🇧🇪 Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Stavelot ?
60 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities. Click to discover each address in detail.
Stavelot is an Ardennes town best understood on foot, heading up towards the Abbey of Stavelot from the Grand-Place. Its history is tied to the prince-abbots who once governed this independent principality, and that singularity still reads in the architecture and in the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit museum, which reminds you the town also has a serious relationship with speed.
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions to visit, when the surrounding forests change colour without summer crowds. A day is enough to explore the centre, but staying overnight allows you to venture out towards the Hautes Fagnes by bike or car. Avoid limiting yourself to the Laetare carnival season if you're after peace: the town is more than worth visiting at any other time.
Landmarks & heritage (24)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Guillaume Apollinaire Museum
Dedicated to the poet who stayed in Stavelot in 1899, this intimate museum displays letters, manuscripts and works related to this formative period for Apollinaire. A little-known literary pilgrimage site, even among poetry enthusiasts.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Notre-Dame de Chèvremont Chapel (Malmedy)
Small chapel nestled on wooded heights overlooking the town, accessible on foot via a forest path. Clear view over the roofs of Malmedy and the surrounding hills.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Former Malmedy Tannery
Industrial remnant from the town's leather-working past; Malmedy was long renowned for its leather. The rehabilitated buildings echo this vanished economic identity.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Stavelot Henri II Tower
Medieval relic of the 12th century integrated into the urban fabric, this square tower bears witness to the fortifications of the former abbey principality. Often overlooked by hurried visitors, it deserves a closer look.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Stavelot Abbey
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the seventh century, now converted into museums and a performance venue. Its cloister and three museums – dedicated to Apollinaire, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, and the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy – make it a densely cultural and authentic location.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Ancient Abbey of Stavelot
A few kilometres away, the ruins and restored buildings of this medieval abbey house three museums, including one dedicated to Guillaume Apollinaire and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Essential viewing in the region.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Cathedral of Saints Peter, Paul and Quirin in Malmedy
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the seventh century, now a cathedral. Its Baroque bell tower dominates the town and houses the relics of Saint Quirin, venerated since the Middle Ages.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Spa Water Town Museum
Traces the history of Spa as the European capital of thermal tourism from the 17th to 19th centuries. Collections of fine lacquered wooden objects known as 'Spa trinkets', a unique local craft specialty.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Chapel of Our Lady of Spa
Small votive chapel nestled in a verdant setting overlooking the town, a quiet pilgrimage site for locals. Clear views over Spa's rooftops and surrounding wooded hills.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Saint-Remacle Church, Spa
An 18th-century baroque building in the heart of the town, with richly decorated interior. A testament to Spa's prestige during the era when the town welcomed European aristocracy.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Casino de Spa
The world's oldest continuously operating casino, founded in 1763. The Belle Époque building overlooks the town and deserves a visit for its architecture and history as much as for gaming.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Spa Town Hall
Neoclassical building from the 19th century adorned with frescoes recalling the town's thermal heyday. The surrounding square is the beating heart of authentic Spa, away from tourist circuits.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Barisart Bath
A former iron-rich spring set in peaceful woodland away from the town centre. A favourite walking spot for locals for centuries, far removed from the crowds.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand
An emblematic iron-rich spring housed under a 19th-century neoclassical building, dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great who came to take the waters in 1717. The naturally sparkling water can be tasted on site.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Grand-Place de Stavelot
The beating heart of the town, surrounded by timber-framed houses and buildings of Ardennes rubble stone. The Saturday morning market brings together local producers and residents in an atmosphere of authentic village life.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum
Museum tracing the circuit's history since its creation in 1921, with historic racing cars and rare archives. A must for any motorsport enthusiast.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Spa Thermal Baths
The historic spa of the city that gave its name to the word 'spa' worldwide. Baths, treatments and Belle Époque architecture in the heart of the thermal resort.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALandmark
Place Albert Ier
Historic heart of Malmedy, surrounded by typical Ardennes façades. This is where the city's pulse beats, with the weekly market and carnival festivities.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Warche Bridge at Stavelot
Old stone bridge spanning the Warche at the foot of the town, an ideal starting point for a riverside walk. Picturesque views of Stavelot's slate roofs from the water's edge.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALandmark
Collégiale Saint-Sébastien de Stavelot
Baroque church of the 18th century built on the remains of the former abbey church. Houses reliquaries of Saint Remacle and a remarkable gilded shrine that has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Géronstère Spring
Historic mineral spring accessible by a forest path from Spa, set among centuries-old beech trees. One of the region's oldest known springs, already documented in the 16th century.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Malmedy Historical Museum
Housed in an 18th-century building, it traces the town's history from medieval times through to reintegration into Belgium after 1918. Rich in documents and local objects.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, Stavelot
Small Romanesque chapel from the 12th century perched above the old town, often open during heritage days. Its austere architecture and views over the Amblève valley make it a discreet yet memorable stop.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Malmedy Carnival Museum
The Cwarmê of Malmedy is one of Wallonia's oldest carnivals. This museum traces the history of the Haguètes, these emblematic masked characters, with rare costumes and archives.
