Province of Liège... Generous by nature

province of liege… generous by nature

© Province of Liège - Communication Department

SITUATED AT THE CROSSROADS OF EUROPE, LIEGE PROVINCE HAS A WIDE RANGE OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, EARNING IT THE REPUTATION OF THE GREATEST TOURIST AREA IN WALLONIA

IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

Great Britain

Amsterdam

240 km

Rotterdam 226 km

Aachen - Hasselt - Liège - Heerlen - Maastricht Five towns - Three countries - One Euregio Five European cities, each with its own unique history and character, sharing one future in respect of economics and tourism in a Europe without frontiers.

Surf to the Heartofeurope site and discover cycle routes, local specialities, and the art and culture of the cross-border regions. www.vacancesaucoeurdeleurope.eu

Dover

331 km

Bruges 185 km

Lille

196 km

BY AIR Liège-Airport: 10 km from city centre

BY RAIL Lille: 2h41 Paris: 2h10 Maastricht: 0h30 Amsterdam: 3h01 Luxembourg: 2h22 Aachen: 0h45 Köln: 1h03 London: 3h30

Deutschland

Heerlen 41 km Maastricht 25 km 35 km 91 km 60 km Brussels Hasselt Aachen

Antwerp

110 km

Belgium Mons 113 km

Valenciennes 164 km

Visit LIeGE

Nederland

Namur

Liège

49 km

Luxembourg

France

Luxembourg 155 km

Metz

Paris 369 km

228 km

Nancy 283 km

Strasbourg

386 km

Köln

100 km

FIVE TOURIST REGIONS The Province of Liège offers above all a picturesque and varied landscape, harmonious and serene, and mountains at the more human scale: the Ardennes.

With the support of Wallonia, Wallonie-Bruxelles-Tourisme and the Commissariat General au Tourisme

Cover : Liège-Guillemins High Speed Rail Station - A miracle of architectural design by Santiago Calatrava Chief editor: Province de Liège Place Saint Lambert 18 A B-4000 LIèGE (Belgium) Production: Editorial board - Jérôme Aussems - Begoña Barrero - Patrice Legros Layout: Jean-Claude Massart - créacom Isabelle Léonard - Justine Fréhisse Photo credits: Marie-Frédérique Dodet - FTPL - Some photographs have become available from the tourism service providers Distribution and stocks: Jacques Dierickx Printers: Massoz Printing Works - Alleur - Belgium 01/2015/5M - ISSN 0033-1872

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EDITOrial The Province of Liège, a central location and a versatile offer within your reach Lying at the heart of the strategic London-Paris-Berlin triangle, the Province of Liège has the advantage of a remarkable geographical location - a unique gateway to Europe!

It is a choice destination with significant assets that offers 139 museums, 72 visitable sites of heritage and architectural interest, or in terms of leisure, recreational centres such as Plopsa Coo, the Caves of Remouchamps, the “Découvertes de Comblain” discovery centre, Blegny-Mine - a UNESCO World Heritage site – and the Vallon and Lembrée tourism areas.

It also plays home to two prestigious spas and wellness centres (Spa and Chaudfontaine), a network of some 5,000 km of signposted walks (800 routes), alpine ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails, 9 golf courses, and more.

With regards to accommodation, there are castles and wonderful buildings, more than 170 hotels, 19 holiday villages and over a thousand bed & breakfast and rental establishments.

Finally the calendar boasts a lot of exciting events like the Liège Trade Fair, les Ardentes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Grand Prix of SpaFrancorchamps, the Expo 14-18…

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The Tourism Federation is optimising the tourist potential of the Province of Liège by setting up a new unit: Receptive Tourism.

Organisers of travel, seminars, team building will be able to benefit from a customised and quality service. Whether it is school groups, corporate groups, groups of seniors or daytrippers of all ages, suitable, targeted products of standing will meet the most exacting expectations.

From now on and in partnership with private stakeholders, the FTPL, through this initiative, is supporting, co-ordinating and offering a flexible service that will live up to your demands!

Two destinations, equally contrasting and complementary, are particularly suited to the MICE sector: Liège, daughter of Meuse and ancient principality and now a cultural metropolis of European standing and Spa, located at the gates of the High Fens and globally renowned for its thermal waters for which it was, in the 18th century, the European cradle!

