Surroundings – Pure Bliss!
Brasserie Caracole
Welcome to one of the oldest beer brewers in Belgium! At Brasserie Caracole, beer is still brewed in the traditional way, in large copper vats above an open fire. This, combined with local ingredients and generations of expertise, results in several unique and tasty beers!
Maredsous Abbey
The neo-Gothic Maredsous Abbey is a sight to behold from the outside alone! However, once you enter, there is a lot to see and do as well. Immerse yourself in the lives of the monks during a tour of their private domains and finish with a tasting of cheese and beer; both products of the abbey! For the little ones, a playground is situated just outside.
The Caves of La Merveilleuse
In 1904, while constructing a railway, workers stumbled upon a hidden wonder: the "La Merveilleuse" cave system. This European gem, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, features majestic stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river.
Restaurant Ccnomie
Looking for a great fine dining experience? At restaurant Ccnomie in Falmagne, a mere 10-minute drive away from our park, you can enjoy a unique and delightful three-course menu, with an additional amuse-bouche, pre-dessert, and wine accompaniment.
Wine tasting at Château Bon Baron
Although Belgian wines are less popular than French wines, the region still harbors a few jewels! Discover the delicious, full-bodied wines of Château Bon Baron during a tour of the vineyards and the estate. Taste the rich heritage!
Hastière
Hastière is the municipality in which Vallée les Etoiles lies. It’s a great region for hikers, with trails across the Meuse Valley, the Hermeton Valley and past the Cascatelles of Waulsort. The abbey church of Hastière is also highly worthwhile!
Kayaking
Time for some adventure! Book a kayak at Dinant Evasion and paddle down the Lesse! During the voyage, you wind and churn through the breathtaking landscape of the Southern Belgian Ardennes, passing Walzin Castle along the way!
Rail Bikes: Le draisines de la Molignée
Pedal your way through the stunning Molignée Valley on a unique railbike adventure! This fun and scenic ride takes you past charming villages, historic ruins, and picturesque landscapes. Choose from three routes (6km, 8km, or 14km) and enjoy a pit stop for a tasting at the Maredsous Abbey.
Dinant Evasion
Explore the Ardennes: treetop adventures, caving, river kayaking, paintball, laser tag, bachelor parties, scenic river cruises to historic sites (Bioul Estate, House of Pataphony, Freÿr Castle, Maredsous Abbey).
Agimont Adventure
At Agimont Adventure, you can find the largest paintball area of the Benelux! Are you ready to capture the flag or be the last man standing? Choose from 25 different playing fields and feel the heat! At Agimont Adventures, you can also play laser paintball or airsoft. Besides shooting, you can also choose to traverse the forests with 4 different difficulty levels.
Dinant
Dinant is a must-visit in Vallée les Etoiles. Nestled between the Meuse and a rockface, it features old-Belgian homes and quaint squares. Key sites include Notre Dame of Dinant, Leffe Abbey, and the Citadel, accessible by cable car. As the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, Dinant is also a musical city with many jazz cafes and performances.
Hiking
Hiking in the Ardennes is a must. Explore old forests, rockfaces, creeks, and fields around Vallée les Etoiles. Discover routes like Belgian Fluss Ballade, Point de Vue Panoramique, and “Les Cascatelles.” Our knowledgeable receptionists can help you find the perfect trail and provide maps and brochures.
Château de Freÿr
Château de Freÿr, also known as “Little Versailles”, is a 16th-century jewel that exemplifies early Maaslandse Renaissance Architecture. The castle is surrounded by stunning gardens that house the oldest orangery of the Lowlands!
Regional Delicacies
The Ardennes are known for their beer, sausage, cheese, escargots, honey, and trout! Many places are more than happy to let you try their products, including the Cheese Farm of Chertin, Maison Collard in Dinant, and the Snail Farm of Warnant!
Bastogne War Museum
During World War 2the Ardennes bore witness to the Battle of the Bulge. During the fighting, Bastogne was besieged. Just outside this picturesque town, the impressive Mardasson Monument and the Bastogne War Museum can be found. Here, you can learn all there is to know about the Siege of Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge, and World War 2 in general.
Walzin Castle
Perched proudly on a high rock, Walzin Castle stalwartly guards the river crossing on the Lesse. In the past, it occupied a strategic point and took center stage in many battles. Now, the castle has peacefully retired to enjoy the charming surroundings.
Euro Space Center
“This is mission control, over. Have you seen an awesome theme park from up there, over? Hello mission control, over. It’s in the Ardennes, over.“ Learn about space in the most exciting way at the Euro Space Center near Transinne!
Domaine des Grottes de Han
Near Rochefort, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest cave complexes. These underground halls and galleries with impressive stalactites have been popular since the 18th century. In a 1 hour and 15-minute tour, you’ll learn about the caves’ formation and their use in prehistoric times.
Rochefort Abbey
The Abbey of Rochefort is one of the few true Trappist breweries left in the world. The church is open to the outside world, and although the brewing process itself is kept secret, you are more than welcome to taste a real Trappistes Rochefort!
Durbuy
What the teeny tiny city of Durbuy lacks in size, it makes up for in personality! The maze of Barvaux-sur-Ourthe, Domaine de Radhadesh, Park Topiares, and the picturesque central square are absolutely worth visiting!
Leffe Experience
Leffe: one of the most famous specialty beer brands in the world. Ever wondered how it all started and how it’s brewed? Then you should visit Maison Leffe for an interactive tour followed by a tasting. Travel through time, from the first beer brewed by monks in 1240 to the plethora of different tastes that exist today. Best part: at the end, you receive a Leffe glass to take home!
Givet
Vallée les Etoiles is just two kilometers away from France, and that means that there is also a lot to see across the border. The quaint, riverside town of Givet and the Fort of Charlemont that watches over it are highly worth visiting!