Nature & parks (13)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Artists' Promenade
A marked forest trail winding through the woods above Spa, dotted with outdoor sculptures. A 3 km route blending contemporary art and Ardenne nature.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Coo Waterfall
Belgium's largest natural waterfall, just 8 km from Stavelot, drops 15 metres into a spectacular bend of the Amblève. From the upper viewpoint, the view of the river's loop is breathtaking, especially after autumn rains.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Coo Waterfall
Belgium's largest natural waterfall, about twenty minutes from Spa. A spectacular site especially during heavy rainfall, surrounded by hiking trails.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SANature
Tonnelet – Tonnelet Spring
Isolated iron-rich spring in a wooded valley, with a small historic pavilion. Regulars come here to stock up on naturally carbonated mineral water directly from the source.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Roannay Valley
Small tributary of the Amblève carving a hidden ravine south of Stavelot, virtually unknown to tourists. The valley-floor trail runs along wetland meadows where grey herons hunt at dawn.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Stavelot State Forest – Fountains Trail
Network of marked trails through the Ardennes beech forest north-west of town, dotted with ferruginous springs of striking ochre colours. An 8 km circuit ideal for a morning outing away from the roads.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Warfaaz Lake
An artificial lake just a stone's throw from Spa's centre, surrounded by Ardenne forests. Ideal for an early morning jog, a boat trip or simply sitting by the water.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Warche Valley – Sentier des Moulins
Walk along the Warche through beech forests and former mills. The rushing water, moss-covered rocks and peaceful setting make this one of the region's most beautiful trails.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Barisart Fountain
Spring captured in the middle of Spa's woods, accessible on foot from the town centre. A quiet, authentic spot where locals still fill their bottles with iron-rich water.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Amblève Valley between Stavelot and Coo
Stretch of wild river nestled between wooded cliffs and wetland meadows, a paradise for trout and kayaking. The GR trail along the left bank offers complete immersion in the Ardennes countryside without crowds.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Malchamps Fagne
Preserved high fagne at the gates of Stavelot, a landscape of peat bogs and dwarf birches typical of the High Ardennes. Marked trails allow observation of carnivorous flora and migratory birds without damaging this fragile environment.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Malchamps Bog
Extensive peatland on the flanks of the Ardennes plateau at the edge of Spa, with heather and sphagnum moss vegetation unique in Belgium. Wild and exotic landscape just 10 minutes from the town centre.
Nature
Long-Distance Trail GR 15 – Malmedy–Stavelot Section
Emblematic section of the GR 15 linking Malmedy to Stavelot via ridges and valleys. Changing landscapes, passages through deep forest and views over the Amblève – the region's signature hike.
Viewpoints (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Croix des Fiancés Viewpoint
Natural viewpoint offering a sweeping view over the Amblève valley and the river's meanders. A rarely visited spot that locals jealously guard.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Viewpoint from Thier de Stavelot
Elevated position south-east of the city centre offering a 180° panorama over slate roofs, the abbey bell tower and surrounding wooded hills. Accessible on foot in 10 minutes from the Grand-Place, ideal at sunset.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Falize Rock Viewpoint
Rocky promontory overlooking the Amblève valley by around a hundred metres, accessible via a forest trail from Stavelot in 45 minutes. The sweeping view of the river meanders and surrounding beech forests is one of the region's finest.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Sauvenière Viewpoint
Viewpoint overlooking the Vesdre valley and the Ardennes hills, accessible on foot from Spa town centre. Spectacular sunset over the surrounding forests.
