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We often don’t give it the credit it deserves but there are truly some incredibly beautiful places to visit in Wallonia! Wallonia is the Southern and French speaking part of Belgium. Compared to the Flemish part in the North you’ll find a lot more nature here and a lot less cities. There are tons of forests to go hiking and you’ll find some of the most impressive castles in Belgium here!
Ever since Covid-19 reared its ugly head I have been focusing on traveling within my own country Belgium. And I can tell you, it has sooo much more to offer than going for a ride on the canals in Bruges or eating waffles and french fries in Brussels.
With this article I want to show you some incredible places to visit in Wallonia and that you can also find beautiful nature in the heart of Belgium! This post will be constantly updated whenever I find a new place that I think you should visit in Wallonia!
11 Beautiful Places To Visit in Wallonia
Le Tombeau du Géant
Le Tombeau du Géant, also known as the Giant’s grave, is one of the most important and impressive places in Belgium. It is hidden deep in Wallonia and the only way to get here is by car. It got its name because one of the bends in the Semois at this point seems to enclose a coffin of gigantic proportions.
This viewpoint near Botassart is super easy to reach by car. There is a big and free parking space available, which is only 2 minutes walking from the viewpoint!
I consider this place one of the most beautiful places for Autumn foliage in Europe!
The Castle of Vêves
This beautiful castle in Belgium looks like it came straight out of Harry Potter and can be found in the village of Celles. It’s one of the most special places to visit in Wallonia and entire Belgium. Over the past centuries it has always been inhabited by the same family.
Opening hours – From April to October it’s open every weekend and on holidays and during July and August it’s open for visiting every day. For a group tour you have to make a reservation from before but it is open all year round. On occasion the castle may be closed due to festivities held here.
Entrance – €8 (€50 if you want a private guide)
Rocher du Hat
The Rocher du Hat is one of the most impressive viewpoints over the Semois! The look out point is not secured so please, be very careful when visiting. Last time I was there it was super windy and also a little slippery because of the rain.
If you know where to park your car then the hike to this viewpoint is suuuuper easy! If not you might end up in front of the Semois halfway through your hike with no way to go over. And I do not recommend swimming :p. Park your car close to Kayak-Chiny and from there it’s only 15 minutes walking!
Walzin Castle
The Walzin Castle has to be one of my favourite castles in Belgium and one of the most incredible places to visit in Wallonia. It is located near Dinant and overlooks the Lesse. The castle itself is private domain and it’s not possible to visit it. However, this should not hold you back from taking a day trip to this area!
One of the most popular Summer activities in the area is to go down the Lesse with a kayak. This way you will float past the Walzin castle and make a quick stop here!
Dinant – One of the most beautiful cities to visit in Wallonia
Dinant is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Wallonia and is located by the river Meuse with steep cliffs as it’s back drop. Go for a walk alongside the Meuse or enjoy a river cruise. Once you’re in town there is no need to worry on how to get around, you can pretty much walk through it in less than an hour!
Where to stay in Dinant
| La Belle Étable – Located in the lovely village of Falmignoul, near Dinant, in an old farm from the eighteenth century, ranked amongst the most beautiful farms of Wallonia. L’arche De Noé – Offering a barbecue and views of the river, L’arche De Noé is a former castle annex located in Dinant in the Namur Province Region. |
Visit the world’s smallest city Durbuy
Durbuy is located in the province of Luxembourg and is supposed to be the smallest town in the world. With it’s cobbled streets and timbered houses it’s also one of the cutest towns in the world.
If you plan on visiting Durbuy stay clear of Sunday afternoons, they tend to get very busy. You’ll much more enjoy your visit during a week day.
Where to stay in Durbuy
| Hotel Saint-Amour – Located in the heart of Durbuy and run by two sisters.Le Saint-Amour is an exceptional place. Hotel Eau de Roche – Offers a stunning view of Durbuy and it’s castle plus they have an amazing spa. |
Villers La Ville – a unique place to visit in Wallonia
The Villers Abbey is located in the small town of Villers La Ville, about 30 minutes driving from Brussels. The Villers Abbey was built in 1146 and is a beautiful witness to how the Cistercian monks lived. This site is considered to be one of the most complete ones in entire Europe!
Daily opening hours are from 10am – 5pm, in the summer months they stay open until 6pm.
High Fens
The High Fens are a beautiful nature reserve in Wallonia and is located between the Ardennes and the Eifel highlands in Germany. The High Fens are the largest nature reserve or park in Belgium and are home to the highest point in Belgium measured at 694 meter. Well, actually it’s 700 meter cause they built a 6 meter tall tower on top of it.
When visiting the High Fens make sure to also book a day trip to Spa for some relaxation!
Furfooz – One of the most beautiful places in Wallonia
The nature reserve Furfooz is located in the Lesse valley and only 15 minutes driving from the beautiful city Dinant.
Go on a beautiful 4km hike through the forest, along the limestone cliffs and explore the many caves that you can find in this nature reserve. It’s a family friendly stroll and your kids will be amazed by all of the amazing rock formations!
Entrance to the park is €5 and at the moment you can only enter if you’ve bought your tickets online.
Aiguilles de Chaleux
The Aiguilles de Chaleux is actually really close to the Nature Park Furfooz and you can easily reach it through the Rue des Aiguilles de Chaleux. You can drive up pretty close to the exact location but this street isn’t in the best condition. It’s better to park your car in the centre of Furfooz and simply walk from there.
It’s a short 20 minute stroll and you’re allowed to go onto the rock itself. Just always remember to be careful when doing so and wear proper shoes!
You can also admire this crazy rock formation from the valley below when you’re either kayaking on the river Lesse or hiking from Furfooz to Chateau Walzin.
Nismes
Nismes is a quaint little town in the South of Belgium in the province of Namur and the start of several beautiful hikes! The most famous attraction here is the Fondry des Chiens, a ravine of 100 meters long and 20 meters deep and unique in its kind in Belgium.
If you don’t have a lot of time you can simply drive up to this small canyon but otherwise I highly recommend you to do one of the many hikes which include a visit to the Fondry des Chiens.
There are several hiking trails that you can follow but my favourite was the one with the yellow rectangle. The hiking trails start at the church of Nismes and is 7,5km. It will lead you through a beautiful forest, alongside a train track and up to the beautiful viewpoint of La Roche aux Faucons.
And after all that hiking it is time to reward yourself! And why not do it with a beer tasting at Chimay? L’Espace Chimay is only 20 minutes driving away and the perfect way to end a beautiful day in Wallonia.
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