Glamping rental Saint-Hubert - 1 glamping

Where Ancient Forests Whisper and Legends Come Alive

Tucked away in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, Saint-Hubert is a small Walloon city that sits at the very heart of the Ardennes, roughly 130 km southeast of Brussels and about 65 km from Namur. The municipality covers an impressive 111 km² yet is home to fewer than 6,000 inhabitants, which gives it one of the lowest population densities in Belgium. At an elevation of around 435 metres (1,427 feet) above sea level, the surrounding Massif de Saint-Hubert rises to 588 metres, making it the sixth-highest point in the entire country. If you are looking for a glamping escape that immerses you in vast nature while remaining surprisingly accessible, Saint-Hubert delivers in ways few Belgian destinations can match.

A Forest So Vast It Has Its Own Postcode

La Grande Foret de Saint-Hubert is one of the largest forest areas in Belgium, stretching across roughly 100,000 hectares, of which about half is dense woodland and the other half a patchwork of peat bogs, open plains, heathland, and stream valleys. More than half of the forest consists of broad-leaved trees, creating an ever-changing spectacle from season to season. Within this vast green expanse, red deer, wild boar, roe deer, and even rare species like the violet copper butterfly find refuge. For glamping guests, this means waking up surrounded by a wilderness that most people only see in documentaries.

An elevation that makes all the difference

Because Saint-Hubert sits on one of Belgium's higher plateaus, the air here feels noticeably fresher and crisper than in the lowlands. Winters can bring snowfall, and the Hurtebise cross-country ski slopes near the local airfield actually open during cold spells. Summers remain pleasantly mild, making it a year-round glamping destination with a character that shifts dramatically between seasons.

Why Saint-Hubert Belongs on Your Glamping Shortlist

• Total immersion in nature without isolation. Despite its wild character, Saint-Hubert is easily reached via the E411 motorway or the N4 national road. The town is also on the international Brussels-Luxembourg railway line, with Libramont as the main station and Poix-Saint-Hubert as a smaller stop closer to the forest.
• A place where silence is still the default. With just over 50 inhabitants per square kilometre, the area is remarkably uncrowded, even in peak season. A glamping here means genuine peace and quiet.
• Four-season appeal. Autumn brings the spectacular deer rutting season, winter offers cross-country skiing and snow-dusted forests, spring fills the woodland floor with wildflowers, and summer invites long hikes and al fresco dining.
• Cultural depth beyond the expected. This is not just a nature destination. Saint-Hubert is officially recognised as the European Capital of Hunting and Nature and, since 2016, the International Capital of Hunting Horns. Its basilica is listed as exceptional cultural heritage of Wallonia and is one of the most impressive in Europe.
• Perfect for international visitors. Whether you fly into Brussels, Charleroi, or even Luxembourg City, Saint-Hubert is reachable in under two hours by car, making it ideal for a weekend trip or a longer stay.

Highlights You Will Not Find in Every Travel Guide

The birthplace of the Raphael of Flowers

Few visitors realise that Pierre-Joseph Redoute, arguably the most celebrated botanical illustrator in history, was born in Saint-Hubert in 1759. Nicknamed "the Raphael of flowers," he became court painter to Marie Antoinette and later to Empress Josephine Bonaparte. He produced over 2,100 published plates depicting more than 1,800 plant species, and his masterwork Les Roses (1817-1824) remains one of the most revered botanical publications ever created. A small museum on Rue Redoute in Saint-Hubert honours his legacy.

Prison cheese: yes, you read that correctly

Here is a fact that catches everyone off guard: the prison of Saint-Hubert keeps more than 200 cows and regularly produces dairy products, especially cheese. Supporting local prison-made produce is a surprisingly rewarding experience for curious foodies visiting the area.

Redu, the village of books

A short drive from Saint-Hubert lies the tiny village of Redu, which has a population of only about 400 people but boasts more than 15 bookshops, including two that specialise in English-language titles. Every Easter, a major second-hand book market draws thousands of visitors, and in August the Night of the Books keeps shops open until late with readings, bonfires, and performances.

