Are you ready to be amazed? Come and explore the Hotton Caves, natural jewels of Wallonia located near La Roche-en-Ardenne and Durbuy! You will discover the magnificent work of time and water during the guided tour of this extraordinary site.

Dive into the 70-metre deep Hotton Caves on a guided tour in French, Dutch or English. Lasting 70 minutes, it’s a great experience for families and friends to learn together while having fun. Discover a multitude of stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. Along this six-kilometre route, you will see how they are formed and the wealth of resources they contain. You will also notice the subtle and discreet lighting that highlights their varied colours and shapes. An amazing natural spectacle!

The most beautiful caves in Belgium

Full of rare crystallisations, the caves are listed as an outstanding natural heritage site in Wallonia. The Hotton Caves are considered the most beautiful in Belgium and have been awarded two stars in the Michelin travel guide. A proud moment for the region! Tip: don't forget to wear a coat on cooler days. After your visit, relax on the beautiful terrace with its panoramic view while the kids play in the playground.

Copyright pictures: grottesdehotton.be

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 

From the top of its 35 metres, with its wonderful diameter of 14 metres at the base and therefore approximately 140 m2 in surface area, Bayard Rock is imposing. Not all towns can boast such an impressive natural protection. More than a rock, it has become a real companion for the town’s inhabitants!

This calls for a short reminder of the legend of Bayard Rock... Close your eyes and just imagine… It all begins with story of the four Aymon sons who, pursued by Charlemagne’s troops, were blocked by rising waters. Forced to get around the needle crag of the Meuse, they climbed the rock on horseback. The horse, taking a run-up to cross the Meuse, gave a final kick that is said to have separated the rocky outcrop from the cliff.  Not bad, don't you think? Above all to set a scene of brave and intrepid knights. The doors of your imagination are opening slowly... but not just that!

Welcome to Dinant!

Standing as a lonely crag, Bayard Rock was also a natural barrier against enemies. Whoever wanted to enter the town had to cross this narrow passage. In fact this passage was created by the troops of Louis XIV in the 17th century and then enlarged. And as it happens, visitors and their vehicles still slip through it. The least one could say is that Bayard Rock continues to create excitement when you pass by its huge peaks. Welcome to Dinant and be warned: the adventure is only just beginning!

Copyright pictures : Visit Ardenne

Molignée valley is, without contest, the valley for sports lovers. Best have muscly calves to explore all its splendours. On a railbike or bike, are you ready? Let’s go!

This is an activity that you don’t encounter every day: the Molignée railbikes await you for an extraordinary adventure. Did you say railbikes? Yes, these are the vehicles that circulate on the railway and are generally used to inspect and maintain it. Here, their tourist version is on offer to you: a sort of bike on rails with pedals. And then? Climb on as a group and... reveal the strength of your nice pegs. There are several trails available, for durations between 1 and 2 hours approximately up to a half-day, which will take you to either the ruins of Montaigle Castle or the old Maredsous station, while crossing one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia: Sosoye.

Between castles and abbeys

Seasoned cyclists know this: Molignée valley also has some of the most beautiful RAVeL trails! Along the ruins of fortified castles or walls of the Maredsous and Maredret abbeys, they offer landscapes steeped in history. Between the paving stones of narrow streets or the banks of the Meuse river, the Mediaeval past seems to be reborn from the ashes: Crèvecoeur fortress, the ruins of Poilvache and Montaigle, the villages of Sosoye and Falaën - the spectacle is really worth a detour. It’s soon time for a refreshing break... Why not enjoy some delicious cheese and a little mousse?

Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia / Visit Ardenne

A viewpoint listed as ‘exceptional heritage of Wallonia’ since 1947. This is a panorama that’s worth a detour, don’t you think? More than just a detour, the Roche-aux-Faucons will take your breath away with its beauty!

Nestled in the heart of Neaupré municipality, nature lovers will adore one of the most beautiful panoramas in Belgium: the Roche-aux-Faucons culminates at around 230 metres high, giving you a view from a good height. The spectacle before you is magnificent. Perched on this limestone cliff, you’ll see the river running several hundred metres below, at this precise point skirting the Ham plateau, which extends from Esneux to Hony. The result is a splendid loop outlining the landscape.

Multiple hikes

In the distance, you can also make out the terraces of the Ourthe. And the falcons? It’s true, they have their role to play in this story because the Roche-aux-Faucons is named after them. For centuries, the location was a high nesting place for peregrine falcons, which unfortunately disappeared in the last century. But the spectacle is no less impressive. To reach this location, put on your walking shoes and set off on one of the many routes that take you to this site, revealing the interesting nooks in the region. And good news: most of these paths are accessible for pushchairs and dogs are permitted.

Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne

Do you love spectacular palaces and gardens with exceptional charm? It’s time you went to Hastière to admire the Freÿr-sur-Meuse Castle, listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. It’ll be love at first sight!

Bordered by the Meuse river, the impressive Freÿr Castle is comfortably nestled at the heart of rolling hills. Initially a fortified castle, it was destroyed in 1554 to then be rebuilt as a Renaissance-style manor. Its allure changed over the 17th and 18th centuries as it was expanded. It's clear that when you reach Freÿr Castle, you can only be impressed by this huge set of buildings surrounded by a countryside that is just as abundant. In addition to its proud allure, its refined, classical interior also deserves appreciation. The rooms reveal furniture and décor acquired over time by the twenty generations that have occupied the premises.

A sumptuous setting

Beyond the castle itself, there are also ‘French-style’ gardens inspired by the famous gardener Le Nôtre which draw everyone’s attention. Elegant and serene, they have been listed as exceptional Park & Garden heritage in Wallonia. Get lost in its giant maze grown from 30,000 m2 of bower hedge or stroll along its dozens of two-hundred-year-old orange trees and nine pools and don’t hesitate to take a look at its romantic pavilion decorated by the Moretti brothers. And if after this 100% relaxing visit, you want to let off some steam, Freÿr is also renowned for its climbing sites!

Copyright photos: Ardennes-étape / Visit Ardenne / Visit Wallonia

Discovered in 1904, the Dinant cave, known as ‘la Merveilleuse’, is considered to be one of the most beautiful caves in Europe. Shaped by nature and time, it unveils a spectacle of stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls.

Revealed when digging a trench for the country railway linking Dinant to Florennes, it has since been the pride of the region. With its monumental galleries, water that trickles and jumps along the rock, elegant white concretions, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and waterfalls, the ‘Grotte Merveilleuse/Marvellous Cave’ is a very apposite name!

A world of mysteries

And it has many names its bowels: Chamber of Teats, Boers, Small Columns, Waterfalls and Lace, Diane’s Temple, the Precipice, the Glacier, the Rotunda, or even the Great Chamber with its oblique stalactite and Gallery Albert I, a mysterious well where underground water is hidden. When you visit, the ground climbs and descends, because the cave has several hundred steps. There are three levels and quite low ceilings, so sometimes you have to bend down. It’s a small physical effort that’s really worth it because you can easily combine it with another activity in the region: a Dinant-Freÿr cruise, a kayak trip on the Lesse and much more!

Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia

In the heart of the Muno forest, in the Gaume region, lies an incredible nature reserve, which is home to a rather exceptional geological curiosity...

If you're looking for La Roche à L'Appel, you'll have to go to the edge of Lorraine, just a stone's throw from the French border. Here, in the heart of an immense forest range that stretches from Martelange (in Belgium) to Sedan (in France), a pile of enormous rocks has been built up over time, reaching a height of 360 metres. From the top, the view of the Ardennes forest is simply breathtaking! A sumptuous panorama where you can rest, take great photos and enjoy the nature all around you. In addition to its remarkable geological interest, the area is also extremely rich in biodiversity.

On the trail of the Forest Guardians

Walking along streams on the 2km forest footpaths to the Roche à l'Appel, you’ll see oak trees, beech trees and conifers. An immersive experience in a soothing natural setting where the only sounds you’ll hear are the chirping of birds or the rustling of surrounding fauna... And to make the walk even more magical if you are with children, "Luna and the Forest Guardians", an interactive game you can download, invites you to solve an investigation in the company of a fairy and a squirrel monk! Tempted by the adventure? There’s ample parking at the start of the walk and picnic tables available for use.

Copyright photos : Visit Gaume / Charlie & Billie 2022

In a unique and unspoilt natural setting in Couvin are the Neptune Caves, where you’ll be plunged into the depths of rock hundreds of millions of years old.

Are you fascinated by the underground world? Or are you just keen to experience something new? Either way, you’re in luck, as there’s incredible scenery waiting for you here: for 45 minutes, you’ll be immersed in a spectacular underground world, shaped by nature on all sides. A work of art sculpted by the passing of time, revealed to you with each twist and turn of its underground passages over the course of your visit, which will be rounded off by a splendid sound and light show on an underground river!

A Site With Plenty to Discover

Mind reeling with astonishment as you leave the caves? You wouldn’t be the only one! Eager for more? Then set off to explore the paths around this Natura 2000 protected area on the lookout for the typical species of this special slice of nature. To guide you, there are illustrated information panels along the path outside the caves. A great opportunity to find out more about the four themes covered: ‘Where does our limestone come from?’, ‘The river l’Eau Noire (literally “The Black Water”) and the karstic phenomena,’ ‘Fauna and flora to protect’ and ‘The Caves, an environment conducive to life?’. A fun and fascinating day for all the family!

Copyright pictures: 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