Welcome to the East Cantons, Eiffel, Ardennes.

There are not many of us who never pine for tranquility, relaxation, clear water, outstanding natural beauty crowned with delicious cuisine.

All of these yearnings are amply catered to in a region located in the east of the province of Liège, comprising the cantons of Eupen, Malmédy and St. Vith. At the very heart of the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) greensward, lies Hotel Fagnard in a local community called Sourbrodt - Robertville. The hotel numbers a total of 20 fully refurbished rooms, all mod cons., including 5 family rooms.

Sourbrodt offers a wealth of variety by virtue of its bearings, extending from Botragne, the summit that crests Belgium at a height of 694 m and Baraque Michel right up to Monschau, the picturesque town right across the German border. Taking in gently sloping valleys as well as rough Venen (fenland), trickling brooks and bubbling rivulets, pastures and woodlands. An ideally located point of departure to set out on one-day rambling excursions, mountain bike treks and natural discovery expeditions.

Anyone with an interest in bygone days, is sure to have plenty to discover here: a bevy of historical castles (such as Reinhardstein) as well as a myriad of monuments, cemetaries and museums celebrating the Battle of the Bulge, including a stunning newly opened museum on the grounds of Elsenborn barracks, a mere 2 km away. In December 1944, the Germans - who had been beating the retreat - regained the initiative, launching a massive Panzer counteroffensive ... Hitler's last ditch hopes of changing history and landing the final victory. Initially successful, the German onslaught pushed through the frontline, to be met by strong resistance from the Allies who stood their ground and ultimately managed to foil the German advance. The Allies suffered the loss of no less than 77,000 troops in the campaign, the Germans about twice that number. One of the dramas of WW II which took place in the Ardennes. The owner of the hotel is an academically trained historian.

If you are more of a motor car or motor racing buff, you can indulge yourself at the Francorchamps race track. Competitions of all manner of description are held each weekend of the year. In addition, the racetrack offers a karting circuit and the racetrack's very own museum. Nearby are Stavelot abbey and Coo waterfalls which also hosts its own theme park.

Needless to say that motorcycle racing enthusiasts will just as readily revel in the local surroundings. The area offers stunningly beautiful winding countryroads, meandering between the fields and the forests, picturesque villages and natural beauty beyond compare. What is more, the hotel stages 4 X 4 drives and rallies on a regular basis.

As passions go, angling reigns supreme with local residents and holidaymakers alike. The hotel has its own fishing pond (1 ha in size, largely trout), but you can just as easily make your way to Bütgenbach or Robertville lakeside (inquire at the hotel).

Game hunters too are particularly well catered to in this part of the country. During hunting season, huntsmen from far and near flock down in their droves and you will not be surprised to learn that game dishes take pride of place on our menu this time of the year. We have our own 300 ha forest within walking distance (300 m).

Natural photograhpy enthusiasts will delight in the 7 observation towers we have built, lofty vantage points from which lensman can snap away to their heart's content or simply sit back and enjoy a day of wildlife observation. All information is freely available at the hotel. During winter season, with snowfall fast approaching, we offer excellent cross-country skiing facilities, starting from the hotel in addition to alpine skiing facilities (3 km Ovifat). For those who prefer to leave their car at home, we are easy to reach by public transport: by railroad to Verviers where you alight on board the coach which drops you off right in front of the hotel.

The hotel rightly merits the label of "highly child-friendly" and has brought every conceivable effort to bear in this respect, offering an adventure playground with its own slide, bouncy castle, etc. For less favourable weather conditions there is a play corner in the bar which is open to anyone keen to sample some of our local delicacies by the crackling fireplace.

Panorama photos  February 2004 More...(click here)