Forestia Animal and Adventure Park
Theux
7.22 Km 00:09
Franchimont Castle
An ideal experience for those who love powerful châteaux, stories of defence and strategy, and places where the medieval past is discovered with intensity, in the heart of Wallonia.
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Information
Franchimont Castle, stepping through the gates of a fortress that defies the centuries
The Franchimont Castle impresses even before it is explored. Set on the edge of the Ardennes, just a few kilometres from Spa, this medieval fortress dominates the landscape with undiminished strength. Here, the ruins do not whisper about the past — they proclaim it. Once a stronghold and later a residence of the Prince-Bishops of Liège, Franchimont tells a story of strategy, power and adaptation, particularly in the 16th century when it was transformed to accommodate artillery. An exceptional heritage site of Wallonia, best discovered slowly, step by step.
As soon as you enter the enclosure, a unique sensation emerges: the feeling of having stepped into another era.
A fortress designed for war and defence
Franchimont Castle stands out for its imposing defensive walls and for its early adaptation to the modern military techniques of its time. The artillery casemates, carved directly into the stone, testify to this strategic evolution. The narrow and striking intra-muros stairways immerse visitors in a mineral world where defence was conceived down to the smallest detail.
Descending into these underground spaces leaves an unforgettable memory. The coolness of the stone, the dim light and the echo of footsteps all contribute to a powerful immersion, almost physical, in the military life of the past.
Immersing yourself in medieval life
A visit to the site offers a deeper understanding of daily life and organisation within a medieval fortress, especially when accompanied by a guided tour. The stories bring the ruins to life: one can imagine the constant vigilance, the movements within the walls, the periods of tension as well as the more ordinary moments of life.
A small museum, complemented by a 3D virtual reality video, helps visitors visualise the castle as it appeared in the 16th century. This reconstruction provides valuable reference points and allows visitors to grasp the scale of the site at its peak, further enhancing the impact of the visit.
A living site between heritage and preservation
Since autumn 2025 and until 2027, the more than 20-metre-high keep has been surrounded by extensive scaffolding, necessary for major restoration work. Rather than detracting from the visit, this exceptional restoration project, with its 50-metre tower crane, offers a rare opportunity to observe how one of the most beautiful medieval ruin complexes in Belgium is preserved. It becomes an almost educational experience, reminding visitors that heritage is also a story of care and transmission.
Between nature, panoramas and walks
Franchimont Castle lies at the heart of a network of beautiful walking routes, combining heritage and nature. The surrounding area invites visitors to extend their discovery with a walk, offering varied viewpoints over the fortress and the Ardennes landscape. The contrast between the rugged stone and the softness of the natural surroundings reinforces the majestic character of the site.
Franchimont is not simply seen — it is felt, explored and experienced.
Opening times
• April 4 to April 30 from 11:00 to 17:00 • May 1 to September 30 from 11:00 to 18:00 • October 3 and 4 + October 10 and 11 from 11:00 to 17:00 • October 17 to November 8 from 11.00 to 17.00.
Price
adults €7 • 60+, students: €4.50 • children (4-12) €3.50
Guided tour
Tour with audio guide: €2
Tour length
1.5 to 3 hrs • interactive tour with audio guide: €2
Group
Price (min. 10 people) adults €5 • children €3
Guided tour Guided tours and birthday parties: prices on request.
More information • Room hire: magnificent vaulted cellar for banquets (80 people max.).
Weather in Theux
Events
Franchimont Medieval Fair will take place over the third weekend in August 2015.
The ancient walls of Franchimont castle, proudly overhanging the town of Theux, will ring with the cries, murmurs and rustling of the medieval fair. This event always takes places over the third weekend in August in odd years.
Everything has been recreated so you can enjoy the atmosphere of a fair from 1514-1520, ruled by the benefactor Erard de la Marck, the Prince Bishop.
Costumes, texts, dances, music and décor are all as close to the period as possible. To add to the participatory nature for the visitors, all exchanges will be made with period money inside the boundaries of the event.
The ancient walls of Franchimont castle, proudly overhanging the town of Theux, will ring with the cries, murmurs and rustling of the medieval fair. This event always takes places over the third weekend in August in odd years.
Everything has been recreated so you can enjoy the atmosphere of a fair from 1514-1520, ruled by the benefactor Erard de la Marck, the Prince Bishop.
Costumes, texts, dances, music and décor are all as close to the period as possible. To add to the participatory nature for the visitors, all exchanges will be made with period money inside the boundaries of the event.
