Where to stay in the Ardennes: the best regions for every traveller

The Ardennes and the Eifel are not a single, easily defined destination; together, they form one of the largest contiguous forest areas in north-western Europe. This border region stretches across south-eastern Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the German Eifel. The region brings together three languages, centuries-old castles, world-famous motor racing circuits, the protected raised bogs of a UNESCO nature reserve and the world’s smallest town.

Anyone planning a holiday here faces a key decision: should the trip take you to the wild, German-speaking east with the lakes of the High Fens, to the elegant wellness and F1 valleys around Spa, to the fairytale stone villages of the Famenne such as Durbuy, or deep into the south to the mighty river meanders of the Semois in Bouillon?

Thanks to excellent transport links, the region can be reached quickly from Cologne (approx. 1 hour), Liège (30–60 minutes), Luxembourg City (1 hour) or Brussels (1.25–2 hours). Once there, however, a hire car or your own car is essential, as public transport is limited outside the major hubs such as Spa, Bastogne or Durbuy. This guide will help you choose the perfect base for your travel style and provides links to specialised guides for the four main sub-regions.

When choosing your holiday destination, you’ll encounter a fascinating east-west divide that shapes both the region’s natural landscape and its culture:

• Eastern Ardennes & Eifel (German-speaking Community & Spa-Liège region)

Outdoor activities, lakes & wellness: The east is characterised by the Hohes Venn Nature Park with the Signal de Botrange (Belgium’s highest point at 694 m), the reservoirs at Bütgenbach and Robertville, and the thermal baths at Spa. These are complemented by the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the traditional carnival towns of Stavelot and Malmedy. Here, hiking, water sports, mountain biking, motor racing and relaxation take centre stage.

• Western & Southern Ardennes (French-speaking Wallonia: Durbuy, Famenne, the Province of Luxembourg, Bouillon)

Cultural heritage & romance: The west captivates with historic stonemasonry villages such as Durbuy, imposing medieval castles in Bouillon or La Roche-en-Ardenne, famous abbeys (such as St Hubert, Orval and Maredsous) and outstanding cuisine. Here, everything revolves around culture, history and unhurried travel. From Bütgenbach in the east to Bouillon in the south-west, there are around 150 kilometres of woodland. Whilst in high summer (July and August) the sandy beaches in Bütgenbach and the narrow streets of Durbuy are bustling with visitors, in winter – weather permitting – the High Fens are transformed into a paradise for cross-country skiers.

At Casapilot, we see both travel profiles clearly defined: active holidaymakers tend to book around the High Fens, Houffalize or Spa; culture lovers and couples are drawn to Durbuy, La Roche or Bouillon.

The following table gives you a quick overview of the six main regions, their atmosphere and their respective capacities:

The Ardennes are so vast that your choice of location will have a decisive influence on the atmosphere of your holiday. Four of these regions have their own in-depth guide on Casapilot.

Using our overview of all holiday homes in the Ardennes, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in each of these sub-regions.

For couples and romantic weekends

Fairytale settings and romantic candlelit restaurants await you in Durbuy. Stroll through the cobbled streets and visit the famous Topiary Park.

You’ll find detailed recommendations in the guide Where to stay in Durbuy. Bouillon offers historic romance with views of the Semois Valley, whilst Spa entices visitors with its traditional thermal baths and Art Nouveau estates. You can find out more under Where to stay in Spa & the Liège Ardennes.

For couples in love, we also recommend taking a look at offers for a romantic holiday in Belgium or an elegant luxury holiday home in the Ardennes. The Ardennes Gourmet Guide promises some culinary highlights.

For families with children

Families with children will find sandy beaches, shallow swimming areas and pedal boat hire at the reservoirs in Bütgenbach and Robertville. Read more about this under Where to stay in the High Fens & East Belgium.

Families in the Province of Luxembourg, around Houffalize and La Roche, can enjoy kayaking trips on the Ourthe or visit the Toy and War Museum in Bastogne, as described in the guide Where to stay in the Province of Luxembourg. For inspiration on family outings, we recommend the articles Activities in the Ardennes and Hiking with children in the Ardennes.

For the right level of comfort, choose a spacious villa in the Ardennes, a property guaranteed to refresh you such as a holiday home in the Ardennes with an indoor pool or a pet-friendly option such as a holiday home in the Ardennes where dogs are welcome.

For walkers and outdoor enthusiasts

An absolute highlight for outdoor enthusiasts is the High Fens, with the Signal de Botrange (694 m) and the wooden boardwalks through the raised bog. The best information can be found in the guides Where to stay in the High Fens & East Belgium and Where to stay in the Province of Luxembourg.

For mountain bikers, the trails around Houffalize are considered the undisputed best in Belgium. Have a look at the blog post Mountain biking in the Ardennes.

For motorsport and Formula 1 fans

Motorsport enthusiasts are drawn to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The towns of Stavelot, Malmedy and Bütgenbach are just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the circuit. As accommodation for the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August is often fully booked a year in advance, you should book an F1 holiday home in Spa-Francorchamps well in advance.

For wellness and slow travel

Spa is the historic birthplace of modern wellness culture. The Thermes de Spa, situated on the hill above the town, offer pure relaxation. But you’ll also find private accommodation in all other areas, complete with their own sauna, hot tub or heated pool, for your own personal time-out.

