The dense forests of the Ardennes landscape have seen many conquests, from the Romans through World War II. While the rolling hills and woodlands have been described as a hiker's paradise, the region's principal cities, Liege, Namur and Tournai, boast luxurious accommodations for the most discerning of travelers.
Pack your hiking boots. The Ardennes, located in the Wallonian region of Belgium, is known for its picturesque scenery as well as its rich history. Outdoor activities are plentiful, including everything from fly-fishing to hang-gliding.
Enjoy fine dining throughout the region. Charleroi, Liege, Namur and Tournai all feature Michelin-rated luxury restaurants.
Brush up on your "parlez-vous" before traveling to the Ardennes. French is the official language of this region, though English is widely spoken throughout the rest of Belgium.
Exchange your dollars for euros, the official currency of Belgium since 2002.
Fly into Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Charleroi is the most metropolitan city in the region, making it the perfect place to begin your travel through the Ardennes.
Buy a "bulk" ticket at Charleroi airport to take the public bus (Line A) to Charleroi-SUD train station. It costs around 10 euro one way and includes passage on the train to reach any train station in Belgium.
To book accommodations, contact the Belgian Tourist Office in the Americas at (212) 758-8130 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Enjoy the luxury of the metropolitan atmosphere of Charleroi, Belgium's third largest city. Here you will find excellent restaurants, art and science museums and fine shopping. Three-star accommodations in Charleroi can be found for around $125 a night.
Enjoy a view of City Hall from your luxury accommodations in Cherleroi. Its historic belfry is listed among the World Heritage Sights.
Take a gamble on Namur, the capital of the federal region of Wallonia in Belgium. Located at the head of the Ardennes, it has become a popular tourist stop featuring a casino located in its southern district. You can find luxury four-star lodging in Namur for around $150 a night.
Soak in the history of Tournai, the second oldest city in Belgium. Tracing its beginnings back to Roman times, Tournai has played an important role in the shaping of Belgium. Fine lodging can be found in the 2000 year old city for around $120 a night.
Use your luxury accommodations in Tornai as a home base as you explore the city's majestic architecture. The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Tournai, built in a Romanesque Gothic hybrid style, is not to be missed.
Learn a little while in Liege--it is Belgium's educational center and features many museums which specialize in preserving the artistic and cultural heritage of the Walloon region. Expect to pay around $150 a night or more for deluxe accommodations.
