Top 5 Lakes around Anthisnes

Around Anthisnes, you'll discover a variety of water bodies, including former quarry lakes, tranquil ponds, and beautifully landscaped lakes. These range from natural monuments to sites repurposed for recreation, offering diverse experiences for visitors.

Yes, for a unique natural feature, visit the Larbois Sand Quarry. This natural monument is known for its distinctive white and yellow sands, which are remnants from a sea that covered the region millions of years ago. It also features a water pool accessible via a staircase.

For a pleasant walk, Gravière Lake offers a 2.5 km walking path that encircles the 23-hectare landscaped lake. It's also recognized as a Wetland of Biological Interest, providing a scenic and educational experience. Additionally, the broader Ardennes region features Lake Bütgenbach with a 10km hiking trail around its perimeter.

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The Kneeling Girl by the Deer Pond is a peaceful spot where you can relax on a bench with a view of the pond and its water features. Gravière Lake, with its walking path, is also family-friendly. Further afield, the Eau d'Heure Lakes offer an Aquacentre with water games for children and beaches, while Warfaaz Lake has playgrounds.

While Anthisnes itself focuses on smaller lakes, the nearby Ardennes region is a hub for water sports. The **Eau d'Heure Lakes** are the largest artificial water body in Belgium, offering extensive opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, motor boating, rowing, pedal boats, swimming, and diving. Lake Bütgenbach is also popular for windsurfing and kayaking.

Yes, the La Gombe Quarry dive site is a former disused quarry now serving as a unique diving location. It features a magnificent body of clear water with a depth of 31 meters, where divers can admire diverse flora and fauna, including carp, pike, and perch.

At Blanc Gravier Pond, you can spot various water birds, so bringing binoculars is recommended. Gravière Lake is recognized as a Wetland of Biological Interest, indicating a rich ecosystem. For divers, La Gombe Quarry dive site is home to a rich aquatic fauna including carp, pike, perch, and roach.

Beyond walking, the region around Anthisnes and the broader Ardennes offers various activities. You can find excellent cycling routes, including gravel biking, with options like the RAVeL route along the Ourthe. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like those found in the Comblain-au-Pont – Ourthe Canal loop. The Eau d'Heure Lakes also provide extensive land activities such as tennis, squash, crazy golf, and tree-top adventure courses at Natura Parc.

Yes, The Kneeling Girl by the Deer Pond offers a peaceful bench with a view of the pond. The Plate Taille dam at the Eau d'Heure Lakes, the largest in Belgium, provides panoramic views from its 107-meter-high tower. Many of the walking paths around lakes like Gravière Lake also offer scenic perspectives.

The lakes are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to early autumn, when outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports are most accessible and pleasant. The natural beauty of the region, including the varied flora and fauna, is particularly vibrant during these seasons.

While specific cafes directly at the smaller Anthisnes lakes are limited, the nearby town of Spa offers cafes and amenities close to Warfaaz Lake. The larger Eau d'Heure Lakes complex is well-equipped with restaurants, visitor centers, and various accommodation options, including holiday villages and campsites, catering to longer stays.

The Eau d'Heure Lakes are a significant destination because they form the largest artificial water body in Belgium, spanning 600 hectares with 70 km of banks across five interconnected lakes. They are renowned for extensive water sports, diverse land activities, and the impressive Plate Taille dam. The area also received the EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) label for its commitment to sustainable tourism, making it a prime example of recreational and natural beauty in Wallonia. You can learn more about them on Visit Wallonia.