Furthermore, an e-commerce tourism platform focused on individual tourists keeps up with the latest trends (p. 10).

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AROUND AYWAILLE

Aywaille, THE ROMANTIC VALLEY OF THE NINGLINSPO

Anthisnes, Comblain-au-Pont, Esneux, Ferrières, Hamoir, Lierneux, Ouffet, Sprimont, Stoumont

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Abundant Nature The enclosed valleys of the Ourthe and the Amblève form one of the most stunning landscapes in the Belgian Ardennes. The valley of the Ninglinspo (Belgium’s only torrent) and the Fonds de Quarreux (rounded quartzite rocks lying in the bed of the River Amblève) are classed as Exceptional Heritage of Wallonia. Explore the rural idyll of the OurtheAmblève on foot, on horseback, on a bike. 900 km of

signposted trails lead you through woodland, typical villages or along the riverbanks. 700 km of cycle trails : cycle along quiet country lanes or mountain bike over exciting terrain in spectacular scenery. 150 km of bridle paths through areas of untouched rural beauty.

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1. La Gleize “December 44” Historical Museum This world-famous museum is located on the site of the Battle of the Ardennes, fought in December 1944

Maison du Tourisme du Pays d’Ourthe-Amblève Route de Louveigné, 3 B-4920 SOUGNé-REMOUCHAMPS Tel. + 32 (0)4 384 35 44 info@ourthe-ambleve.be www.ourthe-ambleve.be

2. The Comblain Discoveries The Grottos “de l’Abîme”, the Géromont quarry and the Museum of the OurtheAmblève region…

Discover the sites and have fun!

3. Sprimont - Banneux Notre-Dame Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit this Marial site every year

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AROUND HUY

Huy, DAUGHTER OF THE MEUSE

Amay, Berloz, Braives, Burdinne, Clavier, Donceel, Engis, Faimes, Geer, HĂŠron, Huy, Marchin, Modave, Nandrin, Oreye, Remicourt, Saint-Georges, Tinlot, Verlaine, Villers-le-Bouillet, Wanze, Waremme

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Outstanding Heritage The pretty little tourist town of Huy lies on the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Hoyoux. The picturesque valleys of Old Huy and the medieval buildings bear witness to the town’s historic past, while the pedestrian area invites you to stroll and discover new things. One of the riches of the area is the valley of the Hoyoux, leading visitors to discover the woods and untamed countryside. The fabulous Condroz, land of stone and torrents, presents a limestone relief carved out by the irresistible flow of water. Romance beckons! In Hesbaye-Meuse, set off on signposted footpaths in search of horizons and meetings that will warm your heart. Every village has its own unique character. 15 footpaths and a cycle trail

make it easy to visit the splendid architectural heritage and the glories of nature, an exceptional environment with its own unique flora and fauna. The Nature Park of the Valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne in Hesbaye, in the triangle formed by the towns of Huy, Andenne and Hannut, owes its distinction to its woodland ecosystems, its wetland, water meadows and extensive agricultural areas. Discover the nature park all year round - 18 footpaths circuits, 4 mountain bike circuits, 2 signposted cycle trail circuits.

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2 1. Oteppe Domaine l’Hirondelle Vast leisure and recreation domain in a rural setting 2. Hesbaye Hesbaye, one of Europe’s most fertile areas. Fields belted with trees…

3. Huy: the Grand’Place In the heart of the city, near the commercial pedestrian area

Maison du Tourisme de Huy-Meuse-Condroz Quai de Namur, 1 - B-4500 HUY Tel. +32 (0)85 21 29 15 mthuy@pays-de-huy.be www.pays-de-huy.be Maison du Tourisme Hesbaye-Meuse Abbaye de la Paix-Dieu Rue Paix-Dieu, 1B - B-4540 AMAY Tel. +32 (0)85 21 21 71 hesbayemeuse@skynet.be www.tourisme-hesbaye-meuse.be Maison du Tourisme des Vallées de la Burdinale et de la Mehaigne Rue de la Burdinale, 6 - B-4210 BURDINNE Tel. +32 (0)85 25 16 96 mtourisme@burdinale-mehaigne.be www.burdinalemehaigne.com PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 7

Liège - THE FIERY CITY

AROUND LIèGE

The glorious past of the city of Liège has left an unusually rich heritage of collegiate churches and museums. The exceptionally successful renovation of the Museum of Walloon Life and the Grand Curtius, a major attraction, the Express Train station designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Royal Liège Philharmonic Orchestra, the Théâtre de Liège and the brand new Royal Opera of Wallonia put Liège firmly on the map as a major European cultural metropolis.

