La Roche-en-Ardenne
Steeped in feudal history
La-Roche-en-Ardenne is in the center of the Belgian Ardennes. True to its nickname "the Pearl of the Ardennes", this pretty little town, which is nestled in a loop of the Ourthe and dominated by the ruins of a 9th-century castle, will dazzle you.
In the footsteps of the lords and knights
When you arrive in la Roche-en-Ardenne, you will glimpse this castle, which is located in the heart of nature and which proudly overlooks the city. Standing on the rocky spur of the Deister, this site was successively Neolithic remains, a Roman oppidum, and a residence of the Frankish kings.
Despite the numerous and significant transformations the castle has undergone over the centuries, you can discover the current ruins, with their towers, gun ports, and dungeons, which have clearly conserved the imprint of the feudal era
.
A good number of activities and events are organized, which are popular with tourists and locals alike. During high season, you can attend a falconry display, discover archery and medieval craftsmanship, or shiver at the appearance of the ghost Berthe, the daughter of the lord who, according to the legend, was murdered on her wedding night!
Discover the Ardennes fauna
Along a forest walk of over one kilometer, admire the animals of the Ardennes forest, who live in an environment that closely resembles their natural environment. You will be able to see and, perhaps, come face to face with wolves, lynx, deer, wild boars, or even foxes, etc., meetings as fun as they are impressive.
The fun and educational route devoted to birds will improve your bird knowledge.
A city significantly affected by the Second World War
Although la Roche-en-Ardenne was relatively untouched during the First World War, it paid a very high price during the Second World War. The city was notably bombed numerous times during the summer of 44–45. All that remained of this beautiful city was ruins, but the inhabitants bravely rebuilt a new city, while building a museum dedicated to these tragic events.
This museum pays homage to the men, notably the British soldiers, who fought for its freedom. You will be impressed by its large collections from the Second World War. Equipment, weapons, clothes, vehicles, and relics that belonged to soldiers from the American, British, German, and Belgian armies are displayed over three floors.
Crafts and gastronomy are also important
In La Roche-en-Ardenne, you are in the right place to taste the tradition and terroir of the Ardennes! Taste its most famous cold cuts, such as sausage, ham, or Ardennes pâté, which will delight your taste buds.
Don't forget to taste some local sweets, such as "les baisers de la Roche", a delicacy that will keep you coming back for more! Composed of meringue biscuit and a base of almond paste and butter cream, this pastry appeals to both locals and tourists alike.
If you are interested in handicrafts, do not miss "Grès de La Roche", where you will learn more about the history of traditional pottery from the Ardennes.
La-Roche-en-Ardenne is in the center of the Belgian Ardennes. True to its nickname "the Pearl of the Ardennes", this pretty little town, which is nestled in a loop of the Ourthe and dominated by the ruins of a 9th-century castle, will dazzle you.
In the footsteps of the lords and knights
When you arrive in la Roche-en-Ardenne, you will glimpse this castle, which is located in the heart of nature and which proudly overlooks the city. Standing on the rocky spur of the Deister, this site was successively Neolithic remains, a Roman oppidum, and a residence of the Frankish kings.
Despite the numerous and significant transformations the castle has undergone over the centuries, you can discover the current ruins, with their towers, gun ports, and dungeons, which have clearly conserved the imprint of the feudal era
.
A good number of activities and events are organized, which are popular with tourists and locals alike. During high season, you can attend a falconry display, discover archery and medieval craftsmanship, or shiver at the appearance of the ghost Berthe, the daughter of the lord who, according to the legend, was murdered on her wedding night!
Discover the Ardennes fauna
Along a forest walk of over one kilometer, admire the animals of the Ardennes forest, who live in an environment that closely resembles their natural environment. You will be able to see and, perhaps, come face to face with wolves, lynx, deer, wild boars, or even foxes, etc., meetings as fun as they are impressive.
The fun and educational route devoted to birds will improve your bird knowledge.
A city significantly affected by the Second World War
Although la Roche-en-Ardenne was relatively untouched during the First World War, it paid a very high price during the Second World War. The city was notably bombed numerous times during the summer of 44–45. All that remained of this beautiful city was ruins, but the inhabitants bravely rebuilt a new city, while building a museum dedicated to these tragic events.
This museum pays homage to the men, notably the British soldiers, who fought for its freedom. You will be impressed by its large collections from the Second World War. Equipment, weapons, clothes, vehicles, and relics that belonged to soldiers from the American, British, German, and Belgian armies are displayed over three floors.
Crafts and gastronomy are also important
In La Roche-en-Ardenne, you are in the right place to taste the tradition and terroir of the Ardennes! Taste its most famous cold cuts, such as sausage, ham, or Ardennes pâté, which will delight your taste buds.
Don't forget to taste some local sweets, such as "les baisers de la Roche", a delicacy that will keep you coming back for more! Composed of meringue biscuit and a base of almond paste and butter cream, this pastry appeals to both locals and tourists alike.
If you are interested in handicrafts, do not miss "Grès de La Roche", where you will learn more about the history of traditional pottery from the Ardennes.