Huy: everyone's favorite Belgian town

Huy, situated between Liège and Namur, is a small but magnificent town with remarkable cultural heritage and decent nightlife. It is a favorite place for history buffs, where they would certainly enjoy the local fortress and memorial and the unique city museum. No wonder Belgians like to call it “everyone’s favorite town.”

The Grand Place of Huy

Like in every other city or town in Belgium, the first stop on your journey should be the Grand Place or the Main Square. It is not too big but nevertheless very impressive, full of little artisanal stores, nice bars and restaurants, and magnificent architecture. The Grand Place of Huy is situated on the right bank of the river Meuse. Its most famous landmark is the fountain Li Bassinia which dates back to 1406.

Only three minutes from there, the Cathedral La Collégiale Notre-Dame rises majestically. An exceptional example of Gothic architecture, the crypt of the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame hosts a prestigious treasure from 1064. Mosan shrines, precious fabrics, medieval and Baroque sculptors are just a small part of the site that will enchant you when you enter. A walk between the walls of the cathedral feels like going back to medieval times.

Collegiale kerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw en Domitianus van Hoei, Huy

Parv. Théoduin de Bavière 4500, 4500 Huy, Belgium

Floating on the river

A great suggestion for one hour of relaxation with family or friends is the must-do cruise on the Meuse river. The team of Bateau Val Mosan will provide you with a romantic, picturesque river trip, perfect to explore the Meuse valley from a different angle while enjoying a glass of wine.

The Huy fortress and memorial

The fort was built by the Dutch between 1818 and 1823 on the site of the old castle. It was later transformed into a detention camp by the German army. From May 1940 to September 5, 1944, more than 7,000 prisoners were held there. Today, the fort has become a place of remembrance of the Second World War. It remains an intact testimony of the Nazi concentration camp universe, with its dungeons, interrogation rooms, detention halls and rudimentary washhouses.

Citadel of Huy, Huy

Chau. de Napoléon, 4500 Huy, Belgium

The museum area educates visitors on the living conditions of prisoners at the fort during the Second World War and the daily life of the population during the occupation. A 15-minute video completes the visit. Within, witnesses of this painful period share their stories. To dispel that gloom, right after the video, do go outside to enjoy the gorgeous panorama from the top.

The town museum

The Town Museum of Huy is a beautiful and entertaining place for children and adults alike. It is housed in the convent of the Friars Minor. The museum was rebuilt in the 17th century in Mosan style. The main collection of the museum represents the town and activities specific to Huy, from prehistory to the present day. A rich collection of fine and decorative arts, ethnographic and archeological objects are distributed in the charmante rooms of the museum. You will also appreciate the free admission that allows you two hours to visit the museum. And the garden of the museum is a very instagramable place!

Musée Communal, Huy

Rue Vankeerberghen 20, 4500 Huy, Belgium

A dose of fun in the amusement park

Huy has its own amusement park. It is called Mont Mosan, and it is perfect for all ages. It is not the biggest amusement park but is nonetheless full of wonderful attractions, including pony riding, naughty tiny monkeys that pick your pockets, dancing seals and sea lions. The show of the parrots is a must-see that will make your belly ache from laughter. A visit to Mont Mosan would be the perfect end of a long stroll around beautiful Huy.  

Mont Mosan, Huy

Rue Plaine de la Sarte, 4500 Huy, Belgium

By now, it should be more than clear that next time you visit Belgium, you should not miss the little town of Huy, a precious pearl hidden between Liège and Namur. A day spent there will be enough to discover why is Huy everyone’s favorite town. The nature, architecture,  hidden places and the main landmarks will leave a wonderful lasting memory in your mind. I am certain that you will wish to come back.