Many of the most beautiful cycling routes in the Ardennes are located in the area around Trois-Ponts. The terrain in this region is very varied, with gently rolling hills, challenging climbs and flat sections in the valleys. This offers opportunities for cyclists of all levels. Not only for experienced cyclists, but also for the more relaxed cyclist.
There is also the good quality of the roads: other regions in the Ardennes are known and sometimes even feared for their pockmarked surfaces, but the roads around Trois-Ponts are well maintained and offer smooth cycling surfaces, which improves safety and comfort during the bike rides. There is also ample access to bike rental and repairs in the area.
Our holiday home is perfectly equipped to receive cycling groups. There is a lockable bicycle shed, for mountain bikers there is a facility to clean the bike, and the large sauna and the indoor pool will make you forget all calf cramps in no time…
Cycling, walking, bird watching, horse riding, skiing, kayaking… for the most adventurous person or the slow enjoyer, something for everyone.
In Saint Jacques, with its beautiful surroundings and top location for sports and nature, you can go for a top holiday all year round. Start planning now!
Coo Adventure, one of the largest adventure activity organizers in the Ardennes, organizes (among other things) kayaking trips on the Amblève. If you like water sports, this is definitely an activity you shouldn’t miss during a stay in Trois-Ponts. Situated in the Hautes Ardennes, the Amblève offers a spectacular landscape of rivers, forests and hills that are perfect for exploring by kayak. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot a beaver swimming along the river or a kingfisher flying above the water.
Kayaking in the Ardennes is possible from spring to autumn, when the waters of the Amblève (and other rivers in the area) have enough current to make the experience exciting. Spring is usually the best time because there is more current (but the water is colder). Keep in mind that during dry summers it sometimes happens that paddling is not allowed because the water levels are too low. In any case, it is exciting without ever being really dangerous, and a great group activity for all ages.
If you prefer to go a bit higher, you can also go to Coo Adventure. In the tall trees of the forests at the Coo waterfall they have created a beautiful rope course, and they also organize guided climbing and abseiling sessions.
A paintball fight in the woods is also possible, while the little ones can watch animals during a train ride through the wildlife park.
Trois-Ponts, a cycling paradise
For the touring cyclist
The RAVeL is a network of comfortable cycling and walking routes, without steep slopes and on an even paved surface. This network runs through the whole of Wallonia, and a connection was recently made in the centre of Trois-Ponts. Check it out here.
Furthermore, there are routes of all possible levels of difficulty in the region, you can find them here.
For the cycling fanatics
Trois-Ponts is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys , and therefore by perfect slopes to conquer with a racing bike. The climb of the Côte de Saint Jacques, often part of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, is close to the holiday home. Furthermore, some of the most famous slopes of Belgium are in the immediate vicinity: the Stockeu in Stavelot, La Redoute in Remouchamps , and the Côte de Wanne on the other side of the Côte de Saint Jacques.
Several popular amateur competitions are also organised in the region each year, the most popular of which are Liège-Bastogne-Liège in August and Tilff-Bastogne-Tilff on Whit Sunday.
For those interested, here you will find an elevation profile of the Côte de Saint Jacques . The holiday home is located at an altitude of approximately 420m.
For mountain and gravel bikes
Trois-Ponts is also a top location for mountain bikers. From the top of Mont Saint-Jacques you can dive straight into the forests, which are ideal for off-road adventures. The routes of the Across-the-5 and the Across-the-3, the famous mountain bike ultra races that cross Belgium, pass here. There are also several signposted mountain bike routes in the area, including the Ardennes MTB Trail, a long-distance route of 157 km.
There is something for everyone here too: there are routes of varying difficulty, from easy beginner routes to more challenging routes for experienced riders. You will also find steep climbs, technical descents and rocky sections on the varied terrain, for the most demanding mountain bikers. You can already make your choice here .
MTB events take place in and around Trois-Ponts all year round, including competitions and guided tours.
The Haute Ardenne (High Ardennes) are great for bird watching as this region in the south-east of Belgium is rich in both native and migratory birds, offering fantastic opportunities for bird watchers all year round.
Walking or cycling along the many nature trails that the Haute Ardenne has to offer, you will see quite a few birds. For the more passionate birdwatcher, there are also various viewpoints and birdwatching huts where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the birds and their surroundings.