ART, HISTORY, NATURE & FRESH WATER

Ans, Awans, Bassenge, Beyne-Heusay, Blegny, Chaudfontaine, Crisnée, Dalhem, Flémalle, Fléron, Grâce-Hollogne, Herstal, Juprelle, Liège, Oupeye, Saint-Nicolas, Seraing, Trooz, Visé

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Liège is the chief tourist city in Wallonia. Take your time to explore the historic heart of a city with a rich past dating back more than thousand years (the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Town Hall, the Perron, the Hors-Château quarters, the church of St Bartholomew with its famous baptismal fonts…). A few steps from the centre, the paths of the Citadel hills are a great place to walk and to live, a place where nature has been preserved. Liège is the perfect place for shopping, with its many shopping areas and pedestrian streets. (Belle-Ile, Médiacité, Galeries SaintLambert, Espace Saint-Michel…).

Cross the river to Outremeuse, an islet bearing the imprint of world-famous writer Georges Simenon, and of Tchantchès, Liège’s oldest inhabitant. The Basse-Meuse is a tourist region with outstanding countryside, a turbulent history and a huge network of footpaths and cycle trails. Close by, in the Thermes & Coteaux area, natural resources are a major attraction. For centuries, the natural hot water springs have brought health and well-being to thousands of people.

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2 1. Cruises on the River Meuse Liège, Visé, Huy, Seraing Sunny cruises, gourmet cruises, themed cruises 2. Liège - Shop’In Design Médiacité commercial centre 3. Between the rivers Geer and Meuse - Mount St Pierre A limestone massif of extraordinary beauty lying on the border between the Netherlands, Flanders and Wallonia

Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Liège Halle aux Viandes - Quai de la Goffe, 14 B-4000 LIeGE Tel. +32 (0)4 221 92 21 - www.liege.be/tourisme TGV Train station Liège-Guillemins Tel. +32 (0) 252 90 95 - www.liegetourisme.be Maison du Tourisme des Thermes & Coteaux Avenue des Thermes, 78b B-4050 CHAUDFONTAINE Tel. +32 (0)4 361 56 30 info@thermesetcoteaux.be www.thermesetcoteaux.be Maison du Tourisme de la Basse-Meuse Rue des Béguines, 7 - B-4600 VISE Tel. +32 (0)4 374 85 55 info@basse-meuse.be - www.basse-meuse.be PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 9

The Tourism Federation brings to you a Marketplace like no other!

Are you wishing to book accommodation on a campsite, in a hotel, in a gĂŽte... to organise and activity, book a show, buy an entrance ticket to a museum, hire a bike, or even put together a package formula?

Get surfing to www.ouftitourisme.be. Thanks to this new e-commerce tourist site you can simply select and add to your cart as you desire. Totally secure payment is performed in one single operation and bears on the whole of the services put into your cart. Confirmations and vouchers are automatically issued to you. This platform gives free rein to your imagination and opens up so many horizons!

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Liège Province, a real breeding ground for microbreweries While it’s the big brewing groups that secure the international renown of our Belgian beers, microbreweries are improving the image of artisanal beer – it’s truly becoming a fashionable product for sampling, meeting a wish for local products, short distribution routes, quality and a return to basics. It is winning acclaim as an ingredient in cooking and as a feature on beer menus in bars and restaurants … It’s no accident that the label “Liège Beer Lovers City” fits in every way – it’s because Liège is THE meeting point for people who love beer!

Yes, scents of Scotland and Ireland, but – made in Hesbaye…

© WBT - Emmanuel MATHEZ

A passionate Liège-based distiller, Etienne Bouillon, has chosen barley grown in our Hesbaye fields to make his 100% Belgian whisky. Water from the region makes up the other important ingredient, for this is where the malted barley will release its precious sugar. There then follow the phases of fermentation (72 hours), distillation in two swan-neck stills originating straight from Scotland, and finally ageing in American oak vats. All that’s left to do now is let time do its work…

These are the origins of Belgian Owl Whisky, a single malt aged for 64 months which has just been awarded the title – for the second time – of best European whisky (2011 and 2015) by Jim Murray, the ”Whisky Pope”.

