Recently I did a 4 day Wallonia road trip to chase some of the most beautiful castles of Belgium. For a true castle lover this was the perfect road trip! Not only did I admire gorgeous castles from the outside, surrounded by green hills or valleys, gardens or rivers. I also visited some of the castles’ interiors!
If you are in for some fairy-tale decors and villages, spooky stories and magnificent views, then this Wallonia road trip itinerary to chase castles is exactly for you!
This article is sponsored by Wallonië België Toerisme (Wallonia Belgium Tourism), however my opinion is as always my own.
Wallonia Road Trip: Castles & Fairy-tale Villages
This map shows all the stops of this road trip, including the view points.
PRACTICAL:
Duration of the trip: 4 days / 3 nights
Hours of driving: 5 hours 35 minutes
Kilometers: 319 km
Start: First stop is Corroy-le-Château (52 km from Brussels Airport, 56 km from Brussels city center)
End: End stop is Namur (68km from Brussels Airport, 71km from Brussels city center)
My travel period: July 2020
Extra information: Please take into account that for most places you will now need an advanced reservation due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please always check the castle’s website in advance for reservations and visiting hours (links are included in this article). Always bring a mouth mask. Also bring enough change for the parking meters in certain towns.
CONTENT:
- Wallonia Road Trip Day 1: Château de Corroy-le-Château / Les Jardins d’Annevoie / Château de Bioul / Ruins of Montaigle / Celles
- Wallonia Road Trip Day 2: Château de Vêves / Château de Walzin / Château de Freÿr / Celles
- Wallonia Road Trip Day 3: Château de Leignon / Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne / Château Jemeppe / Château Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne / Durbuy
- Wallonia Road Trip Day 4: Château de Modave / Château de Spontin / Château de Crupet / Citadel de Namur
Day 1
Where did I stay: Hotel Le Saint Hadelin, Celles (book here)
Total driving time: 1 hour 15 min
Kilometers: 69 km
Stops: Corroy-le-Château – Les Jardins d’Annevoie – Château de Bioul – Ruins of Montaigle – Celles
Château de Corroy-le-Château
The first stop of this Wallonia road trip is the castle of the charming town Corroy-le-Château. It is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Belgium and built between 1220 and 1230. Currently the castle is only open for visits during the weekend, but the gate is usually open, so you can admire its towers, gate and bridge from the outside. I was there during sunrise. It was absolutely magical to see the sun rise from behind the castle.
More information: Corroy-le-Château
Les Jardins d’Eau d’Annevoie (Annevoie Water Gardens)
About 35 minutes from Corroy-le-Château you will find a true gem: the Water Gardens of Annevoie. The gardens of Annevoie are the only water gardens in Belgium and an absolute must visit! The garden’s design is mainly French, but you will also find English and Italian elements.
I loved walking between the fountains and ponds. My favorite parts were definitely the kitchen garden, the Rock of Neptune and the Alley of Sighs. Also funny; at the big lane, next to the kitchen garden you will find 4 statues. At first I thought they were 4D statues, but they are actually trompe-l’oeil, which was very deceiving! They symbolize the 4 phases of life. I spent about 2 hours walking around in the gardens and taking photos. I felt as if I was in Italy, definitely not in Belgium anymore!
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.
More info: Les Jardins d’Eau d’Annevoie
Château de Bioul
The next stop is for the wine lovers! After a short 5 minute drive you can visit Château de Bioul. This castle dates from the 11th century and knew a lot of misfortune. It witnessed many wars and got burned down by the French in 1554. Afterwards 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.
More info: Château de Bioul
Ruins of Montaigle
After your visit to Château de Bioul, take the field roads (Rue des Bruyères, Rue de Foy and Chemin du Crucifix) to the ruins of Montaigle. You won’t regret this short scenic trip through the fields!
I parked my car at the Rue du Marteau, but if you can’t find a parking space; there is a parking lot a little further across the Italian restaurant. From the Rue du Marteau you follow the path to the ruins. On your way you will already be able to admire the view of the ruins on top of the hill.
