In the heart of Waimes lies Robertville Lake, a relaxing and convivial place that offers a multitude of activities for young and old to enjoy.

Situated in the beautiful High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, 10 kilometres from Malmedy, Robertville Lake is the ideal place to have fun and/or relax. Want to go swimming with your family or friends? It’s easy to do here as a section of the lake is specially designed for swimming. There are also games with buoys available for even more fun. Dreaming of a trip on the water? Take the opportunity to rent a rowing boat, pedalo or an electric motor boat!

Nature at your fingertips

The beautiful surroundings of the lake are perfect for walking and there are several signposted routes that take you around the lake or into the surrounding forest. Finally, if you're a fishing fan, you’ll be happy to hear that no less than 13 species of fish roam the lake’s waters (bleak, eel, bream, pike, carp, whitefish, roach, perch, pike-perch, fountain salmon, catfish, tench and trout)! You just need to have a Walloon Region permit and a permit from the Ligue des Pêcheurs de l'Est. As you can see, there is no room for boredom here

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Ardenne

Did you know that there’s only one mountain river in the whole of Belgium? It’s true! Hidden deep in the Ardennes valley, it has a rather strange name: the Ninglinspo. Steep paths, geological curiosities and enchanting waterfalls await you.

Diana's Bath, Stag's Bath, Venus's Bath... So many pools and basins welcome the waters of the Ninglinspo, which cascade dramatically down the mountain. For 3.5 kilometres, the river has a gradient of almost 7.5%: enough to enjoy jumping across the quartzite boulders! A little corner of paradise that starts between Remouchamps and Stoumont and is hidden in the village of Sedoz. Between green hills and breathtaking landscapes, the Ninglinspo valley river is a wonderful sight that delights young and old alike.

An enchanting path

Where do you fit in to all this?  Become an adventurer! Hike the steep paths along the river and marvel at the spectacle of nature. There’s a reason that some consider this to be the most beautiful hike in the Ardennes! Walking shoes are essential! Watch the river as it twists and turns. Don't be afraid to get dirty... Not quite ready for such an intrepid adventure? While the route along the river is the most beautiful and impressive, the charms of the Ninglinspo can be enjoyed from several different walking routes. What are you waiting for?

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Martin Dellicour

If you’re staying in the Durbuy region, we have the perfect activity to wake up to because this market takes place every Sunday morning on the streets of Bomal-sur-Ourthe. A unique atmosphere for an idyllic morning!

At the heart of the Ardennes, the streets of the little village of Bomal-sur-Ourthe stretch out along the river.  Here, hidden in the hills, is where those who love authenticity come to meet. Every Sunday, the market sellers are there. Around 200 come to Bomal to unpack their crates and fill their stalls for the pleasure of the day’s visitors. And there are more visitors than you think! Because this popular little market attracts curiosity from afar. Perhaps you’ll come across tourist coaches in the fine weather. Which just goes to show!

The other market’s little sister

The little Batte de Bomal takes its name from the Batte de Liège. A little timid, it’s not afraid of casting a shadow on its city version. A traditional market and covered flea market, the perfect combination for uncovering quirky objects, flowers fruit and vegetables, etc. And what is the little ‘Batte’s’ other strength? Its cosy and convivial atmosphere. You can drift from one stall to another, following your whims and preferences. And when you feel hungry or thirsty, take the time to taste and savour the culinary treats on offer. A perfect morning, as we said. Bring on next Sunday!

Copyright photos : Visit Wallonia / Visit Ardenne

The smallest city in the world is certainly known for its paved streets, gastronomy and flamboyance, but not just that. If you come to Durbuy, you mustn’t miss its belvedere and incredible panorama: it’s time to climb up high!

Is your heart already palpitating at the idea of climbing so high? We can empathise, it’s steep. But rest assured: visiting the Durbuy belvedere is accessible to all, young and old, sporty or not... simply because to get there, you have to climb aboard the city’s tourist train. So just take a seat before enjoying the trip. We bet that the children will L-O-V-E it but not just them... Essentially, we’re all just big children.

All aboard...

Here we go, the little train is moving off to take you through the city’s streets. Sitting down, you’ll enjoy another viewpoint over the houses, shops and nooks. It takes you along the ramparts of the old centre before starting its climb to the famous belvedere. Here, of course, you leave your seats and walk a few steps and there’s the spectacular panorama over the region. The city, minuscule from this view, with its terraces and colours varying from grey to blue, is seen from another perspective, hidden among rolling hills. You feel big and small at the same time, observing this magnificent landscape from the highest point in the region. Allow yourself to daydream, admiring the twists and turns of the Ourthe river, whose course continues at its own pace. Shh! Just breathe and enjoy.

Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne

The Lesse is a creative river… It has playfully dug caves, cavities and pits over time. Its many creations include the Furfooz site. This heritage is both geological and archaeological because humankind has made its home there for millennia.

Although the location was very popular among people from 14,000 BCE, it’s above all the thermal baths dating from the Roman era that attract the curiosity of history buffs. Rebuilt in the 1950s, these thermal baths are a perfect example of the ‘hypocaust’ system that can be considered as a central heating system before its time. The hot air came from a wood fire, and was sent under the building through a multitude of brick conduits. This resulted in hot water baths for a real moment of relaxation. Note that although these thermal baths still work perfectly, their water supply is reserved for certain events. This doesn’t prevent visiting for a fascinating moment of learning.

