Things To Do
in Awans
Awans is a small municipality in Wallonia, in the province of Liège, characterized by village centers, agricultural landscapes and easy access to the city of Liège. The town blends rural charm with a handful of historic buildings, local shops and community life typical of the Hesbaye region. Its location makes it a quiet base for exploring eastern Belgium — from rolling farmlands to nearby Ardennes hills.
Awans is well suited to visitors seeking a low-key, local experience with convenient transport links to larger urban and natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Awans, admiring the beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Visit the local bakery to enjoy a warm, freshly baked croissant paired with a cup of rich Belgian coffee. Take some time to explore the nearby Saint Martin's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 13th century.
After lunch at a cozy bistro, continue your exploration by visiting the local museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of Awans. Engage with exhibits that highlight the town's industrial past and its transformation over the years. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Parc de la Basse-Mare, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or simply unwind in the lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional Belgian restaurant to savor local specialties such as stoofvlees, a hearty beef stew. Pair your meal with a refreshing Belgian beer, experiencing the unique flavors the country is famous for. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Awans at night.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a nature walk in the nearby nature reserve. Breathe in the fresh air as you trek through lush trails, surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, and take plenty of photos to capture the stunning scenery.
After your invigorating morning, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, perhaps at a scenic overlook where you can appreciate the beautiful landscape. Spend the afternoon cycling through the countryside, taking in the charming villages and picturesque fields that surround Awans. This leisurely ride will give you a unique perspective on the rural beauty of the region.
As the day winds down, return to Awans and treat yourself to dinner at a local tavern. Enjoy traditional Belgian dishes, perhaps trying a local beer that pairs perfectly with your meal. End your evening with a stroll along the river, reflecting on the natural beauty you experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (glass, pub) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short trip | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, rural atmosphere with authentic local life
- Close proximity to Liège and Ardennes for day trips
- Scenic farmland and cycling routes
- Good access to regional transport and facilities
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Awans itself
- Public transport within the municipality can be sparse off-peak
- Fewer tourist services than larger towns — some planning required
- Weather can be changeable with frequent rain
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / l'arrêt de bus ?" - Where is the train station / bus stop?
Places to Visit in Awans
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture traditional Walloon village architecture, stone facades and the church set against rural backdrops — great for golden hour shots.
Wide agricultural vistas, patchwork fields and seasonal crops offer calm landscape photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Short drives to nearby river valleys provide dramatic water, bridge and townscape compositions, particularly from elevated viewpoints.
Within an hour’s drive, forested trails, streams and rock formations in the Ardennes yield moody nature and long-exposure opportunities.
Food in Awans
Awans Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef in a beer-based gravy. Found at local brasseries and family restaurants in Awans and nearby Liège.
Must-Try!
Traditional pork sausages and cold cuts sold in markets and delis — great with mustard and fresh bread.
Sweet, caramelized waffle popular at markets and street stands in Liège and at local festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets in Awans and neighboring villages selling local cheese, bread, charcuterie and seasonal produce — ideal for a picnic or tasting local products.
A short trip to Liège offers more street food variety — waffles, frites (Belgian fries), and snack stands offering regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake for introductions is common; use formal greetings (Bonjour / Bonsoir) when entering shops or meeting people.
French is the main language in Awans; a few people may speak Dutch or English. Trying basic French phrases is appreciated.
Separate waste and follow local recycling rules — municipalities are particular about sorting and collection schedules.
Be on time for appointments or tours and dress modestly for church visits; politeness and quiet behavior in residential areas are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Awans
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium — leaving a small extra tip (5–10% or rounding up) is appreciated for good service. Taxi drivers and café staff can be rounded up or given a few euros.
Euro is the local currency; cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. Keep some cash for small vendors, markets and rural businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest time with long daylight hours; ideal for cycling, outdoor dining and village markets. Expect occasional rain showers and more tourists in nearby attractions.
Crisp air and colorful foliage across farmlands and nearby forests; great for hiking and photography. Temperatures cool and some rural events continue into early autumn.
Chillier temperatures with shorter days; occasional frost and snow in colder spells. Many small businesses remain open but expect quieter village life and fewer outdoor services.
Blossoming fields and milder weather make spring a pleasant time for cycling and walking; local farms and markets begin offering seasonal produce.
Awans at Night
Hiking in Awans
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local network of lowland trails and farm lanes ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and seasonal flower displays.
A scenic riverside hike in the Ardennes known for cascades and rock formations — about a 45–75 minute drive depending on traffic.
Forested river valleys offering a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels ideal for day hikes and nature photography.
Belgium’s highest point in the High Fens reserve; offers peatland landscapes and marked trails, reachable within about 1–1.5 hours by car.
Airports
How to reach Awans by plane.
The closest major airport for regional and cargo flights, about a 20–30 minute drive depending on exact location — convenient for European connections and freight services.
Belgium’s largest international airport, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or train depending on traffic — offers extensive European and intercontinental connections.
Located in the Netherlands, approximately 40–60 minutes’ drive; useful for regional flights and low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Francophone Belgians, many with deep local roots in the Hesbaye agricultural region.
Working-age residents who commute daily to Liège for employment, education and services.
Smaller communities of Portuguese, Italian and North African origin contribute to the cultural mix, typical of many Walloon towns.
A mix of families and an older demographic; village life supports both family activities and services for seniors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — community teams and youth clubs are active, and many people follow regional and national leagues.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are popular due to gentle country roads and proximity to challenging Ardennes routes.
Common social sport in villages and parks, enjoyed by many residents as a casual pastime.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Awans.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and larger restaurants, though smaller village eateries may have limited choices — ask for salads, omelettes, or vegetable sides and check menus in advance.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in Liège and in specialty shops; in Awans, plan ahead and consider self-catering or visiting nearby larger towns for safe dining options.
Restaurants understand common allergy concerns (nuts, dairy, gluten) but it’s helpful to carry translations of allergy instructions in French and to confirm with staff before ordering.