Wallonia

Southern Europe starts with Southern Belgium!

Typically, people have heard of the Ardennes, and assume it to be where in fact Wallonia is. In reality, the Ardennes is an area within Wallonia. Wallonia is the Southern part of Belgium, dominated by French speakers (over 3 million in number) and a small German speaking contingent on the eastern borders. Belgium is divided into 3 regions which in themselves are divided into provinces. Flanders is the northern part of Belgium, divided into 5 provinces. Then there is Brussels, a region in its own right, and finally Wallonia , which, as Flanders is divided into 5 regions.

Wallonia is everything but flat! If you travel through this region, and get out from the 1st class motorway network that crosses through the country, you will quickly find out what we're talking about. And if you still doubt about it, then, think of our classic bycicle race Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and try to imagine what it is like to climb our hills on a bicycle... You will then understand why this classic race is one of the favourite test race for those serious champions who aim at winning the Tour de France! So if you need a bit of fresh air to get back on the track even more sharply, the ideal break is Wallonia and all its outdoor, sporty and sporty-ish facilities. Pay a visit to our outdoor activities section for more details.

Wallonia is Southern Belgium and Southen Belgium is where Southern Europe starts... Both language- and lifestylewise. Walloon people love taking it easy, spending hours around a good meal in a nice and friendly company, 'devising the world again', as we say in French... So if you're allergic to laid back attitude and mediterranean lifestyle, this is NOT the place to be for you.

Food is part of the locals obsession. We talk about it even more than Brits talk about football or cricket! And we're good cooks. In fact we've got both good cooking and good cooks. And you don't necessarily need to go in a Michelin awarded restaurants (even if we have plenty of them!) to enjoy a memorable meal. Simply refer to our Gastronomy section for more information on this topic.