Liège fills three days easily, but the region deserves that you leave it. Four destinations fit into a day, less than an hour and a half from the city, and two are reachable directly by train.
Huy, the closest
Twenty minutes by train towards Namur, and you step off in a small town set on the Meuse, dominated by its citadel. The climb is on foot, up a steep stairway; the view over the valley rewards the effort. The old centre takes an hour, between the collegiate church and the sloping streets.
Spa, for air and forest
The spa town gave its name to every such resort in the world, which earns it at least one visit. You come for forest walks, springs and resort architecture that tells the story of the 19th century. By train, Spa is reached via Pepinster.
Remouchamps, underground
The caves are partly visited by boat, which makes them easy with families. Allow an hour for the visit and another for a walk around. Access is by bus from Liège, or by car.
Stavelot, for the abbey
Further out, in the Ardennes, the Benedictine abbey now holds exhibitions and a museum of the principality. It is the longest trip but the most complete change of scene: forests, stone, silence.
Practical information
The train is the best option for Huy and Spa: central stations and decent frequencies. For Remouchamps and Stavelot, the car remains easier, though buses exist. Leave early: these four are best visited before late afternoon, and evening trains are sparse.
FAQ
Can you do all four in a day?
No. Pick one destination, two if they are close: Huy and back is plenty.
Which suits children best?
Remouchamps, for the boat and the sense of adventure.
Do you need to book?
For the caves, yes in high season. For the rest, no.
Also read
The book
The Empty Wall is the second book of Oscar’s Notebook, a series of crime novels set in Liège.
