province of liege… generous by nature

province of liege…
generous by nature
© Province of Liège - Communication Department
SITUATED AT THE CROSSROADS OF
EUROPE, LIEGE PROVINCE HAS A WIDE
RANGE OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS,
EARNING IT THE REPUTATION OF THE
GREATEST TOURIST AREA IN WALLONIA
IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
Great Britain
Amsterdam
240 km
Rotterdam
226 km
Aachen - Hasselt - Liège - Heerlen - Maastricht
Five towns - Three countries - One Euregio
Five European cities, each with its own unique
history and character, sharing one future in respect
of economics and tourism in a Europe without
frontiers.
Surf to the Heartofeurope site and discover cycle
routes, local specialities, and the art and culture of
the cross-border regions.
www.vacancesaucoeurdeleurope.eu
Dover
331 km
Bruges
185 km
Lille
196 km
BY AIR
Liège-Airport: 10 km from city centre
BY RAIL
Lille: 2h41
Paris: 2h10
Maastricht: 0h30
Amsterdam: 3h01
Luxembourg: 2h22
Aachen: 0h45
Köln: 1h03
London: 3h30
Deutschland
Heerlen
41 km
Maastricht
25 km
35 km
91 km
60 km
Brussels Hasselt
Aachen
Antwerp
110 km
Belgium
Mons
113 km
Valenciennes
164 km
Visit LIeGE
Nederland
Namur
Liège
49 km
Luxembourg
France
Luxembourg
155 km
Metz
Paris
369 km
228 km
Nancy
283 km
Strasbourg
386 km
Köln
100 km
FIVE TOURIST REGIONS
The Province of Liège offers above all
a picturesque and varied landscape,
harmonious and serene, and mountains at
the more human scale: the Ardennes.
With the support of Wallonia, Wallonie-Bruxelles-Tourisme and the Commissariat General au Tourisme
Cover :
Liège-Guillemins High Speed Rail Station - A miracle of
architectural design by Santiago Calatrava
Chief editor:
Province de Liège
Place Saint Lambert 18 A
B-4000 LIèGE (Belgium)
Production:
Editorial board - Jérôme Aussems - Begoña Barrero - Patrice
Legros
Layout:
Jean-Claude Massart - créacom
Isabelle Léonard - Justine Fréhisse
Photo credits:
Marie-Frédérique Dodet - FTPL - Some photographs have
become available from the tourism service providers
Distribution and stocks: Jacques Dierickx
Printers: Massoz Printing Works - Alleur - Belgium
01/2015/5M - ISSN 0033-1872
PROVINCE DE LIege... generous by nature 1
EDITOrial
The Province of Liège,
a central location and a versatile offer within your reach
Lying at the heart of the strategic London-Paris-Berlin triangle, the
Province of Liège has the advantage of a remarkable geographical
location - a unique gateway to Europe!
It is a choice destination with significant assets that offers 139
museums, 72 visitable sites of heritage and architectural interest,
or in terms of leisure, recreational centres such as Plopsa Coo, the
Caves of Remouchamps, the “Découvertes de Comblain” discovery
centre, Blegny-Mine - a UNESCO World Heritage site – and the
Vallon and Lembrée tourism areas.
It also plays home to two prestigious spas and wellness centres (Spa
and Chaudfontaine), a network of some 5,000 km of signposted
walks (800 routes), alpine ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails,
9 golf courses, and more.
With regards to accommodation, there are castles and wonderful
buildings, more than 170 hotels, 19 holiday villages and over a thousand bed & breakfast and rental establishments.
Finally the calendar boasts a lot of exciting events like the Liège
Trade Fair, les Ardentes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Grand Prix of SpaFrancorchamps, the Expo 14-18…
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The Tourism Federation is optimising the tourist potential of the Province of Liège by setting up a new unit:
Receptive Tourism.
Organisers of travel, seminars, team building will be able to benefit from a customised and quality service. Whether it is school groups, corporate groups,
groups of seniors or daytrippers of all ages, suitable, targeted products of standing will meet the most exacting expectations.
From now on and in partnership with private stakeholders, the FTPL, through this initiative, is supporting, co-ordinating and offering a flexible service that
will live up to your demands!
Two destinations, equally contrasting and complementary, are particularly suited to the MICE sector: Liège, daughter of Meuse and ancient principality and
now a cultural metropolis of European standing and Spa, located at the gates of the High Fens and globally renowned for its thermal waters for which it
was, in the 18th century, the European cradle!
