Why is the Ardennes the ideal place for a sustainable excursion in Belgium?
The Ardennes is the perfect perfect destination for those looking to escape close to home and adopt a sustainable travel approach. With its verdant landscapes, serene waterways and rich cultural heritage, it has everything to charm in an eco-responsible way.
Europ’Aventure has been a recognized player in sustainable tourism in the Ardennes for nearly 40 years. Now based in Saint-Hubert, the European capital of nature and hunting, our team welcomes you to the heart of nature. By bringing hiking enthusiasts to its lands, Europ’Aventure plays a part in local and regional life, as an economic enterprise of tourist interest, as part of territorial development and as a player in regional life.
For many years, Europ’Aventure has been committed to local travel. We don’t offer any destinations outside Europe, and 90% of our stays are in Belgium. This commitment was recently recognized by the ATR label (Acting for Sustainable Tourism). In this article, Europ’Aventure invites you to discover why this region is ideal for your next sustainable excursions in Belgium. So read on and follow us as we explore the Belgian Ardennes.
Rediscover the wonders of Belgium with nearcation
In recent years, the travel industry has seen the emergence of “nearcation“. What does this practice actually involve, and what are its advantages? Europ’Aventure tells you more below.
A new era in travel
The term “nearcation” is a fusion of the English words “near” and “vacation“. It refers to the tendency to travel locally, in regions close to home.
More than just a trend, nearcation responds to a twofold desire: to get away from everyday life without moving geographically, and to rediscover hidden treasures of your country or region. This makes it an attractive alternative to costly, energy-hungry long-distance travel.
Positive impact on the environment and regional economy
By choosing nearcation, you’re opting for a responsible and conscious way of travelling. On the one hand, this encourages you to opt for short trips and soft mobility for your outings. In this way, you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and, consequently, your environmental impact.
On the other hand, excursions in Belgium allow you to spend your vacation budget(which is smaller than for a longer trip) on local activities. In this way, you’re supporting your own country’seconomy. In other words, you’re taking part in a virtuous circle for the community and theenvironment near you.
The Ardennes for a successful nearcation in Belgium
A natural treasure
With its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, the Ardennes is the ideal region for an excursion in Belgium. Are you a fan of vast, dense forests for your hikes? Do you prefer to admire waterways in the fresh air?
Whatever your preference, the Ardennes is full of landscapes just waiting to be admired. And with its varied flora and fauna, it’s the ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.
A cultural heritage
Of course, there’s much more to this part of Belgium than its natural wealth. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage. We offer 3 suggestions for a historical tour of the Ardennes.
- A visit to the ruins of the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Orval offers you the chance to discover a place steeped in authenticity. Depending on your expectations, you’ll be enthralled by the ancient sacred art collections or the evidence of everyday Cistercian life, housed in the 18ᵉ century cellars. You can also taste their Trappist beer, reputed to be one of the best in the world.
- Revisit the history of the Battle of the Bulge at the Bastogne War Museum. Through the daily lives of 4 endearing characters, immerse yourself in historical re-enactments that will engage all your senses.
- Follow the road to freedom and rediscover the path taken by the American army to liberate Belgium from occupation in 1944.
3 types of activities for a sustainable Belgian excursion
Choose an excursion in the Ardennesis to choose a local getaway. In this way, you avoid flying, promote soft mobility and reduce your environmental impact.
Is that all? On the contrary! The Ardennes region abounds in possibilities for a successful sustainable excursion. Europ’Aventure is the specialist in organizing itinerant holidays in the Ardennes. Below, Europ’Aventure presents 3 types of activities to discover the region while preserving the environment.
On our paths to the rhythm of your footsteps
What better way to preserve nature than to walk through it without touching it? To enjoy the Belgian Ardennes countryside in an environmentally-friendly way, opt for hiking.
Are you a novice or experienced walker? The region abounds with itineraries offering a unique and immersive experience for all levels. We can offer you itinerant or star-based tours.
- Beginner walkers, between Lesse and Semois This route starts on the Lesse and plunges back into the Semois at Bouillon. It offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding forests. For 2 days, discover the tranquility and beauty of the Ardennes on this easy tour. From Daverdisse to the fortified castle of Bouillon, experience a blend of nature and culture on this itinerary accessible to all.
- For intermediate walkers, the Transardennaise Are you in the mood for adventure? Opt for Belgium’s best-known hiking route. With the Transardennaise, you choose the length of your trip from 3 to 9 days. Immerse yourself in the forests of Feyr and Saint-Hubert and enjoy the valleys of the Ourthe, Lesse and Semois rivers. To add a typical touch to your trip, you’ll also visit the small villages of southern Belgium and the castle of Bouillon.
Bicycle touring in nature
The Ardennes, with its river valleys, rolling plateaus and dense forests, offers an idyllic setting for cycle touring. In this way, you can enjoy the region while respecting the tranquillity of nature and encouraging soft mobility.
- For families or beginners, the Route de la Sûre In 2 stages, travel 86 kilometers through the lush green landscapes of southern Belgium. This route allows you to discover the Ourthe, Laval and Sûre valleys. You’ll also be able to enjoy the region’s typical villages on this tranquil and relaxing route.
- For thrill-seekers, the Transardennaise en VTT Mountain biking paradise, the Transardennaise Nord welcomes you for 166 kilometers of fun from La Roche-en-Ardenne to Bouillon. Along Belgium’s most legendary route, you’ll join mountain bike enthusiasts on a journey that’s as physical as it is rejuvenating, but that’s not all. You’ll also discover the region’s various valleys and the picturesque charm of the surrounding villages.
Observe the flora and fauna
Observing flora and fauna helps you reconnect with the natural world around us. And in the Ardennes, this flora and fauna is particularly rich, making for an enriching activity.
However, for this practice to remain beneficial for the environment and local species, it must be carried out in a respectful and conscious manner. Here are a few tips for eco-responsible observation.
- Maintain a respectful distance: To observe animals without disturbing them, maintain a certain distance from them. Use binoculars instead to minimize the impact of your presence.
- Respect silence: Loud noises frighten wildlife and can disrupt ecosystems. Keep your voice low when exploring, so as not to frighten the surrounding nature.
- Don’ t feed the animals: Inappropriate feeding disturbs the animals’ feeding habits. On a larger scale, this can make them dependent on humans.
- Follow the marked trails: To protect the flora and avoid disturbing natural habitats, always stay on the marked trails when hiking or touring. Europ’Aventure hikes are clearly marked and easy to understand. We are partners of the two major Belgian associations in charge of signposting Grants Itineraries: theGR asbl for the GR16 trail on the Semois, and the “GTA – Maison de la randonnée” asbl for the Transardennaise and Transfamenne trails, for example.
- Do not pick plants: Some plants may be rare or protected. Picking flowers or plants can harm biodiversity and the natural life of species. Remember: there must be no trace of your passage.
Plan your trip to the Ardennes with Europ’Aventure
Want to take the plunge and organize your next excursion to the region? Whether you prefer nature walks, historical tours or mountain biking , Europ’Aventure has the right excursion for you.
Questions about departures, cancellations or dates for certain activities? We are available to answer your questions.
