Marche-en-Famenne(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Malmedy is the historic town center, where you’ll find charming accommodations like Hôtel de la Poste, a beautifully restored 18th-century inn with authentic Ardennes architecture. It’s perfectly located near the Basilica of Notre-Dame and local markets. For a more secluded experience, consider staying at Le Moulin du Bois, a rustic mill-turned-hotel by the river, offering serene views and farm-to-table breakfasts. These areas provide easy access to hiking trails, cycling paths, and the famous Ardennes Forest, making them ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

Visitors to Malmedy can immerse themselves in the annual Fête des Remparts, a vibrant celebration featuring medieval costumes, reenactments of old city defenses, and traditional crafts like pottery and wool weaving. The Musée Historique de Malmedy offers deep insights into the region’s role during WWII as a resistance hub. Locals still speak Wallon, a regional dialect, and many restaurants serve authentic Ardennes cuisine—such as Carbonade Flamande (beef stew with beer) and Brussels waffles—paired with locally brewed ales, offering a true taste of Walloon heritage.

Yes, Le Moulin du Bois is a top-rated family-friendly hotel in Malmedy, offering child-safe amenities such as a playroom, petting zoo, and nature trails. Family suites come with separate living areas and complimentary cribs. Weekly events like "Forest Story Nights" feature local storytellers sharing Belgian folktales. Nearby, Parc des Enfants Malmedy features slides, sand pits, and open green spaces perfect for kids. With all major attractions within a 5-minute drive, it's an ideal choice for families seeking comfort and adventure.

The best time to visit Malmedy is during summer (June to August), when temperatures range from 20–25°C, ideal for hiking and cycling through the lush Ardennes Forest. This season hosts major events like the Flower Festival and open-air concerts, with streets adorned in colorful floral displays and illuminated historic buildings at night. Autumn (September–October) offers stunning foliage, creating picturesque scenes of red-gold trees against ancient stone houses and church spires—perfect for photography. Winter, though cold, transforms Malmedy into a fairy-tale landscape, ideal for travelers seeking quiet charm and romantic solitude.

Must-try dishes in Malmedy include Carbonade Flamande, a rich beef stew simmered in dark beer with potatoes and onions, served with a side of French fries. Another local favorite is Friture de Malmedy, fresh fried freshwater fish caught nearby, crispy on the outside and tender within, typically enjoyed with lemon and garlic sauce. Don’t miss Pain de Wallonie, a traditional sourdough bread known for its firm texture and tangy flavor, baked daily in local bakeries. For drinks, sample Malmedy Craft Beer, a robust, smoky brew with caramel notes—commonly found at roadside taverns and weekend markets, a true hallmark of regional hospitality.

Photographers should head to the Place Notre-Dame at sunrise, where sunlight filters through centuries-old pillars, casting dramatic shadows across the cobblestones. The Ardennes forest trails offer breathtaking autumnal scenes with mist rising among crimson trees. At night, the ruins of Malmedy Castle glow under soft lighting, creating haunting silhouettes. Don’t miss the historic alleyways lined with painted doors and ivy-covered stone houses—perfect for capturing authentic village life. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to shoot during golden hour and twilight, when light enhances the poetic and historical essence of this hidden gem.