Things To Do
in Chaudfontaine
Chaudfontaine is a small spa town in Wallonia, Belgium, located just south of Liège and known for its mineral springs and leafy parks. The town combines a relaxed small-town atmosphere with easy access to the Ardennes foothills, making it a good base for nature walks and short cultural excursions. You'll find thermal baths, modest historic architecture, and pleasant riverside and forest trails that change color dramatically by season.
Chaudfontaine is popular with families and day-trippers from the Liège area seeking fresh air and restorative spa facilities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in Parc de la Boverie, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and picturesque lakes. The vibrant flowers and sculptures scattered throughout the park create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful morning. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from a nearby kiosk to energize you for the day ahead.
After your morning stroll, visit the Boverie Museum located within the park's vicinity, which houses a diverse collection of art. Spend a few hours admiring both classic and contemporary exhibitions, immersing yourself in the world of creativity. Take a leisurely lunch at a café nearby, relishing local delicacies.
As the sun sets, unwind at the park with a relaxing picnic or a leisurely walk along the water. The soft glow of twilight against the backdrop of the trees offers a perfect end to your day. Consider heading to a local restaurant to experience authentic Belgian cuisine for dinner.
Indulge in a rejuvenating experience at the Thermes de Chaudfontaine, renowned for its wellness treatments and thermal baths. Begin your morning with a soothing soak in their thermal pools, allowing the warm waters to relax your muscles and invigorate your senses. Don't skip a health-conscious breakfast provided by the spa to fuel your day.
After your relaxing morning, engage in one of the wellness workshops offered at the spa, such as yoga or meditation. This afternoon of self-care helps to enhance your well-being and provides insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Take time to explore the spa’s beautiful gardens, reflecting on the peaceful surroundings.
Conclude your day with an elegant dinner at the spa's restaurant, where you can enjoy light, healthy meals prepared with local ingredients. The ambiance is tranquil, allowing you to unwind fully after a day of care and relaxation. Finish off your evening with a walk under the stars, reflecting on your wellness journey.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $3.50-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature and scenic trails with a relaxed small-town atmosphere
- Thermal baths and wellness options for relaxation
- Short drive or train ride to Liège for wider dining and cultural options
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining choices within the town itself
- Public transport timetables can be less frequent outside peak hours, making a car useful
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "Merci beaucoup" - Thank you very much
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Chaudfontaine
Visit one of these nice places.
Tree-lined walking paths, manicured lawns and water features offer seasonal color and tranquil scenes—excellent for golden-hour shots and nature portraits.
The spa buildings and adjoining terraces and gardens provide classic shots of local leisure culture and historic spa-era architecture.
Riverside viewpoints, stone bridges and forested riverbanks make strong compositions for flowing-water and autumnal photos.
Elevated lookout points in the Ardennes foothills give sweeping vistas of the region; ideal for wide-angle landscape photos.
Quieter streets, local cafés and older facades capture everyday life and architectural details typical of small Walloon towns.
Food in Chaudfontaine
Chaudfontaine Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Bread-crumbed meatballs in a sweet-and-sour syrupy sauce, usually served with fries — widely available in brasseries around Chaudfontaine and Liège.
Must-Try!
A Walloon-style mashed potato mixed with root vegetables (carrots, leeks or spinach) often served with sausage or bacon — a comforting regional side dish.
Enjoy regional ales with cheese and cured meats at local bars and specialty shops; many cafés carry small tasting platters.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-town market selling seasonal produce, cheeses, breads and pastries — ideal for picnic supplies and tasting local products; check local notices for exact market day.
Look for classic Belgian fries stands and sandwich shops in the center; nearby Liège offers more street-food diversity including Liège waffles and friteries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Chaudfontaine is in French-speaking Wallonia—use Bonjour/Bonsoir and basic French phrases; politeness and brief greetings are appreciated before asking questions.
Belgians value politeness and moderate punctuality for appointments and tours; dress neatly in restaurants and spa facilities.
Observe quieter evenings in residential areas, especially late at night; keep noise low in lodging areas.
Safety
Tipping in Chaudfontaine
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills (service compris), but it's customary to round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service. Round up taxi fares or leave a euro or two for small helpful services.
Euro is the currency. Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but carry some cash for small vendors, markets and rural places. ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring ideal for walks and early-season hikes; trails can be muddy after rain, so wear suitable shoes.
Warm but generally not hot summers — great for outdoor activities, terrace dining and longer daylight; expect more local tourism on weekends.
Fall foliage in surrounding forests is spectacular and popular with photographers and hikers; temperatures cool and rain becomes more frequent.
Winters are chilly with occasional snow; spa facilities are particularly inviting in colder months, but some outdoor services may be reduced and trails icy.
Chaudfontaine at Night
Hiking in Chaudfontaine
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, well-marked trails within and around the park suitable for relaxed strolls and family outings, with riverside scenery.
Longer valley trails following the river offer varied terrain and peaceful woodland sections—good for half-day hikes and nature watching.
A range of day-hike options in the lower Ardennes with rolling hills, viewpoints and mixed forest—routes vary in difficulty and length.
Nearby protected areas and small reserves provide looped trails focusing on local flora and fauna, ideal for birdwatching and quiet exploration.
Airports
How to reach Chaudfontaine by plane.
Closest airport for regional and some scheduled flights; about a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic. Good for cargo and some passenger routes; car or taxi is the most convenient transfer.
Belgium's main international airport, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or train from Chaudfontaine—offers many international connections.
A budget-airline airport used by low-cost carriers; around 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic—shuttle and bus services available to Brussels, then onward connections to Chaudfontaine.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are French-speaking Belgians with deep local ties and family-run businesses.
Many residents commute to Liège for work; the town is also home to families and retirees attracted by the quieter environment.
Day-trippers and wellness tourists from nearby cities augment the population seasonally, especially on weekends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed and played at local clubs and schools; regional matches and amateur leagues are popular community events.
Cycling is popular for both road touring and mountain biking in the hilly countryside, with many routes and cycling-friendly roads.
Given the nearby forests and Ardennes foothills, hiking and trail running are common outdoor activities among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaudfontaine.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less prominent than meat dishes; order salads, omelettes, cheese platters or vegetable stoemp, and ask restaurants for simple vegetable mains.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns; bring snacks or seek out larger cafés in Liège for a broader vegan selection. Supermarkets carry basics (plant milks, tofu).
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many restaurants can adapt dishes if informed. For strict needs, buy packaged GF items at supermarkets or visit specialty stores in Liège.