Everyone's heard about the Châteaux of the Loire – but did you know that there are hundreds of amazing castles only a couple of hours away in the south of Belgium? Take this tour of some of the best.
Belgium seems to keep a lot of rather nice surprises up its sleeve. One of them is its castles. It has over 3000 of them, and 300 or so are open for all to enjoy. The Southern French speaking part of the country, known as Wallonia, has some of the very best and we've picked out la crème de la crème. From Renaissance finery and 18th century elegance to fairytale-turreted castles perched high amid the forests of the Ardennes, you'll find all sorts of styles and some fascinating history. What's more, unlike many of the châteaux of the Loire, which often have rather disappointing interiors, many of these castles in Wallonia are stacked full of wonderful treasures – superb pictures, tapestries, furniture and all the trappings of life in bygone centuries.
So why not take a tour and see some of these superb châteaux for yourself? On the way, you'll discover all sorts of other delights, too. Pretty little villages, ancient churches, historic towns and some truly spectacular countryside (especially in the Ardennes). Without doubt, you'll find some excellent restaurants and auberges, too. Belgium rates top marks for its gastronomy. So next time you're looking for inspiration for a day trip or a short break – try a tour of the Châteaux of Wallonia for something a little out of the ordinary.
We've divided our châteaux tour into two. The first is in the easy to reach Province of Hainaut, with its pleasant rolling hills and historic towns like Tournai and Binche, renowned for its colourful and ancient carnival.
The second is in the Province of Namur with its dramatic river gorges, forests and grottoes, the perfect setting for those fairytale castles. Of course, you can combine the two, or make your own tour. There are hundreds more to discover.
Distance from Eurotunnel : 150 miles