks like such a charming little town! Thanks for sharing hopefully one day we can get back to Europe and visit the spot.
Thanks so much, Jenn! I thought it was a great find as well and am pleased you like it. I’m sure you will be able to return to Europe at some stage when it is safe to travel again.
Ardennes Belgium looks like a lot of fun and such an amazing experience. I am definitely going to have to plan a trip there soon.
Thanks, Jasmine! Hope you have a great trip.
I haven’t been to Ardennes, Belgium yet. The photos looks amazing. Looks like you enjoyed your visit. I really can’t wait to visit as well. Maybe after the pandemic? I really miss traveling a lot!
So pleased you liked the photos, Emman. Hopefully, the information included above is of some help as well. Best wishes for your future travels.
The Ardennes sound like an ideal destination for us, as we love outdoor adventures. I am glad that you mention farmstays too. We much prefer staying with a host for a more immersive experience. We have never been to Belgium so thanks for putting this destination on our radar.
I completely get where you are coming from when it comes to farmstays and immersing yourself more in various locations, Cecilia. This gives you so much more authenticity than any city hotel could and being out in nature really captures the real essence of a country. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your preferences.
The Ardennes are an absolutely underrated destination in Belgium and Europe I would say. Good that you had some time to spent exploring the area. I have been hiking in the Ardennes but have never been to Dinant. If I go there one day I would definitely visit the Adolphe Sax museum and take some pictures of me on the bridge with the Saxophone.
I totally agree the Ardennes is underrated compared to other, less impressive destinations, Natascha. How lovely that you have done some hiking there. Dinant might be a place for you to visit when next in the area.
I have been to Belgium only once and was there was very few days. I mostly traveled to the touristy places and I was not aware of Ardennes. I wish I had known, I would have loved to have visited it, especially the Cathedral by the banks of the river. Dinant seems like a pretty and a relaxing place to spend a few days.
Dinant is really a charming little town surrounded by the beauty of the Ardennes, Raksha. A great place to relax and enjoy some vacation time.
This is the first I have heard of Ardennes Belgium but I love small towns and villages so it is now on my radar. Dinant Looks like a place I would love to explore with the Gothic church and Citadel overlooking the city. Love the tribute of colorful saxophones on the bridge, fun selfie opportunity
I loved the saxophones as well, Sherianne! Dinant certainly has a fun vibe in the middle of such a lovely natural setting.
I wouldn’t really think about Belgium as a place for outdoor adventures, but you opened my eyes! Such an interesting story about the Germans and the conflict there. I haven’t been to Belgium, but now I want to put it on my list!
There is certainly a lot of outdoor, natural beauty to enjoy and experience here Jennifer. The history is interesting but it is a very peaceful place today and somewhere that is worthy of exploring.
I never heard about the Ardennes before. The views of this area look stunning. This is a real paradise for nature lovers. I would love to visit this place one day.
I thought the same way when I was planning the trip and came across information on this region, Yudith. It was somewhere I felt I really wanted to see and experience. I hope you will also.
Those images of Dinant look absolutely stunning! It looks a bit dramatic with tall cliffs in the background, impressive church in front along with colorful buildings all by the water. I would love to take a boat ride on River Meuse and view this from the water side. Bookmarking it for future visit to Belgium. 🙂
I’m so pleased to hear you really like this Jan and that you would look to include Dinant, the River Meuse, and this region when you plan to visit Belgium. Thank you for reading and your lovely comment.
It looks so picturesque! Wow amazing and visually appleasing!
Thanks, Lily. So please you liked this post.
A lesser-known aspect of Belgium – it was interesting to read the history of the place – the two world wars, how it was used to avoid the Maginot line. And now to see those sights around Meuse river – fascinating. Quite curious about the fortified Citadel of Dinant – I might want to go see that. Is there anything worthwhile within the fort to see or is it just the view?
I don’t think the fort is too different from most other forts you are likely to come across in Europe or any other region for that matter, Ami. To be honest we were more taken about the natural environment and surroundings that make up the Ardennes. It is just a lovely place to relax and spend some time. The fort of course has a great view of the river, town, and immediate area. Thank you for reading and leaving a considered comment.
