Activities
Place du Marché, 6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne
Seasonal activities
Some suggestions
Summer
- In July and August, every Wednesday evening from 5 pm you can visit the Marcourt regional market at the church. The whole square is then full of little market stalls where you can buy and taste artisanal products (cheese, quiche, bread, sausages, cakes, vegetables, juices). Combined with the pop up bar and live music, you have the ideal apero formula at a walk distance from Cielle or you can also take the mini-train from La Roche to Marcourt and walk your way back to vu du cielle.
- In the blueberry picking garden of Chardeneux only 10' away from Cielle, you can pick the berries yourself from mid-July until the first week of September. Opened every dag between 9am and 6pm. A fun activity for the whole family.
- The open-air farm of 'Domaine de la Ferme des Bisons' is located around in the vast meadows of Recogne (Bastogne). They started breeding bison 25 years ago. The herd now numbers about 200 animals. Only a few days in August the restaurant is also open where you can then taste a very “bizarre” piece of ultra tender bison meat. The meat can always be purchased on site after ordering. In the summer they also organize covered wagon rides.
Some suggestions
Winter
- From mid-November until the first week of January, you can score a Christmas market somewhere in the area. Local sympathetic initiatives full of atmosphere and conviviality. For the markets of Erezee, Manhay, Houffalize, La Roche-en Ardenne, Rendeux you should not drive too far. If you like it a bit bigger you can always go to Durbuy or Ciney. All markets can be consulted on the visit Wallonia or website or the link here at the bottom.
- The last weekend of November 2025, we will organise our own pre-Christmas weekend in which we will combine all the best, tastiest and cosiest of the Ardennes to get you already in the right Christmas mood.
- In Samrée near La Roche-En-Ardenne, you may be tempted by the delicious chocolate of Cyriel Chocolat. This artisan chololatier is open all year round but nothing quite like chocolate or chocolate milk after a brisk winter walk. The chocolate varieties and the crunchy chocolate spread are are dangerously delicious. Besides the shop, Cyriel also offers tastings, workshops and an escape game.
- Every year still around the weekend of the 15th of December, the battle of the bulge is commemorated with big festivities, parades and re-enactments in the region. The city of Bastogne puts out its own program but activities are also planned in the various museums and villages nearby. This weekend is called NUTS weekend, a historic and clear response by General McAuliffe in response to the German demand to surrender.
- La Roche castle celebrates ‘les cochonelles’ during 2nd weekend of February. A food and drink fest that brings the whole village together.
- In several villages in the region, ‘le grand feu’ or ‘the bonfire’ is lit, it is a firmly rooted Walloon tradition. It symbolises purification and the return of light and spring. Snacks and drinks are eaten around the fire. The party is at its peak when the doll on top of the pile catches fire. With this, winter is left behind and the beautiful days begin.
Some suggestions
Spring
- Robert Lenoir's arboretum was established in 1937 by the passionate forest manager. It covers more than 22ha. The tree collection includes majestic trees from around the world. The arboretum is beautiful in every season but spring and fall are the 2 highlights of the year.
- The carnival tradition in La Roche-en-Ardenne is kept very much alive during a 3-day event in the village. The exact dates can be found on there website via the explore button.
- The migration of European cranes can be observed from our terrace in early autumn and spring. These large birds fly by in large numbers and in long untidy strings very loudly honking, covering 12,000 km in 11 days almost non-stop. A staggering feat.
Some suggestions
Autumn
- From mid-September to mid-October the mating season for deer begins. During this period, the young and old stag males compete with each other to capture a female. This period has the rut and is accompanied by the hoarse call of the rutting deer, called he belling. You can watch this spectacle from a safe distance (but without your dog) at several places in the area around dusk. Failing that, you can also watch the deer-belling championships. Taking part is more important than winning we would say.
- Autumn is of course the readout period for hiking or tasting the delicious local game dishes.
- The legendary ghost Berthe, the permanent resident of the castle of La Roche en Ardenne, organizes several Halloween parties at the castle during the Halloween period.
Guide
are you interested in a guided nature tour?
We have several contacts who can offer various experiences. Of course, these should be scheduled well in advance. Be sure to ask if you are interested!