Coo : Découverte des incontournables

Nestled in a bend of the Amblève River, Coo is one of the most iconic natural sites in the Belgian Ardennes. People come for its spectacular waterfalls , and stay for everything else: the riverside trails , outdoor activities , family fun , and an atmosphere that blends Ardennes authenticity with a vibrant tourism scene. Summer and winter alike, the village reinvents itself, offering a different experience each season.

Here are some ideas from our team to help you make the most of Coo and its surroundings.

Coo is best discovered through its landscapes . Between the Amblève valley , the heights overlooking the site and the paths that wind through woods and meadows , the possibilities for walks are numerous and accessible to all levels .

The Coo waterfalls are the village's unmissable natural attraction. With a drop of around fifteen meters , they are the largest natural waterfalls in Belgium . They owe their existence to an artificial diversion of the Amblève River by monks in the 18th century , giving them a history almost as unique as their appearance. People come here to observe them, get close, and take the time to contemplate them from different angles. It's an essential stop in Coo , regardless of the length of your stay.

The Coo viewpoint offers a commanding view of the waterfalls and the Amblève valley. Easily accessible from the village, it makes for a short but very rewarding excursion. It's the perfect spot to take in the Ardennes landscape, appreciate the scale of the site, and capture some beautiful photographic memories.

The hiking trails around the Amblève valley offer a deeper immersion into the local area. The routes vary in length and difficulty, allowing you to choose an outing suited to your mood, from a short family stroll to a challenging multi-hour hike through the heart of the Ardennes countryside.

The walk around Lake Coo is an accessible and very pleasant stroll, allowing you to follow the two reservoirs of the hydroelectric power station in a peaceful setting. The route is easily manageable for families , with no significant elevation gain, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding Ardennes hills. It's an outing we highly recommend at the beginning or end of the day, when the low-angled light gives the landscape a special quality.

Straddling the municipalities of Coo and Trois-Ponts , the Côte de Brume is a hiking trail that climbs into the wooded heights, offering unobstructed views of the Amblève valley and the Ardennes hills. The route is more challenging than walks on the plains, with an elevation gain that rewards the effort with stunning panoramas .

Coo is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. The river and the surrounding Ardennes hills lend themselves to a variety of sporting experiences, both for the most active and for those simply looking to enjoy the area in a different way.

During the season, kayaking and rafting on the Amblève River are a highlight of the region. The river offers routes suitable for different skill levels, with calmer sections and more technical stretches for thrill-seekers. It's a lively and immersive way to discover the valley, from the water and at the pace of the current. Several local operators offer trips with equipment and

Coo Adventure offers a chance to reach new heights with treetop adventure courses and outdoor activities suitable for a wide range of ages. The site is designed to welcome families with children as well as groups of friends or colleagues looking for a challenge. It's a convenient place to add variety to your stay.

From the heights of Coo , paragliding enthusiasts can fly over the Amblève valley and enjoy a remarkable view of the river's meanders , the surrounding forests , and the waterfalls . This free flight site is listed by the Belgian Free Flight Federation , the leading organization for paragliding and hang gliding in Belgium.

The Ardennes terroir is expressed in Coo through a few addresses firmly rooted in the local landscape, with an opportunity to combine taste discovery and the authentic atmosphere of the village.

During the winter months, the Coo Christmas Village transforms the site into a magical wonderland. Illuminated chalets , the aroma of mulled wine and seasonal specialties , entertainment , and a warm atmosphere create a special ambiance, enhanced by the village's natural setting and the sound of waterfalls in the background. It is one of the region's most popular events during the holiday season and a highlight of the Ardennes calendar.

Le Baron brewery is an ideal stop to discover local brewing expertise . This artisanal brewery offers regional beers carefully crafted in the Ardennes tradition. It's the kind of place where you like to linger after a day of exploring , to enjoy a well-deserved beer and extend your immersion in the atmosphere of Coo .

The Coo region boasts a remarkable heritage , from industrial infrastructure to religious sites . It offers everything you need for a wonderful cultural day out, just minutes from the waterfalls !

The Coo-Trois-Ponts hydroelectric power station is a fascinating piece of infrastructure and one of the largest pumped-storage power plants in Europe. The site utilizes the natural difference in elevation between two lakes to flexibly store and generate energy . Guided tours allow visitors to understand how the plant operates and appreciate the scale of the project through the underground galleries . It's a surprising experience: visiting a power plant during a stay in the Ardennes – who would have thought it?

Just a few kilometers from Coo , Stavelot Abbey is one of the region's most important monuments. Founded in the 7th century , it now houses several museums : the Abbey Museum , dedicated to the site's religious history; the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum; and the Guillaume Apollinaire Museum . The architectural and museum complex is impressive, and a visit can easily fill a good part of the day.

The Notre-Dame de Coo chapel adds a more intimate and contemplative touch to the stay. Perched high above the village, it also offers a pleasant view of the surrounding area. It's a short but peaceful stop that adds another dimension to exploring the village.

Over the years, Coo has developed a particularly comprehensive leisure offering, with two major sites that make it a prime destination for families and groups looking for varied activities.

PlopsaLand Ardennes (or Plopsa Coo ) is the region's largest amusement park . Rides , thrills, attractions for younger children, and regular entertainment make it a perfect day out. The park has grown while maintaining a pleasant natural setting , giving it a distinct character compared to large urban parks. It's a top destination for families with children, offering enough activities to fill an entire day.

Wildpark Coo offers the chance to discover the wildlife of the Ardennes in a natural and unspoiled setting. The park is home to deer , wild boar , bison , wolves , and many other species in spacious enclosures nestled in the heart of nature. The visit takes place on foot, along a marked trail that allows you to observe the animals up close, while respecting their environment. It's a peaceful and enriching experience, much appreciated by both children and adults, and easily combined with other activities during the day.

The Coo chairlift is a simple and accessible activity that offers a beautiful panoramic ascent above the site. In just a few minutes, you gain altitude and discover the village, the waterfalls , and the Amblève valley from a completely different perspective. An ideal stop to end the day in style with a breathtaking view of the Ardennes landscape.

As you've probably gathered, Coo may be a small village, but it offers a diversity of experiences rarely matched in the Ardennes , whatever your age or interests . It's a destination that's perfect for a day trip , a quick weekend getaway , or a full week's holiday .

Coo has achieved the remarkable feat of concentrating a diversity of experiences in a single location that is rarely matched in the Ardennes. You can combine a hike along waterfalls, a cultural visit to Stavelot, a kayaking session on the Amblève River, and an evening at the Christmas Village, without ever feeling like you're leaving the region. It's a destination that lends itself equally well to a quick weekend getaway or a full week's holiday, with its subtle blend of nature, energy, and authentic Ardennes charm.