The Ardennes in a Motorhome

Fancy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature? Embark on a journey to discover the Ardennes in a motorhome. This region, nestled between Belgium and France, offers breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and a plethora of outdoor activities. Here is a 7-day itinerary to explore the Belgian Ardennes by motorhome, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.

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Day 1: Namur

Start your journey in Namur, the capital of Wallonia. It’s an essential stop for motorhome travellers. With its historic charm and beautiful Belgian landscapes, Namur offers a multitude of activities for an all day outing. Stroll through the old town, wander the cobbled streets and admire the ancient buildings, artisan shops and welcoming cafes.

Visit the Citadel of Namur, one of the city's most iconic sites, and enjoy the panoramic view over the Meuse River. Why not park your motorhome near the quays for a picnic lunch with a river view? Alternatively, you can choose a restaurant or brasserie by the Meuse to sample local dishes.

If the weather is on your side and you're up for an extra activity, take a cruise on the Meuse. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. If you visit Namur on a Saturday, don’t miss the local market. It's the perfect place to taste regional products and buy artisanal souvenirs.

Visiting Namur on a road trip through the Ardennes in a motorhome allows you to discover the essentials of this charming Walloon city, combining history, culture and nature. In the evening, settle in a nearby campsite to rest before continuing your adventure.

Day 2: Dinant

On the second day, head to Dinant, a town famous for its steep cliffs and collegiate church. This Gothic church is one of the area's landmark monuments. Admire its impressive architecture, unique bulbous bell tower and stunning stained glass windows.

The Grotte La Merveilleuse (the Wonderful Cave) is one of the most beautiful caves in Belgium. Located a few minutes from the centre of Dinant, it offers spectacular limestone formations. Guided tours will take you through the underground galleries and halls adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a great afternoon activity in the Ardennes.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the Caracole Brewery, an artisanal brewery where you can discover the traditional brewing process and taste local beers. The brewery tour is an excellent way to learn about the region's brewing culture.

Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. Explore the free museum dedicated to him before settling in a local campsite. Try Belgian specialties like moules-frites (mussels and fries), stoofvlees (meat stew) or waffles for dinner!

Day 3: Rochefort and Han-sur-Lesse

Continue your journey to the city centre of Rochefort. Stroll through the picturesque streets and discover local shops, cafes and historic buildings. Don’t miss St. James’s Church, a fine example of Gothic architecture.

Next, head to Rochefort Abbey to taste a local beer. Founded in 1230, it is famous for its brewery, which produces Rochefort Trappist beer. Although the brewery is not open to the public, you can visit the surroundings and the shop to learn more about the abbey's history and its renowned beers.

On your way to Han-sur-Lesse, stop to explore the famous Caves of Han, an impressive natural site. Opt for a guided tour to explore the vast underground halls and admire the amazing limestone formations. The tram ride to the caves adds a touch of adventure to your visit. The Han Caves Estate also includes a wildlife park where you can see local wildlife such as deer, wild boar and wolves. It’s a great activity for families and nature lovers.

Return to your motorhome to prepare for departure. If you wish to extend your stay, there are many parking areas and campsites near Han-sur-Lesse and Rochefort.

Day 4: La Roche-en-Ardenne

Head to La Roche-en-Ardenne, a charming town on the banks of the Ourthe. Visit the feudal castle and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking or hiking. Perched on a hill overlooking the town and the river, this medieval castle offers spectacular panoramic views. Explore the ruins, learn about the castle's history and enjoy the falconry shows sometimes held there.

Take your motorhome for a picnic lunch by the Ourthe River or in one of the town's many green spaces. You can also treat yourself to a local restaurant and sample Ardennes delicacies such as game or river trout.

In the afternoon, visit the Wildlife Park of La Roche, located a few kilometres from the town centre. This animal park is home to local species such as deer, wild boar and fallow deer. It’s an ideal activity for families and nature lovers.

