Where to Stay in La Roche-en-Ardenne, Vielsalm and the Heart of the Ardennes

The dense forests of the Belgian Ardennes, peaceful river valleys and small towns steeped in history shape the southern part of the Province of Luxembourg. This region is one of the greenest areas in Belgium and showcases the Ardennes at their most authentic. La Roche-en-Ardenne, known as the “Pearl of the Ardennes”, lies in a bend of the Ourthe River and is overlooked by the remains of an 11th-century castle. The river is one of Belgium’s most popular destinations for kayaking, while Hérou near Nadrin, with the Belvédère des Six Ourthes, offers one of the best-known viewpoints in the Ardennes. Vielsalm delights visitors with its lakes and forests, Houffalize with its mountain biking trails, and Bastogne with its history of the Battle of the Bulge. Whether you are interested in rivers, nature, cycling or history, choosing the right location determines which side of the Ardennes you will experience. For more inspiration on choosing the right accommodation and the ideal holiday destination in the Ardennes, take a look at our guide: Where to stay in the Ardennes.

The perfect base for a stay in the Ardennes depends above all on which side of the region you want to explore. Around La Roche-en-Ardenne, Nadrin, Hotton and Rendeux, you can experience the quintessential Ardennes landscape, with the Ourthe River, the historic castle, popular kayaking routes and the impressive Hérou viewpoint. Those looking for a quieter setting will find dense forests, lakes and local traditions in Vielsalm and Gouvy, including the famous Blueberry Festival and the legendary Macralles, the witch figures of local folklore. Houffalize is particularly popular with mountain bikers and active holidaymakers, while Bastogne brings the history of the Battle of the Bulge to life with the Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson Memorial. Manhay and Erezée also offer ideal retreats surrounded by peaceful woodland landscapes. If you would also like to explore the western parts of the Ardennes, Casapilot offers suitable accommodation around Spa and the Liège Ardennes, as well as a varied combination of nature, wellness and outdoor activities. As all of these regions are only around 30 to 45 minutes apart, you can easily explore the diversity of the Ardennes from your own accommodation.

For water sports and classic Ardennes landscapes

If you want to experience the Ardennes as you know them from pictures, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Nadrin offer the perfect base. The castle ruins overlooking the town, the riverside promenade and the Ourthe River with its popular kayaking and canoeing routes are among the highlights of the region. Just a few kilometres away, Nadrin is home to Hérou and the Belvédère des Six Ourthes, offering one of the best-known panoramic views in the Ardennes and excellent starting points for kayaking trips in the Ardennes. Holiday homes directly by the river or on a hillside overlooking the surrounding landscape are particularly appealing.

For nature, lakes and peaceful woodland

Around Vielsalm and Gouvy, peace and nature take centre stage. Surrounded by lakes, dense forests and open landscapes, the region offers ideal conditions for hiking and relaxing days away from the hustle and bustle. The Grand Bois near Vielsalm is particularly inviting, with its extensive woodland areas perfect for walks and hikes. Vielsalm is also known for its traditional Macralles witch folklore and the Fête des Myrtilles blueberry festival held at the end of July. The area around Gouvy is characterised by quiet forest paths, meadows and plenty of space. Holiday homes with gardens and generous outdoor areas are particularly well suited to families, nature lovers and guests who enjoy travelling with a dog and want to experience the Ardennes in a relaxed atmosphere.

For cyclists and mountain bikers

Houffalize is one of the best-known mountain biking destinations in the Ardennes and has even hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events. Numerous signposted trails make the town an ideal base for active holidaymakers and cycling enthusiasts. La Roche-en-Ardenne and Manhay also offer varied cycling routes, including challenging road cycling tours along the Ourthe. For groups travelling with bicycles, holiday homes and group accommodation in the Ardennes with secure bike storage and space to dry cycling gear provide added comfort after an active day in the Ardennes.

For history enthusiasts (Second World War)

Bastogne is one of the most important historical sites in the Ardennes and is best known for the Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944/45. The Bastogne War Museum, the Mardasson Memorial and the famous “Nuts!” story of the 101st US Airborne Division bring the events of this period vividly to life. La Roche-en-Ardenne and Houffalize also commemorate the history of the Second World War in the region through museums and memorial sites. The area is particularly well suited to multi-generational trips and anyone looking to combine nature, culture and history.

The heart of the Ardennes has far more to offer than just hiking trails and nature. The Ourthe River is one of Belgium’s most popular kayaking rivers and offers ideal conditions for classic paddling trips around La Roche-en-Ardenne, Nadrin and Maboge. A particular highlight is the Hérou viewpoint near Nadrin, with the famous Belvédère des Six Ourthes and one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region. In La Roche-en-Ardenne, it is well worth visiting the 11th-century castle ruins, which host impressive falconry displays in summer and are among the most fascinating castles in the Ardennes. History enthusiasts can explore the Bastogne War Museum, the Mardasson Memorial and the Battle of the Bulge route in Bastogne, while Houffalize is a paradise for cyclists and mountain bikers and commemorates the region’s wartime history with its sunken tank memorial. Vielsalm, with its lakes and Macralles folklore, the nostalgic heritage railway near Erezée, the Grotte de Hotton, as well as day trips to Durbuy or the High Fens, also make the region particularly diverse.

Getting to the heart of the Ardennes is easy: from Cologne, the region can be reached in around 1.5 to 2 hours, from Luxembourg City and Luxembourg Airport in around 1.5 hours, from Brussels in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, and from Liège in just 45 minutes to one hour. A car is particularly recommended here, as this is one of the most extensive and rural areas of the Ardennes, and many holiday homes are most conveniently reached by car. The best time to visit depends on your plans: spring is particularly well suited to hiking and cycling, while summer offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as kayaking and the Blueberry Festival. The kayaking season generally runs from April to October and depends on water levels. In autumn, colourful forests and the mushroom season create special experiences, while winter has its own charm with cosy evenings by the fireplace and occasional snow. Especially during the colder months, holiday homes with an indoor pool provide additional comfort and make the Ardennes an attractive destination outside the main season as well. French is the main language spoken locally, although English is also widely used in tourist areas. The currency is the euro. For a longer trip beyond the Belgian Ardennes, a detour to the nearby German Eifel and Moselle region is also worthwhile. Suitable holiday homes in the Eifel and Moselle region offer a great way to combine both regions. The Durbuy region can also be easily combined with a stay in the Ardennes if you would like to discover several different sides of the landscape. For more tips on finding the right accommodation in this popular town, take a look at our guide Where to stay in Durbuy.

Dense forests stretching along the Ourthe, historic castles rising above the valleys and towns steeped in history make this region a truly special destination. Whether you are looking for a kayaking trip, a hike, a cycling tour or relaxing days in nature, the Ardennes offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Discover our holiday homes in the Ardennes and find the perfect accommodation for your next stay with Casapilot.