Furthermore, an e-commerce tourism platform focused on individual tourists keeps up with the latest trends (p. 10).
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 3
AROUND AYWAILLE
Aywaille, THE ROMANTIC VALLEY OF THE NINGLINSPO
Anthisnes, Comblain-au-Pont, Esneux,
Ferrières, Hamoir, Lierneux, Ouffet,
Sprimont, Stoumont
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Abundant Nature
The enclosed valleys of the Ourthe and the Amblève
form one of the most stunning landscapes in the
Belgian Ardennes. The valley of the Ninglinspo
(Belgium’s only torrent) and the Fonds de Quarreux
(rounded quartzite rocks lying in the bed of the
River Amblève) are classed as Exceptional Heritage
of Wallonia. Explore the rural idyll of the OurtheAmblève on foot, on horseback, on a bike. 900 km of
signposted trails lead you through woodland, typical villages or along the riverbanks. 700 km of cycle
trails : cycle along quiet country lanes or mountain
bike over exciting terrain in spectacular scenery. 150
km of bridle paths through areas of untouched rural
beauty.
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1. La Gleize
“December 44” Historical Museum
This world-famous museum
is located on the site of the
Battle of the Ardennes,
fought in December 1944
Maison du Tourisme
du Pays d’Ourthe-Amblève
Route de Louveigné, 3
B-4920 SOUGNé-REMOUCHAMPS
Tel. + 32 (0)4 384 35 44
info@ourthe-ambleve.be
www.ourthe-ambleve.be
2. The Comblain Discoveries
The Grottos “de l’Abîme”, the
Géromont quarry and the
Museum of the OurtheAmblève region…
Discover the sites and have
fun!
3. Sprimont - Banneux
Notre-Dame
Thousands of pilgrims from
all over the world visit this
Marial site every year
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 5
AROUND HUY
Huy, DAUGHTER OF THE MEUSE
Amay, Berloz, Braives, Burdinne, Clavier,
Donceel, Engis, Faimes, Geer, Héron, Huy,
Marchin, Modave, Nandrin, Oreye,
Remicourt, Saint-Georges, Tinlot,
Verlaine, Villers-le-Bouillet,
Wanze, Waremme
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Outstanding Heritage
The pretty little tourist town of Huy lies on the
confluence of the rivers Meuse and Hoyoux. The
picturesque valleys of Old Huy and the medieval
buildings bear witness to the town’s historic past,
while the pedestrian area invites you to stroll and
discover new things. One of the riches of the area is
the valley of the Hoyoux, leading visitors to discover the woods and untamed countryside. The fabulous Condroz, land of stone and torrents, presents a
limestone relief carved out by the irresistible flow of
water. Romance beckons! In Hesbaye-Meuse, set off
on signposted footpaths in search of horizons and
meetings that will warm your heart. Every village has
its own unique character. 15 footpaths and a cycle trail
make it easy to visit the splendid architectural heritage and the glories of nature, an exceptional environment with its own unique flora and fauna. The Nature
Park of the Valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne
in Hesbaye, in the triangle formed by the towns of
Huy, Andenne and Hannut, owes its distinction to its
woodland ecosystems, its wetland, water meadows
and extensive agricultural areas. Discover the nature
park all year round - 18 footpaths circuits, 4 mountain
bike circuits, 2 signposted cycle trail circuits.
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1. Oteppe
Domaine l’Hirondelle
Vast leisure and recreation
domain in a rural setting
2. Hesbaye
Hesbaye, one of Europe’s
most fertile areas. Fields
belted with trees…
3. Huy: the Grand’Place
In the heart of the city, near
the commercial pedestrian
area
Maison du Tourisme de Huy-Meuse-Condroz
Quai de Namur, 1 - B-4500 HUY
Tel. +32 (0)85 21 29 15
mthuy@pays-de-huy.be
www.pays-de-huy.be
Maison du Tourisme Hesbaye-Meuse
Abbaye de la Paix-Dieu
Rue Paix-Dieu, 1B - B-4540 AMAY
Tel. +32 (0)85 21 21 71
hesbayemeuse@skynet.be
www.tourisme-hesbaye-meuse.be
Maison du Tourisme des Vallées de la Burdinale
et de la Mehaigne
Rue de la Burdinale, 6 - B-4210 BURDINNE
Tel. +32 (0)85 25 16 96
mtourisme@burdinale-mehaigne.be
www.burdinalemehaigne.com
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 7
Liège - THE FIERY CITY
AROUND LIèGE
The glorious past of the city of Liège has left an
unusually rich heritage of collegiate churches
and museums. The exceptionally successful
renovation of the Museum of Walloon Life and
the Grand Curtius, a major attraction, the
Express Train station designed by Santiago
Calatrava, the Royal Liège Philharmonic Orchestra, the Théâtre de Liège and the brand new
Royal Opera of Wallonia put Liège firmly on the
map as a major European cultural metropolis.
