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A driving holiday in the Ardennes is the ideal short road trip if you want to enjoy lush nature, winding roads and active relaxation within a six-hour drive. With a car you have complete freedom to stop in picturesque villages, take your bike for the RAVeL paths (former railway lines and towpaths that are now car-free) or go for a hike in the Semois valley. Discover how to plan your route smartly and which stops are best for an unforgettable weekend.
Why the Ardennes are perfect for a driving holiday
The Ardennes are just a short distance from the Netherlands and Belgium. From Utrecht or Amsterdam you can drive to popular places such as La Roche-en-Ardenne or Durbuy in five to six hours. The area combines rolling hills, dense forests and meandering river valleys with an extensive network of quiet roads. Do you also want to visit other mountainous regions besides the Ardennes? Then a driving holiday in the mountains offers similar possibilities with more elevation gain.
The flexibility of travelling by car allows you to set your own pace. You can easily take your mountain bike or canoes and you are not dependent on public transport. In addition, campsites, holiday homes and B&Bs are scattered throughout the region, so you can choose a different base every evening or stay in just one place.
‘ The Ardennes comprise several regions, each with its own character. ’
The best routes for a road trip through the Ardennes
The Ardennes comprise several regions, each with its own character. The Belgian Ardennes are the most accessible and offer routes along the Ourthe, Amblève and Semois. The French Ardennes are quieter and less touristy, with vast forests and lakes such as Lac des Vieilles Forges. In the Luxembourg Ardennes you will find steep slopes and medieval castles.
Classic route along the Semois valley
From Bouillon you follow the river Semois towards Rochehaut and Alle-sur-Semois. This route takes you along narrow roads with viewpoints over deep valleys. You also see winding river bends. Ideal for relaxed stops, short walks and visits to local brasseries. Allow for around two hours of net driving time, but schedule extra time for photo stops and breaks.
RAVeL paths for cyclists and walkers
The RAVeL network consists of more than 1,300 kilometres of former railway lines and towpaths. These are now low-traffic routes for cyclists and walkers. Many of these paths are also accessible to mountain bikers. You can park your car at access points such as Spa, Malmedy or Vielsalm and then go for a bike ride through forests and along waterways.
Vennbahn: cross-border cycling experience
The Vennbahn is a 125-kilometre-long cycle path on a former railway line. The route runs from Aachen in Germany via Belgium to Luxembourg. It is completely car-free. You can cycle it in stages and stay overnight in villages such as Monschau, Sankt Vith or Troisvierges along the way. The path is suitable for regular bikes, but an electric bike makes the rolling sections much easier.
Handy tips for on the road
Plan your route with some flexibility. The Ardennes have many country roads and smaller villages where you can stop without worrying about time. GPS navigation works well, but check before you leave whether you have downloaded offline maps, as mobile coverage is not stable everywhere.
- Take an electric mountain bike with you or hire one from local rental companies for the hilly trails.
- Build in extra time for spontaneous stops at viewpoints or historic sites.
- In autumn and winter, check the weather forecast and possible snow for safe drives through mountainous areas.
- Petrol stations are scarce in smaller villages, so make sure you have enough fuel for longer trips.
The best time for a driving holiday in the Ardennes is spring and autumn. In summer it can be busy at popular locations and river levels are sometimes low, making kayaking less attractive. In spring, rivers are higher and nature is at its most beautiful.
From Utrecht to the Ardennes: practical itinerary
From Utrecht you drive via the A2 towards Eindhoven and then via Liège to the Belgian Ardennes. The total distance to La Roche-en-Ardenne is around 300 kilometres and takes five to six hours of driving, depending on traffic jams and breaks. Plan a stop at a service area or in a town such as Liège for a short break.
Day 1: arrival and first explorations
After arriving in La Roche-en-Ardenne you can check into a hotel or campsite on the Ourthe. The first afternoon is perfect for a short walk through the centre and a visit to the castle ruins that tower above the town. For more active travellers, the area offers options for a short canoe trip on the river.
Day 2: RAVeL path and Semois valley
Drive to a starting point of a RAVeL path, for example near Vielsalm or Houffalize. Cycle part of the route through forests and along open fields. In the afternoon you drive on to the Semois valley. Stop at Rochehaut for a panoramic view and end the day in Bouillon, where you can take a guided tour of the medieval castle.
Day 3: Vennbahn and return
On the last day you can cycle part of the Vennbahn. Start at an access point such as Sankt Vith and cycle towards Burg-Reuland or Monschau. It is also possible to just do a short ride and then drive back to the Netherlands at a relaxed pace, with perhaps a final stop in Spa or Malmedy.
‘ During the summer months and at weekends, book in advance, as availability can be limited. ’
Accommodation and stops along the route
The Ardennes offer a wide range of accommodation. Campsites are often located right on rivers or lakes and offer both simple pitches and luxury glamping tents and chalets. Holiday homes are ideal for families or groups and give you the freedom to cook for yourself. B&Bs and small hotels offer more comfort after a day full of activities.
Popular places to stay include La Roche-en-Ardenne, Durbuy, Spa and Bouillon. If you are looking for more peace and quiet, smaller villages such as Vresse-sur-Semois or Redu are good alternatives. During the summer months and weekends, book in advance, as availability can be limited.
Activities besides driving
The Ardennes are more than just scenic roads. The region offers countless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and water sports. Rivers such as the Ourthe, Amblève, Lesse and Semois are suitable for kayaking and rafting. Many local rental companies offer trips from two hours up to a full day, including instruction for beginners.
- Caves of Han: famous stalactite caves with guided tours.
- Bouillon Castle: one of the oldest castles in Belgium with impressive defences.
- La Chouffe Brewery: tour and tasting of local beers.
- Bastogne War Museum: for those interested in the Second World War.
- Coo Waterfalls: small but attractive waterfalls with walking trails in the area.
For mountain bikers there are circuits around Vielsalm and Houffalize with varying levels of difficulty. Rock climbers can head to the Freyr cliffs on the Meuse. You can swim at sandy beaches on lakes or calm riverbanks, although the water is often chilly.
Practical points to consider for your driving holiday
Before you leave, check whether your insurance provides cover in Belgium and neighbouring countries. There are no vignette tolls in Belgium, but fuel prices can vary between cities and villages. Supermarkets are plentiful, even in smaller towns, so you can easily do your shopping.
Take seasonal differences into account. In high season, popular routes and attractions are busier. Outside school holidays you will find more peace and better availability of accommodation. Water levels in rivers can be low in summer, which affects kayaking activities. Ask local rental companies in advance about the current conditions.
‘ there is always reliable and in-depth information available to improve your trip. ’
Discover more on Traveler Tips
The Ardennes are just one of many destinations that are perfect for a self-planned driving holiday. On the Traveler Tips website you will find extensive information on other routes, practical preparation, regulations and tips for different ways of travelling. Whether you are planning a road trip through Germany, a motorhome journey through Scandinavia or a train trip across Europe, there is always reliable and in-depth information available to make your journey better. Discover more and plan your next trip with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Smart, traffic-free routes to the Ardennes often run via back roads along river valleys such as the Ourthe, Semois or Amblève, instead of the busy motorways. Choose winding country roads that follow old towpaths or former railway beds; these are quieter and give you beautiful views over forests and valleys. A great option is to drive the Abbey Route (approx. 670 km), passing abbeys and rolling landscapes in the Belgian, French and Luxembourg Ardennes. Allow extra time to drive via smaller departmental and provincial roads around Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Spa, where you get a combination of great viewpoints and less traffic.
Before departure, check oil level, coolant, tyre pressure (including spare wheel) and brakes, and take a warning triangle, hi-vis vests, spare bulb set and a good road atlas or offline navigation with you. Choose a route with enough breaks, especially in the last hilly hours, so that you start the winding roads well rested. Pack compactly but practically: waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes, first-aid kit, power bank and, if needed, a roof box or bike rack that is securely attached. Drive calmly in the Ardennes: use low gears when ascending and descending, keep your distance in bends and in autumn or winter check the weather and any snow or fog forecasts beforehand.
Use platforms such as Booking, Natuurhuisje and small-scale B&B sites, and filter on terms such as “atmospheric”, “cosy”, “eco” or “glamping” in the Belgian, French and Luxembourg Ardennes. Combine this with reviews in which guests write about peace and quiet, cosiness, good food and a location in or near the forest or by a river. For a mindful driving holiday, you can choose campsites on lakes/rivers, glamping tents or small hotels/B&Bs along routes in valleys such as the Semois and Ourthe, so that you can do a lot on foot or by (e-)bike. Plan your stops in places where you can do several activities from one base, so you need to drive less and experience more of the surroundings.
Drive along small back roads and former railway beds (RAVeL paths) to discover remote valleys, photogenic villages and lesser-known viewpoints. Stop at less touristy abbeys and local brasseries along the way for regional beers and simple, artisanal dishes among the locals. Choose campsites or glamping tents right on quiet rivers or lakes, where in the evenings you sit under the stars away from the crowds. Also explore the French and Luxembourg Ardennes, which are often quieter than the Belgian hotspots but feel just as rugged and authentic.
Be aware of local speed limits (often 30 km/h in village centres), right of way rules on narrow mountain roads and the requirement to carry, among other things, a safety vest and warning triangle. In the Belgian, French and Luxembourg Ardennes you may encounter environmental zones (such as in larger cities), which sometimes require registration or an emissions sticker. Check in advance for each town or city what environmental regulations apply and any access restrictions for older diesel cars. Parking is often free or inexpensive at campsites, B&Bs and outside the centre, but in tourist spots and central zones paid parking or parking disc zones are more common.
