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Plateau des Tailles

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Landmark
—°3
Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)

Weather…

The Plateau des Tailles forms one of the highest and most rugged landscapes in the entire Ardennes, extending mainly across the northeastern part of the Luxembourg province. With elevations soaring up to 652 meters at the Baraque de Fraiture, it holds the title of the coldest and wettest region in Belgium. The unforgiving climate and the impermeable, quartzite-rich bedrock have fostered the development of extensive, ecologically invaluable raised bogs and heathlands that store water like a giant sponge. Because of this, numerous vital rivers of the Ardennes, such as the Ourthe and the Aisne, originate here. The largely inaccessible and frequently waterlogged terrain was used only sparingly for agriculture for a long time, allowing the plateau to retain its wild, primordial aura to this day. In winter, the highland area around the Baraque de Fraiture transforms into an unexpected haven for winter sports enthusiasts, while in summer it serves as a secluded sanctuary for hikers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181714951
Rain mm756463497575748159677284

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Plateau des Tailles is a high plateau in the Ardennes with bogs and heathland, freely accessible at any time. It hosts the Baraque de Fraiture, the highest point in Belgium.
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Typical hours
As an open moorland, there are no opening hours. The area is walkable during the day, caution is needed in fog.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the moorland. The barren, wide heath landscape features unique photo subjects, especially at sunrise.
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Time needed
A short stop at Baraque de Fraiture takes about 15 minutes. A hike across the plateau lasts 1-3 hours depending on the route.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Ardennes Natural Park or the Bütgenbach dam. The town of La Roche-en-Ardenne is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The plateau is accessible by car via the N30 and small roads. At Baraque de Fraiture there is a parking lot and a restaurant.
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Insider tip
Visit the plateau on a clear winter day for an impressive snowy landscape. Wear waterproof shoes as the ground is often damp.

Geography

Coordinates
50.23500, 5.76200

Facts

  • Reaches a peak elevation of 652 meters at the Baraque de Fraiture
  • Officially recognized as the coldest and wettest region in Belgium
  • Characterized by expansive, ecologically priceless raised peat bogs
  • Functions as a massive natural sponge and water reservoir
  • Serves as the source for major rivers like the Ourthe and Aisne
  • Transforms into a surprising hub for winter sports during the snowy season

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Baraque de FraitureBaraque de Fraiture3 km · NWExplore →
Deux Ourthes Natural ParkDeux Ourthes Natural Park12 km · SExplore →
VielsalmVielsalm12 km · NEExplore →
Castle of La Roche-en-ArdenneCastle of La Roche-en-Ardenne14 km · SWExplore →
Conzefenn Nature ReserveConzefenn Nature Reserve19 km · SEExplore →
Cascade de CooCascade de Coo19 km · NEExplore →
BuurgplaatzBuurgplaatz20 km · SEExplore →
HachivilleHachiville21 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Plateau des Tailles (3)

Trou des Massotais🏺 historical

A legendary site and former gold mine excavation on the Plateau des Tailles.

Musée de la 83rd Infantry Division🏛 museum

A military museum dedicated to the 83rd Infantry Division during World War II.

Stele Jean Marie Dumont🏺 historical

A memorial stele dedicated to Jean-Marie Dumont in the Plateau des Tailles area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Plateau des Tailles?
The highest point, Baraque de Fraiture, is at 652 meters.
Can you go skiing there in winter?
Yes, it is one of the few areas in Belgium for alpine and cross-country skiing.
What is the typical landscape here?
High moors, heathlands, and dense spruce forests.
Where does the name 'des Tailles' come from?
It refers to the regular cutting (tayer) of the undergrowth.
Are there nature reserves on the plateau?
Yes, many parts are protected due to their rare flora.
Plateau des Tailles: where is it located?
Plateau des Tailles is located in Belgium.
Plateau des Tailles: what is there to see?
Highlights include Trou des Massotais, Musée de la 83rd Infantry Division, Stele Jean Marie Dumont.
Plateau des Tailles: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Plateau des Tailles: why is it worth visiting?
The Plateau des Tailles forms one of the highest and most rugged landscapes in the entire Ardennes, extending mainly across the northeastern part of the Luxembourg province.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Liège — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Seraing — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Verviers — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Sint-Truiden — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Herstal — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Tongeren — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Tongeren is considered the oldest city in Belgium and was a significant Roman center.
Bilzen — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Bilzen is located in the Limburg province and is primarily known for Alden Biesen, one of the largest commanderies of the Teutonic Order …
Arlon — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Arlon is the capital of the Luxembourg province and one of Belgium's oldest cities.
Andenne — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Andenne is located in the Walloon province of Namur along the Meuse River.
Fleurus — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
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Fleurus is located in the province of Hainaut.

History & landmarks

Rochefort — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
Rochefort
A charming town in the Famenne region, known for its Trappist beer and historic castle ruins.
Durbuy — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
Durbuy
A charming medieval town in the Ardennes, famously known as the smallest city in the world.
Stavelot — Plateau des Tailles (Belgium)
Stavelot
A history-rich town known for its significant abbey and proximity to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.