ART, HISTORY, NATURE & FRESH WATER
Ans, Awans, Bassenge, Beyne-Heusay,
Blegny, Chaudfontaine, Crisnée, Dalhem,
Flémalle, Fléron, Grâce-Hollogne,
Herstal, Juprelle, Liège, Oupeye,
Saint-Nicolas, Seraing, Trooz, Visé
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Liège is the chief tourist city in Wallonia. Take your
time to explore the historic heart of a city with a
rich past dating back more than thousand years
(the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Town Hall, the
Perron, the Hors-Château quarters, the church of St
Bartholomew with its famous baptismal fonts…). A
few steps from the centre, the paths of the Citadel
hills are a great place to walk and to live, a place where
nature has been preserved. Liège is the perfect place
for shopping, with its many shopping areas and pedestrian streets. (Belle-Ile, Médiacité, Galeries SaintLambert, Espace Saint-Michel…).
Cross the river to Outremeuse, an islet bearing the
imprint of world-famous writer Georges Simenon,
and of Tchantchès, Liège’s oldest inhabitant. The
Basse-Meuse is a tourist region with outstanding
countryside, a turbulent history and a huge network
of footpaths and cycle trails. Close by, in the Thermes
& Coteaux area, natural resources are a major attraction. For centuries, the natural hot water springs
have brought health and well-being to thousands of
people.
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1. Cruises on the River Meuse
Liège, Visé, Huy, Seraing
Sunny cruises, gourmet
cruises, themed cruises
2. Liège - Shop’In Design
Médiacité commercial centre
3. Between the rivers Geer
and Meuse - Mount St Pierre
A limestone massif of
extraordinary beauty lying
on the border between the
Netherlands, Flanders and
Wallonia
Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Liège
Halle aux Viandes - Quai de la Goffe, 14
B-4000 LIeGE
Tel. +32 (0)4 221 92 21 - www.liege.be/tourisme
TGV Train station Liège-Guillemins
Tel. +32 (0) 252 90 95 - www.liegetourisme.be
Maison du Tourisme des Thermes & Coteaux
Avenue des Thermes, 78b
B-4050 CHAUDFONTAINE
Tel. +32 (0)4 361 56 30
info@thermesetcoteaux.be
www.thermesetcoteaux.be
Maison du Tourisme de la Basse-Meuse
Rue des Béguines, 7 - B-4600 VISE
Tel. +32 (0)4 374 85 55
info@basse-meuse.be - www.basse-meuse.be
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 9
The Tourism Federation
brings to you a Marketplace like no
other!
Are you wishing to book accommodation on a campsite, in a hotel, in a gîte... to organise and activity,
book a show, buy an entrance ticket to a museum,
hire a bike, or even put together a package formula?
Get surfing to www.ouftitourisme.be. Thanks to
this new e-commerce tourist site you can simply
select and add to your cart as you desire. Totally secure payment is performed in one single operation
and bears on the whole of the services put into your
cart. Confirmations and vouchers are automatically
issued to you. This platform gives free rein to your
imagination and opens up so many horizons!
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Liège Province,
a real breeding ground for microbreweries
While it’s the big brewing groups that secure the international
renown of our Belgian beers, microbreweries are improving
the image of artisanal beer – it’s truly becoming a fashionable
product for sampling, meeting a wish for local products,
short distribution routes, quality and a return to basics. It is
winning acclaim as an ingredient in cooking and as a feature
on beer menus in bars and restaurants … It’s no accident
that the label “Liège Beer Lovers City” fits in every way – it’s
because Liège is THE meeting point for people who love beer!
Yes, scents of Scotland and Ireland, but – made
in Hesbaye…
© WBT - Emmanuel MATHEZ
A passionate Liège-based distiller, Etienne Bouillon, has chosen barley grown in our Hesbaye fields to make his 100%
Belgian whisky. Water from the region makes up the other
important ingredient, for this is where the malted barley will
release its precious sugar. There then follow the phases of fermentation (72 hours), distillation in two swan-neck stills originating straight from Scotland, and finally ageing in American oak vats. All that’s left to do now is let time do its work…
These are the origins of Belgian Owl Whisky, a single
malt aged for 64 months which has just been awarded
the title – for the second time – of best European whisky (2011 and 2015) by Jim Murray, the ”Whisky Pope”.
