Cycling holiday in the Ardennes: the best routes and holiday homes for cyclists
The Ardennes are a paradise for cyclists. The hills and valleys of the provinces of Luxembourg and Namur offer both technical mountain bike trails and classic road cycling routes along rivers and through forests. Whether you ride trails on a hardtail or climb long cols on a road bike: the Ardennes deliver. And after a tough day in the saddle, there is nothing better than a comfortable holiday home with space for your bikes.
The Ardennes offer mountain bike trails in Durbuy and Lierneux, classic cols for road cyclists around La Roche and Malmedy, and well-marked junction routes. Good bases are Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Malmedy. Look for a holiday home with a lockable bike storage room or garage.
Mountain biking in the Ardennes: technical trails and enduro
The Ardennes are one of the better mountain biking destinations in Western Europe. The combination of technical single tracks, rocky sections and long climbs makes it ideal for experienced mountain bikers. The terrain is less technical than the Alps but more challenging than most Belgian alternatives.
The Trail Center Durbuy is the most developed mountain biking centre in Belgium. With more than 200 km of trails for all levels, a trail centre with maps and a growing enduro scene, Durbuy is the first choice for serious mountain bikers. The trails are well marked with routes for both beginners and advanced riders.
In the area around Lierneux and Vielsalm you will find less touristy trails that are nonetheless excellent. The nature is wilder, the trails less busy and the atmosphere more authentic. Ideal for those wanting to avoid Durbuy's crowds while still seeking quality single tracks.
Enduro is growing strongly in the Ardennes. Several clubs organise annual enduro events in the region. If you bring an enduro bike, look for a holiday home with a solid garage or barn: enduro bikes are expensive and best not left outside.
Road cycling in the Ardennes: classic cols and quiet roads
For those heading into the Ardennes on a road bike or gravel bike, there are plenty of challenges. The region has several classic Belgian climbs that also feature in professional cycling events. Roads are generally well maintained, traffic density is low outside the summer months and the scenery is spectacular.
The Côte de la Roche and the surroundings of La Roche-en-Ardenne are popular with road cyclists. The roads wind through deep valleys and regularly offer viewpoints over the surrounding hills. A ride of 80 to 100 km from La Roche with 1,500 to 2,000 metres of climbing is perfectly achievable for fit cyclists.
The area around Malmedy and the High Fens has quieter traffic and better roads for road cycling. The Hautes Fagnes offers a unique landscape of marshes and raised bog that feels completely different from the saddle than on foot. Note: wind on the High Fens can provide strong headwinds in spring and autumn.
Gravel bikers will find an excellent destination in the Ardennes: the combination of sealed roads and unsurfaced forest tracks makes it ideal for a gravel adventure. The Ourthe valley has a good network of gravel-suitable paths that can be explored from various villages.
The best bases for cyclists: Durbuy, La Roche, Malmedy
Durbuy is the best base for mountain bikers. The Trail Center sits just outside the village, there are bike hire shops, a good selection of restaurants and cafes, and a large choice of holiday homes within cycling distance of the trails. Downside: in summer Durbuy is very busy. Book early or opt for shoulder season.
La Roche-en-Ardenne is the better base for road cyclists. Its setting on the Ourthe, the climbing available in all directions and the slightly quieter atmosphere make it more pleasant for those planning longer rides. La Roche also has kayak hire for an active rest day.
Malmedy is the least touristy of the three but has a lot to offer. It is the gateway to the High Fens and sits near the German-speaking region, giving the atmosphere a mix of Belgian, German and Walloon character. For road cyclists seeking quiet roads and little crowds, Malmedy is an excellent choice.
Less well-known but excellent bases include Vielsalm (for mountain biking and gravel), Houffalize (with its own bike park) and Bouillon (for the tourist who also cycles). Houffalize hosts one of Belgium's oldest and most famous mountain biking events and has a strong cycling culture.
What makes a good cycling holiday home?
A holiday home suitable for cyclists has several specific features. The most important is storage for your bikes. A lockable garage or bike room is absolutely necessary: leaving bikes outside is not only a theft risk, but rain or overnight frost can also ruin your enjoyment the next day.
Ask about a drying room too. After a wet day in the Ardennes, cycling kit, helmets, gloves and shoes are soaking wet. A space to dry everything is not a luxury but a basic requirement for a multi-day cycling holiday. Some hosts offer a heated bike storage room with drying racks.
Other useful features: an outdoor tap to rinse the bike after a muddy ride, a sturdy table for small repairs or tyre changes, and a good wifi connection for planning routes and comparing Strava segments. Not all hosts think of these details, but the best cycling-friendly homes have everything covered.
Also consider the location of the home in relation to the trails or starting points. A home 15 minutes' drive from the trails is fine for a day's cycling, but if you want to ride multiple days, you want to be as close to the trail centre as possible.
Best cycling season: spring vs. summer vs. autumn
Spring (April-May) is for many cyclists the best season in the Ardennes. The forests are in leaf, temperatures are pleasant (15-20 degrees), trails are generally in good condition after winter and it is not yet too busy. Downside: in April there can still be wet periods that make trails muddy.
Summer (June-August) is the busiest season. Trails and roads are at their best, restaurants are open and the atmosphere is lively. But popular areas like Durbuy are very busy, holiday homes are more expensive and harder to book. Plan your summer holiday well in advance.
Autumn (September-October) is the favourite season of many cyclists. The forests turn red and yellow, temperatures are pleasant, crowds have thinned and the light is fantastic for photographs. Downside: days are shorter, leaving fewer riding hours. Bring a good set of lights.
Winter (November-February) is too demanding for most cyclists. Trails can be muddy and dangerous in freezing conditions. A few hardy mountain bikers ride in winter, but most holiday homes are less busy and the atmosphere is quieter. For those who enjoy riding alone with little traffic, it is the best but most challenging season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best starting point for mountain biking in the Ardennes?
Durbuy is the best-equipped starting point with more than 200 km of trails, a trail centre and full infrastructure. Houffalize is a good alternative for those seeking a bike park. Lierneux and Vielsalm are quieter and less touristy.
Are the Ardennes suitable for beginner cyclists?
For mountain biking there are beginner routes in Durbuy and Houffalize. For road cycling there are also flatter routes along the Ourthe and the Semois. The Ardennes are generally terrain with significant elevation changes, so a reasonable level of cycling fitness is advisable.
How do I look after my bike during a holiday in the Ardennes?
Look for a holiday home with a lockable bike room or garage. Bring a good lock for stops. Make sure your bike is in good technical order before you leave: bike mechanics are not around every corner in the Ardennes.
What is the best season for cycling in the Ardennes?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons: fewer crowds, beautiful nature and pleasant temperatures. Summer is excellent but busier and more expensive. Winter is for advanced mountain bikers.