Diverse Belgium
Ardennes: A different type of holiday home vacation
The Ardennes located in the south-eastern part of Belgium provides those seeking an active vacation as well as wellness enthusiasts a varied range of activities. The impressive landscape is particularly popular with nature lovers, cyclists and hikers. The cut in river valleys with their deep canyons also lure climbers and mountain bikers. After a sporting day countless spas and thermal springs are available for you to relax and recuperate.
You can stay in one of the more than 2,000 holiday apartments and houses that we have on offer. Next to the “classic” holiday home you have the choice of some more unusual domiciles that promise a truly unique and unforgettable vacation.
In Rivière couples can choose to stay in a partly transparent ball. At night they can go to sleep under the starlit skies and be woken up the next morning gently by the first sunrays. The ball has air conditioning so that a stay during the summer is equally appealing. Rivière is just a few kilometres south of Namur and a good starting point for trips in the Ardennes.
The world famous Spa offers a more glamorous and sophisticated setting. From the great number of medicinal springs “Thermes de Spa“ which was completed in the last years is particularly impressive and is located 80 metres above the town on the range of hills “Annette et Lubin”. The thermal bath can be reached via a glass cable railway that offers a lovely view of Spa and the surrounding hills. After recuperating you can try your luck in the evening at roulette, poker or black jack in the oldest casino in Europe. Motorsport enthusiasts will want to consider visiting the Formula 1 race course Spa-Francorchamps. One of the historical villas dating back to the end of the 19th century is a stylish option to reside in Spa which radiates the flair of past times.
Families with children will have lot of fun with this colourful furnished roulottes (former circus caravan). Altogether three caravans that are located in Houffalize can accommodate a family of four. If the weather is suitable the cosy courtyard will be the perfect place for a barbecue in the evening. The small Ardennes village with around 5,000 inhabitants radiates a peaceful atmosphere that will ensure a relaxing vacation.
North Sea coast: Just a few steps from the holiday home to the beach
Have you passed by the North Sea in a tram? If not then you should consider taking a ride on the Kusttram that over a distance of 68 kilometres connects the towns De Panne and Knokke – quite a unique attraction. On the two hour journey you have the option of hopping on and off at one of the 69 stops. Between Oostende and Middelkerke the route actually goes along the beach and you always have a view towards the sea.
The Belgian beaches are perfectly suited for families with children as they are often several hundred metres wide and are great for building sand castles and flying kites
If you fancy something more unusual you should visit the velodrome in Blankenberge. Here you can choose one of 70 original bikes and go on a lap. Everybody will have fun if somebody tries to ride a bike with oval wheels or teetering handlebars. You are sure to have a great time!
There are 14 resorts along the coast with each having their own particular charm. Oostende is regarded as sophisticated, Blankenberge offers a vibrant nightlife and is also known for its annual sand sculpture competition, Koksijde is a flower town and De Panne is also referred to as the “green pearl”. Families will find the holiday parks interesting that offer a varied program for young children and turn less sunny days into a great holiday. Bredene has several family friendly holiday parks that are close to the beach; in De Haan the park that has the same name is just a brief walk to the sea.
Belgian cities: Holiday in the midst of pulsating life
The cities Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp promise exciting and interesting holiday experiences. The capital Brussels has next to world famous highlights such as Manneken Pis, Atomium or Royal Palace a number of interesting museums. Say “Hello” to Tintin, Snowy and Co. in the Comic Strip Centre, discover dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History or go on a technical time travel in the Car Museum.
Bruges also known as the “Venice of the North” has a completely intact medieval historic centre that has a number of canals winding through it. A brewery tour and the chocolate museum should wet your appetite which you can quench with a cool beer and some tasty chocolates.
In Gent the Belfry is the heart of the historical city centre and at the same time one of the three towers that shapes the cityscape. At the canals of the old harbour, Graslei and Korenlei, you will find guild houses that radiate an historical flair. In Gent you will also be able to find the only preserved Medivial castles in Romanesque style in Flanders known as Castle Gravensteen.
Antwerp is a young city where many up and coming designers have found their creative quarters here. Small studios and shops shape the cityscape and invite you to take a stroll. Afterwards you can enjoy a Jenever in one of the many bars and then head to one of the clubs in the evening.
Have you become interested in Belgium? Then take a look at the blogs for the neighbouring countries France and Germany. You can find all blogs here.