Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

About the museum

Around 1244 Jacques de Wellin built a watchtower on the Roman road from Bavay to Nassogne at the request of Andage Abbey. In 1450 Jean II de Berlo replaced it with a fortress of three large towers linked by curtain walls; a fourth tower was added around 1500. In 1630 Jacques Renard de Rouveroit bought the estate and from 1634 converted the fortress into a Renaissance residence, with bell-shaped roofs inspired by the Rhineland and an entrance gate; his descendants were made barons in 1637. In the 18th century the chapel and a bathroom in Roman style were created.

Since 1934 the castle has belonged to the non-profit association “Les Amis du château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne”, which manages the site, maintains it and restores it. It is listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia and is open around 297 days a year.

The self-guided visit runs through 32 furnished and decorated rooms, from the cellars up to the keep. Three themes follow one another: the life of the lords of Lavaux in the 17th century; rural life typical of Famenne at the end of the 19th century, presented in the cellars; and, on the first floor, the museum of nature and hunting, with an important collection of stuffed animals and a room devoted to falconry. The French formal gardens and the Promenade des étangs, a recreated wetland, complete the visit.

Highlights

• 32 furnished rooms, from the cellars to the keep, listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia
• Museum of nature and hunting with stuffed animals and a falconry room
• Cellars devoted to rural life in Famenne at the end of the 19th century
• French formal gardens and Promenade des étangs (wetland)
• Knight and princess costumes for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée de la Vie des Seigneurs de Lavaux au XVIIe siècle – Furnished and decorated rooms showing how the lords of Lavaux lived in their home in the 17th century.
• Musée de la nature et de la chasse – Collection of stuffed animals of the Famenne fauna, a space devoted to the history and folklore of hunting, and a falconry room.
• Vie rurale en Famenne – In the cellars, everyday objects, customs and festivals of rural life typical of Famenne at the end of the 19th century.

Founded

1934

Operated by

ASBL Les Amis du château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

Admission & discounts

The ticket covers the castle, the French formal gardens and the Promenade des étangs. School groups: €5.50 per pupil; accompanying adults free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access for people with reduced mobility only to the castle cellars, the French formal gardens and the ecological area (Promenade des étangs). Strollers are not allowed in the castle, which has many stairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

Knight and princess costumes lent during the visit, treasure hunt, children's birthday parties (€180 for up to 15 children and 2 accompanying parents), Halloween and Christmas events.

Getting there & parking

By car: E411, exit 22A (from Brussels towards Luxembourg) or exit 23 (from Luxembourg towards Brussels).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Large shop at reception; picnic area; the nearby 4 Lunes brewery offers bed and board.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Four rooms with a view of the castle for seminars, team building and events; weddings possible.

Plan your visit