Wallonia · Belgium
Castle ruins, the winding Ourthe and the wild heart of the Belgian Ardennes.
La-Roche-en-Ardenne is a charming medieval market town in the Province of Luxembourg, in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. Set in a dramatic horseshoe bend of the Ourthe river, the town is dominated by the impressive ruins of its 9th-century feudal castle, which gazes down over terracotta rooftops and forested hillsides stretching to every horizon.
The Ardennes landscape surrounding La-Roche is among the most beautiful in Western Europe: ancient oak forests, deep river gorges, heathland plateaus and moss-covered limestone cliffs. The area is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers and nature lovers, with hundreds of marked trails radiating outwards from the town centre.
La-Roche also holds a poignant place in modern history. During the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944–45, the town witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War. The Military Museum on the Grand'Place pays moving tribute to the Allied soldiers who liberated the region, and two Sherman tanks still stand guard by the riverside.
Explore the medieval castle ruins perched high above the town, offering sweeping views over the Ourthe valley.
Paddle through forested gorges along one of Belgium's most scenic rivers — a classic Ardennes experience.
Over 500 km of marked trails in the surrounding forests. The Ravel and RAVeL routes are perfect for cycling.
The Military Museum and the two Sherman tanks tell the story of liberation during the Battle of the Bulge.
The Ardennes is home to wild boar, roe deer, red squirrels and dozens of rare bird species.
Smoked Ardennes ham, game dishes, local cheeses, trout from mountain streams and rich Belgian beers.
Spring and summer for outdoor activities; autumn for spectacular foliage. Winter can bring snow and a magical quiet atmosphere.
By car: 2 hrs from Brussels, 1 hr from Liège. By public transport: train to Marloie or Jemelle, then bus to La-Roche (approx. 3 hrs from Brussels).
Riverside hotels and guesthouses in the town centre, cosy gîtes and holiday cottages in the surrounding countryside.
Jambon d'Ardenne, boudin (blood sausage), truite aux amandes (trout with almonds), tarte au riz and artisanal Ardennes beers.