4 Best Sights in Rochefort, The Meuse and the Ardennes

The magnificent Han Caves, which had provided refuge for threatened tribes since Neolithic times, were only rediscovered in the mid-19th century. To tour them, board an ancient tram in the center of Han-sur-Lesse that carries you to the mouth of the caves. There multilingual guides take over, leading groups on foot through 3 km (2 miles) of dimly lighted chambers. You get occasional glimpses of the underground River Lesse as you pass giant stalagmites and eventually enter the vast cavern called the Dome, 475 feet high, where a single torchbearer dramatically descends the sloping cave wall. The final part of the journey is by boat on the underground river. The trip takes about 75 minutes, and involves a total of 365 steps. The cave is 9°C (48°F), with 90% humidity, all year long, so consider bringing a sweater with you. Your ticket also includes entry to PrehistoHan ( Rue des Grottes 46, Han-sur-Lesse), an exhibition of the many archaeological finds unearthed within the cave system over the past 60 years.

Come for the majestic view and explore ruins dating from the 11th through the 19th centuries at the Castle of the Counts, situated on a rise overlooking Rochefort’s town center. To visit, you'll need to join a one-hour tour in the company of your guide, "Emelyne the Witch." Tours depart from the castle gate at 2 pm from April to November, but only during Belgian school holidays—the website has a calendar of open days.

In the woods just above the town center, this cave system was carved by the Lomme River, and it maintains a constantly warm temperature. The most remarkable of its many halls is the Salle de Sabat (Hall of the Witches’ Sabbath), which is more than 250 feet high. Visits are by guided tour only (lasting one hour)—tours leave every 45 minutes. While in the area, be sure to take a peek into the adjacent Chapelle de Lorette. Josine de la March, Countess of Rochefort, built this tiny chapel in 1620 in the hope that it would hasten the return of her son—who, so the story goes, had been kidnapped by a monkey, and was returned upon the chapel’s completion.

Built to incorporate the ruins of a Gallo-Roman villa, the 1,240-acre Malagne has nature trails, regional exhibits, historical reenactments, and an abundance of events specifically for kids. See website for a schedule of events.