Tourism in Manhay: A guide to the must-sees

Manhay : Découverte des incontournables

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28 September 2026

Explore Manhay and its many walks, activities and other cultural visits. A lively stay is in store!

If you're looking for a peaceful and pleasant town to visit in the Belgian Ardennes, we highly recommend Manhay. Located in the heart of the Ardennes countryside, it's a lovely place to unpack your bags for a few days.

In the municipality of Manhay, a number of exciting activities await you: hiking or cycling amidst beautiful natural landscapes , leisure and sports for all tastes, typical local specialties, a cultural life and rich heritage, restaurants and bars… There is always something to entertain you, whatever the weather and the season!

This practical guide lists the must-see places located in the surrounding area.

© Municipality of Manhay

Walks, hikes and natural sites in Manhay

When you stay in the Ardennes, you're guaranteed to encounter breathtaking natural landscapes. Enjoy a complete escape and relax! Walks, green spaces, nature reserves, hikes… Take advantage of a wide range of activities in the heart of nature in Manhay.

Chlorophyll Park

This 9-hectare park is located in the heart of a forest . It's a pleasant place to walk with children: you'll be spoiled for choice with a host of educational activities made of wood (maze, observation huts, treetop walkway, etc.), as well as a playground for little ones.

The Roche-à-Frêne rock formation

A must-see in the region: the exceptional site of Roche-à-Frêne, in the Aisne Valley . This uniquely shaped rock formation is a geological curiosity well worth seeing. Several local legends surround this sublime place ; discover them on the Manhay town website.

La Gotale Nature Reserve

Within the village of Chêne Al'Pierre, there is located this nature reserve , which stretches along the stream of La Gotale. This reserve is home to several endangered plants and butterflies. With a bit of luck, you might also spot some mammals and birds. It's a pleasant place for a walk , to appreciate what nature has to offer.

Chlorophyll Park (© WBT - Olivier Legardien)

A stroll through the heart of nature in Manhay (© WBT - J.P. Remy)

Hiking: marked trails and walks off the beaten track

For those who wish to venture into the heart of nature and go for a hike , choose from various walks in the surrounding area. You will find all the information on this subject on the Manhay municipal website .

If you prefer to venture off the beaten path and discover unique trails, try the wikiloc.com app . Other hikers share their routes with you, so you can find the perfect route for you, whether you're traveling on foot, by bike, or even by motorcycle.

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

The LIFE project in Odeigne

The aim of the LIFE project? To make the natural treasures of the restored sites accessible to you. Marked trails through nature have been created for this purpose, and you can find them on the website biodiversity.wallonie.be .

Sports activities in Manhay

Take advantage of your stay in the Belgian Ardennes to try a new sport, in summer or winter, in Manhay. In addition to walks and hikes, here are some other sporting activities available in the region:

Cycling: Commemorative route of the Battle of the Ardennes in Manhay

Cycling enthusiasts will certainly want to follow this beautiful 30km route themed around the Battle of the Ardennes. It's the ideal way to combine a sporting activity with a historical and educational journey, with family or friends.

Mountain bike trails

If you are a fan of mountain bikes , there are a large number of Trails to try in the surrounding area. The municipality of Manhay offers a map showing mountain biking routes starting from Chlorophylle Park. Choose the one that suits you, according to your level of difficulty.

Fancy a family bike ride?

Winter sports (sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing): baraque de Fraiture and Béniké

During the winter season, and especially when there is a good layer of snow, why not indulge in winter sports ? Go down some slopes, or entertain the children with sleds, for example.

Ski at one of Belgium's highest points: the Baraque de Fraiture resort . This resort offers four cross-country ski trails, three downhill ski runs, and a toboggan run. You can also rent equipment on-site if needed. Everything is in place for an unforgettable experience.

You can also enjoy cross-country skiing in Odeigne, on the Béniké slopes . You can rent all the necessary equipment (skis, boots, etc.) on site.

Markets, crafts and gastronomy

During your stay in Manhay, would you like to learn more about the region's crafts? Local products await you in the small shops around town and directly from the artisans. Enjoy them too in a good restaurant, such as Le Patton. .

Chocolaterie Defroidmont (Erezée)

Head to Erezée to discover the Chocolaterie Defroidmont . Enjoy some there. pralines , Chocolate bars, tea, honey… And then treat yourself to some of their products if you wish. Discover all the secrets of the chocolate factory with a visit to the museum.

Le Comptoir de Sophie

This grocery store will allow you to find local specialties : Vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, alcohols, jams, zero waste items… Enough to bring back some souvenirs and typical regional delicacies.

