Sponsored Editorial

Looking for a family break away, which is still quite close to home? An easy choice with minimum ‘are we there yet’ risk is the southern French-speaking part of Belgium called Wallonia.

Less than two hour’s drive, the region is dotted with innovative theme parks, out of the ordinary animal parks, impressive natural attractions and children’s museums - all within easy reach of one another and in keeping with most budgets.

There are zoos and then there is PairiDaiza. With over 7,000 animals, the park is a true force of nature. Spend time encountering birds and animals from five corners of the globe.

Set in hundreds of acres of themed gardens, the animals’ live in a true natural environment, which is as close to their natural habitat as it can get.

From Ganesh’s magical kingdom where the elephants rule the show, living alongside white tigers, macaques, porcupines and orangutans to African savannah featuring lions, buffalo, rhino and leopard, it’s a real life Noah’s ark. Styled as the zoo of the future, it’s as if PairiDaiza has compressed much of the earth’s natural history into 160,000 acres.

From animal magic, it's now time to walk on the moon.

At Euro Space Center, kids and parents can train like real-life astronauts, floating and tumbling around using simulators. They can build rockets, operate galactic missions and learn to live in space.

Euro Space Center is the planet everyone should visit, an intergalactic experience that will leave the whole family star struck.

From Outer Space to Underground, embark on a subterranean adventure into the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse.

Over millions of years, the water has carved and shaped the rocks into haunting caverns and crevices, with countless galleries and majestic rooms. The fossils adorning the cave walls are a reminder of the tropical ocean of creatures that once swam through these vast spaces.

The 3D sound and light show adds to the experience. “Origin" immerses you into the origins of the universe, going back to the Big Bang to explore worlds at the very heart of untamed nature.

They say size doesn’t matter. Durbuy, ‘the smallest city in the world” proves that perfectly.

Wander through the cobbled, pedestrianised streets with gorgeous 17th and 18th century houses. Riverside walks, forest hikes, mountain bike tours and kayaking are all doable around here.

Visit the Topiary Gardens to see over 250 hedge sculptures of everything, from funny jockeys and horses to curvy ladies. Giggles are guaranteed with rude shapes like giant lady’s leafy assets, all made from expertly groomed hedges.