#BrusselsInView: Getting spiritual in the Ardennes

Martin Banks explains how chilling-out is easy in one of the most spectacular parts of Belgium.

In light of recent events, you could be forgiven for thinking the world had gone slightly mad.

If, like many, need a reminder of humanity’s better side, there’s no better place than the Belgian Ardennes, which is home to a spiritual community called Radhadesh Ardennes.

Described as a “true spiritual oasis”, this is where you can explore the colourful culture of Indian traditions, as the chateau that houses this religious retreat is also open to visitors every day.

The chateau itself has had a chequered history. Dating back to the 11th century, it was used as a makeshift hospital for the wounded in WWI while, during WW2, it was occupied by American soldiers.

In the 1940s, it was a holiday camp for students before being bought in 1979 by ISKCON, probably better known as the Hare Krishna movement.

The new residents restored and transformed the castle into what today is, according to Trip Advisor, one of the top 10 Ardennes tourist attractions.

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Visitors get a guided tour of the castle, where you’ll see the decorative and impressive temple (possibly including a performance of Arati, a traditional religious ceremony), together with a detailed explanation of the Hindu culture and religion.

You may also get the chance to join with the multi-national Krishna devotees who live and work here in a spot of spiritual mediation, no bad thing in these turbulent times.

The centre, one of 650 in the world and the biggest in Benelux, also boasts a nice café/restaurant serving good veggie dishes, boutique, bakery and a fine museum. It makes for a great day and, if you haven’t come across it yet, it is well worth discovering.

Look out for its big summer festival on 29-30 July, which traditionally attracts thousands of visitors.

The Ardennes is always great for a short (or long) break and, with the summer holidays fast approaching, it’s well worth (re) discovering the charm of this lovely part of Belgium.

Ardennes-Etape is a leading locally-based holiday rental company which offers a vast range of top quality holiday lets, a good example being a charming property, located in Hamois close to Radhadesh Ardennes.

The small holiday cottage occupies what was once the outbuildings of a former farm. Benefitting from an enchanting setting (it’s adjacent to Chateau de Champignac, said to have been the inspiration for some of the Spirou comic book stories) this place really does allow you to recharge your batteries.

The tastefully-renovated 2-bedroomed house has a lovely garden next to a chapel and is ideal for a family break or for a couple looking for a romantic getaway.

The self-contained, stone-built holiday home (which still contains an original brick-work ceiling) comes with all mod-cons and a delightful wood stove. There’s also a private car park, nice outdoor terrace and some lovely walks to be had in the area.

Ardennes-Etape itself was founded in 2002 and is the specialist for holiday home rentals in the region. Its online reservation website offers more than 1,600 properties, selected for very good value for money. The Stavelot-based company boasts both a Belgian and international clientele and figures show that some 98.5% of clients would book again.

Its strongest asset? According to a spokesman it’s the “careful selection of high quality holiday accommodation” which ranges from luxury villas with a pool and sauna to more modest chalets. It also helps that the majority of its team lives in the Ardennes and meet holiday-home owners in person so as to carefully evaluate all properties.

There’s plenty of choice for every budget and taste, from the ultra modern to a typical Ardennes holiday cottage. Ardennes-Etape customers also receive a card that entitles them to numerous discounts at 140 local visitor attractions.

The rent, handling charges, usage costs and taxes are included in the advertised price (so no hidden costs).

While in the area you really should also try to make a beeline for Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq, which runs tram cars and diesel trains, dating from the 1950s, along the scenic Bocq valley (described as the “most spectacular” rail line in Belgium).

Regular passenger services ceased in the 1960s, but the line has been lovingly restored by a willing and hard working group of volunteers and is open in July and August. There’s still a 5km stretch to restore, however, and, as the association that runs the operation receives no subsidies donations are welcomed.

This very pleasant part of Belgium is only about a 90-minute car drive from Brussels (with decent local rail links too) and, surrounded by rolling countryside and great places to stay and visit, it makes for a reassuring reminder of life’s better side.

More information

www.ardennes-etape.be

www.radhadesh.com

www.cfbocq.be