The Manhay Christmas Market

You are passing through Manhay during the period of End-of-year celebrations ? The On the second Sunday of December, you will have the chance to see the Christmas market ! Soak up this festive atmosphere, and in particular the illuminations, with family or friends.

Will you be tempted by a little treat? (© Chocolatier Defroimont)

History, heritage and culture in Manhay

During your stay, you may want to learn more about Manhay's culture, history, and heritage. The town is full of fascinating places.

The Manhay History 44 Museum (MHM44)

This The museum focuses on the Battle of Manhay, which took place during the Battle of the Ardennes , during the World War II. The sets of historical locations with military equipment are perfectly recreated to fully immerse you in the heart of these events.

Grandmenil Panther Tank Ausf. G

This Panther tank , located in the village of Grandmenil, not far from the Manhay Battle Museum, is a Memorial dedicated to the 75th US Infantry Division. Don't forget to visit it during your trip, especially if you're interested in the events of World War II.

© The artistic farm of the Moulin d'Odeigne

Moulin de Lafosse

This This typical mill is still in operation and is open every Friday. Discovery and awareness-raising activities are organized there by the Aisnagué association. You can also purchase locally produced oil and flour there.

The artistic farm of the Moulin d'Odeigne

The Odeigne Millorganizes visits with various workshops . The flours produced there are ground on stone mills.

The Artistic Farm is a project that aims to link the fields of crafts, agriculture, and an artistic dimension. If you're interested, participate in introductory workshops: trapeze lessons, fresh pasta making workshops, children's workshops, and more.

Recreational activities

In addition to cultural visits, sports, and getaways in nature, there are still other activities and leisure options for families, or for people wishing to relax in Manhay.

The Aisne tourist tramway

To immerse yourself in the region's natural landscapes and follow the explanations of a guide, simply embark on board the Aisne tourist tramway . These are Typical and vintage vehicles that take you on an original tour along an old railway line.

The La Fosse Observatory

An unusual experience to enjoy during your stay: Observe the Milky Way in all its splendor, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, at the La Fosse Observatory . Bring your own equipment to this astronomical site. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you might even be lucky enough to witness some special celestial phenomena.

Reenactment of the Battle of the Ardennes

If you would like to learn more about the key events of the Battle of the Ardennes : Attend this commemorative reenactment is a good idea. A plunge into the 1940s-45 awaits you every December: military vehicles, reenactments, artistic performances…

Aqua Manhay

During your stay, you might want to enjoy a moment for yourself, a moment of Total relaxation. See you at Aqua Manhay ! This A private indoor spa , nestled in the heart of the Ardennes forest, is perfect for relaxing in complete tranquility with your loved one, friends, or for celebrating a birthday, for example. The swimming pool, sauna, and relaxation area are all waiting for you.

Complete relaxation at the Aqua Manhay center ©

The most beautiful villages of the Ardennes near Manhay

The Belgian Ardennes is full of fascinating places to discover. If you have some time during your stay, don't hesitate to visit the most beautiful villages in the area.

Achouffe

This village near Houffalize is remarkable. First of all, if you are a beer lover and enjoy La Chouffe, you will enjoy visiting the Achouffe Brewery . Trout fishing enthusiasts will be interested in visiting the fish farm. The Village of Artists, showcasing local art and crafts, is also held annually in Achouffe. Furthermore, beautiful walks await you in the heart of nature in Achouffe.

Vielsalm

Exploring the Salm region is also well worthwhile. Enjoy walks or bike rides amidst the Ardennes countryside. Hit the cross-country and downhill ski slopes during the winter months. Learn about the unique folklore with the Blueberry Brotherhood and the Macralles du Val de Salm . Sample some specialty beers or visit fascinating museums…

Want to learn more about Vielsalm? Read our article on the subject now!

 

The little touch of Ardenne Résidences

With all the activities organized there, the municipality of Manhay, and its surroundings, is a pleasant place to enjoy a few days of complete escape and disconnection. And this is true regardless of the weather. Indeed, there is so much to discover in the region, in the Belgian Ardennes.

All the conditions are in place to make your stay unforgettable: walks in nature, fun and educational visits, exceptional heritage, moments of relaxation, as well as local specialties that we highly recommend you discover.

Are you still looking for accommodation to rent in this magnificent region? Preferably close to the centre, or on the contrary, a little further away to admire the natural landscapes?

Jurgen Bricheux

All my contributions

Ardenne Résidences: Local, Committed & Transparent

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