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AROUND MALMEDY

THE HIGH FEN, A GEM OF NATURE

Amel, BÜLLingen, Burg-Reuland, Bütgenbach, Eupen, Kelmis/La Calamine, Lontzen, Malmedy, Raeren, St-Vith, Waimes

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Respect for Nature East-Belgium! This territory, where German is also spoken, lies to the East of the province of Liège. The High Fen (Hautes Fagnes - Hohes Venn) is our country’s oldest and largest nature reserve. In this gem of nature, springs flowing in a moorland stretching to the horizon produce a unique flora and fauna. The Park House - Botrange is the location where nature lovers and ramblers of the High Fen - Eifel Nature Park meet.

Close by, the Botrange Signal marks the highest point in Belgium (694 m).

The Fen contains several lakes -Robertville, Bütgenbach and Eupen - with their leisure pursuit centres, ideal for family outings and for holiday makers in search of rest and quiet. The magnificent valley of the Our, a little paradise for walkers, is a major attraction. In winter, the whole region reveals its special delights, offering skiers the country’s finest snowy scenes and slopes.

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2 1. Eupen - Vesdre Dam East-Belgium’s biggest dam 2. Malmedy Malmundarium A space of excellence for local history, art and culture 3. Snowflakes?

All the fun of snow at the summit of Belgium

Maison du Tourisme des Cantons de l’Est Place Albert 1er, 29a B-4960 MALMEDY Tel. + 32(0)80 33 02 50 info@eastbelgium.com www.eastbelgium.com Tourismusagentur Ostbelgien East-Belgian Tourist Office Hauptstrasse 54 B-4780 ST-VITH Tel. + 32(0)80 22 76 64 info@eastbelgium.com www.eastbelgium.com

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Around Spa

Spa, Pearl of the Ardennes

Aubel, Baelen, Dison, Herve, Jalhay, Limbourg, Olne, Pepinster, Plombières, Spa, Stavelot, Theux, Thimister-Clermont, Trois-Ponts, Verviers, Welkenraedt

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Nature in all its glory The city of Spa has an exceptional setting, which owes its distinction to its enormous mineral water resources. ”Green“ leisure activities occupy pride of place : in the country of springs you will find a network of footpaths and cycle trails to help you discover outstanding natural wealth (103 walks, 13 signposted mountain-bike circuits). Verviers is an ancient capital of the wool industry, with its many traces of the rich industrial and economic history of the valley of the Vesdre. The mediaeval city of Limbourg, and Soiron,

a village full of character, listed among the prettiest villages in Wallonia, are well worth a visit. The Herve region with its wooded valleys, its blossoming orchards and remote farms, typify the region’s rural character. The villages of Clermont-sur-Berwinne and Olne, also listed among Wallonia’s prettiest villages, are a highlight of the area’s attractions for tourists.

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2 1. Stavelot - Plopsa Coo The leisure park Thrills overload for all the family 2. Limbourg - medieval village Outstanding Heritage of Wallonia 3. Herve The Herve region: an exceptional scenery

Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Herve Place de la Gare, 1 - B-4650 HERVE Tel. + 32 (0)87 69 31 70 info@paysdeherve.be - www.paysdeherve.be Maison du Tourisme du Pays des Sources Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand Rue du MarchĂŠ, 1A - B-4900 SPA Tel. + 32 (0)87 79 53 53 info@pays-des-sources.be www.pays-des-sources.be Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Vesdre Rue Jules Cerexhe, 86 - B-4800 VERVIERS Tel. + 32 (0)87 30 79 26 info@paysdevesdre.be www.paysdevesdre.be PROVINCE of LIege... generous by nature 15

NOT TO BE MISSED 1

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9 1. Aywaille - Safari Park Monde Sauvage Bears roaming half-wild!

