La Chapelle

What to Do at La Chapelle

The Ardennes, with its acres of forest, rolling hills, nature reserves and ancient stone buildings has a certain charm to it. The natural beauty and possibilities for outdoor pursuits - including Belgium's only ski resort- make it a popular tourist attraction. Here's some options to get some fresh air on a day-off!

To Visit

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Route du Circuit, 55, B-4970 Francorchamps

+32 87 29 37 00

Since the early 1920s, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps has resounded with a thousand and one fabulous tales of those heroic times in which they drove on earth roads at the wheel of awesome machines.

Conceived by Liège aristocrats within a magic triangle between Francorchamps, Malmédy and Stavelot, its route through the magnificent scenery of the Ardennes has taken on a force of character that has stood the test of time.

In 1939 human imagination gave birth to a unique bend. Raidillon - Eau Rouge was to become famous throughout the world, the cynosure of every driver. As motor sport has evolved, the circuit has always been kept up to FIA requirements in terms of safety over the most prestigious competitions such as Formula 1 and Endurance Sportscar Racing. It has gone back to its roots with the Sports Prototypes. It is looking boldly toward the future and new formulae. At the crossroads of Europe, it is the driving force behind an entire economy and a perfect host site for any promotional activity.

Alpine Ski slopes Ovifat

4950, Waimes

+32(0)80/44 63 54

The Ardennes forest does not rise above 700m; but its hills boast a handful of ski areas, including Ovifat, just outside the town of Waimes. This is no more than a snowfield with a single drag-lift, whose highest point is 600m. Obviously, experienced skiers do not go there - which is precisely why it is such an enjoyable place.

In most resorts, the nursery slopes lie at the bottom of the skiing, alongside the lift bases. Every skier - including the experts who have been skiing off-piste at the top of the area - is funnelled down onto the same patch of snow. To have effortless skiers passing by at speed makes beginners depressed and alarmed.

What happens when beginners have a whole snowfield - wide, and with a gentle gradient - to themselves? They spend most of their time laughing, at themselves and all the other prat-fallers. The atmosphere at Thier des Rexhons was exceptional: I have never seen skiers enjoying themselves so much, and in so infectious a way. The snow was poor, and the facilities rudimentary; but an afternoon's skiing cost me about £12, including ski hire. And the sight of the Ardennes' rolling ocean of pine trees covered in snow and lit by a huge, pink sunset was unforgettable.

Baugnez 44 Historical Center

Route de Luxembourg, 10 B- 4960 Malmedy

+32 80 44 04 82

In order to perpetuate the memory of the Battle of the Bulge, the Baugnez 44 Historical Center takes us through the final great operations and battles which took place during the counteroffensive "Operation Wacht Am Rhein"!
This new museum opened in memory of the Battle of the Bulge and the massacre of Baugnez/Malmedy, extends over 850 Square metres and two stories. Visitors are presented with a stunning sound and light show as well as a magnificent display.

Authentic materiel, vehicles, photographs and films of the time full of history and emotion will take you back to the heart of the Battle of the Bulge. Fifteen scenes depicting the daily life of soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge are presented. Two of these scenes equipped with sound and light are unique in Belgium and will take you back to the winter battlefield of 1944. You will discover an exceptional collection including several items unique in the world. Throughout your visit, you will be equipped with an electronic multi lingual guide which will give you detailed commentary on the Battle of the Bulge. It will also tell you the story and history of the exhibits on show. You will gain a better appreciation of history and better understand what happened in the Battle of the Bulge.

Casino de Spa

Rue Royale, 4, 4900 Spa

+32 (0)87/772052

The Casino in the town of Spa is the oldest in the world.

It was opened in 1763 and finished in 1769 with the completion of the ball room and the theatre. The current casino building dates from 1918, being rebuilt after destruction during the first World War.

The Casino offers French Roulette, English Roulette, Black Jack, Slot Machines and Texas Hold'em Poker.

To Eat & Drink

Bellevaux Brewery

Bellevaux 5, 4960 Malmedy, Belgium

+32(0) 80 881 540

The farm of Josef and Frieda, located in the Valley of Bellevaux, used to be our gathering point en route to the village school. The children would place their muddy boots on the stonewall and during the winter they would park their sleighs next to the old tractor in the open barn. This was a place where time stood still.

When the elderly Josef and Frieda passed away, the farm was put up for sale. We did not hesitate for a moment: this unique place had to be preserved and protected. The buildings would offer the perfect backdrop for a dream project: the realization of a craft brewery that we have simply named Brasserie de Bellevaux. And, it was only natural to use the crest of the Patrons of Bellevaux as its logo.

Several local expert tradesmen joined us in the challenge to transform the farm into a brewery without disturbing the harmony of the countryside. With patience, perseverance and dedication, the old structures and natural beauty have now been gracefully united with an ultra-modern state of the art brewing installation from Japan.

It is not obvious to brew a beer that deserves a place in the rich Belgian beer tradition. Aspirations to brew the highest quality of ale products and careful refinement of taste and formula has resulted in four characteristic beers referred to as Blonde, Brune, Black and Blanche. Ardennes spring-water, the finest ingredients and craftsmanship are at the base of the beer at Brasserie de Bellevaux.

Pay us a visit and enjoy our freshly brewed beer on the terrace of the Brasserie or in our charming tasting room where time seems to stand still.

Take 5 biker pub

Deidenberg 86, 4770 Amel, Belgium

+32 (0)80/341 602

Take Five is a biker pub, at 10 km from La Chapelle Studios. It is the ideal place to go and have a beer at night after session.

Friterie Au Petit Chef

Place de Rome 6 4960 Malmedy

+32(0)80 33 07 49

When in Belgium, one has to eat french fries, and this is the best place around to get them!