VISITWallonia - The Ultimate Belgian Getaway

17/09/2026

The Cailloux de Mousny walk is a 9 km loop starting from the village square in Mousny, near La Roche-en-Ardenne.

The route takes you past Les Blancs Cailloux, a protected site scattered with blocks of white quartz, some over a metre across, sitting at the edge of the woods in open farmland. Local legend says a shepherd refused water to a passing pilgrim and was turned to stone along with his flock. Geologists put it down to quartz veins in the bedrock 😉

16/09/2026

The Steam Festival runs on 26 and 27 September at the Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des 3 Vallées, on the heritage line between Mariembourg and Treignes.

Three locomotives are out over the weekend: the 'SACM', the 'AD09' and the 'ELNA'. There's live music across both days, meals served in the restored dining cars, and food stands on site. A model railway fair and a LEGO railway display run alongside, plus a craft market at the Treignes end of the line.

15/09/2026

L'Instant Ch'Oizy is a small family-run stay near Bouillon, in the Ardenne, with two gipsy wagons, each set up for two people.

Both are in a garden on the edge of a small village, away from streetlights, so the sky stays dark for stargazing. Breakfast can be booked the day before and left at your door, made with local produce.

The area has forest walks, cycling routes, kayaking and fishing on the Semois river, and electric scooter outings if you want to get moving.

14/09/2026

Victor Hugo once called Mons "a charming town", worth talking about. Cultural Capital of Wallonia since 2002 and European Capital of Culture in 2015, the city wears its history and creativity in equal measure.

Three of its treasures carry UNESCO status: the Belfry, an 87 metre Baroque tower locals call "El Catiau"; the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes; and the Doudou festival, an early summer celebration that fills the streets with a procession, a gilded carriage, and the legendary battle between Saint George and the dragon.

The Grand Place is the obvious place to start, ringed by the Gothic collegiate church built between 1450 and 1621, the Garden of Mayeur, and Havré castle nearby. While you're there, rub the head of the "Monkey of the Grand Garde" with your left hand, locals say it brings good luck.

For art and heritage, head to the CAP, a new museum complex bringing together the Museum of Fine Arts and the Maison des Collections. It has hosted major exhibitions on the likes of Van Gogh, Miró and Rodin, it's right in the heart of the historic centre, and will soon showcase the work of Chagall.

Once you've had your fill of the old town, the Mons Memorial Museum and the Mundaneum (sometimes called the "Google of paper") are both worth the detour, along with the Van Gogh House a short trip away in Cuesmes.

13/09/2026

September is a time for harvest in our vineyards… so cheers to that!

Here’s the ones you can visit linked with a castle tour:
➡ https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/119/blog/a-wine-and-castle-themed-holiday-in-wallonia

11/09/2026

This year marks two centuries since the Lion's Mound first rose over the Waterloo battlefield.

Happening tomorrow, with its 226 steps sweeping views across the plains where Napoleon met his final defeat, take in a special anniversary programme.

Accessible to everyone, this Bicentennial show offers a lively, friendly, and captivating way to rediscover the site's history.

10/09/2026

Every September, the Ardenne's forests fill with the sound of stags bellowing. It's the rut, mating season, when males roar to claim their territory and their herd. Mid-September to mid-October is the best time to hear it.

Several guided walks are organised: the Anlier Forest on 23 September, Saint-Hubert Forest with Fourneau Saint-Michel, Bouillon on 18 and 26 September, La Roche-en-Ardenne Game Park from 25 September, and early-morning outings in Erezée through October. Parc Animalier des Grottes de Han runs walks every Friday to Sunday from 18 September to 11 October.

Prefer to go without a guide? Head to the Great Forest of Saint-Hubert, where hides let you watch safely. Keep your distance, stay quiet, wear dark clothes, and leave the flashlight and phone at home.

Full list of dates and bookings: https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/119/blog/autumn-activities-in-wallonia

08/09/2026

The Golf Club 7 Fontaines, in a 100-hectare estate near Waterloo, has two 18 hole courses, Le Château and La Forêt, plus a 9-hole course called Le Parc for beginners.

The clubhouse is set in the Château de l'Hermite, an 18th century building with a terrace looking over the course. There's a restaurant on site for a meal after your round.

It is an established golf club in Southern Belgium and makes an easy day out if you're in the Waterloo area.

04/09/2026

26/08/2026

Who's ready for Tanks in Town this weekend?
The 25th edition rolls into Mons, 28 - 30 August

🗓️ Friday 28th
7:30am - Liberation March (7, 17 or 27km routes).
1pm - Bois Brûlé military camp opens.
8pm - Party evening "Les Retrouvailles" with live music & DJ MK.

🗓️ Saturday 29th
9am to 6pm - Bois Brûlé site open.
11am to 2pm - Amphibious vehicle demo at Grand Large Lake.
8pm - 25th Anniversary Evening: roast pig dinner, live swing music & vehicle.awards.

🗓️ Sunday 30th
8:30am - Wheeled vehicle convoy departs Ghlin, with stops across Mons.
1pm - Armoured vehicle parade departs.
3:45pm - Official ceremony for the Narcis Bell, Grand Place.
5pm - Historic parade finale at Grand Place with the SHAPE International Band.

🎟️ Bois Brûlé site: €10/day (free under 12s), your wristband covers all 3 days.
🚗 Parking at Hippodrome de Wallonie.