Activities (12)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Coo Waterfalls
Belgium's largest natural waterfall, a few kilometres from Malmedy. Spectacular after rainfall; the site also offers walks and a visit to the nearby Plopsa Coo park.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Kayaking on the Amblève – departure from Stavelot
Kayak or canoe descent on the Amblève between Stavelot and Coo, an 8 km route with a few rapids suitable for beginners. The river winds through spectacular wooded gorges, far from any road.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Kayaking on the Amblève – Departure from Stavelot
Kayak descent on the Amblève between Stavelot and Coo, with rapids and peaceful passages through wooded gorges. Equipment rental on-site, suitable for families and experienced paddlers alike.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Stavelot Carnival – Blanc Moussis
One of Wallonia's most singular carnivals, featuring white-masked characters with long red noses who whip the crowd with pig's bladders. Held each year in March—if you're passing at that time, do not miss it.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAActivity
GR 5 Long-Distance Trail - Spa Section
The GR 5 traverses the woods and moorlands around Spa, offering wild Ardennes landscapes accessible from the town centre. Ideal for a half-day hike through deep forest.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Spa Cable Car
Aerial tramway connecting Spa town centre to Balmoral plateau, offering sweeping views over the town and forests. An original and local way to discover the Ardennes landscape.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
One of the world's most legendary Formula 1 circuits, with the notorious Eau Rouge corner. Guided tours of the circuit are available outside race weekends.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Eau Rouge - Raidillon Corner
The Eau Rouge-Raidillon sequence is one of the most photographed corners in motorsport. Accessible on foot from the paddock during open-day events.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum
Housed in the vaulted cellars of the abbey, this museum traces the history of the legendary neighbouring racing circuit. Historic racing cars, champions' helmets and rare archives for motor sport enthusiasts.
Activity
Spa Thermal Baths (excursion from Eupen)
Located 25 km from Eupen, Spa Thermal Baths offer hot spring bathing, saunas and treatments in a renovated Art Deco setting. Local residents from Eupen regularly visit for a day of relaxation, enjoying the iron-rich water from Ardennes springs.
Activity
Stavelot Washhouse and Tanners' Walk
3 km walking circuit through the medieval alleys of the lower town, along the former tanners' quarter and its water ditches. Discreet explanatory panels, Flemish village atmosphere out of season.
Activity
Spa Swimming Pool - Aqua Sana
Modern aquatic centre adjoining the thermal spa, with heated outdoor pools and views over the forest. A very different experience from standard urban swimming pools.
More to discover (7)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Artisanal Cheese-making at Wanne
Small farmhouse cheese producer in the hamlet of Wanne, 5 km from Stavelot, making soft cheeses and aged goat cheeses using traditional methods. Direct sales at the farm, visits available by appointment.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Le Colophon Bookshop-Gallery
Independent bookshop in the town centre also doubling as a small gallery for contemporary Ardennes artists. Good selection of books on local history, the Fagnes and nature, run by a passionate bookseller who gives pertinent advice.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Saturday Morning Market, Stavelot
Weekly market on the Grand Place bringing together local honey producers, Ardennes charcuterie, seasonal vegetables and farmhouse cheeses. The place where residents do their shopping and where you feel the true pulse of the town.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Malmedy Weekly Market
Every Friday morning, Albert I Square comes alive with local producers: cheeses, Ardennes charcuterie, honey, seasonal vegetables. The best place to feel the pulse of the town.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Cwarmê – Malmedy Carnival
Recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, this four-day carnival in February transforms the city. The Haguètes in oilcloth costumes and feathered hats are unique in the world.
Place
Fagnes Distillery – Ardennes Pékèt
Artisanal distillery near Stavelot producing an Ardennes juniper spirit (pékèt) infused with wild moorland herbs. Tasting on-site and direct sales – an ideal bottle as an authentic souvenir of the region.
Place
Bookshop-Gallery Le Grenier aux Livres
Independent bookshop and art gallery run by an enthusiast, specialising in Ardennes and regional literature. A valuable cultural hub in a city of this size.