Rail Campsites:
Le Florenville Camping, Florenville
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Camping Alaska, Marbehan
Rue des Prés 15, 6724 Marbehan, Belgium
https://www.campings-ardennes.be/
Campsite
The name is a bit misleading, as Alaska Camping lies deep in Belgium’s southern province of Luxembourg. This is a fairly rural region surrounded by open countryside, while the higher Ardennes region is further north. Marbehan, where the campsite is located, is a good-sized village, although it is not inundated with facilities. There are a couple of Friterie takeaway establishments and cafes, but sadly the village’s one supermarket has now closed. Therefore, it probably makes sense to bring a few supplies in from nearby towns when going out on daytrips. The campsite has its own small café bar, a children’s playground and a boules pitch, while in the village, there are also sports facilities that can be used. Like the village of Marbehan, the campsite is a quite and relaxing spot with plenty of trees for shade.
Accommodation Options
You can hire mobile homes directly through the campsite’s website. The standard version can sleep a maximum of 5 people, spread across two bedrooms (one double and one with bunk beds) and on a sofa bed in the living room. It is also possible to hire two different types of raised tents that sit up in the trees. However, these can only sleep two people and are not as well-equipped as the mobile homes.
Transport Links
For a village station, there are good connections from Marbehan. There are regular departures direct to Brussels, for example, that take about 2.5 hours to reach the Belgian capital. Much closer is the town of Arlon, the capital of the Luxembourg province, which is a mere 15 minutes away on the train. From Arlon, it’s easy to change for trains over the border into Luxembourg itself. In the other direction from Marbehan, there are regular connections to the small town of Libramont.
SNCB train station information: https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/station-information/luxembourg/marbehan
Directions to Campsite
When you leave the station, you’ll see bus stops on your left. Diagonally cross the road passing an old three storey house on the lefthand side of the road. You then need to continue straight on and cross directly over a roundabout. Take the first road on the right – Rue des Vergers – alongside a takeaway. At the T-Junction at the end of the road turn left walking alongside a playing field, then turn right at the end. This road then takes you around to the entrance of Camping Alaska.
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Camping la Brise, Melreux
Rue de Durbuy 8, 6990 Hotton, Belgium
https://www.campinglabrise.be/fr/accueil/
Campsite
Camping la Brise is in the community of Melreux, just north of the small town of Hotton. It’s a rural region that offers plenty of opportunities for walking, relaxation and gentle sightseeing. Hotton, which is about 25 minutes from the campsite, contains a few restaurants, a bakery and a large Carrefour supermarket. There is also a small café on the campsite, ideal for drinks and snacks. The campsite is nicely situated, backing onto the gentle River Ourthe, where children can paddle in the shallow waters. It is a fairly small campsite, which makes for a pleasant and quite place to spend a few days or longer holiday.
Accommodation Options
The campsite specialises in wooden huts that come in three sizes, sleeping either 2, 4 or 6 people. The huts are clean and cosy. They are fairly basic at first glance, but are actually well-equipped with small kitchens that provide everything needed for preparing evening meals. Bedding can be rented separately from the campsite, reducing the need to carry too much when travelling by rail.
Transport Links
The station of Melreux-Hotton serves the two communities. It lies on the line running between Liege and Marloie. Liege as a major city offers plenty of options for connections nationally and internationally. Marloie, in the other direction, is a small railway junction, but fortunately it offers handy connections across the border into Luxembourg and north towards the capital, Brussels.
SNCB train station information: https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/station-information/luxembourg/melreux-hotton
Directions to Campsite
Reaching the campsite from the station couldn’t be easier. With the main station building behind you, walk down the station road past the bus stops until you reach a roundabout. Turn right here and walk under the railway bridge. Immediately turn left where the road splits and you will see the campsite entrance on your left between two buildings. In total, it’s no more than a 4-minute walk.
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Le Florenville Camping
Rue de la Rosière 6, 6820 Florenville, Belgium
https://www.florenville.camp/en/
Campsite
Le Florenville Camping really does have a lot to recommend it. It is located just north of the small town of Florenville, which itself is only a couple of kilometres from the border with France. The town’s historic core, based around a large marketplace, has a good range of amenities. There are several bakeries, restaurants and two supermarkets all within walking distance of the campsite.
The campsite is similarly well-equipped. There is a small shop, bar and café for guests. But the main attraction is surely the large (heated) open air swimming pool at the centre of the site, which attracts plenty of guests at the height of the summer. Being located north of the town – and the main road – makes for a peaceful setting. The River Semois, which flows alongside the campsite, adds to the tranquillity.
Accommodation Options
There are three types of self-catering accommodation available on site: mobile homes, lodges and chalets. All options are modern in design, contain fully equipped kitchens and bedrooms with bedding. The mobile homes have two bedrooms and can sleep up to 5 people. The lodges also have two bedrooms but can accommodate up to 6. Finally, the even larger chalets have three bedrooms, which means they can comfortably sleep 6 to 7 people.
Transport Links
Trains from Florenville run north to Libramont and then in the other direction follow the French border before eventually reaching Arlon. Connections are good at both ends of the line to both Brussels and over the border into Luxembourg. Its moderately quicker to reach Brussels from Libramont and Luxembourg from Arlon. Frustratingly, there is no direct railway line from Florenville into France, which means relying on the irregular bus service to make the short journey.
SNCB train station information: https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/station-information/luxembourg/florenville
Directions to Campsite
Coming out of the main station building, you will see Rue de la Station directly opposite. Walk up this narrow road, which is surrounded by fields, a few houses and the odd farm building. The road eventually joins a main road opposite a supermarket. At this point if you look to your left, you’ll see the first signpost to the campsite. It’s best to cross the main road here and continue on the other side of the road where there’s more space. After 100 metres or so, turn left down another narrow road which leads directly to the campsite. You’ll very soon see the campsite on the right, but you need to carry on until the very end of the road for the entrance.
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Camping by Rail 