The 9 Most Beautiful Viewpoints in the Ardennes

The Ardennes look their best from above. Rivers winding in great loops through the valleys, wooded hills stretching to the horizon and rocks rising steeply above the water. Especially in autumn, when the forests turn red and gold, a viewpoint is the reward for every climb. Our Open Ground Hoodie, with wide landscapes in soft green and brown, captures exactly that feeling. Here are 9 viewpoints you have to see.

1. Panorama of Frahan (Rochehaut, Semois)

This view is often called one of the most beautiful panoramas in Belgium. From Rochehaut, near Bouillon, you look down on a bend of the Semois with the little village of Frahan on a peninsula in the river. The view is protected as major heritage of Wallonia.

Practical: the viewpoint is at the end of a 300-metre access road. From here a 1.5 km walk leads down through the forest to Frahan.

2. Rocher du Chat (Florenville, Semois)

Near Sainte-Cécile, in the municipality of Florenville, the Rocher du Chat looks out over the Semois and the vast forests of Herbeumont. The viewpoint is free and open all year round.

Practical: from the car park on the Rue des Epioux in Florenville, it is about a 10-minute walk through the forest to the view. If you want to walk further, you can turn it into a loop of around 7 or 13 km.

3. Rocher du Hérou (Nadrin, Ourthe)

The Rocher du Hérou is a rocky ridge about 1.5 km long and 80 to 90 metres high above the Ourthe. From the top you see the river meandering in broad bends through the valley. The site is recognised as exceptional heritage of Wallonia and lies in a Natura 2000 area. For those who love rugged rock: the mountain goat on our Cliff Edge Sweatshirt would feel right at home here.

Practical: start at the Belvédère du Hérou car park in Nadrin (Houffalize). The 6 km loop takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and is difficult. It is only suitable for those who are sure-footed, and the rock is slippery in damp weather. In high season the car park fills up quickly.

4. Roche-aux-Faucons (Esneux, Ourthe)

From the Roche-aux-Faucons, a limestone rock between Esneux and Neupré, you look about 120 metres down into the Ourthe valley. You see the river make a big meander around the Ham peninsula. The rock owes its name to the peregrine falcons that used to nest there. They have been gone since 1958. Our Swift Dive T-shirt, with a diving falcon, brings them back a little.

Practical: there is a small car park by the rock. For walkers there is a 10 km loop (about 3 hours), with steep descents and a river crossing. A sturdy hike, in other words.

5. Rocher Bayard (Dinant, Meuse)

The Rocher Bayard is a rock needle about 35 metres high on the Meuse, just outside Dinant. According to legend, the rock split when the horse Bayard, with the Four Sons of Aymon on his back, cleared it in a single leap. In reality, French military engineers under Louis XIV made the passage. Since 1939 the rock has been a protected monument. It is not a viewpoint in the classic sense, but it is one of the most impressive rocks in the Ardennes.

6. Citadel of Dinant

High above Dinant stands the citadel. From there you look out over the Meuse, the collegiate church with its distinctive spire and the row of colourful houses along the water. You can go up via a staircase of 408 steps, by cable car or by car.

Practical: the citadel charges admission, and the prices and operation of the cable car change from time to time. So check the official website beforehand.

7. Gileppe Panoramic Tower (Jalhay)

At the Gileppe reservoir stands a panoramic tower with a restaurant at a height of 77 metres. Two glass lifts take you up, and from there you look out over the lake and the surrounding forests. Parking is free.

Practical: opening hours and prices vary by season. Check the Gileppe website before you set off.

8. Fondry des Chiens (Nismes)

The Fondry des Chiens near Nismes, in the municipality of Viroinval, is not a classic panorama but a spectacular limestone gorge: 100 metres long and up to 20 metres deep. It is sometimes called the "Belgian Grand Canyon". It is free and open all year round, with a car park just a few metres away.

Practical: if you want to turn it into a walk, start at the Nismes tourist office. The 4 km out-and-back route follows the red rectangle.

9. Castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne (Ourthe)

The ruins of La Roche castle date from the 11th century and tower high above the town and the Ourthe. From the walls you look out over the rooftops and the wooded hills. A wonderful spot in autumn.

Practical: the castle charges admission and is not open all year. Check the current opening hours on the castle's website.

Mountains, rocks and sweeping views: that is also the mood of our High Ridge Hoodie, with powerful mountain graphics in earthy green and orange.

Tips for your visit

Go for the best light

The best light comes early in the morning and around sunset. Mist often hangs in the valleys then, and the forests take on warmer colours. At the beginning of October the sun sets in Brussels at around 19:15. In the Ardennes, which lie slightly further east, that is a few minutes earlier. And after the end of summer time on 25 October, the sun sets an hour earlier.

Stay safe near the rocks

• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Rocks such as the Hérou and the Roche-aux-Faucons are slippery in damp weather.
• Stay on the marked paths and keep away from the edge.
• Keep children and dogs close to you near drops.
• Walking through the Walloon forests in autumn? Watch out for hunting. On days with a driven hunt, red notices are posted at the start of the paths.

What should you wear?

On a viewpoint it is often windier and cooler than in the valley. Bring an extra layer. In hiking in the Ardennes: what to wear you can read how to dress, and in bad weather our tips for hiking in the rain will help.

Looking for even more beautiful places? The Tombeau du Géant, the Coo waterfall and Lake Robertville are in our article on nature trips during the autumn holidays.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most beautiful viewpoint in the Ardennes?

The Frahan panorama in Rochehaut is often named the most beautiful, with its view of a bend of the Semois and the little village of Frahan. The Rocher du Hérou and the Roche-aux-Faucons above the Ourthe are spectacular too.

Which Ardennes viewpoints are easy to reach?

The Frahan panorama, the Rocher du Chat (10 minutes' walk from the car park), the Fondry des Chiens and the Gileppe panoramic tower are easy to reach. The Rocher du Hérou and the Roche-aux-Faucons call for a more strenuous walk.

When are the Ardennes at their most beautiful?

In autumn, when the forests turn red and gold. Go early in the morning or around sunset for the best light, and often for mist in the valleys too.

For those who like to look out from on high

Every climb is worth it for that one view. Carry that drive with the Bold Ascent Sweatshirt, or discover all our mountain designs in the Mountains collection. Shipping is free across the EU from €45 (otherwise €4.99).