Hostellerie Aux Armes de Bouillon

Ardennes ham and sausages

by ATLC

Hams and sausages are THE speciality of the Ardennes. It's an absolute joy to sample the hams and sausages on a picnic, with some fresh bread or without anything at all (eh, a beer or wine would be nice).

A 'pipe' for instance is a thin and long Ardenne sausage that's perfect for munching while on a walk. Just when you're feeling peckish!

Since Ardennes hams are naturally cured they keep a long time. It certainly pays to stock up and enjoy your Ardennes holiday a little longer at home.

Gorgeous View from the Belvedere

by Scarlie

It's a rather steep walk up the hill to the Viewpoint at Belvedere but it's worth the effort. The trail begins down at the river, and charges up the slope. Takes about 15 mins at a good pace, even if the last 5 minutes feel like 5 months! Make sure you have good shoes.

Warning - It's NOT for people with heart or breathing problems!

IMPREXXION: BOUILLON

by xuessium

TIPS ON BOUILLON CAN BE FOUND AT THIS PAGE INSTEAD:
IMPREXXION: BELGIUM

You could also visit my
IMPREXXION: BRUSSELS & IMPREXXION: BRUGGE pages.

More photos of Bouillon are available on my private website: IMPREXXUESSNISM

Do drop me comments if you think the page has been useful. Cheers!

The fortress

by ATLC

"Some random photos of and from the fortress"

"A bit of history"

The feudal fortress of Bouillon has been written about even before 1000AD. Historians agree that the name Bouillon should go back to about 800 AD even and it was built to protect the routes of High and Low Lotharingen.

Godefroye de Bouillon owned the castle until 1096AD. He then decided to sell his duchy to finance a crusade to the holy land (where he died in 1100AD). He conquered Jerusalem and was named 'protector of the holy grave' and king of Jerusalem.

The duchy came in hands of the bishops of Liège and then into a family de la Marck. The duchy (150 villages) becomes a republic in 1794 but becomes part of France in 1795.

After the battle of Waterloo in 1815, the duchy of Bouillon becomes part of The Netherlands and in 1830 it finally becomes part of Belgium.

"Some special things about the fortress"

The fortress lies high up on the hill overlooking river and valleys.
There is a water well, 65 metres deep, right to the level of the river Semois. But there is also a natural water well (100 sq metres) that is of uncanny clarity. Even in periods of draught, the water level remains the same.
300 men living at the fortress were well provided for!

"Godefroy de Bouillon"

You would wonder why a rich man, a duke, would sell everything to go and mess up things in the Holy Land. He only lived a very short time to enjoy his victory in Jerusalem.