Glamping in the Ardennes: luxury camping among the trees
Glamping combines the best of camping with the comfort of a holiday home. In the Ardennes, the range of unique stays in the heart of nature keeps growing: safari tents with a real bed, tiny houses in pine forests and fully equipped lodges with a private terrace. Here is what glamping in the Ardennes offers, what it costs and how to make the right choice.
Glamping in the Ardennes costs on average between 100 and 200 euros per night for two people. Book ahead: unique stays are popular and fill up fast. Spring and autumn are the quietest, and often the most beautiful, seasons for glamping.
What exactly is glamping?
Glamping stands for glamorous camping: camping with style. You sleep in nature, but in a fully furnished accommodation with a real bed, a private bathroom and often a well-equipped kitchen or kitchenette. The ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without giving up comfort.
In the Ardennes, glamping comes in many forms: safari tents with wood-fired bath, tiny houses in pine forests, treehouses with a terrace above the treetops and lodges with panoramic windows overlooking a river valley. Each type has its own charm.
The different types of glamping in the Ardennes
Safari tents are the most common form of glamping in the Ardennes. They look like large canvas tents but are fully furnished: a wooden floor, a real bed with bedding, furniture and usually a kitchenette. Most have a private bathroom or shared facilities on the site. They are the most affordable and best suited for families.
Tiny houses are compact but well-thought-out homes on a trailer or fixed foundation. They have all the features of a regular home in a smaller format: sleeping area in a loft, small kitchen and private bathroom. Tiny houses are ideal for couples who want to experience conscious, minimalist living.
Lodges and cabins are the most comfortable option: wooden chalets with all the amenities of a regular holiday home but placed in the heart of nature. They are larger, often have a terrace or veranda and some have a hot tub or outdoor bath. This is the most expensive but also the most complete category.
Treehouses are the most unique type: you literally sleep in a tree, 3 to 8 metres above the ground. Some Ardennes treehouses are true architectural gems, with large windows, a terrace above the treetops and a designer interior. They are usually for two people and not suitable for young children.
The Ardennes as a glamping destination
The Ardennes are for several reasons the most popular glamping region in Belgium. The forests are dense enough for privacy, the nature is varied and the distances to activities like hiking, kayaking and cycling are short.
The most popular glamping areas are around La Roche-en-Ardenne, the Semois valley and the region around Durbuy. All these areas combine remarkable nature with convenient amenities nearby.
Around Malmedy and Stavelot you will find glamping stays that benefit from the proximity of the Spa wellness region. This makes it possible to combine: a nature glamping stay with a visit to the Thermes de Spa.
Checklist: what to look out for when booking glamping?
- Private bathroom or shared facilities? Private is more comfortable but pricier.
- Is there a kitchenette or kitchen, or do you need to prepare all meals outside?
- How is heating arranged? (essential outside summer)
- Is there an outdoor space: terrace, fire pit, barbecue?
- Are dogs welcome? (not all glamping sites allow pets)
- How far is the nearest supermarket or restaurant?
- Is there wifi? (handy for longer stays, but sometimes deliberately absent)
- Minimum stay: many glamping stays require at least 2 nights
What does glamping in the Ardennes cost?
The price of glamping in the Ardennes varies considerably depending on the type of accommodation and the season. A basic safari tent for two starts around 80 euros per night. Fully equipped lodges with hot tub or outdoor bath can reach 200 to 300 euros per night.
In spring and autumn, prices are lower than in the summer holidays. A glamping stay in April or October is not only cheaper but also quieter and in some ways more beautiful: fewer tourists, more nature. The summer holidays (July-August) are the busiest and most expensive period.
Don’t forget the additional costs either: end-of-stay cleaning, tourist tax and sometimes parking fees. Some safari tents ask guests to bring their own bedding. Always check this when booking.
Glamping with children in the Ardennes
Glamping is also an excellent choice for families. Children find it exciting to sleep in a tent or treehouse, while parents can enjoy the peace and comfort. When booking, check the minimum age: treehouses are not suitable for young children and some safari tents are situated on sites with open water or steep slopes.
For families, safari tents or ground-level lodges are the most practical choice. They generally have more sleeping places and are safer for young children. Also check for an enclosed outdoor area if you are bringing young children.
Children sleeping in a glamping accommodation for the first time experience a real adventure. A campfire outside, the sound of the wind in the trees, a night without television: these are memories that last. Bring a good board game or book for the evenings.
Glamping versus a holiday home: when to choose what?
Glamping is ideal for short stays of 2 to 4 nights, for those who want to put nature at the centre and are willing to trade some space and amenities. A holiday home offers more comfort, more space and a fully equipped kitchen, which is more practical for longer stays or larger groups.
For a romantic weekend or an adventurous family weekend, glamping is a great choice. For a full week with the whole family or a group trip, a spacious holiday home is generally more practical.
The best time for glamping in the Ardennes
Spring, from April to June, is the most recommended time for glamping in the Ardennes. Nature is in full bloom, temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities and accommodations are not yet fully booked. May is the ideal month: enough evening light, warm enough for an outdoor fire and the forests are at their most vibrant.
September and October are the second best period. The summer crowds have gone, the autumn colours are beautiful and the cooler nights make an outdoor fire all the more enjoyable. Check the heating of the accommodation if you are going in October: nights can be cold in the Ardennes.
July and August are the busiest and most expensive. Many glamping stays are booked months in advance. If you want to glamp during the summer holidays, book at least 3 to 4 months ahead.
Frequently asked questions about glamping in the Ardennes
How much does glamping in the Ardennes cost?
A safari tent for two starts from 80 euros per night. Lodges with a hot tub can reach 300 euros per night. In spring and autumn, prices are 20 to 40% lower than in summer.
Is glamping suitable for children?
Safari tents and lodges are excellent for families. Treehouses are less suitable for young children. Always check the minimum age and the safety of the outdoor area.
When should you book glamping in the Ardennes?
For the summer holidays: 3 to 4 months ahead. For spring and autumn: 4 to 8 weeks usually suffice, but popular stays fill up quickly even then.