Whitsun Weekend in the Gaume & Belgian Ardennes: Our Favourite Things to Do (May 2026)
With the Whitsun long weekend upon us, the Gaume and the Belgian Ardennes are buzzing with activity. Here is our hand-picked selection for 23 May 2026.
Whitsun in the Gaume: five reasons to step outside
The Whitsun long weekend is one of those rare moments when the region seems to put on its finest show: the forests breathe warmth and sap, villages come alive, and the cultural calendar more than matches the beauty of the landscape. Here is our pick for Saturday 23 May 2026.
Reconnect with the forest — in the deepest sense
Two forest-themed experiences stand out this weekend. First, the Walk: The Healing Power of Trees, a guided outing led by Maurits Mercken exploring energy, gemmotherapy and Bach flower remedies — open to all ages, lasting around 2h30. Then there is the Trees as Food workshop, hosted by Justine, who invites participants of all ages to discover the edible trees of the Belgian forests through play, storytelling and the senses. One experience is contemplative, the other nourishing — both deepen our connection with the living world.
An exhibition not to be missed in Virton
Until 31 May, the Galerie du Cheval Blanc is hosting Ex-Pause, a collective exhibition by students of the EAFC Sud-Luxembourg school, bringing together painting, ceramics and textile creations. A wonderful opportunity to discover the creative energy of the next generation of Gaume artists, in an intimate setting in the heart of Virton. Open Monday to Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10 am.
Festive and flavourful: the Bertrix Food Festival
For lovers of good food and a lively atmosphere, the Bertrix Food Festival returns for its second edition over this long weekend. A must for anyone keen to explore local flavours in a warm, convivial setting.
The ultimate adventure: packrafting and wild cuisine
For the more adventurous, the packraft & wild food weekend combines hiking, 9 km of packraft navigation, a local picnic and an exceptional dinner — a full immersion in the Ardennes landscape, blending effort and edge-of-the-forest gastronomy.
The Gaume and the Belgian Ardennes have that rare quality: in a single day, they offer untouched nature, vibrant culture and the most genuine kind of conviviality. The perfect base for making the most of it all? A stay at one of the Gîtes de Gaume, right at the heart of this exceptional region.
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