Ciney : Découverte des incontournables
19 October 2026
Between its various cultural sites, its multiple walking trails and its enticing local flavors, Ciney has more than one trick up its sleeve to enhance your next stay and leave you with a head full of lovely memories.
Located in the province of Namur, the town of Ciney is also known as the "Capital of the Condroz." It's the starting point for lovely walks, and several nature reserves are located nearby. You can enjoy unusual sporting activities and learn more about the region's rich heritage. The residents of Ciney will warmly welcome you to this fascinating town!
Are you planning a stay in Ciney in the coming weeks? We have compiled the must-sees of the region in this mini-guide.
Discover Ciney! (© Ardenne Résidences)
The town of Ciney is nestled amidst stunning natural scenery. If you enjoy walking or simply strolling in a green space, you're sure to find a place you'll love. Plenty of lovely walks await.
This eight-hectare park is located in the heart of the city and is popular with walkers and children alike, thanks to its playgrounds. You will also find the former Château Sainfoin there, which now houses the Conservatory of Music.
For a family getaway that combines nature and entertainment, head to Chevetogne Provincial Domain . Children will have a blast in the many playgrounds . The Domaine also features walking paths, social areas , various gardens, a mini-golf course, sports fields, outdoor swimming pools , and even museums .
Immerse yourself in the Custinne forest and embark on a walk amidst the natural landscapes , in search of this well-hidden monument . It is a commemorative stone , placed on the spot where Leopold I is said to have killed the last wolf in the region in 1845.
Located in the Lesse Valley, Furfooz Park invites you to discover an exceptional natural, archaeological, and geological heritage during a family-friendly walk of approximately four kilometers. This remarkable nature reserve covers fifty hectares and offers splendid panoramic views. Don't hesitate to visit the reconstructed Roman baths . Then, complete your outing with a meal or a drink at La Flobette .
The Chevetogne Domain (©visitwallonia.be)
Walkers will be well catered for in the beautiful Ciney region!
If you wish to explore the region on foot, numerous marked trails are available:
Sentiers d'Art is a long-distance hiking trail that winds through the Condroz-Famenne region, featuring over forty works of art nestled in nature . These are hidden treasures to admire during your walks. A fun and unusual route!
During your few days away from it all in Ciney, you might want to try an unusual sport in a natural setting. Golf, cycling, climbing, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding... Here are some sporting activities in the area.
This prestigious park boasts one of the most beautiful golf courses in Belgium , nestled in a splendid natural setting in Houyet. Golfers can also enjoy lovely views and discover historical sites such as a chapel and an open-air theater. A restaurant awaits you after your round of golf.
Budding climbers? Head to the Durnal quarry!
If you enjoy outdoor climbing, or if you'd like to try it out, the Durnal quarry is a crag primarily suited to beginners . A great place to train!
Along the UNESCO route , discover the treasures of UNESCO World Heritage sites by bicycle. Starting from Ciney, you can choose to cycle towards Dinant (18 kilometers) or Durbuy (41 kilometers). Bicycles are available for rent at the Tourist Office.
When the weather isn't cooperating, or you simply want to relax or entertain the children, a quick dip in the Ciney municipal swimming pool is always a good idea. It features three pools, a water slide , and a relaxation area (hammam, sauna, and hot tub).
A day full of adventure aboard a Canadian canoe is a unique experience. Canad.be organizes open canoe courses and workshops (for beginners or experienced paddlers), as well as various guided outings in the region.
The surrounding natural landscapes are best explored on horseback. Several riding centers offer rides, such as Bichat asbl (ethological horsemanship) or the Les Jonquières Equestrian Center . Training courses are also organized at the Chevetogne Equestrian Center.
In Ciney, discover a rich cultural life and fascinating folklore. Local artisans also offer tastings of their products, which you can purchase at one of the markets, for example. Here's what awaits you:
If you'd like to stroll through the town center and do some shopping during your stay, head to Place Monseu or Place Roi Baudouin on the second, third, and fifth Mondays of the month . You can find all the information about this market on the City of Ciney's website .
This family-run, artisanal chocolate factory makes chocolate using top-quality raw materials from Africa and local producers. Your taste buds will undoubtedly be delighted by their creations. Workshops , including tastings , are also offered for both children and adults.
Are you visiting Ciney during the holiday season? Don't miss the Ciney Christmas Market: Les Fééries du Parc . 180 chalets await you, ready to enchant you. There will also be concerts , the Christmas Tree Parade, and the highly anticipated visit from Santa Claus.
On July 21st , Bastille Day, the Cow Games take place. These are inter-village games where villages compete for a "golden cow" through various challenges and games. An event not to be missed!