2. Aywaille -Remouchamps Caves The world’s longest underground boat ride!

3. Ferrières - Domaine de Palogne Enjoy an exceptional natural site with outdoor activities beneath the walls of the fortified castle

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4. Aywaille - Château of Harzé Residential seminar centre & Museum of Milling and Baking

8 5. Château of Modave Superb 17th-century château perched on a rocky peak

10 7. Burdinne - Nature Park of the valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne Outstanding Natural Heritage site! Explore it on foot, bike or with your MP3 8. Liège Aquarium-Museum Explore the aquatic world on an amazing voyage of discovery 9. Liège - Grand Curtius Museum One of the world’s finest collections in archaeology, weaponry, religious and Mosan art, decorative arts, glassware, all gathered in a magnificent architectural unit 10. Amay - Château of Jehay Impressive 16th-century building - listed as Outstanding Heritage of Wallonia

6. Liège - Museum of Walloon Life Designed under a new concept, this museum is dedicated to Wallonia, from the early 19th century to the current date

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4 1. Chaudfontaine - The Thermal Château Belgium’s only thermal centre - water at 34°C 2. Blegny-Mine Descent into the subterranean galleries of a genuine coalmine – Unesco World Heritage site 3. Soumagne - Domaine provincial Wégimont Large leisure park and accommodation centre at the château 4. Seraing - Val Saint-Lambert Crystal Glassworks The only glassworks in Europe that are open to the public

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5. Flémalle - Préhistomuseum One of the biggest museums of prehistory in Europe!

6. Robertville - Park House - Botrange Meeting place for ramblers and those who love the High Fen-Eifel Nature Park 7. Bütgenbach Lake & Worriken Leisure Centre Sports, relaxation, holiday village, camping… fun for all ages!

5 8. Spa – Spa and wellness centre A therme 21st-century style: modern comfort, contemporary decor 9. Stavelot Abbey (15th and 16th century) Site listed as Outstanding Heritage of Wallonia 10. Jalhay/Baelen - Gileppe Dam In the heart of the forest of Hertogenwald

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accomodation GASTRONOMy

Regional flavours Liquors, eaux-de-vie, exceptional beers, characteristic cheeses, cold meats, foie gras, preserves, smoked salmon, snails, waffles, chocolates and confectionery and many more treats will surprise the palates of the biggest food-lovers and gourmets. Generous hosts and bon viveurs, Liège citizens have always known how to express their feelings through refined cuisine accentuated by regional flavours.

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An unprecedented rendez-vous for lovers of beer...

From now on, Liège has its Beer Lovers’ Café & Shop. Based on a new concept, it is located a stone’s throw from Place du Marché, la Maison du Pèkèt and the City Hall. Stroll around the boutique, allow yourself to be guided by the advice of connoisseurs and discover a real gem.

When it comes to accommodation, the Province of Liège has at its disposal a range of quality hotels suited to all budgets, plus a thousand guest houses, gîtes, furnished tourist apartments and numerous holiday villages and camp sites... In short, the possibilities are endless.

1. Crowne Plaza - Liège Sheer luxury in the only five-star hotel in the Province of Liège

2. Herve Espace des Saveurs & Découvertes Virtual voyage through superb hedged farmlands and supreme flavours

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events

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Folklore and tradition, broad-ranging exhibitions, sports events, festivals… there’s just too much to choose from!

1. Carnavals & Laetare February/March, a surge of good cheer 2. The Flèche wallonne & Liège-Bastogne-Liège Each spring, the spiritual home of cycling, the Province of Liège, hosts these two legendary races 3. Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Races are held all the year round on this world’s finest circuit 4. Spa - Francofolies Every July, this festival is attended by 200,000 music lovers 5. Festival of Wallonia In September, the Province of Liège celebrates its folklore and traditions 6. Liège - Christmas City Belgium’s largest Christmas Market - 4 magical weeks in the city’s historic heart

BROCHURES iN a CLICk TOURIST SITES & ATTRACTIONS

Leisure, relaxation, cultural enrichment…

250 ideas for days out!

TOURISM FEDERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF LIeGE Place de la République française, 1 B-4000 LIeGE Tel +32(0)4 237 95 26 ftpl@provincedeliege.be

MEMORIAL TOURISM “Memorial Tourism” is both an opportunity to remember past sufferings and a reminder of how lucky we are today to be living in peacetime Europe.

Tourism info: www.liegetourisme.be Leisure and getaways online: www.ouftitourisme.be RAVel map

On foot, bike or horse-back…

Country trails - friendly and safe (pocket size)

Download/order: www.liegetourisme.be