For groups, weddings and special occasions

Whether it’s a family celebration, a get-together with friends or a team event: spacious country houses provide all the space you need. Casapilot offers specialised categories such as a holiday home for 8 people in the Ardennes, a holiday home for 12 people in the Ardennes or an even larger group accommodation in the Ardennes.

Hohes Venn & East Belgium — the wild plateau

East Belgium forms the official German-speaking Community of Belgium, with its own culture and bilingual signage. The protected raised bog in the Hohes Venn Nature Park delights nature lovers with its fascinating wooden walkways. The reservoirs at Bütgenbach and Robertville are ideal for sailing, swimming and relaxing.

With more than 30 holiday homes, Bütgenbach offers the widest choice of accommodation in the region. Other popular towns include Malmedy, Stavelot and Sankt Vith. You can find full details in the guide Where to stay in the High Fens & East Belgium. For walks by the water, take a look at the article Walking by the lake.

If you’re looking for accommodation in the neighbouring German region, the Eifel & Moselle holiday homes section will help.

Spa & the Liège Ardennes — Thermal heritage and access to F1

As the birthplace of thermal and wellness culture, Spa captivates visitors with the modern Thermes de Spa, the historic casino dating from 1763, and picturesque Belle Époque buildings. For motorsport enthusiasts, the region is the ideal base, which you can book conveniently via a F1 holiday home in Spa-Francorchamps. Life is quieter in the surrounding villages such as Stoumont, Aywaille and Jalhay. Natural highlights such as the Coo waterfalls and the Plopsa Coo theme park are right on your doorstep.

Read all the tips in the guide Where to stay in Spa & the Liège Ardennes and find out more in the article Hiking in Spa-Francorchamps.

Durbuy & the Famenne — Cultural Heritage and Gastronomy

Durbuy proudly claims the title of ‘the world’s smallest town’, having been granted town privileges in 1331. The historic old town enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, romantic restaurants and the world-famous Topiary Park. Anyone wishing to discover the region’s culinary side will find inspiration in the blog post Gourmet Ardennes.

Adventure Valley theme park offers plenty of thrills. The town is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Famenne and picturesque villages such as Erezée, Manhay and Barvaux. Find out more in the guide Where to stay in Durbuy and in the Durbuy Attractions Guide.

The Province of Luxembourg — Houffalize, La Roche, Vielsalm — Adventure and the River Ourthe

The Province of Luxembourg is the green heart of the Belgian Ardennes and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled on the winding banks of the River Ourthe lies the picturesque little town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, dominated by the impressive ruins of a medieval castle. Further east, Houffalize is regarded as Belgium’s undisputed mountain-biking capital – you’ll find spectacular trails and top-class routes in the guide Mountain Bike Ardennes.

Vielsalm serves as the gateway to the slate-rich Salm and Glain valleys, whilst history buffs can explore the famous Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne. On the eastern border lies the German-speaking enclave of Burg-Reuland with its idyllic castle ruins.

Whether it’s kayaking on the Ourthe, long hikes or adventures in the countryside: our Spoke guide Where to stay in the Province of Luxembourg brings together all the regional accommodation recommendations.

Bouillon & the Semois Valley — Castles and Meanders

The imposing castle of Bouillon towers high above a dramatic bend in the River Semois. Built in the 11th century, the fortress is closely associated with Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade of 1096. Over the centuries, the defences were extended by the Prince-Bishops of Liège, French marshals under Louis XIV (including the architect Vauban) and, later, by the Dutch. Here, the Semois winds its way through dense forests in spectacular bends.

Famous vantage points such as the Tombeau du Géant near Botassart or the Rocher du Pendu near Poupehan offer picturesque panoramic views. The region is ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers and couples seeking peace and quiet. Read more about it in the article on the Castles of the Ardennes.

The Liège Ardennes beyond Spa — quieter villages

Beyond the town of Spa, idyllic villages such as Stoumont, Theux, Aywaille and Jalhay stretch across the Liège Ardennes along the picturesque courses of the Hoëgne and Vesdre rivers. Here, you can enjoy being close to nature, often at more affordable rates.

This area is also highly appealing to motorsport fans, as the legendary race track is just a short drive away – be sure to book a suitable F1 holiday home in Spa-Francorchamps in good time.

Also well worth a visit are the historic market town of Theux, with the Franchimont castle ruins, and the magnificent waterfalls at Coo.

• Getting here: Air travellers can fly into Brussels (BRU), Charleroi (CRL), Liège (LGG) or Luxembourg (LUX). Guests from Germany can reach us quickest by car via Cologne (CGN) or Düsseldorf (DUS).

• Travel times from Brussels: Durbuy (approx. 1 hr 15 mins), Spa region (approx. 1 hr 30 mins), High Fens / Bütgenbach (approx. 1 hr 45 mins to 2 hrs), La Roche / Houffalize (approx. 1 hr 45 mins), Bouillon (approx. 2 hrs).

• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colours. High summer is perfect for swimming in the lakes, whilst winter in the High Fens, when it snows, is ideal for cross-country skiing.

• Languages & Currency: French is spoken in Wallonia, and German in East Belgium. English and Dutch are understood almost everywhere in tourist areas. The currency is the euro.

• Getting Around: A car is essential for flexible access to remote hiking trails, attractions and holiday homes.

Dense forests, fresh air, romantic castle charm and idyllic lakeside scenery: the Ardennes and the Eifel region near the border offer the perfect retreat for every type of holiday. Whether you’re planning an active holiday, a spa break or a romantic weekend – choose your favourite region and start your getaway!

Discover all holiday homes in the Ardennes