The area offers a great diversity of bird species, much more than in most other places in Flanders or the Netherlands. Among others, the chiffchaff, the black redstart, the nuthatch and the finch are often seen guests. Various species of birds of prey, such as the buzzard and the sparrowhawk, and in spring and summer the majestic red kite, are also easy to spot. In spring and autumn you can also see large flights of cranes passing over, which commute twice a year via their fixed route over south-east Belgium between North Africa and Scandinavia. During the winter months you can also see various species of migratory birds, such as the fieldfare and the goldfinch.
Saint Jacques is a great destination for birdwatchers. The high and quiet location of the holiday home, on the border between forest and meadow, makes it a popular place for many bird species and therefore also for birdwatchers. For laymen too, from the comfort of your armchair, it is a delight to see the fantastic diversity around you, with binoculars or with a local beer in your hand.
Saint Jacques in Belgium is a great place for bird watching and a haven for birds in general. The area is rich in both native and migratory birds, and offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatchers all year round.
There are several ways to explore the area and observe the birds. One of the best ways is to simply walk or cycle along the paths and roads that run through the area. There are also several viewpoints and bird hides where visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the birds and their surroundings.
The area offers a diversity of bird species. Some of the most common species in Saint Jacques are the Chiffchaff, the Great Tit, the Nuthatch and the Chaffinch. Birdwatchers can also find several species of raptors, such as the Buzzard and the Sparrowhawk. During the winter months, visitors can also see several species of migratory birds, including the Fieldfare and the Goldfinch.
The best time to go bird watching in Saint Jacques is early morning or late afternoon. Birds are most active during these times of day and are easier to spot. Visitors can also increase their chances by keeping up to date with the different bird species that occur in the area and the best places to see them.
To get the most out of their birdwatching experience, visitors should bring binoculars. Binoculars allow for closer viewing of birds without disturbing them. It is also important to be quiet and not to litter to protect the birds and their habitat.
All in all, Saint Jacques is a great destination for birdwatchers. With a wide variety of bird species and a variety of ways to explore the area, it is a must-visit for anyone interested in birds and their environment. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned birdwatcher, Saint Jacques offers something for everyone.
The area around Saint Jacques offers excellent opportunities for horse riding enthusiasts. The quiet trails and unspoilt nature are ideal for exploring on horseback. Whether you are an experienced rider or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful region.
There are several riding schools and centres near Trois-Ponts offering riding lessons and rides. Many of these rides take you through the surrounding forests and hills, giving you great views of the landscape. There are also rides that take you along the Amblève River, where you can enjoy the gently flowing water and lush nature.
There are quite a few horses in the meadows around the holiday home. These are owned by Jacques, our fantastic neighbour (who has been living in Saint Jacques for 70 years by the way), and his equally fantastic wife Myriam. They organise horse riding trips in the forests of Saint Jacques and the surrounding area. They no longer ride themselves, but they have experienced guides to accompany small or large groups.
Here is the web page of Ferme Bodson , the riding centre of our neighbour
Skiing in the low countries, the offer is limited, but the longest ski slope in Belgium is in Trois-Ponts: Val De Wanne. When there is enough snow, this is ideal for the beginning skier or snowboarder to get in shape for the real work in the Alps.
Even when there is no snow, there is plenty to do in Val De Wanne for the whole family: you can find your way in the large maze, and the more daring can ski down the slopes all year round with trikes, downhill scooters or karts.
Just a few kilometres from Saint Jacques lies Plopsa Coo, an amusement park aimed at (rather smaller) children. The park is located in the beautiful High Ardennes and offers a range of attractions and activities. One of the most notable attractions at Plopsa Coo is the roller coaster, the ‘Coaster’. Suitable for both children and adults, it offers an exhilarating ride along the hills and valleys of the Ardennes. In addition to the roller coaster, the park has many other attractions and activities, including the Carrousel, the Flying Bikes, the Tree Trunk Adventure, the Bobsleigh, and many more. Children can also enjoy various shows and performances by the famous Studio 100 characters. If you want to relax and enjoy the view, there is a cable car that takes you to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings. The park also has several dining options, including a restaurant with a panoramic view of the valley. Click here for more information about Plopsa Coo .
You can’t miss it, it’s a magical place. The mist that lies in the distant valleys in the morning, the majestic birds of prey that soar above the meadows, the deer at the edge of the forest, the mighty sunsets…
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