Spa

Known worldwide as the origin of the spa concept, this elegant High Fens resort town has been welcoming visitors to its naturally healing mineral waters since medieval times. Today it combines Belle Époque architecture, wellness facilities, forest surroundings, and proximity to nature reserves with Ardennes charm.

Things to do

• Thermal Spa Circuit at Spa-Monopole — Experience the original Belle Époque spa treatments using naturally heated mineral waters that have attracted visitors since the 14th century.
• Pouhon Peter's Fountain — Visit the iconic iron pavilion housing one of Spa's most famous mineral springs, a symbol of the town's thermal heritage since 1880.
• Forest Hiking in Haute Ardennes — Explore the surrounding beech forests and High Fens plateau with trails ranging from gentle woodland walks to challenging mountain routes.
• Lac de Warfaaz Swimming & Recreation — Enjoy this scenic lake just outside town for swimming, picnicking, and water sports surrounded by forest landscape.
• Musée de la Ville d'Eaux — Discover the history of Spa as Europe's first wellness destination through period furnishings, belle époque artifacts, and thermal heritage displays.
• Galeries Royales and Town Center Strolls — Walk through the elegant 19th-century covered arcades and Belle Époque avenues lined with boutiques, cafés, and belle époque architecture.

Food to try

• Ardennes Ham — Sample the region's famous cured ham, traditionally smoked and aged, served as a local specialty in restaurants and markets throughout Spa.
• Pâté de Foie — Enjoy rich liver pâté, a traditional Walloon delicacy often served as an appetizer or on crusty bread at local bistros.
• Boudin Noir — Try this dark blood sausage, a classic Ardennes preparation, typically served warm with apples or in hearty regional dishes.
• Poutine à l'Ardennaise — Taste local freshwater fish (similar to whitefish) prepared traditionally, a specialty reflecting the region's river and forest heritage.
• Gaufres de Liège — Indulge in these Belgian waffles made with pearl sugar, widely available from street vendors and cafés in Spa's town center.
• Thermal Water Tasting — Sample Spa's naturally carbonated mineral water, which has been bottled and exported since the 17th century as a signature local product.

Local customs & good to know

• Wellness Etiquette — Respect quiet zones in thermal centers and follow posted rules; spa culture here emphasizes calm and relaxation as part of the healing philosophy.
• Seasonal Visitors Expected — Spa thrives year-round with summer hiking and Belle Époque tourism balanced against quieter wellness retreats in shoulder seasons; plan accordingly.
• French Language Preference — While English is spoken in tourist areas, French is the local language; learning basic phrases shows respect for Walloon culture.
• Historic Site Dress Code — Thermal facilities and Belle Époque buildings are treated with formality; dress respectfully when visiting spas and cultural institutions beyond casual beachwear.

Nearby

• Dour Valley (Liège and Eastern Wallonia) — 10 km
• Stavelot — 11 km
• High Fens Nature Reserve (Liège and Eastern Wallonia) — 12 km
• Malmedy — 13 km