Tourism in Aubel: The guide to must-sees | Ardenne Résidences

Aubel: Discover the must-sees

image

19 October 2026

Fancy a little getaway to the green region of Aubel? In that case, here's a little preview of the gems to discover there!

The Herve region , located in the Liège area of Belgium , has many surprises in store for you, and this is especially true in Aubel. Whatever the weather, enjoy a wide range of activities!

Take a stroll through the heart of the Ardennes countryside, on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Savor local produce in a fine restaurant. Learn more about the historical heritage, or simply relax in a bucolic setting. In this practical guide, we've compiled an overview of activities in the municipality of Aubel and the Herve region.

Discover Aubel!

Walks, hikes and natural sites in Aubel

In Aubel , you can spend hours immersed in the typical countryside of the Herve region, whether on foot, by bike, or on horseback. There are numerous marked trails, as well as stunning nature reserves. The RAVeL network also passes through the area. Here are some places you'll likely enjoy exploring.

Val-Dieu Mill Nature Reserve

Take a stroll through this nature reserve in the Herve region and observe a wide variety of habitats: woods, lawns, meadows, orchards, a pond… A bird observatory , with some informative panels, has been built near the pond du Moulin. A beautiful place for a walk and some relaxation.

Saturday's Flavors: A Gourmet Itinerary in the Herve Region

Food lovers and those eager to discover local products will appreciate this itinerary, exploring the producers of the Herve region. Download the brochure and follow the 8 stops : cheese, brewery, chocolate factory, syrup factory… A full Saturday awaits you.

Ravel: line 38

RAVeL route 38 follows the old railway line that passed through Chênée and Hombourg. This beautiful 42-kilometer route will delight walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders alike. Along the way, discover the iconic locomotive on Rue de la Station in Aubel.

The Moulin Val-Dieu Nature Reserve, in its autumnal attire (© Province of Liège)

The orientation table at Saint-Jean-Sart (© WBT - Veronique VDBroucke)

Marked walking trails in Aubel

Looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the Aubel region on a marked walking route? The Aubel Tourist Office has compiled all the available routes in the area: walking maps, Natagora trails in the Herve region, long-distance loops, GRP trails… You're sure to find something you love.

A quick visit to Aubel

To learn more about the heritage and historical past of Aubel's town center, there is a walking tour to follow, with various points of interest. The "Aubel Flash Tour" is illustrated with some old photographs, showing the evolution of the village.

Orientation table in Saint-Jean-Sart

Located in the hills above the village of Saint-Jean-Sart, the orientation table offers an exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding natural landscapes. The table itself incorporates a sculpture of the site's topography : it is a true work of art.

An unusual walk in Plombières: calamine landscape

This unique walk takes you to a former mining site : a once-producing lead and zinc deposit. Today, this area has become a nature reserve , boasting exceptional flora . Stunning landscapes await.

Discover all our hikes !

Sports activities in Aubel

Outdoor sports enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the region. A wide range of routes are available: cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, long-distance hiking… Here are the possibilities in Aubel.

Cycling and mountain biking: a wide choice of routes

Cyclists and mountain bikers will find plenty to enjoy in Aubel, as you can explore numerous routes through stunning natural landscapes. From mountain bike trails and rides passing by Val-Dieu Abbey (with a local beer as a bonus), to family bike rides, the numbered junction network , EuroVelo 3 , and long-distance routes, discover all the itineraries on the Aubel municipal administration website.

Ready to ride in the footsteps of D'Artagnan? (© Thimister Clermont)

Horseback riding

Just like cyclists, horseback riders will appreciate Aubel, as numerous routes are available. Also on the Aubel municipal administration website, you will find the various horseback riding trails offered by the ADCC , as well as the walks organized by the Tourist Office.

Aubel is also home to the first European equestrian route : the European Route d'Artagnan. This route connects Maastricht and the French town of Lupiac (in Gascony), passing through the Herve region. It's a fantastic ride, for example.

Long-distance hiking trail - GRP 563: Tour of the Herve region

If you're more interested in a challenging hike, the GRP 563 allows you to circumnavigate the Pays de Herve. It's a 159.7 kilometer trail through the heart of nature , waiting to be explored.

Markets, crafts and gastronomy

The Herve region is a favorite among lovers of local products. Indeed, the area is renowned for its gastronomy: breweries, cider houses, cheeses, Liège syrup… Here are some must-try tastings in Aubel.

Christmas Gourmet Village

To soak up the Christmas atmosphere while discovering the best local products, a visit to the Christmas Gourmet Village in Aubel is a great idea. Don't miss this unmissable event during the holiday season.

The Val-Dieu Abbey Brewery

This brewery opened in September 2021. Take the guided tour and enjoy the beautiful setting, ending with a tasting. The traditionally brewed beers are well worth discovering.

Liège syrup: artisanal syrup factory in Aubel and syrup factory in Meurens

The Herve region is renowned for its Liège syrup , which pairs perfectly with cheese platters , or adds the essential and typical touch to Liège meatballs (boulets liégois) .

During your visit to Aubel, be sure to visit the Aubel artisanal syrup factory , as well as the Meurens syrup factory .

Stassen Ciders

Made using local apples, according to a traditional family method, Stassen ciders are a must-try during your stay in Aubel. From rosé cider and grand cru cider to dry cider, abbey cider, and ice cider, these artisanal products are absolutely delicious.