The only charcoal blast furnace preserved in situ in Belgium

At Fourneau Saint-Michel, about 8 km from Saint-Hubert, you will find the Iron Museum, which houses the only charcoal-burning blast furnace still in its original location in all of Belgium. Alongside it, the open-air Museum of Country Life recreates Walloon village life from the 19th and early 20th centuries with some 50 re-erected traditional buildings spread across a 250-acre site.

Five Things Worth Your Time (That Most Visitors Miss)

1. Listen to the bellowing deer at dusk. Between mid-September and mid-October, the forests around Saint-Hubert come alive with the primal roars of red deer stags during the rutting season. The CRIE at Fourneau Saint-Michel organises guided evening walks that include a presentation on deer behaviour followed by a hushed listening session deep in the forest. It is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
2. Try forest bathing the Japanese way. A dedicated forest bathing trail starts near Laneuville-au-Bois in the commune of Tenneville, a short drive from Saint-Hubert. Unlike standard hiking, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) involves a slow, meditative walk that activates all senses. The thick Ardennes woodland here is perfectly suited for it.
3. Explore an organic trout and salmon farm. La Truite de Freux is Belgium's unique organic fish farm near Saint-Hubert, where Atlantic salmon and trout are raised in natural conditions across an estate with no fewer than 30 ponds. It is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in sustainable food.
4. Visit Mirwart, one of the prettiest villages in Wallonia. This sub-municipality of Saint-Hubert is officially listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie. Its half-timbered stone farms, quiet lanes, and castle on a wooded hillside feel like stepping back in time. Several walking trails start here and loop through dense forest.
5. Take to the skies above the Ardennes. The National Gliding Centre (CNVV) at Saint-Hubert Airfield offers discovery flights and introductory courses in gliding. Soaring silently above the endless treetops of the Ardennes is a perspective of this landscape that few people ever experience.

A Legend That Still Shapes This Town

Saint-Hubert owes its name to Hubert of Liege, a 7th-century nobleman who, according to legend, encountered a magnificent stag with a glowing crucifix between its antlers while hunting in the Ardennes on a religious holiday. The vision converted him; he renounced his wealth, became a priest, and eventually the Bishop of Liege. His remains were transferred to the local Benedictine abbey in 825 AD, turning the town into a major pilgrimage site. The Abbey of Saint-Hubert, officially the Abbey of Saint Peter in the Ardennes, was founded in 687 and is one of the oldest monastic sites in the region. The former abbey church is now a minor basilica and was classified as an exceptional monument in 2016.

To this day, on the feast of Saint Hubert (3 November) and during the Hubertoises celebrations on the first weekend of September, animals are blessed in front of the basilica while the haunting sound of hunting horns fills the square.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Getting there: Saint-Hubert is about a 90-minute drive from Brussels via the E411 motorway. From Luxembourg City, it is roughly one hour. By train, take the Brussels-Luxembourg line to Libramont, then a short bus or taxi ride to the town.
• Best time to visit: Every season has its charm. Autumn (September to November) is magical for deer watching and forest colours. Summer is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter occasionally brings snow and cross-country skiing. Spring is peaceful and uncrowded.
• Local craft beer: The St. Hubertus abbey beer has been brewed since 2018 and comes in three variants: Wheat beer, Triple Blond, and Triple Amber. Tasting local beer is practically a rite of passage when visiting any Belgian town.
• Nearby family attraction: The Euro Space Center in Transinne (municipality of Libin), about 15 km from Saint-Hubert, is Europe's only space-themed park. It features astronaut simulators, a planetarium, and hands-on exhibits that appeal to both children and adults.
• Gastronomic circuits: Two signposted driving routes, Unexpected Flavours (122 km) and Flavours in the Celtic Country (70 km), link local producers across the region for a self-guided tasting tour of Ardennes specialities.

Book a Glamping and Let the Forest Do the Rest

Saint-Hubert is not the kind of place that shouts for attention. It quietly earns your admiration through its vast forests, its centuries-deep history, its unexpected cultural gems, and its remarkable wildlife. Whether you come for a long weekend or a full week, a glamping here places you at the doorstep of one of Belgium's most rewarding natural landscapes. Book a glamping now and trade the noise of everyday life for the sound of deer calling through ancient woodland.