The ruins itself are quite impressive. Even though there is not much left, you still get the idea of the greatness of this fortress. It 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 also Montaigle got burned down by the French in 1554. Since the loss of its strategic interest, the castle never got reconstructed. But it seems that there were still people living in certain parts of the castle until the beginning of the 19th century.
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. Not only did I love fantasizing about this place, also the views from the top of the ruins are incredible!
More information: Ruins of Montaigle
Celles
After visiting 4 castles it is time to relax! I stayed at Hotel Le Saint Hadelin in Celles, one of the most beautiful little towns of Wallonia. Checking in happens at the restaurant and the hotel is housed in a traditional stone-built house just around its corner on the beautiful main square across the church. The owners and the staff were super nice!
The rooms are modern, but have an authentic feel thanks to the exposed stone walls and the old wooden furniture. There is no mini bar, but complimentary water bottles are available in the room. Which is always welcome, especially when the weather is hot. Breakfast is served as a buffet and you can request eggs the way you like them.
What I loved about the room was that it had such a cozy vibe, the amount of wall outlets (this is sometimes a real problem in hotel rooms) so I could charge all my camera gear, the big walk-in shower and also the bed, which was super comfortable.
I had dinner at their restaurant and it was absolutely delicious! Make sure to try the tartare de boeuf and the fraises à la Marseillaise.
After dinner I explored the streets of this little town and climbed up to the view point next to the “Ermitage Saint-Hadelin”. From there you get a nice view of Celles.
Book your stay at Hotel Le Saint Hadelin here!
Day 2
Where did I stay: Hotel Le Saint Hadelin, Celles (book here)
Total driving time: 1 hour 10 min
Kilometers: 53 km
Stops: Château de Vêves – Château de Walzin – Château de Freÿr – Celles
Château de Vêves
About 5 minutes from Celles you will encounter the castle of Vêves on a rocky hill. The present castle dates back from around 1410. You can visit the castle’s interior, but unfortunately it was still closed thanks to Covid-19 restrictions when I was there. Still, I loved admiring the castle from the outside because it looks like a small version of Hogwarts with its 6 round castle towers on the hill. Especially when you see it appearing from behind the trees while driving the N910 (Rue du Pîrli). So make sure to walk down that street to discover views of the castle on the hill and some cute houses! The rainy moody weather of the day I visited gave it an extra mysterious look. I will have to come back to be able to visit the castle’s grounds and interior!
More information: Château de Vêves
Château de Walzin
Château de Walzin isn’t a castle you can visit, but it is surely worth adding it to your Wallonia road trip, so 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 cliffs next to the river Lesse. A 12 minute drive will take you to 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.
There is another “hidden” castle view point of which I can’t give you the exact location, since it is actually on private property. But it is easy to find if you use Google Satellite view. Going there is at your own risk!
Walzin castle was built in the 13th century. Even though also this castle was burned down by the French in 1554, the 15th century horseshoe tower still exists! This is the master tower where they kept the artillery. The quadrangular keep in the South wing dates back from the 16th century.
Château de Freÿr
After another 16 minute drive you will arrive at Château de Freÿr. Don’t forget to stop on the way at the view point to admire the castle from up high (I indicated it on the map above). It will give you an idea of how the garden is structured, which is hard to imagine when you are actually walking there.
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 is worth a visit too! It was designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect of Versailles. The garden 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!
