What to do in and around Marche-en-Famenne?
Le Manoir — Marche-en-Famenne
Marche-en-Famenne sits at the heart of a particularly rich region: the Famenne-Ardenne. Within a few minutes’ drive you can reach listed villages, show caves, valleys to explore on foot or by bike, and preserved natural sites. Here’s an overview to help you plan your stay.
What to do in Marche-en-Famenne itself?
Before heading out to explore the region, Marche’s historic centre deserves at least half a day. From Le Manoir, our hotel in Marche-en-Famenne, everything is within walking distance.
Old Marche on foot
The tourist office on Place de l’Étang offers a 3 or 4.5 km walk through the old town. It takes in Saint-Remacle church (flamboyant Gothic, with a baroque tower from 1715, listed in 1938), the former Jesuit church and the Juniesse tower, one of the few remains of the medieval ramparts. On Place de l’Étang, a footbridge and four sculptures recall the old wall walk and the town’s former trades: lace-makers, chimney sweeps, tanners and brewers.
The Maison Dochain, home to Le Manoir since it was built in 1616, is one of the notable historic houses of the centre. A guided tour of old Marche can also be booked through the tourist office, in French, Dutch or English.
The Famenne & Art Museum
Housed in an 18th-century mansion in the historic centre, the Famenne & Art Museum (FAM) traces some 7,000 years of Famenne history: prehistory, the Frankish period, Gothic sculpture by the Master of Waha and 20th-century craftsmanship. It also shows the work of painter Remy Van den Abeele and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Parks and walks
Van der Straten park (3 ha), around the castle that houses the town hall, is perfect for a green break. A little further, the Site du Monument offers a loop of about 1.6 km: a lime-tree avenue, the Holy Trinity chapel (1610), a 17th-century Way of the Cross and a Holy Sepulchre grotto.
For nature lovers, the Fond des Vaulx valley, some fifteen hectares of wild landscape, and the waymarked trails of the Pays de Famenne start a few minutes from the centre.
Art around town
Keep your eyes open as you stroll: Jean-Michel Folon’s sculpture “Loin” (2003) stands on Place aux Foires, and “Le Grand Georges”, a tribute to the town’s last public crier, on Place Roi Albert. About 3 km away, the Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne in Waha, one of the oldest in Belgium, has stained-glass windows by Folon.
Markets, events and the WEX
Place aux Foires hosts the market, concerts and the Christmas market. The WEX (Wallonie Expo), about 3 minutes away by car, holds trade fairs, concerts and major events all year round. For families, the area also offers donkey rides and a city escape game, “Escape in the City”.
Distances from Marche-en-Famenne
- WEX: ~1.5 km, ~3 min by car
- Hotton: ~9 km, ~9 min by car
- Rochefort: ~13 km, ~12 min by car
- Durbuy: ~19 km, ~14 min by car
- Han Caves (Han-sur-Lesse): ~19 km, ~17 min by car
- La Roche-en-Ardenne: ~21 km, ~21 min by car
Heritage and villages
Durbuy, often described as “the smallest town in the world”, charms visitors with its cobbled streets and its Topiary Park. Rochefort offers the ruins of its counts’ castle and its abbey. La Roche-en-Ardenne, a little further out, stands out for its feudal castle overlooking the Ourthe valley.
Nature and underground activities
The Han Caves, in Han-sur-Lesse, rank among the most visited sites in Wallonia. In Hotton and along the Ourthe valley, outdoor activities (kayaking, walks, via ferrata depending on the operator) benefit from a well-preserved natural setting.
On foot or by bike, no car needed
The Fond des Vaulx, right next to Marche’s town centre, lets you enjoy a walk in a natural setting without leaving town. For cycling enthusiasts, several routes fan out from Marche towards all of these destinations — see our bike guide.
Planning your stay
Most of these destinations can be visited in half a day to a full day. With two or three nights on site, you can combine several excursions without changing accommodation — Marche-en-Famenne works well as a central base for exploring the whole region.
Where to stay to explore the region?
Le Manoir, a charming hotel set in a listed 1616 building right in the centre of Marche-en-Famenne, is a practical starting point for all of these excursions — find out why.
Travelling for business rather than sightseeing? Our business hotel in Marche-en-Famenne welcomes sales reps, technicians, consultants and WEX visitors, for one night or several weeks: self check-in and check-out, free parking with EV charging, company invoicing.
Further information
To plan your stay in detail: the Marche-en-Famenne Tourist Office and the Famenne-Ardenne Tourism House bring together events, trails and practical information for the whole region. Marche-en-Famenne is also part of the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark, recognised by UNESCO for the area’s geological richness.
FAQ
- Which destination is closest to Marche-en-Famenne? WEX, about 3 minutes by car, then Hotton at about 9 minutes.
- Can you visit several sites in the same day? Rochefort and the Han Caves combine easily in the same day; Durbuy usually deserves a full day of its own.
- Do you need a car to explore the region? Recommended for most destinations; the Fond des Vaulx can be reached on foot from Marche’s centre.