We are planning to visit the resting place of my uncle at Ardennes American Cemetery. Where should we stay nearby? Which town and any other information would be appreciated.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14816 posts
I don’t have advice about where to stay but I have advice about visiting the cemetery.
You may know to do this but contact the staff at the Ardennes Cemetery to let them know you will be visiting. They will meet you and take you to your uncle’s gravesite. They are so honored to have family members visit and are always very happy to show Americans around.
While I don’t have family buried in Europe I’ve visited several American battlefield cemeteries on Rick Steves tours. We’ve always been met by the Superintendent of the site and given an orientation and tour. They’ve always mentioned to have family members contact them if they are going to visit.
I hope you have a wonderful experience. Those cemeteries are very powerful sites.
Posted by
Belgium
67 posts
The 2 closest cities are Liège (25 minutes by car) and Namen (50 minutes). There are a few hotels / b&bs nearby but it depends on how long you want to stay there.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Pam, Thank you for the advice on contacting them in advance. We will definitely do that!
I’ve read that Liege is not that great and so I was hoping for something near that would represent the culture of Belgium and just be a nice place to stay. We will only be there one night. Thank you for any suggestions!
Posted by
Belgium
67 posts
Liège has a few nice places but you're right it's not that attractive to most people. If it's for 1 night you have Huy and Durbuy they're within 30 minutes of the Cemetery (by car). Both are quite small but they're cosy and I think it's enough for 1 night.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN
369 posts
I pulled up the cemetery on Google Maps and then clicked on the hotels tab. It looks like there are several B&Bs, gites, and even a chateau nearby that might be worth checking out.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the suggestions!