I only passed by the Ardennes region on my trip to Luxembourg. Dinant looks lovely with lots of greenery. The Citadel of Dinant on top of the rock is an interesting spot to visit. I’d love to try the cruise up and down the River Meuse on my next visit to Belgium too.
So pleased this has given you ideas for another trip to Belgium. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Dinant looks like a great place to visit in Belgium! I’ll definitely check out this place when I am in Belgium ????Great shots!
Dinant is quite a jewel in the midst of the Ardennes, Ana. I’m so pleased you liked this area enough to include it in your plans when you visit Belgium. Thank you for reading and your comment.
I never really had Belgium on my travel radar. Not really sure why. But I now realize there are so many great places to visit. And with its war history, hubby would really want to visit the Ardennes area. I would be more interested in the beautiful small towns like Dinant on the River Meuse. Some time cruising on the river would give us a lovely different perspective. One more to add to the long travel list!
I can appreciate what you are saying, Linda. Our travel list seems to grow longer as well, as we continue to find more, naturally beautiful places to visit and experience. Dinant is indeed a lovely spot on the River Meuse and a cruise there would be glorious also. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
It looks so beautiful there! I would love to visit Belgium one day!
Thank you, Heidi. I hope you will and enjoy it just as much as we did.
Dinant looks absolutely stunning! I am so bummed I only visited Brussels on my trip to Belgium, next time I’ll have to expand.
I would totally agree there, Ronnie. Dinant is such a lovely town with such welcoming people, as are many other places outside of the cities. A great reason to return and go exploring.
The Ardennes looks like a beautiful place to visit! I’ve always wanted to visit Belgium.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Patricia. I hope you will get there soon.
So beautiful. Have always wanted to visit Belgium.
Thank you, Stephanie.
I was lucky enough to visit Belgium a few years ago but I was not in this area. This is stunning and I would love to see this side of Belgium the next time around.
That would be lovely to revisit Belgium again to enjoy naturally beautiful areas like the Ardennes, Stephanie. Something to look forward to for sure.
I never heard of Ardennes before this post but it is a beautiful area with wonderful sights. It was wonderful to read about its history even if it was tragic.
Thank you for reading, Amy, and sharing your thoughts here. I agree it is a really beautiful place and it is a shame so many people suffered here in past conflicts.
I’ve heard Belgium is absolutely beautiful. I would love to go there one day.
Hopefully, the pandemic will get more under control soon, Heather, so that it will be safe to travel again.
Wow this would be super fun, what a stunning place to travel around.
Thanks, Krysten. I’m sure you would enjoy it as much as we did.
Wow! I’ve traveled all over the world, but I’ve never had the chance to visit this area of Belgium. I’m not sure I’d ever come back.
Never say never, Kuntala! You never know when the right opportunity might present itself.
Beautiful Belgium! I can spend the entire day in one of those quiet and secluded green spots.
Couldn’t agree more, Ivan! And there are many, many such spots to choose from.
Looks an amazing part of Europe. I’ve been to Belgium before but not here. Do they have any good bike trails? I love the saxophones on the bridge!
Yes, there are bikes trails in this region, John and it will depend on a few factors as to which might suit you best. And the saxophones are pretty cool as well. Thanks for reading.
Belgium is absolutely gorgeous! I love those waterfronts and all of those lovely buildings. I’d love to take the family there.
Belgium’s mix of beautiful nature, interesting history, and charming towns really does make it very attractive as a destination, Jenn. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
I think Belgium needs to be our destination on our next trip to Europe. We’ve never been there in all the times we’ve crossed The Pond.
Well worth a visit in my view, Brianne.
I don’t know how this sounds but I absolutely love the outdoors, I love nature and all its beauty…but…I love admiring it from a distance. I’m not for all the physical activities so I would be the one to enjoy the stays on the farms. It’s truly a beautiful place and I would love to visit in the future…
We all appreciate and enjoy natural beauty in our own way, Sharifa, and I certainly would never suggest one way is better than another. Enjoying a farm stay in this region sounds like a lovely way to spend some time here. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
omg what an amazing adventure!!! I would love to go back to belgium, such a beautiful country.
Belgium certainly has some lovely spots, Chad, that’s for sure.