More information: Château de Freÿr
Day 3
Where did I stay: Hotel Victoria, Durbuy (book here)
Total driving time: 1 hour 50 min
Kilometers: 114 km
Stops: Château de Leignon – Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne – Château Jemeppe – Château Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne – Durbuy
Château de Leignon
This castle’s current structure dates from the 19th century and it is also called the “Castle with a 1000 Windows”. Which sounds super dreamy, but unfortunately you can’t visit it, because it is private! That doesn’t mean you can’t admire it though! I found out that it is situated next to a cemetery. From the cemetery you already get some nice views of the castle. Unfortunately the castle’s entrance has a huge closed gate, so you can’t peek through the gate either (what do they have to hide, I wonder 🙂 ). What I did do is put my phone through a narrow crack to take a quick a photo. (I can be pretty persistent 🙂 )
Not only the castle is beautiful, but also the little town is worth exploring. I thought it has some Outlander vibes. From the cemetery I had seen agricultural fields next to a road, so I decided to go to the fields as well. Because I was sure, if I could see those fields from up above, I would be able to see the castle from the fields too! That short walk didn’t disappoint, because from the fields you get to see the town the whole time including the church and castle!
Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne
Only 21 km from Leignon, you’ll encounter the castle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne. The original castle was constructed in 1193, but in 1630 it was rebuilt. In the 19th century the castle fell into disrepair but it was extensively restored in the 1930s. The castle houses 3 museums with 32 furnitured rooms; one that shows the life of the lords, one that showcases the more rural life and a nature and hunting museum.
I loved the first 2 museums. It was interesting to see how people lived back in those days and which tools they used. It was also a little spooky, because they play sounds of people living there in the rooms as well. So in the kitchen you could hear pots and pans and at the room of the duchess you could hear her walking around on her heels. Which creeped me out a little, because I was there all by myself (I know I should stop watching that many horror movies). But it surely helped to get a real feel of the castle!
The hunting museum to me felt more like a house of terror. So many dead stuffed animals and traps and guns! It made me feel a little uncomfortable.
But it is certain that the castle owners also truly care about nature. Because next to the castle they maintain a “humid zone” that you can visit as well. It is a beautiful area with ponds and reedbeds, gorgeous wild flowers and animals I heard fleeing away, but didn’t get to see!
More information: Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne
Château Jemeppe
After less than half an hour of driving you’ll arrive at Jemeppe castle. This castle started as a fortified Roman villa (like many castles) and during medieval times it consisted out of various buildings surrounded by marshland and a river. In the beginning of the 13th century it became fortified and a donjon was constructed, protected by moats. In the 17th century it turned into a complete castle with additional living quarters.
The private castle now is a restaurant and hotel, often used for events and seminaries. I wasn’t sure if it was OK to take photos there, so I just went to the reception and asked if I could enter the domain to take a few pics, which was no problem at all. In return I had a drink at the restaurant.
More information: Château Jemeppe
Château Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne
Another 30 minutes later you’ll arrive at La Roche-en-Ardenne. A town situated by the river Ourthe and which houses a ruined feudal castle which is situated on the hill and overlooks the complete town. The first version of this medieval castle was built in the 11th century. During the 12th century the castle was important for the defense and development of trade. In the 17th century the French captured the castle and renovated it. But the castle was neglected after it was handed over to the Spanish. In 1721 the castle burned down after getting struck by lightning and it turned into a ruin.
When you visit this castle I highly recommend a guide who can explain the different parts of the castle and its stories. Otherwise you will think it is just a bunch of rocks. The guide will tell you about the prison tower, the watch tower, the water reserve, a chapel,… Also the city’s bells were hanging in the castle’s clock tower until 1900! The castle even has its own ghost that sometimes appears at night; being the beautiful Countess Berthe de La Roche, who jumped to her death after being tricked into marrying her love rival (the complete tragic story you have to discover at the castle itself!).
More information: Château de La Roche
Durbuy
The next and final stop of the Wallonia road trip today is Durbuy. This is probably one of the most famous villages in Wallonia. Durbuy is a charming little town packed with restaurants and hotels. It contains a lot of beautiful narrow streets decorated with stone-built houses. I loved walking up to a view point northeast from the little town. You just walk up the stairs you’ll find at the big parking lot and follow the path.
Another beautiful feature of this town is the castle. Its location by the river offers some very beautiful photo opportunities!