On the trail of the secret Lesse

Beyond the thermal baths and ruins of the Roman fortress, the walk flits between rocks, limestone and caves - Trou du Frontal or ‘Smoking Hole’... which smokes on very cold days - lawns, the banks of the Lesse, before it disappears underground for a stretch: the Trou des Nutons. Or the Puits des Vaux, where the Lesse hides in the depths and an underground lake at least 40 metres deep lies far from the daylight. You’ve guessed it: in Furfooz Park, the terrain rises and falls, giving you splendid views, like the one from the Trou du Grand Duc. Perhaps you'll admire the flight of the peregrine falcon. And if you feel like quenching your thirst, at ‘La Flobette’ you can taste the region’s craft beers.

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Wallonia 

With its dam, 5 artificial lakes, forests and meadows, this vast natural domain is a unique preserved site and major tourist destination that offers a host of activities and facilities. An absolute must!

Are you ready to be amazed? Looking for a real breath of fresh air and nature? You’re in the right place. The lakes are a spectacular environment. An incredibly beautiful landscape, which seen from above will leave you speechless. In addition to its 5 artificial lakes (including the famous Plate Taille Lake), the site’s major attraction is without a doubt its dam, the largest in Belgium seen from inside. Furthermore, its (very instructive) tour will take you from its bowels to the top of its tower (107 metres!) with a 360° view across the whole Eau d’Heure lakes region. Add to this stunning panoramic view a very impressive glass floor (not for the fainthearted) and it will take your breath away!

All kinds of activities

Here, everything has been planned to entertain and relax you, for an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, you’ll find it hard to choose between so many appealing activities! Judge for yourselves: A bike ride around the lakes on the RAVeL trail. Discovering the lake in an Amphibus. Riding on the little tourist train. Exploring the surrounding countryside. Adventuring through the trees on mountain bikes. Diving into the tropical atmosphere of the Water Park. Relaxing in the Wellness Centre. Having fun in the different playgrounds. Trying your hand at sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, water skiing, diving, golf… Feeling giddy? Do you want more? You’ll have to come!

Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia 

The Namurian Condroz still holds its most beautiful secrets in store, hidden in the midst of its peaceful valleys. These include the picturesque village of Crupet. Let yourself be transported by its exceptional heritage, streets and alleys and its rocks with incredible charm...

Crupet? It’s all of this: a Mediaeval dungeon attached to Carondelet Castle, built in the 11th century, old windmills whose wheels you can almost hear turning, traditional houses, some of which are over 300 years old, colours inspired by sandstone and limestone, rustic gardens that brighten up the streets, streams that flit here and there and the imposing rock along the hillsides. On one of these, you’ll come across Saint-Roch Chapel, dating from 1867, a real little gem! Yes, Crupet is revealed with your every step, a feast for your eyes. Higher up, Saint Martin’s Church and its presbytery will appear in all its beauty, but a much stranger and unexpected location awaits...

Ode to Saint Anthony of Padua

A totally atypical place: the incredible artificial cave dedicated to the life of Saint Anthony of Padua, which is also named ‘the Devil's Cave’. It was created by a landslide between the church and presbytery in the 19th century. Canon Gérard, the parish curate at the time, then began to create this cave. With the help of the inhabitants, more than 300 tonnes of earth were dug! A place among so many others to discover in Crupet, a small village where the unexpected can happen at each street corner...

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Wallonia 

There are some places straight out of fairy tales that will have the whole family gazing open-mouthed at castle towers. This is the case with Celles, which is also one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia.’ Its story begins at the bottom of a small valley surrounded by hills...

It all started in the 2nd century, a time when the people there worshiped the Roman god Neptune. It wasn't until the arrival of Saint Hadelin in the 7th century that the small town converted to Christianity. Wanting to distance himself from civilisation, Saint Hadelin built a hermitage there, made up a number of rooms, or chambers, called ‘cella’ in Latin. Yep, you’ve guessed it - it’s from these that the village takes its name! Standing high above the village, the hermitage boasts a breathtaking view. The collegiate church of Saint Hadelin down the hill, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and recognised as a heritage asset by the government of Wallonia, is no less magnificent. As is the village centre, flowery and welcoming, where there’s plenty to see: the fountain, the Panther tank, the Chemin de Croix path between the village and the hermitage... We weren't exaggerating when we said that Celles was beautiful!

A Fairytale Castle

Speaking of beauty, we can’t not mention the Château de Vêves. Considered on of the finest medieval castles in the country, it has been listed as one of Wallonia’s most outstanding monuments and it’s easy to see why. Standing proud and imposing in its spot overlooking the valley, the Château de Vêves will capture your imagination, and it’s just as beautiful inside as it is from the outside. Make sure you go in and have a look around! With the beautiful wood panelling, exquisite furniture, impressive galleries and enormous rooms, staircases and terraces, you’ll be transported to another time where tales and legends come to life...

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape