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Luxembourg
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Explore Luxembourg Province in Belgium for Ardennes forests, medieval castles, wartime history, riverside villages and distinctive Walloon food.

Luxembourg Province occupies the southern and south-eastern part of Wallonia, forming Belgium’s largest province and extending from the wooded Ardennes to the gentler farmland of Gaume. It borders the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the south-east, but it is distinct from that neighbouring country and from Luxembourg City. Long distances, scattered settlements and changing landscapes give the province a spacious, rural character that rewards a carefully planned itinerary.
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The Ardennes dominate the north and centre, where deep river valleys, forested ridges and stone villages surround towns such as La Roche-en-Ardenne, Durbuy, Houffalize, Vielsalm and Saint-Hubert. The Ourthe, Semois and Lomme shape many of the region’s best walking, cycling and kayaking landscapes. Durbuy combines a compact medieval core with a strongly developed visitor infrastructure, while La Roche and Bouillon are associated with hilltop fortifications and river scenery. Bastogne, farther north-west, is an important centre for understanding the Battle of the Bulge and the wider history of the Second World War.
The southern districts have a different feel. Around Arlon, the province’s administrative capital, Roman and Gallo-Roman remains reflect the area’s position between ancient routes. Gaume, near the French and Luxembourg borders, has a milder climate, villages built in warm-toned stone and a culinary identity that includes pâté gaumais. In the far south, Orval Abbey stands in a wooded setting near the French frontier; its surviving medieval ruins, later monastic buildings and Trappist brewing tradition form one of Belgium’s most recognisable religious and architectural ensembles.
History is visible in layers rather than in a single monumental city. Medieval castles overlook river crossings, village churches and former abbeys, while museums and memorials document the intense fighting of 1944–45. The province also preserves evidence of forestry, ironworking, rural craft and railway development at sites such as the Fourneau Saint-Michel. Outdoor recreation is central to contemporary travel here, from marked woodland walks and mountain-bike routes to canoeing on suitable stretches of the Ourthe and Semois, though conditions and access vary by season.
Luxembourg Province is best experienced through several bases rather than as a day trip from one town. Arlon is useful for transport and Roman heritage; Bastogne suits military history; Durbuy, La Roche and Bouillon provide access to castles and valleys; and Saint-Hubert, Libramont and the southern villages open the door to forest, rural museums and nature-focused excursions. The result is a region of contrasts: French-speaking Walloon towns, border cultures, working forests, farming country and dramatic valleys within a single Belgian province.

When is the best time to visit Luxembourg?

Best: June–August · 20–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January473
February463
March864
April1258
May1772
June (best)2079
July (best)2179
August (best)2176
September1869
October1472
November878
December482

Getting to and around Luxembourg

How to get there

The principal rail gateways are Arlon, Libramont, Marloie and Virton, with connections from Brussels and other Belgian cities; travel times and routing vary by destination. Arlon is the most practical rail arrival point for the south-east, while Libramont and Marloie are useful for the central and northern Ardennes. Brussels Airport, outside the province, offers the broadest international connections, and Luxembourg Airport, also outside Belgium, can be convenient for the southern border area. Major roads approach from Namur, Liège, Brussels, France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Transportation

Rail links serve the larger towns, but many castles, villages, forests and rural museums are dispersed and are considerably easier to reach by car. Local buses connect selected towns, although services are less frequent in remote areas and should be checked before setting out. Walking and cycling are well suited to valley routes and marked trails, while kayaking is available on appropriate stretches of the Ourthe and Semois subject to conditions and local regulations. Taxis may require advance arrangement outside the main towns.

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Best attractions in Luxembourg

Luxembourg Province offers a varied collection of attractions spread across a large, predominantly rural territory. Medieval fortifications are central to the visitor experience: Bouillon Castle rises above the Semois, while La Roche-en-Ardenne and Durbuy provide different interpretations of fortified town heritage. Bastogne’s museums, memorials and walking routes explore the Battle of the Bulge, with a focus on both military events and civilian experience. In the south, the ruins and museum of Orval Abbey combine religious history, architecture and a continuing brewing tradition. The province also includes the caves at Hotton, the Euro Space Center at Transinne and the open-air heritage complex at Fourneau Saint-Michel. Forests, valleys and rivers offer marked walks, mountain-bike routes, climbing opportunities and seasonal canoeing, while Saint-Hubert is associated with the wooded Ardennes and outdoor traditions. Smaller museums, churches, rural estates and village festivals add local detail, although many attractions have seasonal schedules and rural public transport can be limited.

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Best landmarks in Luxembourg

Bouillon Castle is the province’s most imposing medieval landmark, occupying a narrow rocky ridge above the Semois and presenting a complex of towers, walls and passageways shaped by centuries of military development. In Bastogne, the Mardasson Memorial, with its distinctive star-shaped design, commemorates the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and anchors a wider commemorative landscape. Orval Abbey near Villers-devant-Orval is important for both its ruined medieval monastery and its later monastic buildings, while its wooded setting reinforces the sense of a long-lived religious site. Arlon’s Roman remains and archaeological collections point to the ancient settlement of Orolaunum. Other defining landmarks include the castle ruins above La Roche-en-Ardenne, the compact historic centre of Durbuy and the landscape-setting churches, farms and villages of Gaume. Together these places reveal the province’s border history, strategic valleys, religious institutions and rural architecture.

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Best restaurants in Luxembourg

The province’s food reflects Ardennes farming, woodland and borderland traditions rather than a single uniform cuisine. Ardennes ham, smoked meats, pâtés, trout, game and hearty potato-based dishes appear widely, while pâté gaumais is particularly associated with Gaume. Local cheeses include Orval, made in connection with the abbey tradition, and menus often draw on regional dairy and farm produce. Forest and river landscapes have influenced the use of mushrooms, berries and freshwater fish, although availability is seasonal. Traditional cafés, village inns and brasseries sit alongside contemporary restaurants in Durbuy, Bastogne, Arlon, Bouillon and other larger centres. Look for local beers, including those brewed in the wider province, and for menus that identify producers rather than relying solely on generic Belgian specialities. Markets and farm shops are useful for bread, charcuterie, cheese, preserves and pâtisserie to take on a self-catering trip.

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Best bars in Luxembourg

Evening life in Luxembourg Province is generally social and low-key, centred on pubs, cafés, brasseries and restaurants rather than a large nightclub circuit. Durbuy, Arlon, Bastogne, Marche-en-Famenne and Bouillon offer the broadest choice of places to eat and drink, while smaller Ardennes communities tend to rely on village cafés, traditional inns and occasional live music. Belgian beers are widely available, alongside local and regional brews, but travellers should not assume that every rural centre remains open late. Student and younger nightlife is more apparent in larger towns and nearby urban areas than in forest villages. In summer, riverside terraces and outdoor events can extend the evening atmosphere, whereas winter visits are more suited to convivial meals, hotel bars and historic pubs. Check transport before going out, particularly where accommodation lies outside the town centre.

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Best nightclubs in Luxembourg

Evening life in Luxembourg Province is generally social and low-key, centred on pubs, cafés, brasseries and restaurants rather than a large nightclub circuit. Durbuy, Arlon, Bastogne, Marche-en-Famenne and Bouillon offer the broadest choice of places to eat and drink, while smaller Ardennes communities tend to rely on village cafés, traditional inns and occasional live music. Belgian beers are widely available, alongside local and regional brews, but travellers should not assume that every rural centre remains open late. Student and younger nightlife is more apparent in larger towns and nearby urban areas than in forest villages. In summer, riverside terraces and outdoor events can extend the evening atmosphere, whereas winter visits are more suited to convivial meals, hotel bars and historic pubs. Check transport before going out, particularly where accommodation lies outside the town centre.

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Best shops in Luxembourg

Shopping in Luxembourg Province is focused on market towns, local food and independent businesses rather than large-scale retail. Arlon and Marche-en-Famenne have the broadest everyday high-street offer, while Bastogne, Durbuy, Bouillon and La Roche-en-Ardenne combine practical shops with galleries, craft outlets, bookshops and tourism-oriented retailers. Look for Ardennes ham and pâtés, regional cheeses, biscuits, honey, preserves and locally brewed beer, taking account of any transport or food-storage requirements. Gaume is particularly suitable for buying local produce associated with its distinctive culinary tradition, and shops near Orval may stock products connected with the abbey. Village markets and seasonal fairs vary by calendar, so confirm dates locally rather than assuming a weekly event. Crafts, woodwork, pottery, textiles and illustrated material about the Ardennes or wartime history make more meaningful souvenirs than generic branded goods.

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Luxembourg essentials

Currency and Payment
Luxembourg Province uses the euro, coded EUR, like the rest of Belgium. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, visitor attractions and many restaurants, but cash remains useful at small cafés, rural food producers, seasonal stalls and some local services. Carry modest euro notes and coins when travelling away from the larger towns, and remember that payments in the neighbouring Grand Duchy are also made in euros but may involve different transport or commercial arrangements.
Safety
The main practical risks are associated with outdoor conditions rather than unusual visitor hazards. Wear suitable footwear on muddy or uneven woodland trails, follow marked routes and take care near steep riverbanks, slippery rocks and old fortifications. Winter weather can bring ice and reduced visibility in the Ardennes, while heavy rain may affect paths and water activities. If driving, allow for narrow rural roads, cyclists, farm vehicles and wildlife. Keep ordinary precautions for belongings in busy town centres and at crowded heritage sites.
Emergency Situations
In Belgium, call 112 for urgent ambulance, fire or police assistance; 101 is the direct emergency number for police. Give the exact municipality or a nearby road, trail marker, attraction or accommodation address, as rural locations can be difficult to identify. For outdoor incidents, contact the emergency services rather than attempting a risky self-rescue. English may be understood, but describing the location clearly in French, Dutch or with a map reference can help. Downloaded maps are valuable where mobile coverage is intermittent.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked paths, private land, forest access notices and local rules for cycling, fires and water activities. Leave gates as you find them, keep dogs under control where required and avoid disturbing wildlife or memorial sites. In churches, abbeys and cemeteries, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing services or people. Belgian dining etiquette is generally relaxed, but reservations and punctuality are appreciated in smaller restaurants. Tipping is not compulsory, since service is normally included, though rounding up for good service is customary.
Local Tips
Use Arlon for Roman heritage and rail access, Bastogne for Second World War history, and Bouillon, Durbuy or La Roche-en-Ardenne for castle-and-valley itineraries. Gaume is best explored slowly, with time for villages, local food and the Orval area rather than treated as a quick stop. The province’s tourist offices and visitor centres are useful for current trail diversions, water conditions and seasonal access information. French is the principal language, while English is common in established tourist settings and some German or Dutch may be heard near the borders.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMoïen[moy-en]
GoodbyeÄddi[eh-dee]
YesJo[yo]
NoNeen[neen]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[bit-te]
Thank youMerci[mer-see]
Excuse me/SorryEntschëllegt[ent-shel-lekt]
How are you?Wéi geet et Iech?[vay gate et ee-ich]
Fine. And you?Gutt. A dir?[goot. A deer]
Do you speak English?Sprécht Dir Englesch?[spraycht deer eng-leesh]
I don't understandEch verstinn net[esh fer-stin net]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEch géif gär de Menü gesin, bitte[esh geef gar de meh-nu gay-sin, bit-te]
I don't eat meatEch iessen keen Fleesch[esh ee-sen keen flesh]
Cheers!Prost![prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseEch géif gär bezuelen, bitte[esh geef gar be-zue-len, bit-te]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hëllef![hel-lef]
Go away!Géi fort![gay fort]
Call the Police!Rufft d'Police![roo-ft deh po-lees]
Call a doctor!Rufft e Dokter![roo-ft eh dok-ter]
I'm lostEch sinn verluer[esh sin fer-lu-er]
I'm illEch sinn krank[esh sin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ech géif gär kafen...[esh geef gar ka-fen]
I'm just lookingEch kucken just[esh koo-ken yoost]
How much is it?Wéi vill kascht et?[vay feel kasht et]
That's too expensiveDat ass ze deier[dat ass ze die-er]
Can you lower the price?Kënnt Dir de Präis erofsetzen?[kent deer de preys er-rof-set-sen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wéi spät ass et?[vay shpaht ass et]
It's one o'clockEt ass een Auer[et ass een ow-er]
Half past (10)Halsf vir (10)[halsf veer]
MorningMoien[moy-en]
AfternoonNomëden[no-me-den]
EveningOwend[ow-end]
YesterdayGëschter[gesh-ter]
TodayHaut[howt]
TomorrowMëden[muh-den]
1Een[een]
2Zwei[zwei]
3Dräi[drai]
4Véier[vee-er]
5Fënnef[fuhn-ef]
6Sech[zehk]
7Siewen[see-ven]
8Acht[aht]
9Néng[neng]
10Zehn[zehn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wou ass e/eng...?[voo ass eh/eng]
What's the address?Wat ass d'Adress?[waht ass deh ad-res]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kënnt Dir mir weisen (op der Kaart)?[kent deer meer vie-zen (op der kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Wanne kënnt de nächste (Bus)?[van-e kent de next-eh]
A ticket (to ....)E Ticket (an ...)[eh ti-ket (an ...)]

History of Luxembourg

Prehistory and Gallo-Roman Roads

The territory of modern Luxembourg Province has been occupied since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence found in caves, settlements and burial sites across the Ardennes and southern districts. Under Roman rule, the area lay between important routes linking the Rhine, the Moselle basin and northern Gaul. Arlon, known in antiquity as Orolaunum, became a significant vicus, and surviving sculptural fragments and museum collections testify to its role. Roman roads encouraged trade and movement, while later settlements often reused routes and locations established in this period.

The Medieval County and Duchy of Luxembourg

During the Middle Ages, the region was shaped by the County and later Duchy of Luxembourg, although medieval political boundaries did not correspond precisely to the modern Belgian province. Fortifications controlled valleys, crossings and trade routes, and castles developed at places including Bouillon, La Roche and Durbuy. Religious foundations also acquired land and influence, most notably at Orval. The resulting pattern of hilltop strongholds, abbeys and compact settlements remains one of the province’s defining historical landscapes.

Bouillon and the First Crusade

Bouillon is closely associated with Godfrey of Bouillon, the eleventh-century nobleman who became one of the principal leaders of the First Crusade and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, according to the traditional account. The town’s fortress occupies a strategic rocky bend above the Semois and was repeatedly modified over the centuries. The connection between the castle and Godfrey’s legacy helped give Bouillon an importance that extends beyond its local history, although the surviving buildings reflect many periods rather than a single medieval moment.

From the Southern Netherlands to Belgian Luxembourg

The province’s political identity changed repeatedly under Burgundian, Habsburg, French and Dutch rule. After the defeat of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna placed Luxembourg within the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, while the Belgian Revolution of 1830 brought much of the territory into the new Belgian state. The Treaty of London in 1839 divided Luxembourg: the western, French-speaking portion became Belgium’s Province of Luxembourg, while the remaining territory formed the Grand Duchy. This explains the enduring border relationship and the distinction between the two Luxembourgs.

Forestry, Ironworking and Rural Industry

For centuries, the Ardennes economy combined farming, woodland management, charcoal production, metalworking and small-scale craft. Iron extraction and processing developed in several parts of the region, using local ore, timber and water power. Sites such as the Fourneau Saint-Michel preserve the memory of this industrial and rural system, while forestry continues to influence both the landscape and local employment. The arrival and expansion of railways in the nineteenth century connected remote communities to markets, encouraged tourism and helped reshape towns such as Libramont and Marloie.

The Battle of the Bulge, 1944–45

In the winter of 1944–45, Luxembourg Province became a major theatre of the German Ardennes Offensive, known in English as the Battle of the Bulge. Bastogne was surrounded during the fighting and became a central symbol of the Allied defence, while towns and villages across the northern Ardennes suffered destruction, displacement and civilian casualties. Museums, memorials, military cemeteries and preserved markers now form a substantial historical network. The subject is treated not only as military history but also as a story of occupied communities and the human cost of the campaign.

Post-war Tourism and Regional Identity

After the Second World War, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing remained important, but tourism became increasingly significant. The Ardennes’ rivers, forests, castles and walking routes attracted visitors from Belgium and neighbouring countries, while Bastogne developed a major international profile through its museums and commemorative sites. Cross-border links with France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg have also shaped commerce and daily life, particularly in the south. Today the province balances rural industries, heritage conservation, outdoor recreation and the needs of dispersed communities.

Luxembourg in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Luxembourg

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Explore Luxembourg like never before with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Plan, discover, and book your perfect trip with rich information and local tips.

  • Interactive maps and easy navigation
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