Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Chambord in France,Alcázar in Segovia… Europe is brimming with castles worthy of the finest fairy tales. But did you know that we also have our own fairy-tale jewel in the flat country? Less than an hour and a half’s drive from Brussels, perched on a small hill in the Province of Namur, Château de Vêves is one of Belgium’s finest medieval castles.
A Sleeping Beauty castle in Wallonia
Voted Wallonia’s favorite built heritage site, Château de Vêves lives up to its nickname of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Its slender towers topped by pepper-pot roofs, its elegant woodwork and the superb green setting that surrounds it seem to have come straight out of a fairy tale. Perched on a wooded hillside, just a stone’s throw from the picturesque village of Celles, it exudes an almost unreal charm. Its blonde stone catches the light and its shapes are reminiscent of the castles in cartoons and animated films. It’s hardly surprising that it captures the hearts of visitors and photographers alike.
Château de Vêves: eight centuries of history
The history of Château de Vêves goes back to the VIIIᵉ century, to the time of Pépin de Herstal. He was the father of Charles Martel and the grandfather of Pepin the Short, for history buffs. The present-day fortress took shape in the 15th century, under the impetus of the de Liedekerke Beaufort family, who still own the site today. Listed as one of Wallonia’s outstanding heritage sites, it is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. Today, it’s rare to find a castle from this era in such a remarkable state of preservation. Especially when you consider its past.
Perched on a strategic rocky outcrop overlooking the old Dinant-Rochefort road, the château has had an eventful history. It was destroyed around 1200, rebuilt in 1230, ravaged by fire in the early 15th century and then restored. From a fortress, it became a Renaissance residence, before being adorned with wood panelling, alcoves and large windows during the reign of Louis XV. Even today, its irregular triangular plan, flanked by six towers, gives it its distinctive silhouette.
Between 1969 and 1979, an extensive restoration campaign brought the interiors back to life, allowing visitors to travel from the Middle Ages to the present day. Countess Athénaïs de Mortemart donated precious 18th-century furniture, while Countess Hadelin took care of the decoration, continuing the work undertaken by previous generations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2enrWDGR8
A visit for young and old
As you can imagine, pushing open the heavy doors of Château de Vêves is like traveling back in time. The carefully decorated, furnished rooms give the impression that the inhabitants have just left the room to go for a walk in the park. And perhaps they have! Indeed, the château is still inhabited by the heirs of the de Liedekerke-Beaufort family. It also boasts sumptuous tapestries, gleaming suits of armor, portraits of ancestors and period bedrooms.
Children have a special privilege: they can wear a knight’s or princess’ costume to visit the castle. The experience is even more magical for families. In summer, temporary exhibitions and events complete the visit, not forgetting the splendid panoramic view over the valley.
Practical information for visiting Château de Vêves
Approximately 1h30 drive from Brussels, the Château de Vêves awaits you in Celles (Rue de Furfooz, 3). Getting there couldn’t be easier: take the E411, then the N936. Once there, don’t worry about parking: free parking is available at the foot of the château.
On the budget, you’ll pay around €9.50 for adults and €6.50 for children over 4 (with the added bonus of being able to dress up during the visit – it’s included in the price!)
The château, which is private but open to visitors, is open at various times of the year. We advise you to visit the official website to be sure of the dates.