Autumn holiday in the Ardennes: everything you need to know
The Ardennes are at their most beautiful in autumn. The forests turn deep orange and red, the rivers run full and the summer crowds have gone. An ideal time for a holiday in a cosy house with a fireplace. Here is everything you need to know about the best activities, the most beautiful walking routes and how to find a good holiday home.
Autumn half-term in the Ardennes usually falls in the last week of October. Book early: houses with a fireplace go first. The forests are at their best between 15 October and 10 November.
Why the Ardennes are special in autumn
The Ardennes forests consist largely of beech, oak and maple trees. These colour spectacularly in autumn: yellow, orange, red and chestnut brown. Walking in the forests between mid-October and early November is an experience you will not find as intensely anywhere else in Belgium. The deciduous woodland in the Ardennes is more extensive and varied than in Flanders, and the differences in altitude make the landscape more dramatic.
Outside the peak season the walking paths are also quieter. No queue for the Cascade de Coo car park, no waiting at the ticket office of Bouillon castle. The Ardennes in autumn are much more pleasant than in August. Restaurants are easier to get into, car parks are empty and holiday homes are more readily available.
Autumn also brings a different atmosphere. The smell of wet leaves on the forest floor, the morning mist hanging low in the valleys, the red squirrels darting across the paths: these are experiences you do not have in summer. An autumn holiday in the Ardennes is less about crowds and more about peace, nature and the simple pleasures of being outdoors.
The most beautiful autumn walks
For the most beautiful autumn colours we recommend walks near La Roche-en-Ardenne, Bouillon and the High Fens. The Ourthe valley between La Roche and Nassogne is lined with beeches that colour beautifully in October. The path along the Roche à l'Aigle offers a panoramic view over the valley and is manageable for children too: the return route is less than 5 kilometres.
In the Semois valley around Bouillon the slopes are steeper and the forests denser. The walk from Frahan to Rochehaut, with its curve over the Tombeau du Géant, is one of the most beautiful autumn routes in Belgium. The climb is demanding but the reward at the top is great: a spectacular view over the Semois meander, surrounded by coloured forests.
In the High Fens the landscape is different: not forests but extensive peat bogs with dwarf birches and heather. The colours are softer there, in shades of brown, ochre and reddish brown. Walking on the boardwalk routes of the Hautes Fagnes is a special experience in autumn too. On a clear November day, with frost on the low vegetation and no other walkers in sight, it feels like the end of the world.
Best autumn walking routes in the Ardennes
- Ourthe valley (La Roche), beech forests along the river, routes 5-15 km
- Roche à l'Aigle, panoramic view over the valley, family-friendly
- Hautes Fagnes boardwalk, peat bog landscape in autumn tones, unique in Belgium
- Tombeau du Géant (Bouillon), spectacular Semois meander, strenuous climb
- Vallée des Fées (Vielsalm), quiet forest path along a stream, less known
- Hertogenwald (Malmedy), extensive conifer forest with well-marked paths
The best destinations for an autumn holiday
La Roche-en-Ardenne is the most complete autumn holiday destination. The town has a castle, a theme park, kayak routes on the Ourthe and well-developed walking routes for all levels. There are enough activities for rainy days and the centre is lively enough for an evening stroll. Holiday homes around La Roche are available in all price ranges.
Bouillon is quieter and better suited to those who want to experience autumn without the tourist crowds. The Crusader castle on the rock above the Semois, the quiet valley walking paths and the authentic atmosphere of the town make Bouillon special. Ideal for couples or smaller families looking for peace.
The High Fens around Malmedy and Stavelot are for those who want a different kind of nature. The peat bog landscape is different from the Ardennes forests and the Spa area combines wellness with nature. Ideal for an autumn weekend of 2 to 3 nights.
The fireplace: the heart of an autumn holiday home
A fireplace or wood stove is not a luxury but a necessity in the autumn holidays. After a wet walk in the forest there is nothing better than putting on dry clothes and sitting by the fire. Always ask the landlord whether there is enough wood and whether the fireplace is in good condition.
Holiday homes with a fireplace in the Ardennes are the first to be booked during the autumn holidays. If you have a specific week in mind, book as early as possible, already in August or September. Homes with an outdoor jacuzzi or hot tub are the fastest-booked category: the combination of cold autumn air and warm bubbling water is irresistibly popular.
Also check the heating of the house. A fireplace is atmospheric but does not heat the entire house. Check whether there is also central heating or good radiators in the bedrooms. October and November can be cold in the Ardennes, especially at night.
Activities for rainy days
Autumn in the Ardennes also means rain. Not every day, but enough to factor in. Plan your holiday with indoor alternatives for wet days.
The Han-sur-Lesse caves are one of the best options: a ninety-minute guided tour through spectacular stalactite caves at a constant 13 degrees. Perfect for a rainy morning. The caves are open all year and advance booking is recommended during the autumn holidays.
Bouillon castle is another popular indoor option. The tour lasts 1 to 2 hours and is well sheltered from the rain. The Musée en Plein Air de Fourneau Saint-Michel (open-air museum with traditional Ardennes buildings) is less suitable in the rain but particularly special in dry autumn weather.
For families with children the climbing forests in the area (Christophe, Fantasilandia) are a good option: they run in light rain too. In La Roche itself the centre also has enough shops, chocolatiers and small restaurants to spend a rainy afternoon pleasantly.
Eating and drinking in the Ardennes in autumn
Autumn is the game season in the Ardennes. Venison, wild boar and rabbit appear on almost every restaurant menu in autumn. Many Ardennes restaurants work with local hunters and butchers for their game dishes. Those who have never tried Ardennes game will find the autumn holidays the best opportunity.
Local specialities not to miss: the filet pur de cerf (venison tenderloin), civet de chevreuil (roe deer stew) and pâté gaumais, a meat pie from the region. These can be found in local butchers and farmers' markets, but also as ready-made dishes in many restaurants.
Those who prefer to cook in the holiday home will find plenty of choice in local butchers. A home-cooked dinner of Ardennes game with a good Belgian beer by the fireplace is in itself an autumn experience.
What does a holiday home cost in the autumn holidays?
The autumn holidays are a peak period for the Ardennes, but prices are still well below those of the summer holidays. A spacious home for 4 to 6 people costs an average of €120 to €200 per night. Homes with a fireplace and jacuzzi cost more: expect €180 to €280 per night for a quality home with wellness.
Outside the exact autumn holiday week, rates are lower. A week at the start of October or after the autumn holidays is 20 to 40% cheaper, while the nature is just as beautiful. The forests start colouring early in October and the colours last until early November. Those who are flexible on dates pay considerably less for the same home.
Also note the additional costs: end-of-stay cleaning (€50 to €100), tourist tax (€1 to €3 per person per night) and possible wood costs if the fireplace is not included in the price. Always ask before booking.
Frequently asked questions about autumn holidays in the Ardennes
When are the autumn colours at their best?
Usually between 15 October and 10 November. This depends on the weather: a dry summer and cool nights in September speed up the colouring. Beeches and maples turn orange and red first, oaks later in November to brown.
Are all activities open during the autumn holidays?
Yes, most attractions are open during the autumn holiday week. Outside the holiday week opening times are sometimes more limited. The Han caves, Bouillon castle and the climbing forests are almost always open in October.
Which region is best for an autumn holiday in the Ardennes?
For families La Roche-en-Ardenne is the most complete choice. For peace and nature Bouillon or the Semois valley is better. For a special spa-atmosphere evening Malmedy and Stavelot are recommended.
