Set in the heart of Celles, in the municipality of Houyet, Clos Bel Air is perfectly placed for exploring the Belgian Ardennes without spending hours in the car. Within minutes you reach the Lesse valley, its caves and castles; within half an hour, Dinant and its citadel, Rochefort, or villages ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia. Plenty to build a stay at your own pace, in the province of Namur, between nature, heritage and local finds.
Celles (Houyet)
Perched on its rocky spur just outside Celles, this feudal castle with five conical towers is one of the most photogenic in Wallonia. Tour the furnished rooms and enjoy a treasure hunt for the kids.
Photo credit : Photo : Chatsam / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Celles (Houyet)
Cobbled lanes, the 11th-century Romanesque Saint-Hadelin collegiate church and a hermitage on the hillside: the village where the cottage stands can be explored entirely on foot.
Photo credit : Photo : Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Han-sur-Lesse (Rochefort)
A spectacular natural cave carved by the Lesse river, a wildlife park with wolves, bison and bears roaming semi-free, and the new Tree Experience treetop course: a full day out for the whole family.
Photo credit : Photo : Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Houyet / Gendron
Three routes to choose from (9, 12 or 21 km) between cliffs and forests, with return shuttle included. The nearest launch point is just minutes from the cottage.
Photo credit : Photo : Didier Misson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dinant
A fortress towering over the Meuse and the town, reached via 408 steps or by cable car. Outstanding views over the valley and an immersive augmented-reality tour.
Photo credit : Photo : Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons, domaine public
Dinant
A 40-metre rock needle on the banks of the Meuse, tied to the legend of the four sons of Aymon. Free and open access, right along Dinant's riverside quays.
Photo credit : Photo : Zairon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dinant
At the gates of Dinant, this 12th-century abbey gave its name to the famous beer. Maison Leffe offers an interactive visit with tasting — a great rainy-day option.
Photo credit : Photo : Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Dinant
Treetop courses, zip-lines, via ferrata and a deathride in a former quarry overlooking the Meuse: the place for thrill-seekers, whether with family or friends.
Photo credit : Source : site officiel de Dinant Évasion
Furfooz (Dinant)
A roughly 4 km walk through a site shaped by the Lesse, past limestone cliffs, Roman remains and a fortified medieval plateau. A lovely nature outing a quarter of an hour from the cottage.
Photo credit : Photo : desiderata12 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rochefort
The little sister of the Han cave, visited via an almost vertical 60-metre descent down to the impressive Salle du Sabbat. A spectacular underground experience, ideal in bad weather.
Photo credit : Photo : Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Rochefort
Set on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa, this living-history park brings ancient crafts back to life: blacksmithing, bread baking, brewing ancient beer. A firm family favourite.
Photo credit : Source : site officiel de Malagne
Chevetogne (Ciney)
Almost 600 hectares of nature, gardens and playgrounds in the heart of the Namur countryside. Enough to fill a whole day out with children.
Photo credit : Photo : Jmh2o / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Houyet
An 18-hole course laid out in the late 19th century in an outstanding wooded setting, on the Houyet estate — just minutes from the cottage.
Photo credit : Photo : Giles Laurent / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Houyet
A former railway line converted into a cycling and walking route along the valley. It starts right in Houyet, away from car traffic.
Photo credit : Photo : Stratoswift / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Crupet (Assesse)
Another member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, known for its fortified medieval keep surrounded by a moat. A charming detour about twenty minutes from the cottage.
Photo credit : Photo : DimiTalen / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
The cottage sits between Ciney and Dinant, exit 20 off the E411 motorway, about 100 km from both Brussels and Luxembourg. A bakery, butcher, small grocery shop and petrol station are 300 m away, a shopping centre 5 km away, and local markets bring Dinant to life on Fridays, Ciney on Mondays and Rochefort on Tuesdays. Several restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive.
