Situated south of Brussels between Tournai on the west and Liege on the east, the Ardennes offer something for everyone. Dense forests, farmland crisscrossed with hedges and babbling rivers such as the Lesse, Ourthe and Semois. Châteaux, abbeys, historic mansions, all abound across the landscape.

History has left its mark throughout the Ardennes, troubled times gave the area its fortresses (the citadels in Bouillon, Namur, Dinant) and fortified castles, peaceful times left it with country châteaux with moats, whose only purpose seems to be a haven for swans. The monastic tradition has bequeated a plethora of abbeys and monasteries where monks contribute an incomparable variety of beers and cheeses. Romanesque and Gothic masterpieces of religious architecture are to be found everywhere.

The Ardennes is a place to relax, a place to enjoy both nature and gastronomy... The good life here would not be complete without good food. A profusion of stars have been awarded most restaurants, whether in the smallest of villages or in cities like Namur, Dinant or Liege. To really enjoy the Ardennes, you should stay on the small roads and discover its wonderful castles, monasteries and country inns where you can stop for a treat of trout fresh out of the river or, more adventurously, a piece of juicy wild boar. To sample all the cheeses and beers of the region is indeed very serious work...

There are numerous monasteries located in the Ardennes, all of which produce a large selection of different cheeses, breads and hundreds of distinctly flavorful beers. Most allow visits by the public and sell their merchandise at very reasonable prices. One should not leave the region without visiting at least one of the abbeys or monasteries...