Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Chambord in France, or eventhe Alcázar of Segovia… Europe is brimming with castles worthy of the most beautiful fairy tales. But did you know that even in the “flat country,” we have our own magical gem? Less than an hour and a half’s drive from Brussels, perched on a small hill in the Province of Namur, the Château de Vêves ranks among the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium.
A Sleeping Beauty Castle in Wallonia
Voted the Walloons’ favorite architectural heritage site, the Château de Vêves truly lives up to its nickname, the “Sleeping Beauty Castle.” Its slender towers topped with hipped roofs, its elegant woodwork, and the stunning green setting that surrounds it seem straight out of a fairy tale. Perched on a wooded hill, just a stone’s throw from the picturesque villageof Celles, it exudes an almost unreal charm. Its light-colored stone catches the light, and its shape is reminiscent of castles from cartoons and animated films. It’s no wonder it captures the hearts of visitors and photographers alike.
Vêves Castle: Eight Centuries of History
The history of the Château de Vêves dates back to the 8th century, to the time of Pepin of Herstal. For history buffs, he was the father of Charles Martel and the grandfather of Pepin the Short. The current fortress took shape in the 15th century, under the leadership of the Liedekerke Beaufort family, who still own the property today. Listed as part of Wallonia’s exceptional heritage, it is considered one of the finest examplesof medieval military architecture. And it is rare to find, today, 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 castle has had an eventful history. It was destroyed around 1200, rebuilt in 1230, ravaged by fire in the early 15th century, and later restored. From a fortress, it became a Renaissance residence, then, during the reign of Louis XV, was adorned with wood paneling, alcoves, and large windows. Even today, its irregular triangular layout, flanked by six towers, gives it its distinctive silhouette.
Between 1969 and 1979, an extensive restoration campaign breathed new life into its interiors, allowing visitors to journey from the Middle Ages to the present day. In particular, Countess Athénaïs de Mortemart is credited with donating precious 18th-century furniture, and Countess Hadelin with overseeing the decoration, continuing the work undertaken by previous generations.
A visit for young and old alike
As you can imagine, pushing open the heavy doors of the Château de Vêves is a bit like traveling back in time. The furnished, carefully decorated rooms give the impression that the residents have just stepped out to take a stroll in the park. And that might actually be the case! In fact, the castle is still inhabited today by the heirs of the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. The estate also features sumptuous tapestries, gleaming suits of armor, portraits of ancestors, and period-style bedrooms.
Children, meanwhile, get a special treat: they can slip into a knight’s or princess’s costume to tour the castle. This makes the experience even more magical for families. In the summer, activities and temporary exhibitions round out the visit, not to mention the absolutely splendid panoramic view of the valley.
Practical information for visiting the Château de Vêves
About a 1.5-hour 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 you arrive, there’s no need to worry about parking— a free parking lot awaits you at the foot of the castle.
As for the cost, expect to pay about €9.50 for adults and €6.50 for children over 4 years old (with the added bonus that kids can dress up during the tour—it’s included in the price!).
The castle, which is privately owned but open to visitors, is accessible during several periods throughout the year. We recommend visiting the official website to confirm the dates.