The artisanal products of the Aubel Syrup Factory (© Province of Liège)

Aubel (Detry) Charcuteries

This company, specializing in the production of charcuterie, uses its expertise to create hams, black puddings, sausages, salami, pâtés, poultry, meatloaves, jellies, meatballs…

Cheeses (Herve Société and Val-Dieu Abbey)

During your visit to the Aubel region, also enjoy typical cheeses , such as Herve AOP , as well as other cheeses in partnership with Val-Dieu Abbey.

The large market in Aubel: every Sunday

Every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the large market of Aubel takes place in the center of the village: a true institution. It's an opportunity to learn more about local products in a friendly atmosphere.

Art, heritage and culture

Aubel is a place steeped in history, as the village was particularly marked by the Second World War. This is why you will find several memorial sites there. The unmissable Val-Dieu Abbey is also a major part of its heritage.

Notre-Dame de Val-Dieu Abbey (© WBT - Giovanni P. Ciraolo)

Val-Dieu Abbey

Nestled in an idyllic setting in the heart of the Herve region, Val-Dieu Abbey is a true haven of peace . You can visit the park, the courtyard, the basilica, as well as the brewhouse and the cloister (by reservation). Several marked walking trails (mentioned above) allow you to explore the surrounding area. Conclude your visit with a tasting at the restaurant and a quick stop at the shop .

Fort de Barchon

The remarkable Fort de Barchon was part of the Fortified Position of Liège (active during both World Wars). Today, it is possible to visit it with a guide, from April to November .

This site has also been converted into a place for sports and cultural activities: youth movements, children's camps, caving, adventure…

Remember Museum 39-45 of Thimister-Clermont

This fascinating museum , housed in a former farmhouse, contains artifacts left behind by soldiers of the U.S. First Infantry Division, as well as memorabilia donated by veterans. Don't hesitate to take the guided tour.

Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Hombourg

This impressive military cemetery, dating from the Second World War, covers 23 hectares. 7,992 American soldiers are buried here. It is an essential place of remembrance. Opposite the memorial, you can also admire a beautiful view over the Herve region.

Recreational activities

Whether you're looking to relax or simply entertain the little ones, Aubel offers a wealth of activities. Playgrounds, golf, wellness centers, hot air ballooning… Discover the leisure options available in the heart of the Herve region.

Playgrounds

If you're visiting the region with children, you'll certainly want them to have fun and let off steam when the weather is nice. There's nothing better than a visit to the various playgrounds provided by the municipality of Aubel.

Algue Marine wellness center in Thimister-Clermont

Enjoying a getaway that offers a complete change of scenery and a total escape also means savoring a moment of absolute relaxation. For this, the Algue Marine wellness center is the ideal place: indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, sauna, massages … You'll have everything you need to unwind.

Golf and country golf

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the courses offered in and around Aubel. These include, among others, the Saint-André country golf course (and its farm shop), the Haras Golf Course , as well as the Henri-Chapelle Golf Course .

Fishing in Welkenraedt

If you enjoy fishing, you can set up your lines at Le Bosquet in Welkenraedt . This natural area is a peaceful place where barbecues are regularly organized, and where you can observe birds and take a walk.

Hot air balloon flight

Another way to visit the Herve region: from the sky! A hot air balloon flight is a unique experience, allowing you to admire breathtaking landscapes. Take to the skies, for example, for a first flight with Là-Haut or Montgolfière Wallonie .

Segway ride

To visit Aubel in an original and fun way , renting a Segway® is a great idea. Join a guided tour, or rent your equipment on site, notably from Segride .

The Herve region, seen from the sky... (© Province of Liège)

Wégimont Provincial Domain (Soumagne)

The Wégimont Provincial Estate, covering 22 hectares, is a leisure and recreation center offering a wide range of activities: heated swimming pools, a leisure park, seven ponds, woods, an arboretum, mini-golf, sports fields, a cultural gallery, barbecues … It is the ideal place to spend quality time with family or friends.

The most beautiful villages of the Ardennes near Aubel

If you'd like to explore the area around Aubel and learn more about the surrounding villages, you'll certainly enjoy strolling through Clermont-sur-Berwinne and Saint-Jean-Sart. Here's why.

Clermont-sur-Berwinne

Considered one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, Clermont-sur-Berwinne is particularly charming. Located in the Herve region, it boasts a remarkable heritage with architectural gems (a listed church, old houses, a town hall, etc.). Access it via the RAVeL network , which passes right through the village. You can also follow a discovery trail.

Saint-Jean-Sart

This charming, typical village, overlooking the Bel Valley , is nestled in a stunning natural setting in the Aubel region. What can you see there? Notably, the orientation table (mentioned above), the fountain , the ancient village cemetery with the coats of arms of local families, and the Louis XVI-style presbytery . Don't hesitate to come and explore Saint-Jean-Sart.

Limbourg

Limbourg is also recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia . Its medieval architectural heritage , with its cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways, along with its flower-adorned facades, makes it a charming place well worth a visit during your trip to the Aubel region. Be sure to visit, in particular, Saint George's Square and the church of the same name.

The little touch of Ardenne Résidences

The Pays de Herve, and in particular the commune of Aubel, is an exciting place to discover, with varied activities to entertain young and old.

Go for beautiful walks, bike rides, or horseback rides, taste delicious local produce in a good restaurant or directly from the producers, learn more about the historical heritage of the region, or simply have fun enjoying convivial moments at the wellness center or around a craft beer.

Are you planning a trip to the Herve region and looking to stay in Aubel? If so, you're probably searching for the perfect place to stay. We have just what you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Ardenne Résidences: Local, Committed & Transparent

Newsletter

Sign up and get inspired for your next holiday in the Belgian Ardennes!