Where to stay in Durbuy: the old town, the Ourthe Valley and the Famenne villages

Durbuy embodies a charming contradiction. The medieval old town, with its population of around 440, has been known as the ‘smallest town in the world’ ever since it was granted town status in 1331. At the same time, following the 1977 local authority reorganisation, the municipality of Durbuy – with its numerous districts – ranks among the largest municipalities in Belgium in terms of area. Nestled in a meandering bend of the River Ourthe and surrounded by wooded hills, Durbuy is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Brussels and around an hour from Liège. Anyone planning a stay faces an important decision: would you prefer to stay right in the cobbled old town with its restaurants and boutiques, or would you rather enjoy a quiet holiday home in Barvaux, Érezée or Wéris? For further inspiration on the region, see our guide Where to stay in the Ardennes.

The choice of accommodation has a greater impact on the experience in Durbuy than in many other destinations in the Ardennes. The historic old town charms visitors with its winding cobbled streets, small bistros, local shops and attractions such as the Parc des Topiaires, the Halle aux Blés and the Confiturerie Saint-Amour. There’s a particularly lively atmosphere here at weekends, which couples and visitors on short breaks really appreciate. At the same time, accommodation in the centre is limited, parking spaces are scarce – especially in summer – and prices are often slightly higher.

Just two kilometres to the east lies Barvaux-sur-Ourthe. The village offers more shopping options, is situated right on the River Ourthe and is particularly popular in summer thanks to the famous Labyrinthe de Barvaux. Families will find this an excellent base for activities and benefit from good transport links.

Those seeking peace and privacy will find what they’re looking for in the Famenne villages. Barvaux and Érezée offer typical Ardennes stone houses with gardens, often featuring a swimming pool or sauna, yet are still only a five- to fifteen-minute drive from Durbuy. Wéris is also known for its dolmens and menhirs, which are around 5,000 years old, and is considered Belgium’s most significant megalithic site. Érezée and Manhay add to the appeal with their extensive woodlands and the historic Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne.

At Casapilot, most of the holiday homes in the Durbuy region are located in the surrounding villages. Families and groups appreciate the spacious plots, swimming pools and peaceful setting. However, those who wish to step straight out of their front door in the morning onto the cobbled streets of the world’s smallest town should specifically look for holiday homes in and around Durbuy in the historic centre.

For couples and romantic weekends

If you’re planning a romantic weekend in the Ardennes, Durbuy offers the ideal setting. The old town really comes into its own in the early morning and in the evening, when the day-trippers have gone and the cobbled streets are bathed in warm light. Quaint bistros, cosy restaurants and walks along the River Ourthe create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The Parc des Topiaires is perfect for a peaceful stroll, whilst wellness accommodation in the surrounding hills, complete with saunas or hot tubs, offers the perfect retreat for a relaxing digital detox weekend. Durbuy is at its most peaceful and romantic, particularly outside the peak season. You can find further inspiration in our article Romantic holidays in Belgium. Those seeking exceptional comfort will find just what they’re looking for in a luxury holiday home in the Ardennes.

For families with children

Families often feel most at home in Barvaux-sur-Ourthe or in the surrounding villages of the Famenne region. The seasonal Labyrinthe de Barvaux is one of the region’s most popular summer activities and delights visitors every year with its ever-changing themed worlds. Adventure Valley Durbuy offers kartcross, climbing courses, zip lines, laser tag and numerous activities for different age groups.

A holiday home with a garden and a pool is particularly appealing to families. Children can play carefree whilst trips can be planned flexibly. Many travellers deliberately choose a holiday home in the Ardennes with an indoor pool so they can remain unaffected by the Belgian weather. A holiday home in the Ardennes where dogs are welcome is also ideal for families who want to travel with their four-legged friend. Our article Family weekend in the Ardennes offers further ideas.

For food lovers and gourmet getaways

Durbuy has enjoyed an excellent gastronomic reputation for years. The historic Confiturerie Saint-Amour is just as much a part of this as upmarket restaurants, regional producers and small delicatessens. Ardennes ham, game dishes, trout, Belgian abbey cheeses and local beers feature prominently on the menus.

If you value being able to reach various restaurants on foot, you should stay as close to the old town as possible. At the same time, holiday homes in Barvaux or Érezée offer the chance to buy regional produce at a market and then spend a cosy evening on your own terrace. You can find further recommendations in our Gourmet Ardennes guide.

For groups and special occasions

The surrounding villages are ideal for family reunions, birthdays or holidays with friends. Many traditional Ardennes stone houses feature large living areas, gardens and swimming pools, and offer plenty of space for several generations or larger groups.

Particularly popular are a holiday home for 12 people in the Ardennes or a spacious group accommodation in the Ardennes. During the day, guests can enjoy group activities in the region, whilst in the evening the old town of Durbuy – just a few minutes’ drive away – offers plenty of opportunities for dining and a stroll.

Despite its modest size, Durbuy is one of the most varied destinations in the Ardennes. The historic centre invites visitors to explore its medieval alleyways, the Parc des Topiaires, the 16th-century Halle aux Blés and the Confiturerie Saint-Amour.

Adventure Valley is regarded as the largest outdoor adventure park in the Ardennes and delights visitors with kartcross tracks, high ropes courses, paintball, climbing courses and other activities. Nature lovers appreciate the River Ourthe for kayaking, fishing or walks along the riverside paths. Around Wéris, visitors can explore Belgium’s most significant megalithic site. In summer, the Labyrinthe de Barvaux attracts numerous families, whilst cyclists and walkers make use of the signposted trails in the Famenne and Calestienne regions, as well as the RAVeL cycle path along the River Ourthe.

Day trips are also a great option. La Roche-en-Ardenne, the caves of Han-sur-Lesse and Dinant are all within easy reach. You can find a more detailed overview in our Guide to Durbuy’s sights.

Durbuy uniquely combines medieval charm with the tranquillity of the Ardennes. Whether you’re strolling through cobbled streets in the morning, taking a walk along the River Ourthe in the afternoon, or rounding off the evening in a stone cottage overlooking wooded hills – the region offers the perfect setting for almost any style of holiday. Discover holiday homes in and around Durbuy now and find your own favourite spot in the charming heart of the Belgian Ardennes.