Nature lovers, history buffs, foodies, young and old: there is something for everyone around Miel, le gîte! Discover our favourite activities in the region:
Nature
Marchin lies between Huy and Durbuy in the green Condroz, a region bordering the Ardennes and just an hour’s drive from Brussels. The house sits at the end of a quiet, traffic-free cul-de-sac, with uninterrupted views of the countryside from both the house and the large garden. Explore the wooded valley of the Hoyoux river, with its many small waterfalls and a few remnants of its railway past.
Sport
Just 800 m from the gîte, on foot or by bike, you reach the RAVeL, a network of walking, cycling and bridle paths with lovely signposted routes. For the more daring, the famous Mur de Huy is only a few kilometres away! And just 30 minutes by car, the well-known town of Durbuy awaits, with its walks, bike rides, mini golf, kayaking trips and adventure park. Golfers? The Naxhelet golf course is made for you!
Culture & history
Discover Modave Castle, set in a magnificent nature reserve just 10 minutes away by car. Huy is also well worth a visit: a pleasant little town with a historic centre (the Grand-Place), plenty of shops, an imposing fortress overlooking the Meuse and the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a 14th-century Gothic church.
Wellness
Fancy a relaxing massage during your stay at Miel, le gîte? Thanks to our partnership with l’Atelier de l’Ame, a massage therapist can come to the gîte. Booking required, minimum 2 people. Looking for a relaxing break with pool, sauna, hammam and massages? The wellness centre at Naxhelet Golf and the O’smoz wellness centre are both just 15 minutes by car from the gîte.
Eating out
Don’t feel like cooking? No problem: Marchin has an internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, and the surrounding area is packed with excellent places to eat – enough to delight the most discerning palates and the heartiest appetites! Discover our favourite restaurants below.
For children
Fans of spectacular slides and water rides will love Plopsaqua in Hannut, 35 minutes from the gîte. Fancy a horse-drawn carriage ride? You can take one in neighbouring Modave. For the more adventurous, there is the “La Grande Évasion” escape game at Huy fortress (groups of 3 to 8, booking required). On rainy days, head to L’Atelier, the indoor play centre in Braives. Nature and prehistory lovers will enjoy the Préhistomuseum adventure park in Flémalle. For the more energetic, Adventure Valley in Durbuy is a great choice, with a challenge course, a treasure hunt for the little ones, several treetop trails, kayaking, a giant slide and much more.
Arabelle Meirlaen
Arabelle Meirlaen’s Michelin-starred restaurant (recently also awarded a green star) is just 5 minutes away by car and an absolute must-visit (Gault & Millau 18/20)! @arabelle.be
Le Pavillon du Vieux Château
Just 7 minutes away is one of Els & Michel’s favourites: Le Pavillon du Vieux Château, with its lovely terrace along the Hoyoux. A real gastronomic gem (Gault & Millau 14/20)! @lepavillonduvieuxchateau.be
Pampa
In Huy, in the Statte marina, you will find Pampa, a tapas restaurant with a lovely terrace overlooking the Meuse. @pampa-bar.be
Le Barabas
A friendly spot for fresh pasta and one of the most popular restaurants in Huy. Please note: open on weekdays only. Book via the website @lebarabas.be
Le Binôme Gourmand, friterie and restaurant
In Clavier, a 15-minute drive from the gîte, you’ll find one of the best friteries (chip shops) in the region, plus an excellent restaurant serving brasserie-style food. To book, call 0478/67 73 11.
Le Sorgho Rouge
In the centre of Huy, a treat for lovers of Asian food: Chinese cuisine with a modern twist. Full of flavour, with fresh, tasty produce, a fine wine list and attentive service. Not to be missed. Book online.
Basta
Just 15 minutes away in Wanze is the excellent Italian restaurant Basta, where the chef has set out to help his guests rediscover Italian cuisine. Booking required. @basta-resto.be
L’Escale
In the mood for Mediterranean food in a lovely setting? Book a table at L’Escale in Huy. @escale-huy.be
La Roseraie
A gourmet restaurant on a magnificent estate in Modave, 10 minutes from our gîte. Chef Marie Trignon was awarded her first Michelin star this year. Not to be missed. On Friday lunchtimes you can book a 3-course lunch for €50. @laroseraiemodave.com
Utopia
A new foodie spot you really should try. It’s a little further from the gîte – in Seraing, 40 minutes away – but well worth the trip. Book via their Facebook page.
Nove Pizzeria Napoletana
Craving an excellent Neapolitan pizza? Try this new spot in the centre of Huy. Takeaway available via @nove.pizza
Auberge du Château du Leignon
A 33-minute drive away in Ciney, discover renowned chef Isabelle Arpin’s new restaurant, set on a magnificent estate. A must-visit for lovers of honest cooking! Booking required. @leignon.com