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 11
AROUND MALMEDY
THE HIGH FEN, A GEM OF NATURE
Amel, BÜLLingen, Burg-Reuland,
Bütgenbach,
Eupen, Kelmis/La Calamine,
Lontzen, Malmedy, Raeren,
St-Vith, Waimes
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Respect for Nature
East-Belgium! This territory, where German is also spoken, lies to the East of the province of Liège. The High
Fen (Hautes Fagnes - Hohes Venn) is our country’s
oldest and largest nature reserve. In this gem of nature, springs flowing in a moorland stretching to the
horizon produce a unique flora and fauna. The Park
House - Botrange is the location where nature lovers
and ramblers of the High Fen - Eifel Nature Park meet.
Close by, the Botrange Signal marks the highest point
in Belgium (694 m).
The Fen contains several lakes -Robertville, Bütgenbach
and Eupen - with their leisure pursuit centres, ideal for
family outings and for holiday makers in search of rest
and quiet. The magnificent valley of the Our, a little paradise for walkers, is a major attraction. In winter, the
whole region reveals its special delights, offering skiers
the country’s finest snowy scenes and slopes.
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1. Eupen - Vesdre Dam
East-Belgium’s biggest dam
2. Malmedy Malmundarium
A space of excellence for local
history, art and culture
3. Snowflakes?
All the fun of snow at the
summit of Belgium
Maison du Tourisme des Cantons de l’Est
Place Albert 1er, 29a
B-4960 MALMEDY
Tel. + 32(0)80 33 02 50
info@eastbelgium.com
www.eastbelgium.com
Tourismusagentur Ostbelgien
East-Belgian Tourist Office
Hauptstrasse 54
B-4780 ST-VITH
Tel. + 32(0)80 22 76 64
info@eastbelgium.com
www.eastbelgium.com
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 13
Around Spa
Spa, Pearl of the Ardennes
Aubel, Baelen, Dison, Herve, Jalhay,
Limbourg, Olne, Pepinster, Plombières,
Spa, Stavelot, Theux,
Thimister-Clermont, Trois-Ponts,
Verviers, Welkenraedt
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Nature in all its glory
The city of Spa has an exceptional setting, which
owes its distinction to its enormous mineral water
resources. ”Green“ leisure activities occupy pride of
place : in the country of springs you will find a network
of footpaths and cycle trails to help you discover
outstanding natural wealth (103 walks, 13 signposted
mountain-bike circuits). Verviers is an ancient capital
of the wool industry, with its many traces of the rich
industrial and economic history of the valley of the
Vesdre. The mediaeval city of Limbourg, and Soiron,
a village full of character, listed among the prettiest villages in Wallonia, are well worth a visit. The
Herve region with its wooded valleys, its blossoming
orchards and remote farms, typify the region’s rural
character. The villages of Clermont-sur-Berwinne and
Olne, also listed among Wallonia’s prettiest villages,
are a highlight of the area’s attractions for tourists.
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1. Stavelot - Plopsa Coo
The leisure park
Thrills overload for all the
family
2. Limbourg - medieval
village
Outstanding Heritage of
Wallonia
3. Herve
The Herve region:
an exceptional scenery
Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Herve
Place de la Gare, 1 - B-4650 HERVE
Tel. + 32 (0)87 69 31 70
info@paysdeherve.be - www.paysdeherve.be
Maison du Tourisme du Pays des Sources
Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand
Rue du Marché, 1A - B-4900 SPA
Tel. + 32 (0)87 79 53 53
info@pays-des-sources.be
www.pays-des-sources.be
Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Vesdre
Rue Jules Cerexhe, 86 - B-4800 VERVIERS
Tel. + 32 (0)87 30 79 26
info@paysdevesdre.be
www.paysdevesdre.be
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 15
NOT TO BE MISSED
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1. Aywaille - Safari Park Monde Sauvage
Bears roaming half-wild!
2. Aywaille -Remouchamps Caves
The world’s longest underground boat ride!