The Saint-Eloi Fair takes place every first Sunday of December. This festival celebrates the town's historical past (there was significant activity in the metalworking sector, whose patron saint is Saint Eloi). A market , a parade , and musical entertainment are featured for the occasion.
In addition to the events mentioned above, other fairs and exhibitions take place in Ciney throughout the year: Militaria, Ciney Flea Market, Retromotor Show, Wine Fair, livestock market…
Ciney Expo is the perfect venue for all types of events. Find the schedule on their website, along with all the information about tickets and other details.
For a little treat during your walk, head to ©Mont Blanc!
At Mont Blanc Ciney , take a break and enjoy all kinds of homemade ice creams, sorbets, waffles, and crepes . A lovely terrace is open when the weather is nice. A play area is also available for children.
The region is brimming with heritage treasures: churches, Gothic and medieval castles, abbeys, and fascinating museums. Here are the must-see places to visit in Ciney:
For the inhabitants of Ciney, this church is the emblem of the town . The parish is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, which is why it is also called "Saint Nicholas Church." Following a tornado in 2010, a new bell tower was erected, and the doors of the Collegiate Church are once again open.
Right in the heart of the town of Ciney, just opposite the Collegiate Church, you will see this typical little square , surrounded by restaurants and terraces , as well as its remarkable bandstand , considered to be one of the most beautiful bandstands in Wallonia.
The imposing Château de Leignon...
This 19th-century castle has a neo-Gothic style, as well as military influences. It is also known as " The Castle of a Thousand Windows ." It is a private property, open to the public only during Heritage Days. However, it is absolutely magnificent to admire if you happen to be in the area during a stroll.
Also located in the heart of the city near Saint-Roch Park, this exceptional one-hectare site includes a church and a Gothic-style convent, both built from blue stone. Don't hesitate to take a look!
It is possible to visit parts of the Chevetogne monastery : its two churches (Latin and Byzantine), its bell towers, the library, and the cemetery. You will find all the information regarding visiting hours on the monastery's website.
Vêves Castle , located in Celles, seems straight out of a fairy tale. It is indeed considered one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium . Several medieval tours and activities are organized there, including a family treasure hunt and fun visits where children dress up as princesses and knights.
This splendid fortified farm , along with its moat, is located in the Bocq Valley . It can be admired and photographed from the outside if you walk around the area (the setting is magnificent), but it cannot be visited.
This major tourist and cultural destination is simultaneously a center for arts and crafts, a hub for expression and creativity, and a center for lifelong learning. Various events , workshops , training courses , and other activities are regularly held at La Spirale.
...and the enchanting Château de Vêves! (©WBT - Pierre Pauquay)
To provide you with more information about the First and Second World Wars, a memorial trail has been created. It includes stelae, commemorative plaques, and other sites of remembrance. You will pass through magnificent landscapes during this commemorative walk.
In Ciney, three museums are worth discovering.
The first two are located within the Chevetogne Provincial Domain: the Nature Extraordinary Museum and the Museum of Natural History(ies).
The third museum is located within the Maison Citoyenne: the Ciney Museum of Memory and Freedom .
Looking to relax during your stay in Ciney? It's entirely possible thanks to a few fun activities. Another way to learn more about the region.
The Bocq Valley , located on the right bank of the Meuse, is also renowned for its railway. The former SNCB line 128 has been renovated, and you can now board an authentic historic train (from the 1950s or 1930s) for a journey between Ciney and Spontin.
Fancy a picnic in an unusual spot , surrounded by nature, by the water, or with a stunning view? The Ciney town website has compiled a list of 14 picnic areas for a unique and delicious break. Discover them now!
If you're spending several days in the region, you'll certainly want to stroll through the charming villages nearby. Two picturesque villages, both listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, are well worth a visit near Ciney: Celles and Crupet. Here's what they have to offer:
The village of Celles is a jewel of the Namur Condroz region , considered one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia. Discover its rich heritage: the Château de Vêves (mentioned above), the Church and Hermitage of Saint-Hadelin , the Grande Fontaine, and the German Panther tank. Several restaurants in Celles are also worth trying.
Also one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, Crupet is absolutely charming thanks to its narrow streets and unusual heritage. Don't hesitate to visit the Church of Saint-Martin , the medieval keep (an exceptional heritage site), the Grotte du Diablee , or the ArtPero gallery .
In Ciney, you have everything you need for a wonderful stay, with plenty of pleasant surprises. This town offers a change of scenery with beautiful natural landscapes, as well as rich heritage and cultural attractions.
Staying in Ciney for a few days means going on beautiful walks, practicing unusual sports, learning more about an exciting cultural life, tasting local products… You will certainly leave with your head full of memories.
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