Bastogne

Bastogne, located in the heart of the Ardennes region (southern Belgium) is famous for the part it played in the Battle of the Bulge. Sunday, December 16th, 1944. Everything is quiet and the people of the Ardennes have their minds set on the first Christmas since the liberation of Belgium. Suddenly all hell breaks loose. Hundreds of German artillery weapons with their unseen destructive force try to capture the American positions in the Belgian Ardennes. A total of 250,000 soldiers, accompanied by 1000 tanks, try to march through the Ardennes. (Visit of the Battle of the Bulge Information Centre).

Moreover, Bastogne is set in the peaceful Ardennes countryside. The Belgian Ardennes are known for their hills and forests, rivers and streams and meadows and grasslands. Sparsely populated, the countryside is dotted with villages and small towns, while the economic base is predominantly forestry and non-intensive farming. This countryside is exceptionally rich in wildlife; there are many rivers.

The whole area is a gourmet's paradise. When Belgian city dwellers want to get away for a weekend to the country and sample excellent food, they head for the Ardennes. We enjoy a tasting of Belgian flavours in a charming village called Laroche-en-Ardennes.

Optional visit round the feudal castle of Laroche-en-Ardennes. Perched on the rocky spur of Deister, this site has over time hosted a Neolithic settlement, a Gallic stronghold, a Roman fort and, during the 5th century, the Roman residence of the Frankish kings, before becoming a medieval fortress in the 9th century. Despite all the changes to the castle (excavations have brought to light new halls as well as 15th century remains), the modern day survivor with its towers, arrow slits and oubliettes, has retained the feel of feudal times.

The Ardennes, Bastogne, Namur and surroundings

Contact us for further information. We'll be glad to develop any tailor-made program of your choice. Tours available in your language. Private guide and car (or minivan).