If you always wanted to stay at a cozy cabin on the water, then Aqualodge is the place you are looking for! About 20 km from Dinant, 8 snug chalets are tucked away in the Molignée valley near the small town Ermeton-sur-Biert. They are built on a series of fishing ponds, which can only be reached by taking a narrow private road. So privacy and serenity are guaranteed!
With places like abbeys, castles, ruins, vineyards, water gardens and even some of Wallonia’s most beautiful villages in the near vicinity, you know that Aqualodge is the perfect base for a wonderful trip filled with culture and nature!
This article is sponsored by Wallonië België Toerisme (Wallonia Belgium Tourism), however my opinion is as always my own.
Cozy cabin vibes at Aqualodge
The arrival
Trading in the village road of Ermeton-sur-Biert for a narrow dirt road surrounded by trees, bushes and fields! While the sun was already setting, my car danced and bounced on the winding road on the way to the hidden fishing ponds of Aqualodge. At 4.30 pm sharp I parked the car at the parking lot in front of the reception building. Right on time! The friendly hostess escorted me to my little house on the water called Le Murmure de l’Ecrevisse, meaning The Whisper of the Crayfish.
On the way she told me they were able to rescue the whole place from the floods past summer and showed me the adjustments they had made, such as drainage pipes. So the water level of the pond can never reach the bottom of the chalets. Because yes, I was there last summer while the whole place started to flood! On my bare feet with my pants pulled up over my knees and holding all my bags in the air, wading through the strong flowing water, trying to rescue myself and my stuff!
It was very comforting to know that this could not happen anymore. Also the weather did not predict too much rain, so I was sure I would be able to sleep well that night!
The cabin on the water
Crossing the little bridge over the water to the front door and turning the key to find a warm snug place decorated with wooden furniture. Entering this cozy cabin I immediately felt the need to undress and enjoy a warm hot bath after a cold autumn day of exploring. So I filled the wooden bath tub and jumped right in! Across the bath I noticed two gorgeous grey rock carved sinks. The bathroom has no walls but is “fenced” by beautiful thick bamboo sticks. How beautiful!
At the foot end of the big comfy double bed, I spotted a glass floor plate offering a view of the water flowing under the chalet. A nice reminder that you are in a cabin on the water, so you can even enjoy it from the inside! When the water is clear, you get to see the koi fish swimming here. They eat the mosquito larvae so you will never be bothered by these annoying bugs!
Around the wood stove in the corner, a cozy seating area looks very inviting to read a book by the fire with a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate. Which you can prepare in the small kitchen. You cannot cook here since there is no stove, but there is a microwave and an electric kettle.
The experience
After my bath I put on a comfy outfit and prepared my takeaway meal. You can also order a tray “Festin des Lucioles” at Aqualodge (in advance), which includes several hot and cold culinary creations with smoked salmon or foie gras and a dessert. My stay basically consisted of reading my book, relaxing and enjoying the serenity of this place! This cabin on the water really is the perfect spot to hang out after a long day of exploring.
Around 8.45 am in the morning breakfast is delivered inside the cabin in a basket, which they hang on a hook attached to the front door through a shutter with a curtain. The basket contains fresh juices, bread, croissants, chocolate buns, jams, chocolate spread, fruit, yoghurt, charcuterie and cheese. At 11.00 am it was time to check out again and leave this wonderful peaceful place.
Book your snug chalet on the water at Aqualodge here!
Things to see and do near Aqualodge
Abbeys of Maredsous and Maredret
The Abbey of Maredsous was founded in 1872 in the Molignée valley by Benedictine monks. With its neo-Gothic architecture it stands in perfect harmony with the wooded and undulating nature of the region. You can do a guided tour which includes a visit to the small cheese factory museum or just admire the church interior and the abbey from outside for free.
About twenty years later and only 500 m from the Abbey of Maredsous, the Maredret Abbey was inaugurated with seven Benedictine nuns settling here. Honestly, I wonder what they were up to, wanting to be so close to those monks… Currently they offer spiritual and artistic activities and they also have a shop selling religious items, beer and other local products. I don’t know why, but I loved this smaller abbey more. During autumn it looked a bit spooky.
Château Fort de Montaigle
The castle ruins of Château de Montaigle are quite impressive. This castle started as a military garrison at the end of the Roman era and became a medieval fortress at the beginning of the 14th century. In the 15th century Montaigle was a comfortable residence with several floors and cellars, big windows… At that time Montaigle was the capital of one of the nine bailiwicks in the County (administrative and judicial districts).
Unfortunately Montaigle got burned down by the French in 1554. Since the loss of its strategic interest, the castle never got reconstructed. Meaning each stone you find here, was placed centuries ago by some poor guy dragging it all the way uphill.
