What to Do During a Day Off

What to do during a day off

Sometimes you need to take a breath and get out of the studio. To make sure you have a good time, on the next pages you’ll find some fine spots to visit during your time off. Don’t hesitate to ask our staff for further info! Have fun! Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, and of the Spa 24 Hours and 1000 km Spa endurance races. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans. The circuit probably demonstrates the importance of driver skill more than any other in the world. This is largely due to the Eau Rouge and Blanchimont corners, both which need to be taken flat out to achieve a fast run onto the straights after them, which aids a driver in both a fast lap and in overtaking.

Phone: 0032 87 29 37 00 Route du Circuit, 55, B-4970 Francorchamps http://www.spa-francorchamps.be Alpine Ski slopes Ovifat

The Ardennes forest does not rise above 700m; but its hills boast a handful of ski areas, including Ovifat, just outside the town of Waimes. This is no more than a snowfield with a single drag-lift, whose highest point is 600m. Obviously, experienced skiers do not go there - which is precisely why it is such an enjoyable place. The sight of the Ardennes’ rolling ocean of pine trees covered in snow and lit by a huge, pink sunset is unforget- table. In summer times, you can rent at Devalkart a go-cart style vehicle, a step or a trike to get down the hill… a pleas- ant way to enjoy the region!

Phone: 0032 80 44 63 54 Rue de pistes, 4950 Ovifat http://www.skialpin-ovifat.com Hiking in The High Fens

Secluded woodlands, gushing waterfalls and hundreds of kilometers of forest trails – this can’t be Belgium, can it? It can, if you’re hiking in the Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve, in Belgium’s beautiful Eastern Cantons. The Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) make up the largest nature reserve in Belgium, with an area of 4,501.2 hectares (11,123 acres). They are part of the 700km2 Hohes Venn-Eifel park which spans the Belgian-German border. The Hautes Fagnes are particularly special because of their 10,000-year-old alpine sphagnum bogs. The water that filters down through these bogs is the cleanest in Belgium. The bogs also create a microclimate, which sus- tains flora and fauna unique to this area of Belgium.

Phone: 0032 80 44 03 00 Route de botrange 131, 4950 Robertville www.botrange.be Baugnez 44 Historical Center

In order to perpetuate the memory of the Battle of the Bulge, a key event during World War II, the Baugnez 44 Historical Center takes us through the final great operations and battles which took place during the counter- offensive “Operation Wacht Am Rhein”! This new museum opened in memory of the Battle of the Bulge and the massacre of Baugnez/Malmedy, extends over 850 Square metres and two stories. Visitors are presented with a stunning sound and light show as well as a magnificent display.

Phone: 0032 80 44 04 82 Route de Luxembourg, 10 B- 4960 Malmedy http://www.baugnez44.be/ Le Chateau de Reinhardstein

Built in 1352 by Renaud de Waimes, the castle was home to many a family, including the Nesselrode, the Nassau and finally the counts of Metternich, who were lords of the region for more than three centuries. It was destroyed during the French Revolution and entirely rebuilt in 1969, and is nowadays a living museum, where you can dis- cover armours, collections of weapons and halberds, tapestries and furniture of the period.

Phone: 0032 80 44 68 68 Route du Cheneux 50 – 4950 Ovifat www.reinhardstein.be Casino de Spa

The Casino in the town of Spa is the oldest in the world. It was opened in 1763 and finished in 1769 with the completion of the ball oomr and the theatre. The current casino building dates from 1918, being rebuilt after destruction during the first World War. The Casino offers French Roulette, English Roulette, Black Jack, Slot Machines and Texas Hold’em Poker.

Phone: 0032 87 77 20 52 Rue Royale, 4, 4900 Spa http://www.casinodespa.be Have Fun! Enter Daftness