3. Ferrières - Domaine de Palogne
Enjoy an exceptional natural site with outdoor activities
beneath the walls of the fortified castle
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4. Aywaille - Château of Harzé
Residential seminar centre & Museum of Milling and
Baking
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5. Château of Modave
Superb 17th-century château perched on a rocky peak
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7. Burdinne - Nature Park of the valleys of the Burdinale
and the Mehaigne
Outstanding Natural Heritage site! Explore it on foot, bike or with your MP3
8. Liège Aquarium-Museum
Explore the aquatic world on an amazing voyage of
discovery
9. Liège - Grand Curtius Museum
One of the world’s finest collections in archaeology,
weaponry, religious and Mosan art, decorative arts,
glassware, all gathered in a magnificent architectural unit
10. Amay - Château of Jehay
Impressive 16th-century building - listed as Outstanding
Heritage of Wallonia
6. Liège - Museum of Walloon Life
Designed under a new concept, this museum is dedicated
to Wallonia, from the early 19th century to the current date
PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 17
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1. Chaudfontaine - The Thermal Château
Belgium’s only thermal centre - water at 34°C
2. Blegny-Mine
Descent into the subterranean galleries of a genuine
coalmine – Unesco World Heritage site
3. Soumagne - Domaine provincial Wégimont
Large leisure park and accommodation centre at the
château
4. Seraing - Val Saint-Lambert Crystal Glassworks
The only glassworks in Europe that are open to the public
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5. Flémalle - Préhistomuseum
One of the biggest museums of prehistory in Europe!
6. Robertville - Park House - Botrange
Meeting place for ramblers and those who love the High
Fen-Eifel Nature Park
7. Bütgenbach Lake & Worriken Leisure Centre
Sports, relaxation, holiday village, camping… fun for all
ages!
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8. Spa – Spa and wellness centre
A therme 21st-century style: modern comfort, contemporary
decor
9. Stavelot Abbey (15th and 16th century)
Site listed as Outstanding Heritage of Wallonia
10. Jalhay/Baelen - Gileppe Dam
In the heart of the forest of Hertogenwald
NOT TO BE MISSED
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accomodation GASTRONOMy
Regional flavours
Liquors, eaux-de-vie, exceptional beers, characteristic
cheeses, cold meats, foie gras, preserves, smoked salmon,
snails, waffles, chocolates and confectionery and many more
treats will surprise the palates of the biggest food-lovers and
gourmets. Generous hosts and bon viveurs, Liège citizens
have always known how to express their feelings through
refined cuisine accentuated by regional flavours.
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An unprecedented rendez-vous for lovers of beer...
From now on, Liège has its Beer Lovers’ Café & Shop. Based
on a new concept, it is located a stone’s throw from Place du
Marché, la Maison du Pèkèt and the City Hall. Stroll around
the boutique, allow yourself to be guided by the advice of
connoisseurs and discover a real gem.
When it comes to accommodation, the Province of
Liège has at its disposal a range of quality hotels suited
to all budgets, plus a thousand guest houses, gîtes,
furnished tourist apartments and numerous holiday
villages and camp sites... In short, the possibilities are
endless.
1. Crowne Plaza - Liège
Sheer luxury in the only
five-star hotel in the
Province of Liège
2. Herve
Espace des Saveurs &
Découvertes
Virtual voyage through
superb hedged farmlands
and supreme flavours
20 PROVINCE of LIege... genereous by nature
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events
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Folklore and tradition, broad-ranging exhibitions,
sports events, festivals… there’s just too much to
choose from!
1. Carnavals & Laetare
February/March, a surge of good cheer
2. The Flèche wallonne & Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Each spring, the spiritual home of cycling, the Province of
Liège, hosts these two legendary races
3. Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
Races are held all the year round on this world’s finest
circuit
4. Spa - Francofolies
Every July, this festival is attended by 200,000 music lovers
5. Festival of Wallonia
In September, the Province of Liège celebrates its folklore
and traditions
6. Liège - Christmas City
Belgium’s largest Christmas Market - 4 magical weeks in
the city’s historic heart
BROCHURES iN a CLICk
TOURIST SITES & ATTRACTIONS
Leisure, relaxation, cultural enrichment…
250 ideas for days out!
TOURISM FEDERATION
OF THE PROVINCE OF LIeGE
Place de la République française, 1
B-4000 LIeGE
Tel +32(0)4 237 95 26
ftpl@provincedeliege.be
MEMORIAL TOURISM
“Memorial Tourism” is both an opportunity
to remember past sufferings and a reminder
of how lucky we are today to be living in
peacetime Europe.
Tourism info:
www.liegetourisme.be
Leisure and getaways online:
www.ouftitourisme.be
RAVel map
On foot, bike or horse-back…
Country trails - friendly and safe
(pocket size)
Download/order:
www.liegetourisme.be