Before leaving La Roche-en-Ardenne, take the time to stroll through the town centre’s shopping streets. You will find souvenir shops, artisanal products and local specialities such as jams, cheeses and Ardennes beers. In the evening, find a spot in a welcoming campsite and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. After all, you only do a road trip through the Ardennes in a motorhome once in your life!

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Day 5: Durbuy

On the fifth day, discover Durbuy, known as the smallest city in the world. Wander its cobbled streets, visit the artisan shops and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Be sure to visit the Grand-Place, the heart of the city, with its charming cafes.

A true gem of the Belgian Ardennes, the lovely town of Durbuy houses the Topiary Park, a unique garden with over 250 plant sculptures. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, this park is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll. The sculptures, trimmed from shrubs, represent a variety of shapes, from animals to famous characters.

Although the Castle of Durbuy is privately owned and not open to the public, you can admire it from the outside. Sitting on a hill, it offers a stunning view over the town. Take the time to stop and take souvenir photos of this magnificent structure.

For thrill-seekers, rent a kayak and paddle down the Ourthe River. This is a popular activity in Durbuy and a fun way to discover the surrounding landscapes. Several local companies offer kayak rentals and guided tours.

If you enjoy adventure, head to Adventure Valley Durbuy! This park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as tree climbing, zip lining, rock climbing and paintball. It’s an excellent option for families and thrill-seekers.

Spend the night in a nearby campsite to be ready to explore more of the Belgian Ardennes by motorhome the next day.

Day 6: Spa and the High Fens

Head towards Spa, famous for its thermal baths and Formula 1 circuit. Start your day with a visit to the Spa Thermal Baths. This modern complex offers thermal pools, saunas, hammams and a variety of wellness treatments. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in the thermal waters known for their health benefits. Would you expect anything less from this town bearing the same name?

After the thermal baths, take a walk in the Parc de Sept Heures, located in the centre of Spa. This historic park is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Admire the sculptures, fountains and well-maintained gardens. The Ardennes, in general, seem to exude natural purity and freshness.

You can also visit the Museum of Eaux’s city to learn about Spa's history and its thermal springs. The museum is housed in a beautiful mansion and features exhibits on Spa's heritage, the thermal baths and the celebrities who have visited the town over the centuries.

After a morning of relaxation in the thermal baths, continue to the High Fens, a stunning nature reserve. The High Fens offer unique landscapes with peat bogs, moors and forests. Several marked hiking trails are available, suitable for different levels of difficulty. The Signal de Botrange trail, the highest point in Belgium, is particularly popular.

Visit the Botrange Nature Centre to learn more about the High Fens' fauna, flora and geology. The centre offers interactive exhibits, information on hiking trails and educational activities for children.

Moreover, don’t forget to stop by the Bayehon Waterfall. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Belgium, located in a fantastic forest setting. The site is accessible via a pleasant hiking trail.

In the evening, park your motorhome in a nearby campsite and enjoy the surrounding nature, with the clear song of birds nearby.

Day 7: Bouillon

End your itinerary with a visit to Bouillon, famous for its medieval castle overlooking the Semois. Explore the castle and walk along the river for a beautiful end to your journey. The well-maintained trails offer stunning views of the valley and surrounding nature. It’s an excellent way to relax and appreciate Bouillon’s natural beauty.

Next, head to the Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon. This interpretation centre will immerse you in the history of the Crusades and Godfrey of Bouillon, a key figure in the First Crusade. Through interactive exhibits and audiovisual projections, you will learn more about the region's fascinating history.

As you can see, the schedule for this last day in the Belgian Ardennes is lighter. This will allow you to rest before hitting the road for the return journey the next morning.

Exploring the Ardennes in a motorhome offers a unique experience combining nature, culture and relaxation. With this 7-day itinerary, you will discover the hidden treasures of this picturesque region. Prepare your motorhome, follow this guide and embark on an adventure in the Belgian Ardennes by motorhome for unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to rent the vehicle of your dreams on Yescapa, pick up the keys on the day and… have a great holiday!