At the ticket office you will receive a little map of the castle with its history. Make sure to read it and take a look at the map so you can imagine what each place must’ve been like.
Dinant
Dinant is a quaint town with colorful houses in neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco style adorning the Meuse river. Its most famous attraction is probably the citadel built on a massive limestone wall overlooking the town. Beneath the citadel the Collegiate Church of Our Lady with its iconic pear shaped spire, is leaning against this impressive rock formation. Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the creator of the saxophone! It is hard to forget that while wandering around, since you can find references to the saxophone spread all over town!
Château de Vêves
On a rocky hill, Château de Vêves is towering in its mysterious and elegant way above the cute houses of the Rue du Pîrli, not far from Celles. So make sure to walk down that street to discover views of the castle on the hill surrounded by the fairytale houses! With its 6 round castle towers it looks like a small version of Hogwarts, especially on a foggy or rainy day. You can visit the castle’s interior, but make sure to check opening hours!
More about the castle’s history can be found in my article “Most beautiful castles in Belgium & how to visit them“
Château de Walzin
Château de Walzin isn’t a castle you can visit, but you can admire it from the outside! It is probably one of the most dramatic scenic castle views in Belgium, since this castle is built on the limestone cliffs next to the river Lesse. Park your car at the parking lot next to the castle and the river. It is also the starting point of a hike that will take you to the castle view point and to the castle of Vêves. Just follow the path, cross the bridge and follow the river until you will find the view point from where you will have a splendid view of the castle on the rocks.
Château de Freÿr
Château de Freÿr is a Renaissance castle located right next to the river Meuse. It used to be the Summer residence of the dukes Beaufort-Spontin. Over 20 generations lived here and they had famous visitors such as Louis XIV, the Sun King. You can visit the interior with its many furnitured rooms, such as the dining room, the Louis XIV room with a four poster bed and an impressive fire place and a Rococo chapel. Also fascinating; a special children’s carriage that used to be drawn by a sheep.
The garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect of Versailles. It contains a maze of 6 kilometers, which must have offered a lot of secret flirtation possibilities, and orange trees of over 300 years old! They are the oldest orange trees in cases in Europe. You can hear the sound of the fountains throughout the whole garden. I could imagine elegant ladies in their long gowns and cute sun umbrellas walking here!
Château de Bioul
Château de Bioul is a dream for the wine lovers! This castle dates from the 11th century and knew a lot of misfortune due to many wars. The Brandenburg family turned the historical feudal castle into a prestigious mansion. A few centuries later, in 1896, it became property of the Vaxelaire family who founded the department stores “Au bon marché”.
The castle still belongs to the Vaxelaire family who are now running a wine business. The castle domain contains 11 hectares of vines! Inside the castle you can visit the museum which shows the castle’s history and the techniques they use to produce wine. Some remarkable facts about their wine making; they only use biological products and music in their wine process! They have a whole music repertoire for each phase in the wine making process. According to the theory of Prof. Masuro Emoto music influences the wine. It keeps the wine residue floating longer in the wine barrels, which gives the wine more richness.
After visiting the museum you can join a wine tasting or have lunch and explore the castle’s domain with its vineyards. Even in the pouring rain I found it very relaxing to walk in between the vines. You can also organize an event here or stay at the castle! They have 12 rooms.
Les Jardins d’Annevoie
The gardens of Annevoie are the only water gardens in Belgium and an absolute must visit! The design is mainly French, but you will also find English and Italian elements. I loved walking between the fountains and ponds. To maintain the gardens only natural and biological products are used. The paths are easy to walk on and I also saw a lot of families with little children, who seemed to enjoy the gardens too.
At Jardins d’Annevoie you will also encounter a castle. The gardens are first mentioned in the 15th century, so I presume the first “castle” was built back then as well. In the 18th century the castle got renovated and expanded by the Montpellier family, who were well known as forge-masters.
Furfooz
Parc de Furfooz is a nature reserve. A well marked route not only leads you to old Roman ruins and a restored bath house, you’ll also find giant caves and sinkholes, idyllic stairways leading through impressive rock formations and fantastic views of the Lesse Valley!
Villages
Not too far from our cute cabin on the water you can find some of the most beautiful villages of Wallonia, like Celles, Falaën and Sosoye. Celles is known for its beautiful Romanesque collegiate church, traditional stone houses, fountain and excellent restaurants. Make sure to climb up to the view point next to the “Ermitage Saint-Hadelin”. From there you get a nice view of the town.
Falaën is another picturesue town consisting of the typical stone houses and is home to an impressive castle farm which is a protected monument. If you take the railbike from Falaën to Maredsous, you will pass Sosoye with its charming limestone houses.
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