About this experience
Wallonia is famous for its monasteries and bell towers, medieval cities and centuries-old streets, church spires over every village, and gray castles from the times of Dumas' heroes and the Crusades era. Here, every twenty kilometers there is a castle. Ernest Hemingway once said: 'This place is like something out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales'. I invite you to see for yourself by walking through the Ardennes forests and castle ruins, tasting Belgian beer, and learning the legends about the origins of its varieties.
What to expect
The history of two states and two fortresses
Our journey will start at the train station (the meeting city will be agreed upon in advance), where you can arrive from any part of Belgium or neighboring countries. I will pick you up in my car and we will head to Bouillon - a fortified city in the south of Belgium, known as the 'key to the Ardennes' (most of Wallonia is occupied by the Ardennes uplands). The first mention of the city dates back to 988. Count Godfrey of Bouillon made a significant contribution to the history of the Crusades, and since then it has been surrounded by numerous fairy tales and legends, which I will be happy to tell you about.
Then, we will cross the border between Belgium and France on a mountain road and arrive in Sedan. This city boasts the largest fortress in Western Europe, numerous interesting museums, and architectural landmarks. One of the major historical events in this region took place in 1870 when the fortress became the center of one of the largest battles of the Franco-Prussian War.
Exploring the gastronomic culture of the region
To make our journey even more enchanting, I will show you secret places where you can taste genuine Belgian beer and share legends associated with the names of local beer varieties: Duvel, La Corne du bois des pendus, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort... Belgians love and know how to make good beer, so they drink only their own. In the French town of Sedan, you will have the opportunity to taste exquisite wines and try savory pancakes popular in northern France.
In addition to beer, you will bring home legendary traditional waffles served in cafes or baked on the streets, Belgian chocolate, French cheeses, the freshest sausages, hot dogs, and ham made from domestic and wild animals!
Who is this excursion for
This journey will be interesting for both adults and children.
Organizational details
- I will drive you in my car which has 4 passenger seats
- Entrance tickets to the castles are paid separately. The cost of a ticket to Bouillon Castle is 11 euros, which also includes a visit to two museums. Without visiting the museums (only the fortress), it is 7 euros. The entrance ticket to Sedan Fortress is 9.5 euros. Discounts are available for children.
- The cost of a beer mug is from 3 €, the cost of snacks depends on your preferences
- Upon prior agreement, we can visit Orval Abbey instead of one of the towns. The ticket cost to Orval is 6 euros without visiting the new church. At the abbey, you can taste the famous Orval beer and buy yourself cheese made by the monks as a souvenir.
