Things To Do
in Ans
Ans is a suburban municipality in the province of Liège, Wallonia, sitting just west of the city of Liège and blending quiet residential neighborhoods with industrial and historical heritage. The area offers easy access to Liège’s museums, markets and iconic sights while retaining green hills, small parks and viewpoints over the Meuse valley. Ans includes villages such as Loncin and Xhendremael and is known locally for Fort de Loncin and its proximity to hiking and cycling routes.
It’s a practical base for day trips to Liège, the High Fens and other attractions in eastern Belgium.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ans and settle into your accommodation, taking a moment to enjoy the quaint surroundings. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll in the nearby park to get acquainted with the local atmosphere. Grab a cup of coffee at a charming café while watching the world go by.
Explore the historical landmarks of Ans, starting with the beautifully preserved Church of Saint Martin. Visit the local artisan shops, absorbing the unique crafts and specialties that the region offers. Indulge in a delightful lunch at a traditional Belgian restaurant, savoring regional dishes.
As dusk falls, enjoy a delightful dinner at a cozy bistro. Take an evening walk along the serene streets, illuminated by soft lights, experiencing the peaceful ambiance of Ans. Cap off the night with a local beer or wine at a nearby tavern.
After breakfast, take a short trip to Liège, just a stone's throw away from Ans. Begin your day by visiting the famous La Boverie Museum, known for its impressive art collections. Spend time wandering the lovely Parc de la Boverie, soaking in the natural beauty around you.
Head to the vibrant city center and visit the iconic Liège-Guillemins railway station, a marvel of modern architecture. Enjoy lunch at a bustling brasserie, sampling local specialties like boulets sauce lapin. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic shops along the Rue Saint-Paul, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Return to Ans for a relaxing evening. Consider dining at a local restaurant that serves traditional Belgian cuisine, pairing your meal with a selection of fine beers. Wind down by enjoying a performance at a local music venue or theater.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Liège with easy transport links and city amenities
- Access to varied outdoor activities, hiking and scenic viewpoints
- Authentic local atmosphere with quieter residential charm
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Ans itself
- Weather can be damp and changeable, especially outside summer
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît." - The bill, please.
Places to Visit in Ans
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic WWI fort ruins and monument with dramatic stonework and elevated views over Ans and the surrounding countryside.
A famous long stairway in Liège that makes for striking urban photos and offers panoramas of the city from the top.
Santiago Calatrava–designed rail station with sweeping modern architecture and excellent lines for contemporary photography.
Riverside views at dawn or dusk capture reflections, boats and the historic facades of Liège; great for golden-hour shots.
Woodland scenes, seasonal colors and peaceful ponds close to Ans, ideal for nature photography and macro shots in spring and autumn.
Food in Ans
Ans Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Meatballs in a sweet-and-sour Liège syrup sauce (often served with fries); widely available in brasseries and traditional restaurants in Liège and Ans.
Must-Try!
Dense, caramelized sugar pearl waffle sold at markets, cafés and street stalls — a must-try snack in Liège.
A thick fruit-and-apple syrup used as a spread or glaze, common in regional dishes and often found at markets and specialty food shops.
Expect a wide selection of bottled and craft beers; look for local microbreweries and specialty beer bars in Liège.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Belgium’s largest weekend market along the Meuse (in Liège) — great for waffles, cheeses, local charcuterie and seasonal produce; easy to reach from Ans by train or bus.
Smaller weekly markets and grocery stands offering fresh bread, cheeses and regional products ideal for a picnic or tasting local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) when entering shops and meeting people; French is the main language in Ans and Wallonia.
Wallonia is French-speaking; Dutch/Flemish is used in Flanders. Avoid assuming everyone speaks English—try simple French phrases and most people in service roles will respond in English if needed.
Belgians tend to be reserved and value politeness and punctuality. Handshakes are common in formal settings; two cheek kisses may occur among friends and family in social contexts.
Belgium has active recycling schemes—separate glass, paper and general waste where indicated. Public drinking is allowed in many areas but be respectful of quiet residential spaces at night.
Safety
Tipping in Ans
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis and guides a 5–10% tip is common for exceptional service.
Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants; contactless and mobile payments are common. Carry some cash for small markets, very small shops or bus fares.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant (June–August) with lively terraces, outdoor markets and festivals in Liège; pack light layers and sunscreen—occasional thunderstorms may occur.
Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage on nearby hills and in parks; bring a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes for muddy trails.
Chilly, damp and occasionally snowy (December–February); many attractions remain open but expect shorter daylight hours and bring warm clothing and a sturdy coat.
Mild weather with blossoms and re-opened outdoor events; variable conditions mean pack layers and a light rain shell for showers.
Ans at Night
Hiking in Ans
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Close wooded trails, historical sites and gentle routes suitable for short hikes and nature walks.
Flat riverside routes ideal for longer walks, runs and cycling, linking Liège with surrounding communes.
A protected upland moorland area north-east of Liège offering boardwalks, unique landscapes and longer day-hike opportunities.
Converted railway and canal-side trails that connect towns and villages—great for multi-stop walks and bike tours across Wallonia.
Airports
How to reach Ans by plane.
Approximately 15–20 km from Ans (Bierset). A convenient regional and cargo airport with some passenger routes; accessible by taxi or car and regional bus connections.
Belgium’s main international airport about 90–110 km from Ans (~1–1.5 hours by car or train to Liège then local transport). Good for extensive international connections.
Budget-carrier airport around 80–100 km away; reachable by car or coach services to Brussels with onward trains to Liège.
Located in the Netherlands ~40–60 km east of Ans; smaller regional airport offering a limited number of routes and reachable by car or regional train/bus connections via Maastricht.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term Belgian residents, often French-speaking, who make up much of the local population in Ans and surrounding villages.
People who work in Liège or nearby industrial and service centers but live in Ans for a quieter residential setting.
Students from the University of Liège and younger residents who frequent Liège for education, nightlife and cultural activities.
A mix of EU and non-EU nationals working in regional industries, logistics or studying in the city, contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular regionally—Standard Liège is the local top-tier club with passionate supporters and matches that draw crowds from across the area.
Cycling is common for both leisure and sport; the region’s roads and RAVeL routes attract road cyclists and touring riders, and Belgium has a strong cycling culture.
Local trails and parks make walking, trail running and amateur hiking widespread activities among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ans.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in Liège’s cafés and many brasseries; in smaller Ans venues menus may be meat-focused, so ask staff for ovendo or salad options.
Vegan-specific choices are growing in Liège but limited in smaller towns; look for vegetarian restaurants, health-food shops or ask for modified dishes.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is rising; bakeries may have limited offerings but many restaurants can accommodate dietary needs if notified in advance.