Château de Vêves

About the museum

Celles Castle, also called Vêves Castle, is one of the most remarkable examples of 15th-century military architecture in Belgium. It is listed as Exceptional Heritage of Wallonia and was voted the Walloons' favourite built heritage site in 2019. According to tradition, the first foundations date back to the time of Pepin of Herstal, on a hill overlooking the old road from Dinant to Rochefort. Destroyed in 1200 and rebuilt in 1230, the building burned at the beginning of the 15th century before being restored; it remained a fortress until the end of the Middle Ages.

In the Renaissance the buildings were entirely transformed; under Louis XV, changes mainly affected the interior fittings (panelling, alcoves, windows). The plan forms an irregular triangle flanked by four large towers and two smaller ones. From the 12th century on, the history of the lordship of Celles-Vêves has been bound up with that of the lords of Beaufort and their descendants, the Counts of Liedekerke Beaufort de Celles.

The castle has remained in the hands of the same family. Count Hadelin de Liedekerke Beaufort set up an association to open this heritage to the public; major restoration work, supported by the State, took place between 1969 and 1979. The interior decoration, evoking different periods from the Middle Ages to the present day, draws in particular on 18th-century furniture given to the family. Today the visit leads through staircases, galleries, large halls, the chapel, cabinets and terraces.

Highlights

• 15th-century fortified castle, Exceptional Heritage of Wallonia
• Fully furnished interior, still lived in by the same family
• Children visit dressed as princesses and knights (costumes included in the price)
• Family treasure hunt on the theme of the Holy Grail
• Playful guided tours in French, Dutch, English and Spanish

Permanent exhibition

• Visite du château meublé – Route through the halls, galleries, chapel, cabinets and terraces of a furnished 15th-century fortress, with panelling and 18th-century furniture.

Operated by

ASBL du Château de Vêves (famille de Liedekerke Beaufort)

Admission & discounts

Ticket discount on presentation of the Ardennes étape card or the Passeport 365. Online ticketing.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

Because of its elevated position and architecture, the castle is not accessible to people with reduced mobility; contact the team for more details.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children visit dressed as princesses and knights. Family treasure hunt on the theme of the Holy Grail (materials provided at reception; €2.75 per person in addition to entry). Playful family visits include a knighting ceremony, medieval dances, a mini crossbow tournament or the Excalibur challenge; some dates by reservation (summer, Easter, All Saints').

Getting there & parking

By car: 30 minutes from Namur, 50 minutes from Charleroi, 1 hour 15 minutes from Brussels, Liège and Mons.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café “La Terrasse du Château”, open during opening hours, with a view of the castle. Shop selling souvenirs and local crafts. Animals are only admitted if carried in arms. Some parts of the castle and gardens may be closed depending on the weather.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 250 guests.

15th-century armoury (about 100 m²) and two adjoining rooms of 60 m²; banquet hall of 160 m² (100 seated, 250 for receptions); inner courtyard; caterer chosen from partners; about 70 parking spaces.

Plan your visit