Autumn in Wallonia – from romantic charm and high-adrenaline in Durbuy, to long hikes with monastic beers

By Malin Norman

When visiting Wallonia, you can experience the smallest city in the world, Belgium’s largest adventure park, and a walking trail that takes you to three Trappist breweries: Orval, Rochefort, and Chimay.

In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes sits Durbuy, which claims to be the smallest city in the world. Full of historic charm and seemingly suspended in time, this is a pleasant getaway with old stone buildings and winding cobbled streets, beautiful surroundings by the river Ourthe, and excellent local gastronomy.

Photo: © Benjamin de Rothstein

A hidden world awaits in Durbuy

Parc des Topiaires is a fascinating topiary garden in Durbuy. Stretching over one hectare, the estate offers a lovely stroll revealing 39 flowers beds. The 250 topiaries made of boxwood, yew or holly are real masterpieces. Visitors will also be amazed by the view over river Ourthe and Durbuy castle.

Le Labyrinthe Durbuy is an unusual, nature-oriented amusement park where a hidden world looms. A place where families can explore – and get delightfully lost together. The 27-acre park houses over 600,000 corn plants and six kilometres of winding paths. The giant labyrinth with seven kilometres of paths is bound to entertain young and old visitors.

Near Durbuy is the largest adventure park in Belgium, with unlimited fun. In the lush setting of the Ardenne, Adventure Valley Durbuy is a fantastic leisure space, perfect for a day with friends and family. The ticket allows you to try all the attractions of the park as many times as you want. Among must-try attractions are the tree-top trail and kayaking along the river, as well as the escape room and indoor laser game.

Photo: Chimay

Walloon Trappist Abbeys Long Hike

To experience the beauty of Wallonia’s nature as well as gourmet delights, and hundreds of years of brewing tradition, do the Walloon Trappist Abbeys Long Hike. 290 kilometres in total, the hike is divided into two stages: Orval to Rochefort (116 km) and Rochefort to Chimay (174 km).

At the start of the hike, in the glorious countryside of the Belgian Ardennes, learn about the monastic community at Orval Abbey, which was founded in 1132. The monks brew one of the best-known Belgian Trappist beers: Orval. The brewery opens its doors twice per year only, however visitors can buy beer in the abbey shop and the tavern.

Photo: Chimay

Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy Abbey was built in 1230 by monks, and is known for its excellent Trappist beers named Rochefort 6, Rochefort 8, Rochefort 10, and Triple Extra. Note that only the church is open to the public, as emphasis is on serenity and monastic living. This is a popular starting point for several other walking routes exploring the Famenne region.

The last leg on the Walloon Trappist Abbeys Long Hike is Sourmont Abbey, located on a plateau near Chimay. In 1850, a small group of monks built a monastery and developed a farm, a brewery and a cheese factory. This is where the famous Chimay beers and cheeses are made. The brewery is not open to the public, but you can immerse yourself in all things Chimay in the interactive exhibition Chimay Experience, which ends with a free tasting of a Chimay beer on tap.

Photo: Adventure Valley Durbuy

For more information on what to see and do, see: visitwallonia.com

Ciney flea market and antiques fair, 10-12 October

The Ciney flea market and antique fair bring together 500 exhibitors from all over Europe and nearly 15,000 of visitors every year at Ciney Expo. The event is held three times a year, in spring, summer and autumn. A paradise for curious minds, collectors and treasure hunters!

Mariembourg steam train festival, 27-28 September

Discover steam locomotives and vintage cars at the steam train festival in Mariembourg. The festival offers a range of railway-themed activities for railway enthusiasts and families. An unmissable event for locomotive enthusiasts, where you can travel aboard an authentic steam train, this is a chance to discover the past.

Listen to bellowing stags, 19 September to 12 October

Join one of the evenings hosted in the Saint-Hubert Forest, for the chance to hear the stags’ bellowing in their natural habitat.