I stayed at Hotel Victoria which is situated close by the parking lot right in the center of Durbuy and offers clean modern hotel rooms . No complimentary water here, but they did have a big breakfast buffet respecting the Covid-19 restrictions. The bed was super comfortable and I had a good night sleep here. The staff was also very helpful when I had questions.
Book your stay at Hotel Victoria here!
Day 4
Total driving time: 1 hour 22 min
Kilometers: 83 km
Stops: Château de Modave – Château de Spontin – Château de Crupet – Citadel de Namur
Château de Modave
About 25 minutes from Durbuy you will find Modave castle. It is situated in a protected nature reserve that is one of the most important water providers of Belgium. The castle is built on a 60 meter high cliff and offers fantastic views of the valley of the Hoyoux river. It is impossible and forbidden though to go admire the castle from beneath (due to the reason mentioned above)!
The castle dates from the medieval times, but the donjon is the only part left of that time. Mid 17th century the castle was renovated and turned into an elegant house of plaisance. Modave consists of 25 furnitured rooms, which you can visit with an audioguide that gives interesting info about the rooms, the furniture and the paintings you can find there.
Inside you’ll encounter 17th century stuccowork on the ceilings, 18th and 19th century furniture, tapestries, paintings and magnificent chandeliers. I loved wandering around the castle fantasizing what it must’ve been like to live here or sleep in one of those princess beds.
The gardens are free to visit during the castle’s opening hours. Make sure to check out the view of the valley from the big terrace next to the castle.
More information: Château de Modave
Château de Spontin
Spontin castle really looks like the typical medieval castle with its massive walls, towers crowned with slate roofs and its moat with drawbridge. Many tried but not a single army ever succeeded in invading the castle!
The castle is currently closed. I am not sure whether this is because of Covid-19 or because maybe it is in a state of decay? But you can still have a look at the castle from the street and the park next to it. I really hope it will open soon, because it looks interesting being two separate buildings.
Château de Crupet (a.k.a. Château Carondelet)
Only 13 minutes from Spontin, the village Crupet can be explored. It is one of the 31 most beautiful villages in Wallonia. Next to the cute little houses and the Grotte Saint Antoine De Padoue you will find Château Carondelet here. It isn’t a big castle, but it looks totally different from the other castles on this Wallonia road trip. It is a medieval moated donjon built in the 11th century. The castle is still undergoing serious renovations. So you won’t be able to enter the domain, but you can admire it from the street!
Citadel de Namur
The last stop of this Wallonia road trip is Namur. The number one activity I definitely recommend here is to visit the Citadel. Not only above ground with its magnificent views, but also the great underground passages of the citadel! The easiest is to book a time slot in advance for your guided tour (it is not possible to visit these passages without a guide). The tour starts at the former barracks of Terra Nova and I had an excellent guide who spoke Dutch, French and English.
The citadel contains a network of 7 km of passages, one of the biggest in Europe! 4 km is maintained. Napoleon labelled the citadel as “Europe’s Termite Mound” due to its extensive network of underground passages. The tour will take you to the oldest and deepest passages (22m) and takes about 1.5 hours. They use 3D animations, image projections and sound effects to illustrate the very rich history of this incredible place.
Also make sure not to miss the giant sculpture of Jan Fabre called “Searching for Utopia”, which represents himself on a turtle on its way to Utopia. It is situated on the East side of the citadel and you will encounter it on your way down to the city center.
If there is still time left, you could explore Namur. I haven’t done this myself yet, but I am sure I will return! I hope you will enjoy this Wallonia road trip! Make sure to let me know in the comments!
More information: Citadel de Namur
Pin this Wallonia Road Trip for later!
This article is sponsored by Wallonië België Toerisme (Wallonia Belgium Tourism), however my opinion is as always my own.
Soon a video will be released on YouTube as well showing a big part of this road trip! You can already see some of these castles in this video though (I created this road trip itinerary mixing 2 trips).
I hope you enjoyed this “Wallonia Road Trip – Chasing Castles & Fairy-tale Villages” article! Don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below!
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