Bouillon

Dark forests, steep hills, cliffs, castles, abbeys and rich medieval history is what you’ll find in Bouillon and its surroundings. A francophone town in Belgium in the Wallonia region and Belgian Ardennes in the Luxembourg province, it sits just 5 km from the french border. Perched at 220 meters (720 feet) of altitude, the town is built around the Semois and Meuse rivers, with its 10th century fortified castle as its focal point, offering gorgeous views of the area. Through its tunnels, dungeons and underground torture chamber, visiting the castle is a unique experience with organized story-telling and treasure hunt sessions, and a two-hour falconry show!

The ideal setting for a romantic stay at one of the many hotels or camp sites, it's also a picture perfect adventure activity site, complete with trails and cycle tracks in the surrounding woods. A survivor to both World Wars, the town beneath the castle is pretty and quaint, packed with great restaurants and a local brewery, Brasserie de Bouillon – although for diehard beer lovers, an extra stop at the Abbaye d’Orval location just twenty miles away is recommended, as it is home to one of the 12 trappist beer production sites in the world.

The Ducal Museum covers the history from the iron age onwards religious art of the region. The Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon uses audio-visuals, special effects and music to fully pull you in the long journey of the eponymous Duke through his tumultuous 1099 Crusade to the Kindgom of Jerusalem.