Durbuy : Découverte des incontournables

Are you planning to spend a few days in the Ardennes soon, and in particular in Durbuy and its surroundings? You're absolutely right!

The charming " smallest city in the world ", located on the banks of the Ourthe, is full of sporting and recreational activities, hiking, good restaurants, pleasant terraces, local producers, heritage... And this is for both young and old.

Wondering what you can discover in this beautiful region during your next stay ? Want to know why Durbuy is the perfect Ardennes town for your holidays or city break? We'll tell you more in this article!

Do you enjoy spending quality time in nature? Or would you like to discover more about the hidden corners of the city, not far from your accommodation (villa, chalet, holiday home…)?

We have gathered together for you the various walks listed, as well as the natural sites to discover in the region.

If you'd like to get a glimpse of the area surrounding the city, but also immerse yourself in the Ardennes countryside , this 6 km walk is ideal. It will take you through places that deserve our attention.

This hike starts in Durbuy (town center). It first takes you past the famous "Anticlinal" rock formation. You then enter the heart of nature and arrive at the Belvedere viewpoint, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town. Finally, you descend back down to the banks of the Ourthe River. You can then end your hike with a delicious meal in one of the restaurants in old Durbuy, for example!

If you wish to venture off the beaten track, you will find all the walks that exist, according to your level and desires (with family, by bike…), on the website rando.be , which is part of the municipal Tourist Office of the city of Durbuy.

You will find all the walking routes, as well as the necessary maps and information, directly on the website.

If you'd like to discover more hiking, cycling, or even motorcycling routes shared by other adventurers, feel free to visit the website wikiloc.com You can easily filter by location and by type of activity.

All Wikiloc routes in the Durbuy region can be viewed on wikiloc.com .

For those with a more sporty and adventurous spirit, Durbuy is an ideal playground! Here you have a huge choice of sporting activities, and you will certainly find some that you will like.

With the famous Adventure Valley area Formerly known as " Durbuy Aventure ," sports fans will be in their element. It's the perfect place to find a fun activity for your children, spend quality time with friends, or even organize a unique team-building event with your colleagues.

The park offers caving, a treetop adventure course, a via ferrata course, bike and mountain bike rentals, kayaking down the Ourthe river, a challenge park , several ziplines , a climbing course… You are spoiled for choice!

Have you brought your own bicycle or mountain bike? Or are you planning to rent one locally during your upcoming stay in Durbuy? In that case, you'll also want to discover some beautiful routes in the surrounding countryside. As with hiking, websites randos.be Wikiloc.com is full of routes to discover by bike or mountain bike . You can easily download the routes that interest you, depending on your preferred sport.

To all equestrian enthusiasts, La Ferme de Durbuy Located in the village of Warre, organizes beautiful horseback riding excursions in the heart of the Ardennes countryside.

Your guide will take you on your walk to see the most beautiful natural landscapes of the region: forests, rivers, meadows… An unforgettable memory.

In addition to the sports activities offered above, you also have the opportunity to practice other sports such as archery, tennis, golf, canoeing, rafting, life rafting, etc.

To find out more about this, visit the website durbuytourisme.be .

Are you curious to discover local artisan products while on holiday? In that case, you will certainly enjoy visiting one of the local markets, or visiting the various artisan shops to taste the region's specialties.

• The bread, cheese and beer market (which takes place in September), which showcases local gastronomy and artisans for two days.
• The autumn market (which takes place in October) gives pride of place to seasonal products: game, cured meats, mushrooms, local produce…

Want to find out more about the markets in Durbuy? Visit durbuy.be .

If you love a traditional slice of bread and jam in the morning, don't miss a visit to the Saint-Amour Jam Factory This family business, located in the heart of Durbuy, produces all kinds of jams , jellies, vinegars, and skincare products. A must-visit for food lovers!

You have the option of visiting the Ozo goat farm directly. A guided tour is organized, giving you the opportunity to discover the goat farm, the milking parlor, the cheese dairy, the aging room… A fun activity for young and old! And then, of course, you can also buy fresh, high-quality goat cheese directly from the farm: an excellent local product.

If you would like to meet other local artisans and discover the region's specialties, here are a few suggestions:

• Defroidmont Chocolatier : If you're a big fan of chocolate and sweet treats, you'll love visiting this chocolate shop. Pralines, chocolate bars, tea, honey… You can enjoy these little delicacies on-site, or if you prefer, take home a box to spoil your loved ones! If you'd like to learn more, you can also visit their chocolate-themed museum!
• Bodson Butcher Shop : To enjoy artisanal charcuterie and other typical regional products, head to Bodson Butcher Shop. They have a wide selection of cured meats and also offer a catering service.
• Autour d'une bière : project of two friends, Maxim & Clément, the non-profit organization offers a concept of beer tasting at home, enhanced by the services of a caterer highlighting good local products.

If you wish to learn more about the cultural life of the city of Durbuy, whether with family, as a couple, or with friends, and also discover its fabulous heritage, here are a few must-sees:

A fan of nighttime activities? You can enjoy the activities organized by The Durbuy Cultural Centre . You will love attending a play, viewing an exhibition, seeing a concert, or enjoying a film at the centre's cinema.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Durbuy It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that will appeal to even the most discerning art lovers. It is located in a superb 16th-century building, listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia .

If you are a fan of history and unique heritage, you will certainly want to visit one of Durbuy's castles, as well as the other must-see monuments in the town.

If you're visiting Durbuy with your children or friends, you'll certainly want to participate in some fun activities. We've compiled a list of the options available to you, in addition to those already mentioned.

In addition to the sport we have already mentioned above, you will find, within the park Adventure Valley (Durbuy Adventure) Other fun activities , for both children and adults. Here are a few: Escape rooms, laser tag, 3D maze, Kids Adventure, Tubing slide, indoor or outdoor playgrounds, open-air miniature train, fast tag, bowling…

Among the must-see attractions in the region, the Durbuy Labyrinth , located in Barvaux-sur-Ourthe, is a unique experience. It's a gigantic 11-hectare park of cornfields, where you must, of course, find your way. The maze is teeming with Entertainment and shows for children (and adults too), with a theme that changes every year. Ideal for a lovely family day out when the weather is nice.

If you're staying in Durbuy, you'll certainly have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful villages in the surrounding area. Indeed, in the Ardennes, it's easy to take a day trip to discover other charming hamlets. The villages of Ny and Wéris are undoubtedly must-sees.

In Ny , you can visit the discreet but fascinating Hotton Caves , located more than 65 meters underground. You will also have the opportunity to admire typical architecture: stone buildings with half-timbered and brick gables. During your visit, you will also see the charming fortified farmhouse and the mill in the village of Ny.

Wéris is considered one of the 21 most beautiful villages in Wallonia . It is, in fact, the perfect place to stroll in the heart of the Ardennes countryside, and discover megaliths (dolmens, menhirs, etc.).

The village has an information center about megaliths, as well as an exhibition center. You will also have the opportunity to visit the 11th-century Romanesque church. Don't hesitate to also visit the fortified farm dating from 1684. The old puddingstone quarry is also worth a visit.

As you've probably gathered, Durbuy may be the smallest city in the world, but it's brimming with unique activities, regardless of your age or interests. It's undoubtedly a must-see during your stay in the Ardennes.

Sports and adventure, walks in the great outdoors, heritage, local artisans, leisure activities, culture… All the ingredients are there to guarantee you a few days of pure bliss. Whether it's for a day, a weekend, a week, or longer.